The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge and Note 4 were flagship powerhouses, pushing the boundaries of smartphone innovation. The Note Edge introduced a curved edge display, while the Note 4 refined the formula with a larger screen and improved features. But which one holds up best today?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Note 4 ultimately edges out the Note Edge. While the Edge's curved display is unique, the Note 4 offers a more practical and well-rounded experience with a larger, brighter screen, and generally better software support over time. Both are aging devices, but the Note 4 remains the slightly stronger choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - SM-N915G | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps or Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, September. Released 2014, November | 2014, Q4. Released 2014, Q4 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3 mm (5.96 x 3.24 x 0.33 in) | 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm (6.04 x 3.09 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | - | Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~524 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~518 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.6 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 88.5 cm2 (~73.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 | Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm APQ8084 Snapdragon 805 (28 nm) | Qualcomm APQ8084 Snapdragon 805 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 420 | Adreno 420 |
| OS | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS | 16 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, stereo sound rec. | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 3.7 MP, f/1.9 | 3.7 MP, f/1.9, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 3 TV-out), OTG | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 3 TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, UV, heart rate, SpO2 | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, gesture, UV, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | - | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Air gestures |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC2 | 15W wired, QC2 |
| Music play | Up to 67 h | Up to 80 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 212 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 18 h (3G) | Up to 31 h 20 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3220 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Frosted white, Charcoal black, Bronze Gold, Blossom Pink |
| Models | SM-N9150, SM-N915A, SM-N915D, SM-N915F, SM-N915FY, SM-N915G, SM-N915K, SM-N915L, SM-N915P, SM-N915R4, SM-N915S, SM-N915T, SM-N915V, SM-N915W8, SM-N915X, SC-01G | SM-N910A, SM-N910T, SM-N910V, SM-N910M, SM-N910P, SM-N910R4, SM-N910W8, SM-N910T3 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.24 W/kg (head) 0.33 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -95.9dB / Crosstalk -93.3dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 68h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.799 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 72dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 70dB
| - |
| Performance |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1255Basemark X: 17108 | - |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -95.9dB / Crosstalk -93.3dB | - |
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 68h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.799 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 72dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 70dB | - |
| Performance | Basemark OS II 2.0: 1255Basemark X: 17108 | - |
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
- Unique curved edge display
- Potentially longer theoretical battery life
- Smaller screen than Note 4
- Curved edge functionality can be limited
- Potentially less software support
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (USA)
- Larger, brighter display
- More versatile screen
- Generally better camera performance
- Potentially better software support
- Less unique design
- Battery life may not match theoretical Note Edge rating
Display Comparison
The Note Edge's defining feature is its curved edge display, offering quick access to notifications and apps. However, the Note 4 boasts a larger 5.7-inch Quad HD display, offering more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. While the Note Edge's contrast ratio is listed as 'infinite' (likely a marketing term), the Note 4's sunlight readability (3.799) suggests better outdoor visibility. The Note 4's display is generally considered superior due to its size and overall clarity.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable cameras, but the Note 4 generally had a slightly better reputation for image quality. The Note 4's camera often produced more accurate colors and better low-light performance. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are missing in the provided data, but reviews at the time favored the Note 4.
Performance
Both devices share the same Qualcomm APQ8084 Snapdragon 805 chipset and 2.7 GHz Krait 450 CPU. Performance will be comparable for most tasks, though the Note 4's slightly better thermal management might allow it to sustain peak performance for longer periods. Software optimization and available RAM (Note 4 likely has more) could also give it a slight edge.
Battery Life
The Note Edge claims an impressive 68h endurance rating, which is unusually high. However, this is likely a theoretical maximum. The Note 4's battery capacity is 3200mAh, while the Note Edge's is 3000mAh. Real-world battery life will depend on usage, but the Note 4's slightly larger battery and potentially better power management could give it a slight advantage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge? Those seeking a truly unique and conversation-starting device with a distinctive design. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (USA)? Users prioritizing a larger, more versatile screen, reliable performance, and a slightly more mainstream Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Note Edge's curved screen useful?
The curved screen offers quick access to certain apps and notifications, but its utility is limited and can feel gimmicky to some users. It's more of a novelty than a core feature.
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?
Both phones are quite old and lack modern features like 5G and the latest Android versions. However, they can still be functional for basic tasks if found at a very low price. Be aware of potential security vulnerabilities and limited software updates.
