Samsung today announced two new phablet top of the range, an update for the Galaxy Note series – the Galaxy Note 5 – and the version of “exaggerated” dell’S6 Edge, called S6 Edge + .
Note 4 last year had convinced us thanks to the screen of excellent workmanship, advanced features and removable battery, and the ability to expand the memory storage, software can take advantage of the big screen and a design is not bad, considering the mix of metal and plastic. Together with the S Pen, the Notes 4, was able to make the most popular category of Phablet.
Despite this success, the Note 5 of Samsung goes in another direction. Keeps the screen from 5.7 “QHD (2560×1440) Super AMOLED of the previous notes, and packages it into a housing revised and smaller . Using the same aluminum body and rear window Galaxy S6, Note 5 loses the ability to remove the battery and insert a Micro SD card .
By adopting the design of the Galaxy S6, Samsung obviously believes that his notes could become interesting in the eyes of users more “consumer”, not only to professionals or enthusiasts. However we do not know if this move actually will prove apt or not.
As for the Galaxy S6 edge +, the easiest way to describe it is “a giant S6 edge”. This means that there is the S Pen , of course. As for the notes, there are no substantial differences with the smaller version, the design is the same but the screen is 5.7 “.
Samsung is therefore convinced that there is a clear distinction between those who consider the S Pen a feature of high value and those who just want a smartphone and nice with the curved screen. We do not understand yet why the Notes may not represent the best of both worlds, that is, to have both the stylus is the curved screen. In short, it worked with the Notes Edge (although the curvature was only one edge), and so would have avoided the need to promote two different products. Probably will all be clear when we can test these smartphones better.
Specifications
The two top of the range are virtually identical in all. The Notes 5 and S6 Edge + use the same SoC Exynos 7420 (at the same speed for all cores), together with the ARM Mali GPU-T760MP8 . The previous notes offered more performance for younger siblings, which is no longer true considering that S6 and S6 Edge are based on the same platform.
Despite this similarity, we see small differences in performance compared to S6. The chassis largest allows to reach higher temperatures and dissipate before the SoC come into throttling , even if the temperature, with the testing done on S6, has never been a problem. The FinFET process to 14 nm with which they are built has shown its effectiveness in many benchmarks.
| Products | Samsung Galaxy S6 edge | Samsung Galaxy S6 edge + | Samsung Galaxy Note 4 | Samsung Galaxy Note5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.1-inch SAMOLED @ 2560×1440 (577 PPI) | 5.7-inch SAMOLED @ 2560×1440 (518 PPI) | 5.7-inch SAMOLED @ 2560×1440 (515 PPI) | 5.7-inch SAMOLED @ 2560×1440 (518 PPI) |
| SoC | Exynos 7420 | Exynos 7420 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 (APQ8084) | Exynos 7420 |
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-A57 (4x @ 2.1GHz) + ARM Cortex-A53 (4x @ 1.5GHz) [big.LITTLE] | ARM Cortex-A57 (4x @ 2.1GHz) + ARM Cortex-A53 (4x @ 1.5GHz) [big.LITTLE] | Qualcomm Krait 450 (4x @ 2.65GHz) | ARM Cortex-A57 (4x @ 2.1GHz) + ARM Cortex-A53 (4x @ 1.5GHz) [big.LITTLE] |
| GPU Core | ARM Mali-T760MP8 @ 772MHz | ARM Mali-T760MP8 @ 772 MHz | Qualcomm Adreno 420 @ 600MHz | ARM Mali-T760MP8 @ 772MHz |
| Memory | 3GB LPDDR4 | 4GB LPDDR4 | 3GB LPDDR3 | 4GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 32GB, 64GB | 32GB, microSD (up to 128GB) | 32GB, 64GB |
| Battery | 10.01Whr (3.85V 260 mAh non-removable) | 300 mAh non-removable | 12.4Whr (3.85V 3220mAh, removable) | 3000mAh, non-removable |
| Front Room | 5 MP, 1 / 4.1 “Samsung S5K4E6, 1.34μm, F1.9, 22mm, automatic HDR | 5 MP, f / 1.9 | 3.7 MP, 1 / 5.4 “Samsung S5K6D1YX, 1.12μm, f / 1.9, 22mm | 5 MP, f / 1.9 |
| Rear Camera | 16 MP, 1 / 2.6 “Exmor RS Sony IMX240 or Samsung S5K2P2 ISOCELL, 1.12μm, f / 1.9, 28mm, PDAF, OIS, automatic HDR, object tracking autofocus, LED flash | 16 MP, 1 / 2.6 “Exmor RS Sony IMX240 or Samsung S5K2P2 ISOCELL, 1.12μm, f / 1.9, PDAF, OIS, automatic HDR, object tracking autofocus, LED flash | 16 MP, 1 / 2.6 “Sony IMX240 Exmor RS, 1.12μm, f / 2.2, 31mm, PDAF, OIS, HDR, LED flash | 16 MP, 1 / 2.6 “Exmor RS Sony IMX240 or Samsung S5K2P2 ISOCELL, 1.12μm, f / 1.9, PDAF, OIS, automatic HDR, object tracking autofocus, LED flash |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac (2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 4.1 LE, NFC, IrLED, 4G LTE (Cat 6), microUSB 2.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac (2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 4.2 LE, NFC, 4G LTE (Cat 9), microUSB 2.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac (2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, IrLED, 4G LTE (Cat 4), microUSB 2.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac (2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 4.2 LE, NFC, 4G LTE (Cat 9), microUSB 2.0 |
| Special Features | Multi Window, fingerprint scanner (touch), Samsung Pay, Quick Launch room, wireless charging (WPC 1.1 & amp; 1.0 PMA), Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 | Multi Window, fingerprint scanner (touch), Samsung Pay, Quick Launch room, wireless charging (WPC 1.1 & amp; 1.0 PMA), Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 | S Pen (stylus), Multi Window, fingerprint scanner (swipe), Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 | S Pen (stylus), Multi Window, fingerprint scanner (touch), Samsung Pay, Quick Launch room, wireless charging (WPC 1.1 & amp; 1.0 PMA), Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 |
| OS | Android 5.1.1 (TouchWiz) | Android 5.1.1 (TouchWiz) | Android 5.0.1 (TouchWiz) | Android 5.1.1 (TouchWiz) |
| Materials | Aluminum, Glass | Aluminum, Glass | Aluminum, Plastic | Aluminum, Glass |
| Size | 142.1 x 70.1 x 7.0 mm, 132g | 154.4 x 75.8 x 6.9 mm, 153g | 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm, 176g | 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm, 171g |
These new smartphones are also equipped with 4 GB memory LPDDR4 instead of 3 GB, giving the operating system a bit ‘more space for handle multi-tasking activities. There was also an update as regards the category LTE (9), now able to support download speeds up to 450 Mbps – 50 Mbps upload.
The screens 5.7 “are the highlight of this smartphone, thanks to a very high pixel density and excellent color. The days when the AMOLED were able to offer super-saturated colors are gone (at least in this range ); these screens are crisp and well-balanced. We do not know yet say if the screen of Note 5 is the same as the notes 4 or a new generation, we must again wait for lab tests.
Hand non-removable battery, but it is impossible to install a Micro SD will be for many a problem. Samsung should understand that these two characteristics, for some users, are still very important. It is also strange the choice to provide the new smartphone in a maximum cut of 64 GB, when S6 and S6 Edge arrive up to 128 GB. It should be just the opposite, whereas for new products productivity is much more important, and the need for storage space.
battery 3000 mAh of Note 5 and S6 Edge + represent an improvement over the 2550 and 2600 mAh battery of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. However the capacity is less than the 3220 mAh of Note 4. Theoretically, according to the work load, the Exynos 7420 should use less power than the Snapdragon 805, then the final autonomy should be the same. If then the screen should be the next generation and consume less, the result could be in favor of newcomers. Both newcomers support wireless charging Qi and PMA.
design
We have already said that the Notes 5 and S6 edge + use the same design of the Galaxy S6. No more metal edges and plastic backing plate of Note 4 and Note Edge. These n ew phablet are a fantastic mix of metal and glass . This change has allowed Samsung to create two objects very beautiful and refined, but as the S6, we can no longer remove the battery. Also the rear glass, in addition to being more fragile, is more susceptible to fingerprints.
The design of Note 5 is basically the inverse dell’S6 edge +. The front part is flat, while behind both edges of glass are curved. The S6 edge +, however, is identical all’S6 edge, with the front glass curved at both edges. This means that the edges of both are thin, and when you hold them, comfort is a bit ‘lower than all’S6 classic.
Both the notes 5 that the S6 edge + minimal have frames on either side of the screen, which help to keep the overall size more compact. The curved glass edge dell’S6 + makes the smartphone apparently without frame. The home button is typical of the Galaxy in the same place, under the screen, and also functions as a fingerprint reader.
Apart from the location of the curved glass, the only other difference between the notes 5 and the edge + S6 is the presence, in the first, the S Pen. This time the stylus is removed when pressed, is virtually ejected by a spring system.
Notes 5 and S6 edge + are very solid, despite being thinner and lighter than the Note 4. Note 5 it weighs almost as notes 4, but is thinner. Comparing instead the S6 + with the edge Notes edge, the newcomer is higher, but narrower, thin and light.
As for the colors, the notes 5 will be available in black and white, while the S6 + edge in black and gold.
Camera
The Galaxy S6 is considered one of the best in the camera, and the Notes 5 and S6 edge + use the same technology. The rear camera is equipped with a 16 megapixel sensor with phase detect autofocus (PDAF), optical image stabilizer (OIS) and a lens f / 1.9. We do not know if in this case there will be what we call the “lottery of the sensors.”
Sull’S6 and S6 edge you can find a smartphone with Sony Exmor RS sensor IMX240 or Samsung S5K2P2 ISOCELL. It depends on where the product is the smartphone. Although on paper both sensors have the same characteristics, we noticed that Sony sensor produces images more beautiful . Since it is not possible to know which sensor is included before purchasing the smartphone, we think that this policy is very unfair, since some consumers will have a better camera. Hopefully that does not happen with the newcomers.
The camera application starts up very quickly, and just as quickly I focus and shoot. In addition to features already seen sull’S6, Samsung has added the ability to stream live. From the camera application, you can log in to YouTube and start streaming live. A nice addition, but when it comes to streaming live, choose Twitch probably it would have been better.
The front camera is a 5 megapixel model, the same as the Galaxy S6, together with the lens f / 1.9.
Improved software
With Android M at the gates, the Notes 5 S6 edge + are both equipped with Android 5.1.1, with obviously the ‘TouchWiz interface . The improvements are the same as with the Galaxy S6, and we now have a fast and responsive, even if it is a new version.
Once again, the icons have been changed, they are now even more colorful and have rounded corners. We do not want to express too much on aesthetic choices, although there seem quite “sad”, and much closer to the Chinese style. It is probably a move made for enticed Asian markets.
On the edge Galaxy S6 +, Samsung has enhanced functions for curved screen. In practice it has added the ability to place the app for fast access. Also now the contacts are fast accessible from anywhere. Since this function seems to be very comfortable, we ask why Samsung does not add this possibility also to smartphones that have curved screens?
Although the software of the S Pen has gained some improvements. The fast connections to the functions of the pen are now available from any screen, even when the smarpthone is on standby; the note will be saved then again when you activate the smartphone.
Improved audio
Another feature that Samsung has advertised a lot is the ultra-high quality audio, or UHQA . The idea is that an audio processor inside the smartphone uses interpolation to do the upscale audio at a higher bit-rate (24-bit 192 KHz). Any audio track, which comes from the internal memory or from a streaming service, can benefit from this conversion. On paper it is a good news, then you have to see how this will become reality.
There is also the UHQA Bluetooth, but will only work with the next generation of audio accessories.
Final
The Galaxy S6 edge + maintains the same design with curved screen, aluminum and glass, high performance and a long list of additional features, so this new model should appeal to those looking for a modern smartphone and large screen. The main problem is that the new S6 edge + has a maximum capacity of only 64 GB, which can not be expanded.
Note 5 seems to be a bit ‘un’azzardo. Eliminate the possibility of changing the battery and install a Micro SD does not seem to be the right choice for users looking for a product with which to do high productivity. Remove these features and adopt the same design dell’S6 means to make this product very close all’S6 edge +, and then to a user more consumer. We are not saying that the Notes 5 is a bad smartphone, only we expected something different.
Now that you know everything, or almost, of the new smartphone flagship Samsung, here’s the bad news: 5 Notes will not be available in Italian, at least not initially, but since the beginning of September you can buy only the edge + S6, a price starts from 800 €.
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