Just ahead of Apple holding its own fall media presser – at which the company is likely to announce a revision to its iPhone line rather than a full-blown upgrade, Samsung on Thursday pulled the wraps off two new smartphone models.
S6 Edge+
The first of those was the Samsung S6 Edge+.
Carrying a 5.7-inch display, which is pushing into “phablet territory” as noted by The Verge’s Sean O’Kane, the reporter points out that the smartphone is ultimately a “bigger version for its smaller predecessor.”
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“Samsung managed to fit a larger 5.7-inch version of the S6 Edge’s quad HD AMOLED screen in the new phone without drastically increasing the overall size of the device — the S6 Edge+ is just 12mm longer and 5mm wider than the S6 Edge. It’s even a hair thinner, measuring just 6.9mm compared to the 7.0mm-thick S6 Edge,” O’Kane highlights.
Inside Samsung’s slightly bigger-screened beast you’ll still find an octa-core Exynos processor, and 4GB of RAM which should be more than enough to run Android 5.1 (Lollipop). “You’ll also find the same 16-megapixel sensor, which is one of the best cameras found on any phone, let alone just on Android devices,” says O’Kane.
There’s also a bigger battery – 3,000mAh, although it’s (sadly) still not removable.
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In terms of what’s new with the smartphone’s software, a new feature called “Apps Edge” will help you quickly launch apps. This feature will join “People Edge” that Samsung originally introduced with the introduction of the S6 Edge.
The Verge has more:
“The shortcut tab is no longer just a home screen feature, too — you can set it so that it shows up no matter where you are in the software. (You can reposition the small tab along the side of the screen, but you can’t change the size.) It makes it extremely easy to switch between apps, which is great, because it’s a bit hard to reach the entire 5.7-inch screen with just one hand.”
Those looking to get their hands on the S6 Edge+ will be able to starting August 21. Storage options will include either 32GB or 64GB, and the device will arrive in black or gold colour flavours – each rimmed by metal.
Pre-orders for the device have already started – see Samsung.com for details.
Galaxy Note 5
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Note 5 also carries a 5.7-inch display making it again a candidate for a “Phablet,” as apposed to becoming an addition to the ever-growing tablet category. Ultimately losing its microSD support, removable battery and waterproofing, the device has fully adopted the S6’s overall design and production materials, as the smartphone now boasts a glass front and sturdy metal frame.
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Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 carries that same Super AMOLED display you are likely now already very familiar with, and is powered by an octacore Exynos processor – the same as the S6. With this latest iteration, however, Samsung has upped the device’s random access memory to reflect 4GB (versus the 2GB seen prior).
It’s also smaller …
“[...] the overall dimensions of the phone are smaller in every way compared to last year’s phone. It’s ever so slightly shorter, narrower, and thinner than the Note 4, and that’s evident when you pick it up and try to navigate it with one hand,” writes O’Kane, as he explains the ergonomics of the Note 5 are “also aided by the curved back, which makes it easier to rest the phone in your palm.”
As for when you can get your hands on it? … Well, if you’re in Europe, the answer to that question is likely never. That’s because Samsung is withholding the device from European buyers for undisclosed reasons relating to “marketing.”
For everywhere else you’re looking at August 21.
The device will come in a choice of either black or white – backed by metal.
Learn more about the Galaxy Note 5 – at Samsung.com.