Samsung Galaxy Note Edge will change how we use mobile devices?

This phone (phablet if you like) offers essentially the same features as the Galaxy Note 4, but distinguishes itself with an extra curved strip of touchscreen on the side.

With this 160 pixel of 'edge' screen, you can customise buttons to make it the notification centre when you are doing something else on the main 5.6-inch display. Samsung said the phone will change how users interact with mobile devices and applications. This, in my opinion, is left to be seen.


The phablet looks big in the hands of most of us. Image: Computerworld Malaysia

The new phone is retailed at RM2,999 which is a bit expensive for a transitional mobile device.

Would you grab one? Or, do you prefer your current Galaxy S5, Note 4, or iPhone6?


Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. Your cup of tea?


Galaxy Note Edge: Specifications

• 2.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor
• 3GB RAM
• 32GB / 54GB storage + up to 64GB microSD
• 5.6-inch display: Super AMOLED, 2560 x 1440 resolution (with additional display of 160 pixel)
• 16MP rear camera (Auto focus, Optical Image Stabilization)
• 3.7MP front camera (f1.9)
• Supports WiFi 802.11ac, GPS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1, IR LED, 4G LTE Cat 4 + 4G LTE Cat 6
• Dimension: 151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3mm
• Weight: 174g
• Android 4.4 KitKat
• 3000 mAh battery (adaptive fast charging)

Other features: Air Command, S Note, Snap Note, Direct Pen input, Multi Window, Ultra Power Saving Mode, Voice Recorder, Heart rate sensor, Finger print scanner, UV sensor


What you can do with it differently:

• access apps with full, split or pop-up screens, 
• change apps size and position with one easy swipe,
• skip music, pause videos and control other apps using the Curved Edge display,
• keep your notifications and alerts neatly organised on the curved side,
• 'supposedly' incoming calls, texts and emails no longer get in the way,
• design your own Edge Screen and express yourself by using your favourite images and phrases,
• arrange your main app icons aligned to the side so you can leave the rest of your home screen clutter free.

Availability & Price

Available now in 'Charcoal Black' and 'Frost White' at all Samsung Experience Stores and Samsung authorised retailers.

Retail price: RM2,999 (US$825).


TheGreenMechanics: Doesn't look like a phone that fits my bills, but others may find this interesting and one that suits their need. Verdict: The price is too prohibitive.

Comparison of Samsung Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Win/Quattro, Galaxy S3 mini, and Galaxy S4 mini

While looking for a replacement of my second handset, I narrowed my search down to the Galaxy series and I am particularly looking for one that is in the mid-range. My main cellphone is an Apple iPhone, so, it is ideal - at least for me - to go to Samsung for a complementary set.

Galaxy S4 Mini has just been released this month and it is too early to tell if the street price would be in the range of RM1,299 to RM1,399. Recommended retail price (RRP) is RM1,599. Anyway, this has been included in the Table purely as a bench-marker for the mid-rangers.

The Galaxy S4 Mini is the toned-down version of Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S4.

On my radar are the Galaxy S3 mini (a bit dated now), Galaxy Grand, and Galaxy Win (also sold as dual-SIM Galaxy Quattro) - all in the price range of RM999 - RM1,099.

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*UPDATED July 19,2013*

I checked few outlets out and found that there is another great contender, a Non-Samsung-Waranty unit (not by Samsung Malaysia) called Samsung Galaxy Express. Released quite recently in March 2013, I compared that, specifications-wise, it is pretty impressive.

I would say it beats both the Galaxy Grand (I9082) and Galaxy Win/Quattro (I8550) as well as the Galaxy S3 mini, by a small margin. The Galaxy Express is equipped with 4G LTE and Super AMOLED plus, 4.5" display.

At City Mall in Kota Kinabalu, the Galaxy Express is retailed at RM999.

Problem is that, in Malaysia it is not listed in the Samsung Warranty list (it is on AP Warranty) and to me this is a deal breaker. The retailer told me that the camera and display are covered with only 3 months of warranty. Being an AP set, the labour charges per visit/check is RM100, plus RM400 for faulty display and RM100 for faulty camera.

I gave it a pass and choosed Samsung Galaxy Win/Quattro (I8552) instead. It was released in May 2013 and I paid RM999 for it. I will need some getting used to with this one. The set is covered by Samsung warranty and I should be in good hands for the next 1 year.

First impression: It's a bit big with 4.7" display compared to my main handset, the 3.5" iPhone 4S. Nothing near the iPhone in terms of performance, speed and user experience but good enough as a second handphone set. It will be slotted with Celcom SIM to complement the Maxis Surfmore75 on my iPhone.

Verdict: If one asks me which of the four similarly priced mid-range Galaxy phone would I choose, I'd say Galaxy Express, followed by Galaxy Win (also known as Galaxy Grand Quattro).

Figure 1: Comparison table - all of them comparable, except for the higher priced S4 Mini.

First impression is that, the latest offering (Galaxy Win/Quattro) is exciting as new releases would normally offer some features that belong to the current higher-end version.

I called up few local retailers and the prices are still negotiable if you go there in person. My hunting will begin this weekend. The Galaxy Grand looks tempting but the S3 Mini might win it in terms of overall features. We shall see.

Please stay tuned, this page will be updated in due course.