All four major national wireless carriers will offer Samsung’s newest phablets, unveiled at simultaneous events in Berlin, Beijing and New York today, a Samsung spokeswoman confirmed. U.S. Cellular also will get the simpler of the two devices – the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
Pricing for Samsung’s new devices – which also include a virtual reality accessory for use with the Note 4 — was not revealed.
The Note 4
At least one of the new devices – the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 — was well received by those who have gotten their hands on it.
“It’s a beaut,” said a reviewer at Pocket-Lint of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Pocket-Lint particularly liked the new stylus technology in the new device, noting that “there are now 2,048 pressure levels for a more refined ‘real pen’ feel.”
A reviewer at Boy Genius Report (BGR) called the Note 4’s smartphone screen “the most gorgeous” he had ever seen.
Other new capabilities of the Note 4, according to Samsung, include:
- A refined “Multi Window” feature that gives users the ability to choose how they access their applications
- An advanced 16-megapixel rear-facing camera system that counterbalances shake and automatically extends exposure time in dark settings
- A 3.7 megapixel front-facing camera that offers a wide angle for group selfie shots
- Faster battery charging
- An Ultra Power Saving Mode
- A Snap Note feature that gives users the ability to take a picture of notes on a paper or classroom board and then convert them to an electronic note
- A fingerprint scanner to secure personal data
The Note Edge
Samsung’s other new phablet – the Note Edge – has virtually all of the features of the Note 4 and in addition has what Samsung calls a “curved Edge screen” that provides “quick access to frequently used apps, alerts and device functionality – even when the cover is closed – with the swipe of a thumb.”
Some reviewers were less enthusiastic about the Note Edge, however.
The Verge called the Edge screen’s always-on secondary display an “odd idea,” asking: “Is it best-suited as a ticker? A notification center? A quick-launch taskbar? Samsung doesn’t seem entirely sure.”
BGR also used the word “odd” to describe the Note Edge. The Edge screen “offers precious few benefits in actual use,” the reviewer said.
Note Edge and Note 4 Carriers
AT&T said it will be “among the first U.S. carriers” to offer the Note 4 and Note Edge, suggesting other major carriers will get the device at the same time. But the precise availability date was not revealed.
