The Edge Galaxy Note is a smartphone that does not go unnoticed. Presented in conjunction with the Galaxy Note 4 it for him specificity that arouses curiosity. Indeed, the right side of the screen has the distinction of having a curved screen. After pioneering the segment of phablettes, Samsung can he start a new trend? How is the technology used? Is it really an innovation or a simple gadget ? These are questions that we will answer in our test Edge Galaxy Note, Samsung mobile extraterrestrial!
Note datasheet Edge is extremely close to that of Note 4 . We thus find most of the components that make up the best Phablet market. Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, a 16-megapixel Sony sensor and of course the famous S-Pen stylus and the TouchWiz interface that goes with it.
Now for the differences. Firstly at the screen. Its diagonal is 5.6 inches or 0.1 inches less than the Note 4, always with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. The curved screen on the right hand edge comes in addition to the first adding 160 pixels wide. Integration is of course totally transparent and you will see no join between the two
- Screen . Super AMOLED 5.6 inch Quad HD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (524 dpi). Screen Curve 2560 x 160 pixels. Protective Gorilla Glass 3
- processor . Quad-core Snapdragon clocked at 2.7 Ghz 805 (28 nm) Architecture 4 x 450 to 2.7 GHz Krait
- Graphics chip (GPU) : Adreno 420
- RAM : 3 GB LPDDR3
- Battery : 3000 mAh
- storage : 32 GB (24.6 GB available)
- MicroSD : Yes, up to 128 GB
- Camera : Sony IMX240 16 megapixel f / 2.2 and optical stabilization, video UHD / 4K at 30 FPS, LED Flash
- Front camera . 3.7 Megapixels f / 1.9, Selfie mode and wide angle 90º 120º
- Connectivity : Wifi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac (2.4 + 5 GHz MIMO 2 × 2), Bluetooth 4.1 (BLE, ANT +), MHL 3.0, DLNA, GPS / A-GPS / GLONASS, NFC and Infrared
- Connection . MicroSIM, Micro USB 2.0, 3 microphones (directional Voice Recording), headphone jack 3.5 mm
- Network . 4G + Category 6
- Size : 151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3 mm
- Weight 174 grams
- OS : Android 4.4.4 KitKat + TouchWiz
- Color : White, Black
- Other : S-Pen Stylus
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The only consequence is a small expansion of the smartphone that is 4 mm more than the Note 4, which is already imposing. Last but not least change the battery. As we said in our review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, autonomy is one of its strengths, thanks to its 3220 mAh battery. The Edge Note embarks on his side 3000 mAh, 220 less than its big brother. We’ll see if this is obviously affects battery life.
A futuristic high-end
In the box, the usual accessories to accompany this Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. In-ear headphones, caps for different sizes of ears, quick start guide, clamp and spare bits for the S-Pen, USB cable – microUSB 2.0 and a loader sector that supports the ” Fast Charging “which, thanks to the compatibility of the Snapdragon processor 805 can charge the phone faster.
The design of the Galaxy Note Edge does not leave unmoved. Once in hand, it is clear that we are in the presence of a very high quality product, design some how. The curved screen had its effect and we like having a futuristic object, or at least forward thinking. This additional screen is therefore disappear right edge of the smartphone.
For the rest, we are in the presence of an identical design to that of his twin, namely a metal frame with beveled edges that come marry the screen and back faux leather always pleasant to the touch. On the front, proximity and light sensors as well as the front camera above the screen and below the touch buttons surrounding the central button, which always welcomes him what fingerprint reader to efficiency relative.
The screen borders are quite okay, although at this game, its competitor Huawei Ascend Mate 7 in much better fate. On the back, with the photo sensor just below the LED flash and the heart rate sensor that you rarely use (or never). We always distinguishes single speaker as well as the location to store the S-Pen stylus.
The shell is still removable, once removed, you can change the battery, but also add a map microSD to extinguish the memory up to 128 GB and of course place your microSIM card.
As you can see, the right spine is fully occupied by the curved screen. Rest assured, you can always take the smartphone firmly without accidentally pressing the icons. The left spine houses the volume control buttons that are placed high enough, which does not facilitate their access to a hand.
On the spine below, the micro USB 2.0 port, the location for S-Pen and the two microphones that provide excellent call quality. Note the wave-shaped chassis that undulates from one end to the other. The shell thickness then adapts to come flatten.
On the top is the 3.5mm headphone jack, a third microphone to reduce outside noise, infrared sensor, nsaids that the power button of the phone. It has not been housed on the right edge of the Galaxy Note Edge, it is thus found at the top, which again does not make its access, use your other hand is welcome here.
As you can see, we are dealing here with a product with very high-end finishes, but loses maneuverability by its greater width and different placement of its buttons under the constraint of this new screen. It loses a little ease of use compared to Note 4.
A second screen for the Galaxy Note Edge
The Edge Note screen is 0.1 less 4. Note that the Super AMOLED technology is still in the game. The display is therefore of high quality, colorimetry is good, deep blacks still and excellent viewing angles. If you want to learn a little more about its quality, I refer you to our full review of the rating 4.
Now to the curved screen of Galaxy Note Edge. The latter is independent of the first. In addition to 1440 pixels wide are added the 160 pixels of this additional screen. Visually, obviously sees no separation between the two, integration is perfect. This rectangle is actually a continuation touch to display special applications and useful information. We will return to its software integration in the following.
Physically, he just add 4 mm thick Edge Rating and shape reflects many light. As you can see from one of his photos, it can also be used as a screen saver that displays the time, date and weather. The AMOLED of turning off the black pixels, the energy consumption is very low here.
Once in hand, we have not had any problems with involuntary support on this screen, which is already a good point. However, if you are left handed you can immediately go your way. Samsung has thought of a special mode for its Galaxy Note Left Edge, but it is almost unusable as discussed in the interface part of this test.
Excellent performance
With an almost identical form in Note 4, the Galaxy Note Edge similar results in the benchmarks that result in excellent performance. Equipped with a quad-core processor from Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 2.7GHz, Adreno 420 GPU a and 3 GB of RAM, as saying that the Edge Note has under the foot.
On AnTuTu, score 46,939 items joins that of his older brother who had 46983. Same PC Mark with 4075 points. The latest Basemark OS II, the Edge Note fared much better in contrast with a score of 1244 against 740 for the Galaxy Note 4 on which we unfortunately could not repeat this test.
On the graphics side, the two phablettes are also held in check. Very good scores on 3DMark with 19761 points or in the Epic Citadel with an average of 48.1 frames per second for the native resolution of the screen including the definition of the curved part.
Benchmarks theory which again are struggling to check once in. We played Asphalt 8 Airborne and we were far enough from the 50 frames per second when measured. As is always the case with Samsung, performance is clamped to limit the heating and not have too much impact on autonomy. It thus falls to 30 frames per second on average, which is enough to play, but frustrating when one takes such a beast race hands.
A special interface not very convincing
The Edge Galaxy Note runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat with Samsung’s TouchWiz interface tailored to the rich functionality of the S-Pen. We will not dwell on all of the interface and excellent ideas that the Korean manufacturer may have to operate its S-Pen. Again, I refer you to my very comprehensive test Galaxy Note 4. For those who are wondering, there is every chance that Android Lollipop soon arrives on the Edge!
Once that you turn the phone, we see on the lock screen this band of 160 pixels occupied by the curved screen. It shows a very sober registered “My Galaxy Note Edge” that we will be able to customize. Once on the main screen, this space is occupied by applications that are usually found on the office.
A mini tutorial you’re asked to learn to use the touch screen. A downward movement opens the panel quick tools including a ruler, a stopwatch, flashlight and voice recorder.
A move to the right or left will scroll through the different types of panel. For here lies the interest of this additional screen display different types of information. If we stick to the applications display, you can easily add or delete by going to the settings accessed by a gesture from the bottom to the top of the additional screen.
Once the options found under “my space” which corresponds to what is displayed on the tape when the Edge of the Galaxy Note screen is locked. As you write the message you want and change the appearance. But what can we view the other as useful information on the second screen? Well just not much.
Go to “Manage panels” to see the meager opportunities. We thus find a sign to display the missed call notifications or unread messages and mails without having the opportunity to preview the message, or know the corresponding single glance. So it does not bring much. A panel showing your physical activity through S Health application is also available, but does not provide more information than a widget.
One can also quote the words that scroll sharp Twiiter or some games that are playable directly on this screen. You can download a few others, but you will have all in all a choice of 20 panels, which is very little. This shows how the SDK has been little exploited by developers and dedicated applications starved.
You’re left-handed? The Galaxy Note Edge is not for you. The screen is curved to the right (pending the screens, curved on both sides). Samsung offers an option “show left” that rotates the screen 180 ° side only when it overturned. When this is done, we are left with the center button and touch keys on top of the screen. Suffice to say that this configuration is unusable.
The integration of this screen applications is very limited. One of the few to exploit is the photo application / video where the readings of options displayed on them, freeing the main screen to display the pictures and videos. We also note that the interface of the two screens overlap. This is for example the case here when is playing. Access shortcuts is good, see all of the application is used, it is better.
As you can see, the screen of the Galaxy Note Edge curve falls Besides the technology trial than a revolution, at least in the state. Samsung will surely improve the formula and developers still have a lot of work to find a real interest in this screen and convince us of its usefulness. Note that this technology has a price, the Galaxy Note Edge being proposed € 100 more expensive than the Galaxy Note 4.
Audio Quality, telephone and GPS
We will not stay too long on this point. Call quality is excellent , thanks to three microphones including one dedicated to the reduction of ambient noise. What make and receive calls for clarity. The network side, 4G + Class 6 is the part with flow rates up to 300 Mbit / s. The GPS grip is excellent, with a first fix in 6 seconds.
The speaker on the back of the phone is clearly not the best that we have ever heard on a high-end mobile. Do not push him into a corner lest saturated sound. Its placement in the back do not easier to hear when you hold it or it is on the desktop. The 3.5mm headphone jack is however perfect work, that you plug in your headphones or your favorite headphones to enjoy the best possible sound experience.
Camera
The camera is the same as that of his almost twin brother, the Galaxy Note Edge takes pictures of excellent quality. The Sony 16 megapixel sensor and software optimization Samsung makes the Phablet one of the best camera phones in the market, no doubt.
Let’s start with the photo application, it is the same that the last smartphones maque, unlike the use of the curved screen is imposed here. This space includes all the buttons and options in the camera application.
This can show sometimes useful, sometimes more difficult to handle in the direction in which we take the phone and which key is to be achieved. By trying to impose its additional screen, Samsung, we sometimes lose ergonomics, at least from my point of view. Some may appreciate the positioning of this new photo interface.
The images are detailed, accurate color reproduction, development and capture are extremely fast. More light conditions are favorable, the better your pictures will be quality, although the Edge Rating nothing wrong in the shadows and night shots, even if in this case has some weaknesses.
Special mention for the HDR mode that is truly daunting. It highlights the slightest shadow (not so if you want to activate voluntarily keep). Against the light or in rooms with the difficult light, it is truly the day and night. Here are some pictures to illustrate all this. If you want more, our test score 4 is also fulfilled.
Autonomy below the Galaxy Note 4
The 3000 mAh battery Edge Note is 220 mAh less than the Note 4. With an equivalent configuration, logically loses autonomy. That of its big brother is excellent, the Galaxy Note Edge is good. Obviously, we regret to lose a little in that direction, but it is quite correct.
We measured an average battery life of a day and a half in mixed use, with WiFi YouTube video playback but also 4G, a small game session 15 minutes, one hour of calling and web browsing and email reading. This is an average, so you can count on a full day for heavy use and two days if you do not apply too much.
This autonomy is calculated without using the power saving mode restricting network connections and the processor speed can save you a few precious hours. The extreme power saving mode is still there, bringing the mobile black and white with access to basic features to best preserve the autonomy in cases of extreme emergency.
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Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
The Edge Galaxy Note is an atypical product not to put all hands . Samsung is experimenting here a new technology that may one will find on other products of the brand in 2015. For now, we are not at all convinced by the contribution of the curved screen which brings not much compared to the Galaxy Note 4 user experience, which is already very rich.
We recover the qualities of Note 4 with a successful aesthetic and futuristic in the case that this Note Edge, an excellent photo sensor, a lot of power and an interface dedicated to always convincing S-Pen. However, the Edge Rating is unless of course some issues such as autonomy or the grip, not to mention this screen and its software integration that appears here in alpha.
Design | 1 80 100 |
Screen | 1 100 100 |
Interface | 100 |
Performance | 1 100 100 |
Camera | 1 100 100 |
Video | 1 60 100 |
Autonomy | 1 80 100 |
| The Galaxy Note Edge did not totally convinced us . He uses almost all the assets of Note 4, which is already very good, but does not provide a real added value with its curved screen which is a real experiment poorly mastered by Samsung. It is also more expensive than its twin. Waiting to see if the Korean brand will come to reinvigorate the technology that will go through a software further integration and better ergonomics thought. |
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