Beau HD compares the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with the Galaxy Note Edge by highlighting the main differences between the two devices. While the Note 4 and Note Edge share many similarities, the Note Edge does have a curved 5.6" QHD Super AMOLED display, a smaller 3000mah battery, and a $150 price increase. The Note 4 costs about $700 off-contract while the Note Edge costs about $850 off-contract depending on the carrier.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 isn’t the only Galaxy Note released by Samsung this year. In fact, there were 2 Note devices released this year—the Note 4 and Note Edge. Both of which are very similar devices, but differ in several ways.
The biggest difference between the Note Edge and the standard Note 4 is the curved display that wraps around the right hand side of the phone to allow for various information to appear. Basically, you can create an app shortcut here and display various incoming messages and alerts.
The display is a 5.6-inch Quad HD plus Super AMOLED display, very similar to the 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display found on the standard Galaxy Note 4. On the Edge, the PPI is slightly higher at 540ppi compared to the 518ppi on the Note 4. Both displays are industry leaders and are among the most beautiful displays that can be found on any smartphone. The biggest difference just has to do with the curved display on the Note Edge.
But with most new innovations, there are usually sacrifices. The Note Edge has altered its hardware to support the curved display. The volume up/down buttons are on the left hand side of the device while the sleek curve display wraps on the right hand side of the phone. The Power On/Off button is on the top along with a 3.5mm jack and IR blaster. The micro USB charging cable and S Pen Stylus is on the bottom. A 3.7MP front-facing camera sensor and Samsung standard Home button and capacitive touch buttons are available below. On the back is a slightly protruding 16MP sensor and heart rate monitor. The major difference on hardware is the curved display and the power on/off button which is now on top.
The metal band around each phone is still present but it is reduced on the side of the Note Edge. This gives it a really thin and a bit strange feeling when holding the phone with one hand, but you can easily get used to it.
If you are a leftie, the Note Edge experience will be drastically different since you can’t swipe through the apps and notifications on the display with your thumb. You can, however, re-orientate it so that the curve is on the left hand side of the phone. While it works, it’s just weird having the phone upside down. While the home button is on the top of the phone, there are some software navigation buttons for Home, Back and multi-tasking commands. These can be swiped up from the bottom of the display.
The other big difference between the two devices has to do with its battery life. The Note 4 has a 3220 mAh battery while the Note Edge has 3000 mAh battery. There are sacrifices with the innovative curved display and battery life is definitely one of them. The Note 4 has one of the longest lasting battery life among any smartphone today as it can last more than 8 hours of normal usage. While the Note Edge can last barely 7 hours under the same conditions. The Note Edge battery life is good but the Note 4’s battery life is excellent. What’s neat is that both phones have fast charging capabilities so they can charge completely in about an hour and a half.
The last and most noteworthy difference between the two is its price. The standard off-contract price of the Note 4 is $700 brand new. Meanwhile, the off-contract price of the Note Edge is $150 more than that, making it cost $850 off-contract depending on carrier.
Whether it’s the display, battery life or price, it all boils down to what you’re willing to sacrifice to get what you want. Maybe you don’t need the extra one hour of battery life but you want the curve display on the Note Edge. Or maybe the curved display isn’t worth the $150 price increase.
Let us know what your thoughts are by leaving a comment below.
