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iPhone 6 vs Galaxy Note Edge: 5 Things Buyers Need to Know

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With the iPhone 6 release date now here and the Galaxy Note Edge release confirmed for later this year, consumers are sizing up the two big screen smartphones ahead of their arrival. While we can’t make that decision for you, we can provide you with details that could help to make you come to a quicker and perhaps, a better decision. This iPhone 6 vs Galaxy Note Edge comparison addresses the most important differences, and similarities, that buyers need to know.

Earlier this month, Samsung took to the stage in Berlin, Germany to announce several new products for the fall. First, we saw another intro for the Samsung Gear S, an Apple Watch competitor and a device that appears to be a solid alternative to current Android smartwatches. We also saw the Gear VR virtual reality headset make its first appearance.

The stars of the show though were arguably the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 successor, and the Galaxy Note Edge. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is an ambitious new smartphone and one that is set to do battle with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus sometime later on this year. At least in the U.S.

Samsung’s all new Galaxy Note Edge is a high-end smartphone that shares some features with the Galaxy Note 4 but offers some unique ones of its own. With a release slated for later this year though, the Galaxy Note Edge is going to face some serious opposition, including a new iPhone 6 that offers two new screen sizes.

On September 9th, Apple unveiled two new iPhones that both feature larger screens. The 4.7-inch iPhone 6, along with the iPhone 6 Plus, will replace the iPhone 5s as the company’s new flagship smartphone options. While the iPhone 6 doesn’t have a massive display like the iPhone 6 Plus, it will still be a device that consumers will be taking a look at this fall.

Consumers that haven’t already made up their mind are almost certainly weighing the iPhone 6 against the Galaxy Note Edge. And while we can’t tell you what to do, we can push you in the right direction. Ahead of the Galaxy Note Edge release, we take a look at the five most important things buyers need to know about the iPhone 6 vs Galaxy Note Edge.

iPhone 6 Release Date vs. Galaxy Note Edge Release Date

The iPhone 6 release date was yesterday. Yesterday, Apple and its carrier and retail partners in the United States and select other regions released the iPhone 6 to lines and enthusiasm from Apple customers. As expected, the iPhone 6 Plus is a little difficult to find though we’ve heard that the smaller iPhone 6 stock is much healthier.

Its supply issues haven’t been nearly as bad as the iPhone 6 Plus and we’re expecting iPhone 6 shipping times and stock to remain much better than those for the iPhone 6 Plus. Some models might be difficult to find, the 16GB model in particular. The important thing though is that you can now go hands on with Apple’s brand new iPhone, something that will be vital in your hunt for your next smartphone.

Galaxy-Note-Edge

Unfortunately, the Galaxy Note Edge release date is still unclear. Samsung confirmed it for later this year though it has not offered any specifics. We have seen it make some progress behind the scenes and Samsung’s new sign up page says that it’s “coming soon” but exact details remain in the shadows as we approach the fall and move away from the iPhone 6 release.

We do have a few clues though. The UK says that it will not have the Galaxy Note Edge in stock during the initial release. It’s not clear what kind of delay it will be dealing with. One retailer claims that the delay will impact other European countries as well, not just the United Kingdom.

Samsung Canada recently confirmed that it won’t be getting the Galaxy Note Edge until 2015. It says that its release will come after the U.S. though it made no distinction between dates. In other words, those looking into the iPhone 6 vs Galaxy Note Edge are going to have to wait a little longer to compare these two physically.

From what it sounds like, the Galaxy Note Edge will hit the U.S. this year and perhaps, other countries next year.

iPhone 6 Size vs. Galaxy Note Edge Size

The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is a large phone. And while the iPhone 6 sports a larger display at 4.7-inches, it’s noticeably smaller than the Galaxy Note Edge. Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus, with its 5.5-inch display, is more on par with the size of the Galaxy Note Edge. Here is how that size difference looks.

Galaxy Note Edge vs. iPhone 6.

Galaxy Note Edge vs. iPhone 6.

Here’s how the size difference breaks down from a numbers standpoint:

  • iPhone 6  – 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm – 129 grams
  • Galaxy Note Edge – 151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3 mm – 174 grams

The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is taller, wider, thicker, and heavier than the slim and svelte iPhone 6. These differences are going to be tangible especially when using the phone with one hand or trying to store your phone in a tight jean pocket. The iPhone 6 is much more pocketable and far easier to use with just one hand.

iPhone 6 Specs vs. Galaxy Note Edge Specs

iPhone 6 Specs

  • Apple A8 64-bit Processor
  • iOS 8
  • 4.7-inch display – 1334 x 750  – 326 pixels per inch
  • 16GB / 64GB / 128GB storage options
  • 1.2MP front-facing camera
  • 8MP rear-facing camera
  • 4G LTE
  • 802.11ac WiFi
  • Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
  • NFC

Galaxy Note Edge Specs

  • 5.6-inch Quad HD display with bent side
  • Snapdragon 805 processor (U.S.)
  • 3GB RAM
  • 16MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.7MP front-facing camera
  • 32GB / 64GB storage with support for 128GB microSD cards
  • Android 4.4.4 KitKat
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • UV sensor
  • Heart rate sensor
  • NFC
  • Fast charging
  • 3000 mah battery
  • S Pen

Both displays are big but the Galaxy Note Edge provides far more real estate for gaming, browsing the web, and more. Again, that comes with a cost which is its overall size. There are also two more things to keep in mind when it comes to these displays.

First, the Samsung’s Galaxy Edge sports a higher resolution. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to blow the iPhone 6 display out of the water but it does mean that it will be able to keep pace with Apple’s new Retina HD display. DisplayMate, one of the leading voices on display technology, calls the Galaxy Note 4 display the best they’ve ever seen.

The other is the Galaxy Note Edge’s bent display. The Galaxy Note Edge comes with a screen that curves down over the edge of the device. Thus the name. The Galaxy Note Edge and its screen can be seen in the video below.

The Galaxy Note Edge screen isn’t going to be for everyone but it does come with some distinct advantages. The bent part of the Galaxy Note Edge’s display not only offers better viewing angles for content, it also provides users with an extremely quick way to access their most used applications, settings and more. All it takes is the swipe of a thumb.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note Edge bent display can also display notifications on the side without pausing or interrupting content that’s running on the main screen. So if you’re watching a movie and you get a text or an email, it will appear on the side as opposed to on the main screen. This is only the beginning as Samsung will deliver a Galaxy Note Edge SDK that will allow developers to take full advantage of the new display type.

Galaxy-Note-Edge-2

The Galaxy Note Edge will feature Optical Image Stabilization with its camera, technology that minimizes shakiness to deliver better looking photos and video. The iPhone 6 Plus has OIS but the smaller model does not.

We should point out that Samsung has added a ton of new features to its popular camera application including new models for selfies. Apple has also improved its camera app with iOS 8 though it still doesn’t offer the same amount of choice.

While the iPhone 6 comes in three sizes, the Galaxy Note Edge comes in two though we only expect one variant in the U.S., likely the 32GB model. What the Galaxy Note Edge lacks in internal storage, it makes up for with expanded storage. Users can pop in a microSD card that adds tons of storage. The iPhone 6 does not come with expandable storage.

iPhone 6 Features vs. Galaxy Note Edge Features

Apple’s new iPhone always comes with a ton of new features. So do Samsung’s Galaxy Notes. So it’s no surprise that both of these flagships are full of powerful features.

Galaxy-Note-Edge-3

If you upgrade to the iPhone 6, you’ll get an assortment of features that aren’t found on the Galaxy Note Edge. Here, we take a look at a few of the iPhone 6 features that standout from the bunch:

  • Apple Pay – NFC in the iPhone 6 will allow you to pay for things with the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. The Galaxy Note Edge has NFC on board as well though it will use different solutions for mobile payments.
  • Touch ID – The fingerprint sensor inside the home button provides added security and convenience. As we’ve noted, Apple’s Touch ID sensor is far better than the one that Samsung’s using in the Galaxy Note Edge. It uses the same sensor that’s found in the Galaxy S5.
  • ColorsThe iPhone 6 comes in gold, white and gray. Samsung’s Galaxy Note Edge will only come in black or white.

Now, we want to take a look at a few of the more intriguing Galaxy Note Edge features:

  • UV Sensor – Allows you to measure UV radiation with your phone. This is something that could help to prevent health issues and it’s something that isn’t found on the iPhone 6.
  • Heart Rate Sensor – The Galaxy Note Edge comes with a heart rate sensor tucked away near the camera. The sensor can help track your pulse and ties into the company’s new S Health 3.5 application. The iPhone 6 does not feature one.
  • S Pen – This is one of the biggest differences between the two. The Galaxy Note Edge comes with a bundled stylus called the S Pen that can take advantage of unique apps. It also allows you to write and draw on the screen. It can be seen in action in the video below. Needless to say, the iPhone 6 does not come with an S Pen made by Samsung.

iPhone 6 vs. Galaxy Note Edge Software & Updates

The iPhone 6 comes stock with Apple’s iOS 8 software, seen in the video below. iOS 8 is much different than the software found on the Galaxy Note 4 and because of that, software is going to play a key role in your final decision.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note Edge runs Google’s Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system as a base though the software has been modified with Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface. And not just any version of TouchWiz, a version that’s designed for the S Pen and mulitasking in mind.

Samsung’s made some significant improvements to this year’s S Pen including increased sensitivity on the Note Edge screen to make the note taking experience on the Galaxy Note Edge feel more like writing on paper. More sensitivity also leads to better looking text from handwriting. Samsung’s also made some significant improvements to the S Pen’s applications including, Air Command, S Note and Voice Memo, and more.

More importantly, the company has improved the Galaxy Note Edge’s multitasking, multitasking that the iPhone 6 simply cannot match. One of the reasons why is a feature called Multi-Window View. It can be seen in action on the Galaxy Note 4 in the video below.

Multi-Window View, at its most basic level, allows users to run multiple applications on screen at the same time. With the Galaxy Note Edge, Samsung has made some admirable changes including the ability to access applications in full, split or pop-up screens. Galaxy Note Edge users will now also be able to reposition apps on the screen with just one swipe.

As we’ve pointed out, iOS 8 rumors point to split-screen multitasking for the iPad but those rumors have not pointed to a release for the iPhone or iPhone 6 Plus.

6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Simon vithaya

    09/20/2014 at 8:47 pm

    First is I like to say thanks you for point out the most important between the two new smart phones. The feature of two smart phones flagship that I have been waiting for is about changing in performance and storage space , I have been apple I phone favor for the last ten years . I now looking for samsung note edge for my next phone .
    Thank you
    Simon Vithaya

  2. Kiinas2004

    09/21/2014 at 3:14 am

    Don’t want a contract anymore with a mobile operator? You can find here the completest list of prepaid plan providers from US. https://www.allprepaidplans.com/ has a list of more than 60 providers besides the big four. Hope it would help you!

  3. sym

    09/21/2014 at 8:47 am

    Comparing the 4.7″ iPhone 6 against the 5.6″ Note 4 Edge is senseless (different segments), considering that Apple does have a brand new phone with a 5.5″ screen…

  4. H Gamer

    09/21/2014 at 2:45 pm

    “Samsung Canada recently confirmed that it won’t be getting the Galaxy Note Edge until 2015.”

    Now that the iPhone 6+ is out, as lighter, thinner and smaller than the Galaxy Note, Samsung needs to “go back to the drawing board” and redesign their Galaxy Note’s to copy Apple. The exact same thing happened with the iPad 2 and Samsung’s tablets. I’m not sure if this will be possible with the Galaxy Note Edge, though. It’s already difficult for right handers and impossible for lefties!

    • baro

      09/22/2014 at 1:56 pm

      For left-handers you can turn it up side down and the whole screen changes and works as normal and you wouldn’t lose productivity especially if using the S pen.

  5. william

    09/21/2014 at 6:37 pm

    AN OBJECTIVE REPORT. Cut out the Bull & get for real. Cell phone is a matter of personal preference. I’ve gone through Galaxies 1-4 and i phone 5, however was never quite satisfied with either brand’s performance or quality, especially after the first 12 months, after the warranty was no more. My main gripe was the battery running low and using internet when phone(s) were turned off. Next, speed – not good enough. That goes for both, the Galaxy and the puny-I phone 5. In other words- pain in the ass. Talk to our office computer guy. He said “If you want a no, non-sense, tech-advanced phone, try NEXUS 5. It comes unlocked – freedom of choice, super fast – no hesitation whatsoever, 2G of Ram, 32g storage, etc for $399.00.” I did order in December 2013 and awaited 14 days on account of availability vs demand, and got it just before he Holydays. So far, no problems, excellent performance – you can even go abroad and use it cheaply – charge it every two days (the battery usually shows 30-35% left at the end of the second day). Though the battery is only 2600 mkh, NEXUS 5 uses next to nothing, about 1%, overnight when he phone is off. The screen resolution is that of i phone 6. The price is quite reasonable because Google subsidizes the phone. What else? All the computer nerds buy it. Need I say more, except that Google does not advertise the NEXUS.

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