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Samsung Galaxy Note Edge review

8.3/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
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8.3/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge currently has an Informr score of 8.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 36 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Innovative and functional curved screen
  • Fast performance
  • MicroSD card support
  • S Pen

What's bad

  • Awkward for left-handed users
  • Uncomfortable grip
  • Questionable support for curved display

When it comes to phablets, Samsung’s Note series has ruled the roost for some time. With the next wave of phones coming out, they’ve decided to try something a little different. One look at the Galaxy Note Edge is all it takes to see the difference. With it’s unique curved display, Samsung is touting increased convenience and new features other devices cannot offer. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s see what the reviews have to say.

With a 5.6-inch display, quad-core 2.7Ghz processor and 3GB of RAM, the Note Edge is definitely a beast in the specs department. Add in a Quad HD (1600-by-2560) display, NFC, Bluetooth, 4G LTE support and a MicroSD card slot and you have a phone that firmly carries the flagship label and price. Reviews noted that performance on the whole was snappy, lag-free and able to handle anything you can throw at it. In combination with the curved display and the S Pen, multitasking on the phone is simple. TechRadar called it, “is great to use and looks fantastic.”

The curved display is more than a simple eye-catching gimmick. It is actually an independent second display. What is displayed depends on your settings and what you might be doing at the time. From playback controls and sports tickers to full-on games and alarm clock apps, the curved section of the display has plenty of uses out of the box. Reviews note that Samsung plans to make it possible for developers to use the curved display shortly as well.

One small caveat to the curved display is that it is only on one side of the phone. TechRadar noted that left-handed users would need to flip the phone upside-down to effectively use the screen. Even then, CNet says, “the asymmetrical shape isn't one hundred percent balanced.” Many reviews also noted the straight edge of the phone feeling sharp and slightly uncomfortable in their palms.

The S Pen has been a major part of what helps the Note series stand out from other phablets. On the Note Edge, the S Pen can interact with the curved display and comes with increased sensitivity and multiple tip styles. For example, the highlighter function allows you to highlight text like you were using a mouse on a computer for simple web clipping or note taking.

Overall, the phone has received positive reviews. Most reviewers note that unless developers actively decide to support the curved display that it might not receive many updates as far as functionality is concerned. However, all agreed that is more than a gimmick and worthy of considering. When it comes to new devices, this is definitely one of the most unique around. Engadget stated, “It's a very sleek-looking device, and I found it hard to stop staring at it.”

 


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.7 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.7 GHz
5.6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.6"
16+ MP
Camera
Camera
16+ MP
3000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

Buyers have not had something truly unique to experience (and to show off) in a very long time. The Galaxy Note Edge represents a remarkable technological achievement and is exactly the sort of product that will make people do a double-take when they see it for the first time. In that way, it succes...

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
Fone Arena
Fone Arena

Samsung has been very cautious for its latest flagship. There are indeed two variants, just like the Note, but there is no edge screen or its features on the S6 edge, which tells you more than what this review could ever tell you, about the Note Edge. The concept, revealed two years back at CES, was...

- Bharadwaj, Fone Arena
BitBitByte
BitBitByte

A day late and a curve short. Such is the life of a first gen device in the tech world. It’s often quickly enhanced and replaced. Still, for what it is, the Note Edge is a great device. Just not one we could recommend buying in the current mobile landscape. It’s a proof of concept that m...

- Mike Norris, BitBitByte
What Mobile
What Mobile

The added display is not worth the Note Edge’s enormous price tag. There are lots of innovative things that can be done with AMOLED displays – since individual pixels can be turned on and off, data can be displayed in sleep mode with almost no power drain – but having them dip down...

- Callum Tennent, What Mobile
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

The Galaxy Note Edge is one of the most interesting smartphones around and while the edge screen is genuinely useful at times, it also remains a slight gimmick. Hardware is top notch and although we dislike the faux leather, build quality is good. The Note Edge is big and expensive so it might be wo...

- Chris Martin, Tech Advisor


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



Samsung backs up the Galaxy Note Edge with a 2 Years parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy Note Edge has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
5.6"

The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge's screen size is 5.6 inches with 1440 x 2560 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.7 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Quad core 2.7 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0.1 Marshmallow) operating system (OS).

Camera
16+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 16+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 3+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
32/64 GB

Internal memory is 32/64 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3000 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 1920 minutes, 660 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Note Edge Specs

Overview
Release Date November 14, 2014
Regions Available USA, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0.1 Marshmallow)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Quad core 2.7 GHz
Internal Storage 32/64 GB
RAM 3 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.86 W/kg
Body: 1.01 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 2 Years
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 64 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
16+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-portrait, HDR, Exposure value
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Wide Selfie
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels
Pixel Density 525 pixels
Size 5.6 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Curved edge screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3000 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 720 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 660 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1920 minutes
Standby Time Up to 14.3 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Charcoal Black, Frost White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.1 x 8.2 x 0.8 cm (5.9 x 3.2 x 0.3 in)
Weight 174 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):

S Pen Optimized Features: Air Command (Action Memo, Smart Select, Image Clip, Screen Write) S Note, Snap Note, Direct Pen Input

Additional Sensors: Barometer, SpO2 (Dependent on market), UV, Heart Rate Monitoring

Additional Features: ANT+, Multi Window, Ultra Power Saving Mode, Download Booster, S Health 3.5, Dynamic Lock Screen, Briefing, Edge screen UX (Revolving Interaction, Immersive apps(Camera, Video, S Note), Ticker board, Express me, Quick Tools, Night Clock, etc)
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Reviews
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