Samsung Announces the Galaxy Note 7

Now keep in mind I'm trying to do my day to day job at the moment, but parsing the news releases quickly and passing them along - I haven't had a full opportunity to 'dive in'.

Who would have thought that almost 5 years ago when Samsung announced the "Note" that we'd come to this level of device?  As much as I'm happy that they've brought the note in line with the Galaxy S series for numbering, I can't help but have a bit of an OCD shudder now that there's a gap at 6.



Regardless, they've come out with another juggernaut of a device.  Let's see what it holds!

First up, let's see the specs
  • 5.7" QuadHD display with 'Edge'
  • 2.3GHz x4 + 1.6GHz x4 Exynos 8890
  • 4GB RAM
  • 64GB storage + microSD
  • 12MP (dual pixel f/1.7) / 5.0MP (f/1.7)
  • 3500mAh battery
  • IP68
  • Iris scanner
  • USB-C
So, that's neat that there's no 'non-Edge' variant this year (but the edge isn't nearly as 'pronounced' as in the S7 Edge), but they've offered more here than just a bigger battery and a bump in the processor.

One of the new features this year is IP68... that's what I first noticed.

Then there's the new Iris scanner.  This is cool as it's the first real device with this feature (okay, sure there were some earlier devices, but this is the first real widely available device).

Next, was that it now comes with USB-C.  So this is the first Galaxy (if you don't count the Tab Pro S) to come with that.  So, expect a slew of adapters down the road.

Some might balk at the 'only 12MP' camera, but it's the same sensor that the S7 came with, and it really won most of the tests I did with it against other phones.  The 12MP is from a 1.4um pixel.

Then there's updates to the S Pen.  It's 2x as responsive now (4096 levels of pressure vs 2048), and then includes features like hover to translate, Peek to see what's going on in other apps (while in the task switching mode), and a cool tool to create gifs (I'm assuming from screen captures).

Reading through their press release I also like the inclusion of a "Secure Folder" so a bit of a safe in the phone to throw some secret files.

Maybe I missed it, but did they talk about how they addressed the 'backwards pen syndrome'?

What do you think of this next iteration

Press Release
--
Samsung Unveils the New Galaxy Note7 The Intelligent Smartphone That Thinks Big
The Galaxy Note7 combines advanced S Pen capabilities with ultimate security features to help users accomplish and do more
MISSISSAUGA, ON – August 2, 2016 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. continues to drive the smartphone market with the Galaxy Note7 by building on the company’s category-defining leadership with innovative features that set a new standard for large-screen devices. With refined craftsmanship, premium materials and a unique, symmetrical edge design, the Galaxy Note7 features:
• A water resistant body and S Pen (IP68)*
• Security that combines Samsung Knox with biometric authentication including a new iris scanning feature
• Immersive entertainment features with HDR video streaming capabilities.
The Galaxy Note7 strikes a balance between work and play, enabling people to achieve more than what they thought possible on a smartphone.
“The Galaxy Note7 combines productivity and entertainment, with strong security features. Powering a robust ecosystem, it is the ideal device for those who want to achieve more in life,” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “Life moves faster than ever now so we created the Galaxy Note7 to help users get things done more easily wherever, whenever.”
Galaxy Note7 S Pen: Quickly and Easily Bring Ideas to Life
The enhanced Galaxy Note7 S Pen is more than just a writing tool – it is the gateway to getting more done efficiently and accurately. Users can bring ideas to life the moment inspiration strikes without unlocking the screen by using Screen off memo and simply pinning the memo to the Always On Display. The S Pen also gives users the ability to easily create and share GIF animations with Smart Select. In addition, the new Air Command functions, including Magnify and Translate, enable users to zoom in on the screen or convert languages with a simple hover of the S Pen. It is even easier to access the best of the S Pen’s creative abilities with Samsung Notes, a new unified app allowing users to jot down handwritten notes, draw, or edit memos from one location.
The new S Pen writes with ease and precision. The smaller 0.7mm tip and improved pressure sensitivity provides a real pen-like experience. With the peace of mind that IP68 water resistant provides, the Galaxy Note7 S Pen lets users jot down their thoughts without interruption, even when the screen gets wet.
Advanced Security: Now in the Blink of an Eye
Samsung understands the importance of keeping content on users’ phone protected. Coupled with Samsung Knox, an industry-leading security platform, the Galaxy Note7 provides heightened security and privacy, with highly advanced biometric authentication, including fingerprint scanner and iris scanning technology. The Galaxy Note7 offers more authentication options that can be used interchangeably depending on how people use their phones, wherever they are, or whatever they are doing.
The Galaxy Note7 instills a new level of user confidence with Secure Folder, a separated folder that adds an extra layer of authentication to keep private and personal information safe.
Class Leading Entertainment
The phone is one of the most important screens in a user’s life because it’s with them all of the time. The Galaxy Note7 features a gorgeous, curved 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED screen delivering a bold and immersive picture on a smartphone. It is ready to stream HDR video, enabling a cinema-like experience including brighter colors and a deeper black, which ensure users get the full experience that the filmmaker intended. The Galaxy Note7 also features Game Pack, available through Google Play, including top game titles, an easier redemption process and new user benefits.
By pairing the Galaxy Note7 with the new Gear VR powered by Oculus, users can experience premium virtual reality almost anywhere. The incredible Galaxy Note7 Super AMOLED screen and powerful processor delivers an ultra-immersive experience. The vast and ever growing library of apps, photos, games and more puts, users in the center of the action. Whether it’s next level gaming or journeying to places users have never been before, there’s always something new to discover.
For people who live to create, tell stories and transport people to entirely new worlds, the Galaxy Note7 can be used with the new high-resolution (3840x1920) Gear 360 camera, to capture, edit and share 360-degree images videos on the go. These memories can then be shared with friends via platforms including YouTube 360 and Facebook, and can be relived with the ultra-immersive Gear VR.
Galaxy Foundation with Refined Craftsmanship
With Galaxy Note7, Samsung continues to defy boundaries of engineering to perfect the user experience through innovative design. Every edge, surface and detail of the device’s design has been refined to provide a comfortable grip, easier one-handed operation, and durability with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5. Although the Galaxy Note7 features a large-screen, the unique front-to-back symmetrical dual-edge curve remains balanced and light with the sleek feel users have come to love from the Galaxy series. The curved screen lets the Galaxy Note7 add the powerful Edge Panel for one-tap user access to applications, news and functions.
The Galaxy Note7 is equipped with the advanced camera that was introduced on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge The dual-pixel sensor technology, wide aperture and fast auto focus, work together to create sharp and beautiful photos even in low-light environments.
In addition to 64GB of internal memory, the Galaxy Note7 offers expandable storage and microSD support up to 256GB. The Galaxy Note7 is equipped with a 3,500mAh battery, easy Power
Management UX through Smart Manager, and charges quickly using the new USB-C port. Recharge the Galaxy Note7 wherever wireless charging is available.
A new line of accessories will be available to complement the Galaxy Note7, including the new S View Standing Cover, a light and portable cover that can be used to prop the device at a 60-degree angle for easy viewing of content, as well as an IP68 water resistant Backpack for on-the-go charging.
Creating a Phone+ Ecosystem of Connected Experiences
The Galaxy Note7 is more than just a smartphone; it’s a connection point to Samsung’s ecosystem of devices, software and services. Users can monitor their fitness activities on the Gear Fit2 or Gear IconX and track their data through S Health 5.0.** In addition to accurate and robust fitness tracking and measurement, the new S Health enables users to stay connected to family and friends by sharing fitness updates or competing in friendly challenges with one another.
The Smart Switch feature has been enhanced further with Samsung Cloud, which supports a seamless device experience by providing continuous backup and easy transfer of content including data, apps, settings and layouts between devices. Galaxy Note7 users will be able to use up to 15GB of free space to store and restore information on Samsung Cloud.**
The Galaxy Note7 will be available starting on August 19, and will be offered in Blue Coral, Silver Titanium and Black Onyx.
For additional product information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com, http://news.samsung.com/galaxy or www.samsung.com/galaxy.
Samsung Galaxy Note7 Product Specifications
Galaxy Note7
OS Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
Network LTE Cat.9 / LTE Cat.10 / LTE Cat.12 *May differ by markets and mobile operators*
Dimension 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9mm, 169g
AP Octa core (2.3GHz Quad + 1.6GHz Quad), 64 bit, 14 nm process
Memory 4GB RAM (LPDDR4), 64GB (UFS 2.0)
Display
5.7” Quad HD Dual edge Super AMOLED 2560 x 1440 (518ppi)
Camera Rear: Dual Pixel 12MP OIS (F1.7), Front: 5MP (F1.7)
Battery
3,500 mAh, Fast Charging on wired and wireless Wireless Charging compatible with WPC and PMA
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), MIMO(2x2) 620Mbps, Bluetooth® v 4.2 LE, ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC, Location (GPS, Glonass, Beidou)
Sensors
Barometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, HR Sensor, Iris Sensor, Proximity Sensor, RGB Light Sensor
MP3, Audio
M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA
Video MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI , FLV, MKV, WEBM
Gear VR for Galaxy Note7
Dimension 207.8(W) x 122.5(L) x 98.6(H)mm
Weight 345g (312g without Front Cover)
FOV *Field of View
101° Field of View
Sensor Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Proximity
Color Blue Black
Compatibility
USB Type-C and Micro USB port connection to the Galaxy Note7, S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+
*Dust and water resistance based on IP68 rating, which tests submersion up to 5 feet for up to 30 minutes.
**Service availability and scope may vary by each region and market condition.
***All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Comments