Note 4 vs Note Edge: 11 Things Buyers Need to Know Now

With a U.S. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge release date now confirmed in the United States, we now know how the concept phone’s release is going to stack up next to the other flagship Galaxy Note, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. This Galaxy Note 4 vs. Galaxy Note Edge release comparison will go into the key details that buyers need to know about as we head deeper into the month of November.

Two months ago, Samsung executives took the stage in Berlin, Germany to announce a number of new products. While the company put the spotlight on the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, the company also announced its new Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, a device that shares many of the Galaxy Note 4′s features but comes with a curved display.

Last month, Samsung released the Galaxy Note 4 on a number of carriers in the United States including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon Wireless. The device is now available to purchase and we’ve spoken to many consumers who are interested in Samsung’s new flagship Galaxy Note variant. We’ve also spoken to several that held off in the weeks after its release, waiting for Galaxy Note Edge release details in the U.S. to emerge.

Earlier this week, U.S. Galaxy Note Edge release details finally made their presence felt as several carriers confirmed a Galaxy Note Edge release date, Galaxy Note Edge price and more. These details now allow us to make an updated comparison.

Today, we want to take an updated look at how the Galaxy Note Edge compares to the Galaxy Note 4. This Galaxy Note Edge vs. Galaxy Note 4 comparison will touch on key details like the releases and the pricing but it will also go more in depth and look at some of the smaller details and some of the details that still haven’t been confirmed.

Here’s what buyers need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs. Galaxy Note Edge in November.

Go Hands-on Before Buying

The first thing that you need to know about the Galaxy Note 4 vs. Galaxy Note Edge is that you still need to go hands-on with these devices before buying. As a reminder, these devices are actually pretty similar. They both come with a powerful list of specifications and software to back up those specifications. The biggest difference is the screen.

You are going to need to decide whether the curved display is going to be worth the price of admission. That curve is the reason why the Galaxy Note Edge is more expensive than the Galaxy Note 4. If you’re on the fence, you cannot make this decision without going hands-on. Starting Friday, you’ll be able to find the Galaxy Note Edge on display in AT&T stores and even if you’re not on AT&T, you’d be wise to go into a store to get some hands-on experience before coming to a decision.

We also suggest going hands-on with other top smartphones as well. Every single flagship from 2014 is now on sale. There’s no reason to blindly buy the Galaxy Note Edge or Galaxy Note 4. Do your research and you’ll come out of this much better for it.

First Galaxy Note Edge Release Date Imminent

If you are on the fence, know that the first Samsung Galaxy Note Edge release date in the United States is imminent. On Friday, AT&T will become the first U.S. carrier to release the Galaxy Note Edge into its stores and onto its network. It has been a long time coming and it’s not surprising to see AT&T, a close Samsung partner, get first dibs.

What this means is that those of you on AT&T will soon be able to choose between the two Galaxy Notes. Again, we highly recommend going hands-on before buying and we highly recommend checking in with your local store before going in. AT&T says that the release will be limited to select stores so we expect only a few to actually have stock come Friday. Still, it’s worth knowing that the Galaxy Note Edge is finally going to join the Galaxy Note 4 on shelves.

More Galaxy Note Edge Release Dates Incoming

As for the rest of you, you’re going to have to wait. Sprint is planning to release the Galaxy Note Edge on November 14th, same as T-Mobile. U.S. Cellular and Verizon have yet to confirm their own Galaxy Note Edge release dates though we wouldn’t expect them to be too far off the pace. Neither has passed through the FCC though the Verizon Galaxy Note Edge release recently took a step in the right direction.

We expect all of these carriers to offer the Galaxy Note Edge and Galaxy Note 4 side-by-side in their physical retail locations and in their online portals giving you a chance to buy however you want. Again, we highly suggest getting out of your computer chair to compare the two next to each other. You don’t want to waste any of your hard earned money.

Galaxy Note 4 Release Problems

Here’s something to keep in mind. Samsung has been struggling to provide ample Galaxy Note 4 stock to retailers and carriers. Amazon is still sold out of the Sprint Galaxy Note 4, Best Buy only recently got more stock online though the AT&T Galaxy Note 4 is still sold out online and Verizon’s white Galaxy Note 4 is still not available in many stores. And to make matters worse, white Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Stock is limited where it’s available.

We’re pointing this out because the Galaxy Note Edge is a limited concept device. The Galaxy Note 4 is a mass produced device. In other words, don’t be surprised if we see some Galaxy Note Edge stock shortages impact the United States. In particular, keep an eye on the white Galaxy Note Edge. Japan’s had some trouble getting that model out and we wouldn’t be surprised if stock for that Note Edge model dries up quickly.

Call ahead, keep an eye out online, and be proactive. Otherwise, you could be waiting to get your hands on a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 or Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.

Similar Carriers

The Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge share a list of carriers. Both devices will be available on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. This is a surprise given that U.S. Cellular wasn’t expected to carry the Galaxy Note Edge. This is also huge for buyers because there aren’t any limitations. You have the same amount of choice either way you go.

Galaxy Note Edge Price More Expensive

Now this is extremely important. The Galaxy Note Edge is more expensive than the Galaxy Note 4. This is why you need to decide if you need the curved screen or not. Here is how the price breaks down for each carrier. Keep in mind, there are still a few blanks here and we’ll touch on those after we run down what we know right now.

• AT&T Galaxy Note 4 – $299.99 on-contract, $826 off-contract
• AT&T Galaxy Note Edge – $399.99 on-contract, $945.95 off-contract

• Sprint Galaxy Note 4 – $299.99 on-contract, $800 off-contract
• Sprint Galaxy Note Edge – $840 off-contract

• T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 – $749.76 off-contract
• T-Mobile Galaxy Note Edge – $870 off-contract

• U.S. Cellular Galaxy Note 4 – $299.99 on-contract, $770.16 off-contract
• U.S. Cellular Galaxy Note Edge – Unknown

• Verizon Galaxy Note 4 – $299.99 on-contract, $700 off-contract
• Verizon Galaxy Note Edge – Unknown

We fully expect the U.S. Cellular and Verizon Galaxy Note Edge pricing to fall in line with the other carriers. $399.99 on-contract seems about right and we don’t expect either of them to go over AT&T’s whopping $945 off-contract price. Keep in mind, both of these devices will be available on plans like AT&T Next and Verizon Edge and pricing on those plans will vary from carrier to carrier.

Galaxy Note Edge Colors More Limited

Consider this your final PSA. While the Galaxy Note 4 will come in white, black, gold, and perhaps pink in the United States, you’re probably going to be stuck with white and black for the Galaxy Note Edge. It’s a concept phone and has a limited run so we don’t expect to see Samsung tack on new colors in the weeks down the road.

Where to Buy

The Galaxy Note 4 is available at carrier stores and most major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and others. Thus far, we know that the Galaxy Note Edge will be sold at carrier locations and we also know that Best Buy is going to carry it. It’s currently listing the unlocked model though we should see the device arrive on-contract as well. We’re not so sure about other retailers.

Now, one of thing to keep in mind is that the T-Mobile model is limited. Amazon and Best Buy don’t sell it and you’re almost certainly going to need to go thru T-Mobile itself or an authorized re-seller. It’s a pain but that’s how T-Mobile rolls. We expect to hear more about Galaxy Note Edge retailers in the near future as we get closer to launch.

Galaxy Note 4 Deals

We haven’t seen many Galaxy Note 4 deals emerge. They’ve been sporadic at best which is extremely odd given that we typically see discounts emerge after the first few weeks of a release. One deal that we have seen is Samsung’s Galaxy Gifts Package that is still available for the Galaxy Note 4. The Gifts package delivers a ton of likeable features including free subscriptions to Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

Galaxy Note Edge Deals

The Galaxy Note Edge is in the same boat. We haven’t discovered any Galaxy Note Edge deals ahead of its release though the Galaxy Gifts deal from Samsung does apply to those buying the Galaxy Note Edge. This is important to note because it looks like the Galaxy Note Edge is going to be in the same boat as the Galaxy Note 4, maybe even worse.

It’s a concept phone and there’s not going to be any pressure on retailers or carriers to deliver any deals in the immediate future. That said, there is one thing to keep in mind going forward in the month of November.

Samsung Black Friday

Samsung is going to be offering some Black Friday deals of its own and we would not be surprised if retailers joined in on the fun. With Black Friday just a few weeks away, we advise you to take a wait and see approach with these devices. Who knows, we could see the first major Galaxy Note 4 price cuts come in late November to kick off the holiday shopping season.