I've never been a big fan of Samsung smartphones. They're good, undeniably so, but to me they're an over-rampant, over-hyped and too-eager type of device to take too seriously.
But this is where it changes. The Note Edge, so called because the right side of the screen curves rather elegantly to display notifications and shortcuts, is an impressive device.
It shares pretty much the same specifications as the normal-screened Note 4, and while many view the curved edge as a gimmick, it proved to be a useful one (you can even use it as a ruler). It cuts down on the number of swipes and taps to get to applications, and when in clock mode it provides the time without the need to unlock the phone.
Lighting up the entire screen consumes a lot of the battery life; the Edge helps to cut back by providing the notifications instantaneously.
The Note Edge is 5.6 inches, with a Quad HD super AMOLED display that provides a top-end viewing experience. The camera at the back is 16 megapixels, and the phone also includes a 3.7MP selfie camera. They take good pictures, but it is not the best smartphone camera when in low light conditions – that accolade goes to Sony and Nokia, and sometimes the BlackBerry Passport when in focus.
The most innovative aspect of this device, however, is the S-Pen. Samsung has improved this dramatically from the Note 3. It writes like a real pen, immaculately transferring your handwriting to the screen. It is rather beautiful, helping to personalise messages, transcribe quickly and without error (unless you can’t spell) and it helps to bring back a personal touch to text.
This version also enables you to edit physical text and pictures or graphs; by taking a picture, the S-Note feature enables you to manipulate and edit the contents entirely. This was a little fiddly to get right instantly. Generally it works, but not well enough to warrant a thumbs-up.
The Note Edge is one of those phones that can offer something to anyone. It has the right amount of fun and play to balance the work aspect, making it a great all-rounder.
q&a nice, but not necessary
Triska Hamid reveals more about the Note Edge’s attributes.
Can you tell me a bit more about the specifications?
Sure. It weighs 174g, runs Google Android’s Kitkat version and has a pretty decent battery life that charges very quickly. It supports up to 128GB storage with a microSD.
Is the curved edge really necessary?
Is anything besides food, air and shelter necessary? Smartphone manufacturers are experimenting and innovating, and this curved edge is an example. There are many manufacturers battling it out for the top spot and they're all under increasing pressure from Chinese players that are luring customers away with cheaper prices. The edge is a nice touch, helping the phone stand out against others. But if you're asking whether one can live without it, then the answer is yes, one can. But one can also live without many other things in life, including a phone.
I am left-handed. Is this phone for me?
This phone has been created with the right-handed user in mind. The curved edge is easy to interact with using the right hand, rather than the left.
What happens if I misplace the S-Pen?
You ought to make a start on sorting out your life. The stylus fits snugly and neatly into the side, so it stays secure. Without the S-Pen, the Note is just a Galaxy.
How much is it?
I’m sure you can get a decent deal from either of the two mobile operators. Otherwise the device alone is priced at Dh4,499 from Etisalat.
thamid@thenational.ae
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