Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Complete Review with Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Device Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge was a groundbreaking smartphone released in November 2014. It was notable for its unique curved display on one side, which was a significant innovation in smartphone design at that time. This feature allowed users to access apps, notifications, and other quick tools without having to interfere with or interrupt the main screen.

Design and Build

The device measured 151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3 mm and weighed 174 grams. The front was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability against scratches and minor impacts. The phone had a plastic back and an aluminum frame, which contributed to its lightweight feel. A prominent design choice was its curved display edge, making it stand out against other devices of its era.

Display

The Note Edge featured a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. The pixel density of approximately 524 ppi ensured clarity in every image and text displayed. The curved edge of the display not only added aesthetic appeal but also practical functionality, offering quick glances at notifications and controls without activating the main display.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the device was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset, featuring a quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 CPU and an Adreno 420 GPU. These specifications provided smooth performance for multitasking and running demanding applications. It came with 3GB of RAM and options for either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card slot.

Camera Capabilities

The Note Edge's camera setup was notable for its time. The main camera featured a 16 MP sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an aperture of f/2.2. It offered LED flash, panorama, and HDR features, capable of recording 4K video at 30fps and 1080p video at 30/60fps. The front camera was a 3.7 MP sensor, equipped for videos up to 1440p at 30fps, designed to deliver quality selfies and video calls.

Battery Life and Charging

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, the Note Edge offered reliable battery life for its users. It supported 15W wired charging, adhering to Quick Charge 2.0 standards, providing users with up to 18 hours of talk time on 3G and up to 67 hours of music playback.

Software and User Interface

Initially released with Android 4.4.4 KitKat, the Galaxy Note Edge was upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Samsung's TouchWiz UI was layered on top, providing a suite of features and enhancements exclusive to Samsung devices. The curved edge offered unique UI experiences tailored to the additional screen real estate.

Connectivity and Network

The device supported multiple connectivity options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, and functioned across a variety of networks worldwide. Connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, infrared port, and microUSB 2.0 with MHL 3 TV-out and OTG support.

Additional Features

The Note Edge was packed with sensors like a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, UV sensor, heart rate monitor, and SpO2 sensor. Despite its advanced features, it did not include an FM radio. Audio features included a 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker. The device was available in black and white color options.

Market Impact and Legacy

The Galaxy Note Edge's innovative design paved the way for future innovations in smartphone displays, including the more comprehensive adoption of curved and edge-to-edge screens in later years. While the device was discontinued, its legacy remains as a visionary step in mobile innovation, demonstrating Samsung's willingness to experiment and set trends in the competitive smartphone market.