Samsung Galaxy Note 4 was released this past month and is making headlines around the world, as fans draw comparisons between the iPhone 6 and Google's Nexus 6.
Samsung isn't a stranger to headlines. In 2011, the tech giant shook up the phone industry with their release a new kind of smartphone that targeted consumers in the business world: the phablet. The flagship Note 1 series became the punchline of many jokes due to its unusually large size, especially in comparison to the sleek and smaller iPhone. However, Samsung is the one laughing now, all the way to the bank.
Although they are the pioneers of the gigantic phone, Samsung needs the Note 4 to be a success. After the triumph of the Note 1 and 2, Samsung angered their loyal customer base, particularly those who enjoyed hacking and customizing their phones (a process known among Android users as “rooting”), by implementing a new security system called Knox on the Note 3. Many vowed never to buy another Samsung device again, but how many consumers will be able to resist the tantalizing seduction of the upcoming Note 4?
In appearance, the Note 4 looks very much like its predecessor. Samsung smoothed and rounded the edges in the new Note, making it look a little more elegant. However, the removable back cover, which was disappointing to many Note 3 users, is still made of plastic with a fake leather texture.
Surrounded by a shiny metal frame, the Note 4 measures 154x79x8.5mm and weighs 176g. Equipped with a Quad HD Super AMOLED screen at 5.7 inches with a high resolution of 2560 X1440, the device promises crisp, clear text and vibrant, color-rich images.
The Note 4 also comes with some great camera specs for phone photography and selfie enthusiasts . The front camera was upgraded to 3.7 mega-pixels with a lens of F1.9. Flip the device around, and you can take high-definition photos with a whopping 16 mega-pixel back camera.
The most prominent feature of any Note series smartphone is, of course, the renowned S Pen, which is tucked neatly into the right hand side of the device. The new S Pen was revamped with increased pressure sensitivity to go with the new multi-window feature that allows the user to multi-task by using more than one application at a time, as well as Smart Select, a nifty little component that enables the free selection of content on any open screens.
An entirely new feature to the Note 4 is its battery. Samsung claims that charging time has been reduced by half. They also introduced the Ultra Power Saving mode, which was implemented in the Galaxy S5 as well. Activating Ultra Power Saving mode turns the display into black and white and limits phone functions to making and receiving calls and SMS messaging. The few apps that remain functional in this mode are Calculator, Google+, Email and the stock web browser.
The new Note ships with Android 4.4.4 Kitkat and, as usual, the Samsung Touchwiz interface skin. The Android 5.0 Lollipop update is promised, but Samsung has not yet specified a date for the firmware upgrade. If the history of Samsung’s updates is anything to go by, rest assured Lollipop will not be rolling around any time soon.
What does it take to power this beast? A monster Qualcomm 2.7GHz Snapdragon 805 chip (SM-N910S models) makes this device all about speed, speed, speed . However, the S amsung Exynos 5433 chip (SM-N910S models) allegedly win the benchmark tests. Despite a massive 3GB RAM, Samsung equipped the Note 4 with only 32GB of internal storage which can be supplemented with a microSD card of up to 64GB.
If your preference is for a phone that can be used with one hand, then the hefty Note IV is probably not for you. However, if you favor screen real-estate, powerful cameras, multi-tasking capability and speedy processing, then the Note 4 might just be a good fit for you. You can expect this premium Samsung phone to set you back a premium $855.