Galaxy Note Edge: Cool screen, but it costs how much?
Hooray for something different. I love smartphones, and I don't hide the fact that I'm an iPhone user, but even I crave a little variety once in a while.
With phones coming down in three camps - iOS, Android or Windows - there hasn't been much in the way of risk-taking in the last few years.
In my very unscientific survey, Samsung seems to have the most models and types of phones and tablets on the market, which means it can take some risks.
The Galaxy Note Edge is a risk, which is why I like it.
The Note Edge's screen is unique. It's curved.
The edge of the display (and front bezel) wraps around the right side of the phone, and Samsung's interface designers have made the most of that sliver of curved screen real estate. Samsung treats it as a second screen.
I'd like to say I got the hang of using all that curved screen has to offer, but during my few days with the Note Edge, I felt I was constantly learning what the curve had to offer.
When you unlock the phone, the curved edge holds a row of frequently used apps (which you can customize).
The edge can also display other information.
Just like you can swipe across your phone's screen to move between different home screens, you can swipe across the edge display to change the view.
You can display widget information such as stock quotes, sports scores, a pedometer or even a clock for your nightstand.
When you play a video, the playback controls slide down to the bottom of the curve, where they're still handy but out of the way.
There is also a very slick clock that can be set to appear when the phone is asleep. The time display is dim but perfect for a nightstand.
Specs
So, besides the screen, is the Note Edge much different from the Note 4?
Not really.
They have similar specs - 2.7 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 3 gigabytes of RAM and 32 gb of storage and a slot for expansion.
They have the same cameras (16-megapixel rear and 3.7-megapixel facing front) and similar physical dimensions. The Note Edge has a 5.6-inch screen; the Note 4 has a 5.7-inch screen.
The battery in the Edge is smaller (3,000 mAh vs. 3,220 mAh for the Note 4), but I didn't have a problem using it all day.
I find it interesting that Samsung lists the two screens of the Edge separately. The main screen is 2,560 by 1,440 pixels and the edge screen is 2,560 by 160 pixels.
Both phones have a stylus, and all the handwriting features and apps are the same.
How it feels
I'll be the first to admit that I thought the wraparound display was a gimmick.
I was wrong.
I'm impressed with the idea of using the edge of the screen and how Samsung has come up with interesting ways to use it.
I do wonder about left-handed users and how they'd like it. The phone is really designed to be held in the left hand and manipulated with the right.
It's a big phone, and I really can't see the Edge being a one-hander.
Samsung has included an option to rotate the entire phone interface 180 degrees, so all the buttons on the phone are upside-down and not in a good position for most input - not to mention flipping it every time you take a call.
So left-handers haven't been totally abandoned, but the solution is less than ideal.
Price
You're going to pay more if you choose the Note Edge over the Note 4.
Taking AT&T as an example, if you get the Note Edge on a standard two-year contract, you'll pay $299 for the Note 4 and $399 for the Note Edge.
The cash price is $825.99 for the Note 4 and $945.99 for the Edge.
I want to point out that the 32gb Note Edge costs $104 more than a 64gb iPhone 6 Plus.
I like the curved screen, but I'm not sure I like it enough to pay almost $1,000 (after taxes) for a phone.
So while I applaud Samsung's design, I think this phone is overpriced for what it brings to the table.
—-
Pros: Very innovative. Top-of-the-line features.
Cons: Expensive.
Bottom line: Love the design, but I'm not sure I'm ready to pay that much for it.
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