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Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Galaxy Note Edge specs comparison

samsung galaxy note edge curved display
© nextpit

During the presentation of the Galaxy Note 4 last week at IFA 2014, Samsung introduced to something quite different: the Galaxy Note Edge. With its a curved screen, the Note Edge is offering a new set of features to an already strong phablet. What are the differences and similarities between these two devices? Find out in our comparison of the Note 4 and Note 4 Edge.

Samsung Galaxy Note curved edge display
How does the Galaxy Note Edge (pictured) compare to the new Galaxy Note 4? © NextPit 

Design

The Galaxy Note Edge is a variant of Galaxy Note 4, and there isn't much of a difference in purely aesthetic terms: their backs are quite similar, a little more slippery than the Galaxy S5 with some serviceable plastic imitation leather. At the front, both devices have a similar mic, home button, power buttons and volume placement. In addition, each has an S Pen, the usual stylus for Samsung's Note series.

samsung galaxy note 4 gold back
The back of the devices feature a textured, leather-look design. © NextPit

The big difference between the Note 4 and the Note Edge is, of course, the screen. The Note 4 Edge features a curved right side, which acts as an entirely new screen group. In terms of dimensions, the Note Edge is (very) slightly lighter and smaller, but is wider than the Note 4.

Screen

If we look at the dimensions of the two screens, they only differ by 0.1 inches. Both have QHD display (2560 x 1440 pixels) are very similar aside from the actual shape. On the Note Edge there is an added equivalent of 160 pixels as the sloped portion acts as a second screen connected to the first. 

Samsung Galaxy Note edge teaser01
Despite the curved screen of the Note Edge (above), the Note 4 and Note Edge screens are very similar in terms of technology. © NextPit

System

Both devices run on Android 4.4.4 with the latest version of TouchWiz, similar to the one launched with the Galaxy S5, and have extra features dedicated to the S Pen. Samsung had already made some significant improvements to the S Pen interface on the Galaxy Note 3, and it has been taken a step further once again with the 2014 generation of devices. In our various tests we found that the handwriting recognition was better than that of the Note 3 and were impressed by the other options provided this time around.

samsung galaxy note 4 s pen air command
The S Pen functionality has been significantly improved for the Note Edge and Note 4 (pictured) compared to the Note 3. © NextPit

The real difference in software terms between the Note 4 and Note Edge is once again relating to the screen. The sloped section of the Edge acts like a tool box, with various purposes ranging from acting as a notification or a shortcut bar, to becoming a remote control when playing videos, for example. 

Performance

In terms of performance, the hardware between both handsets is pretty much the same so therefore everyone should have a very similar experience. During our two recent tests, we didn't notice any particular problems, bugs or slowdowns - the Note 4 and the Note Edge are very fast devices.

Camera

The camera technology contained within the Note 4 and Note Edge is exactly the same, so theoretically the images captured should be of a similar high standard. We will have to wait for our full reviews to find out how well the camera's perform, and if one outweighs the other.

samsung galaxy note 4 camera interface
Samsung's new Note cameras come with optical image stabilization, which is a welcome addition to a handset of this size, and the front camera now allows for a wide-selfie or "welfie" shot. © NextPit

Battery

Finally we come to some hardware which divides these phablets: battery capacity. While the Note 4 carries a 3220 mAh battery, the Note Edge is slightly lower at 3000 mAh. Though a 3000 mAh battery in a handheld device is still impressive, when it's powering a 2K resolution screen, fast CPU and an additional screen partition, we will be interested to find out in our full review just how battery life is affected. 

Technical Specifications

  Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
System Android 4.4.4 + TouchWiz Android 4.4.4 + TouchWiz
Screen 5.7 inch Quad-HD (2,560 x 1,440 pixels), 515 dpi 5.6 inch Quad-HD (2,560 x 1,440 + 160 pixels), 515 dpi
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Quad-Core 2.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Quad-Core 2.7 GHz
RAM 3 GB 3 GB
Internal memory 32 GB (+ microSD up to 64GB) 32/64 GB (+ microSD up to 64GB)
Battery 3,220 mAh 3,000 mAh
Camera 16 MP, OIS (rear), 3.7 MP, f / 1.9 (front) 16 MP, OIS (rear), 3.7 MP, f / 1.9 (front)
Connectivity 4G / LTE, HSPA +, Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, USB 2.0, MHL 3.0 4G / LTE, HSPA +, Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, USB 2.0, MHL 3.0
Dimensions 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm 151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3 mm
Weight 176 g 174 g
Extras S Pen, heart rate monitor, digital fingerprint sensor, infrared, barometer, UV sensor S Pen, heart rate monitor, digital fingerprint sensor, infrared, barometer, UV sensor
Samsung Galaxy Note edge touch control
In terms of specs, it's hard to tell these two devices apart. © NextPit

​Conclusion

For us this time we have  a simple conclusion. Without hesitation, the Galaxy Note Edge is currently our preferred device. It contains the best of the Note 4, with its 2K screen, Snapdragon 805 processor and S Pen functionality, but adds something genuinely innovative. The screen is unconventional, sure, but Samsung has created something which is convenient and actually helpful to the user. It's bold, and brave, and more like the Samsung we used to know.

Based on what you've seen, which device to you prefer?

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Scott Adam Gordon

Scott Adam Gordon
Editor

Originally from the UK, Scott graduated in Popular Music Studies at Newcastle University and attributes much of his success there to his beloved Samsung Galaxy S2. His current aim is to write cool things about Android. And he loves it.

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4 comments
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  • 3
    Amir Elmelegy Sep 9, 2014 Link to comment

    I would prefer the Edge, because it looks different
    but except the look im disappointed with the Note 4,
    feels like nothing new.

    Moni Mihailov


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Sep 10, 2014 Link to comment

      I hear what you're saying, but what else would you have wanted from the Note 4? Samsung has improved nearly every aspect of it, right?


  • 3
    Ajin Sep 9, 2014 Link to comment

    When it comes to flagship phones , Samsung is always at the top . But under the price range of 20000 INR , Samsung is nothing !!

    Moni Mihailov


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Sep 10, 2014 Link to comment

      Yeah for sure. Samsung does the high-end really well, and after that it kind of struggles

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