Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Note Edge at its Unpacked event. The Note Edge features a curved wrap-around display that provides quick access to apps, notifications, and settings via the Edge screen.
The mobile world is in overdrive this week and the biggest players are currently at IFA 2014 in Berlin and announcing new smartphones and tablets. Samsung kicked things off at its Unpacked event, where the company announced two new flagship phablets, the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge.
In the days leading up to Samsung's event, we got to know what the company had in store for us in regard to its next-generation Galaxy Note 4. Many of the phablet's reported specs turned out to be true, including its very sharp 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, which boasts a screen resolution of 2560 x 1440 and 16-megapixel rear camera.
While we learned a lot about the Galaxy Note 4, Samsung was able to keep its Galaxy Note Edge phablet under wraps. The Galaxy Note Edge has similar specs when compared with the Galaxy Note 4, but its claim to fame can be found in its name. The device offers a unique approach by having what are basically two displays on one smartphone. The Note Edge's display wraps around its right side and allows users to have quick access to notifications, settings, apps, and more without disturbing the main screen. Samsung sums up the Galaxy Note Edge in its press release:
"Samsung's relentless pursuit of the best in innovation through the optimization of mobile technology and the user experience has led to the debut of the innovative and unique Galaxy Note Edge. Taking the Galaxy Note experience to the next level, the Note Edge provides users with a new way to access information, engage with their mobile device, and express their personality and tastes. The Galaxy Note Edge's unique curved Edge screen provides quick access to frequently used apps, alerts and device functionality -- even when the cover is closed -- all with the swipe of a thumb. Users can also receive notifications directly on the Edge Screen while watching videos without disturbing their viewing."
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge features a 5.6-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. It's running Android 4.4 KitKat, powered by a 2.7-GHz quad-core Processor and 3 GB of RAM. It ships with 32 GB or 64 GB of internal storage and a microSD expansion slot that will support up to 64-GB microSD cards.
The Galaxy Note Edge's camera capabilities include a 16-megapixel with autofocus, smart optical image stabilization (OIS) and 3-megapixel front-acing shooter. The phablet will ship with a large 3,000 mAh battery and its dimensions come in at 151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3mm, and it's weight at 174g.
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge will go on sale later this year; the company did not provide an exact launch date. All four major carriers in the U.S. have announced they will offer the phablet when it becomes available. We'll be sure to keep you posted on any new Galaxy Note Edge news.
