Samsung has just unleashed its latest generation Note – the Galaxy Note7 at its exclusive Galaxy Unpacked event in New York. The flagship phablet packs much-loved features from the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, and adds even more refinement in craftsmanship and material build.
Since the introduction of original Note, Samsung has dominated the big phone space, spearheaded by the Note series. Who knew that the ‘big phone’ would now be a common sight, and become so much in demand. You can credit the Note series for single-handedly making big screen phones a normality.
The Galaxy Note7 continues to evolve, with premium build materials, symmetrical design and enhanced features.
Design: Refined craftsmanship
The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are epitome of classy, premium built devices. The Note7 takes cues from the stunning duo, now with a front-to-back symmetrical dual-edge curve. It’s beautiful, made from glass and metal and protected with Gorilla Glass 5.
The curved screen features the Edge Panel as seen on the Note edge and S7 edge.
Like the S7, the Note7 is now IP68 dust- and water-resistant. This includes the S Pen.
Hardware: Best-in-class
The Note7 boasts a gorgeous, curved 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED display. There’s little to complain here–it’s vibrant, sharp and delivers outstanding contrast.
This is the perfect complement to the new Gear VR powered by Oculus, and the Gear 360 camera.
The Note7 shares much of its underpinnings with the blazing fast Galaxy S7. It sports the same octa-core Exynos 8890 processor, coupled with 4GB RAM.
Storage has been upped to 64GB though, in addition to microSD expansion, supporting up to 256GB of additional storage.
It adopts the same best-in-class 12MP f/1.7 Dual Pixel rear camera, and 5MP f/1.7 front camera from the S7 and S7 edge.
There’s a massive 3,500mAh battery with fast charging via its new USB Type-C port. It also supports wireless charging.
The device supports dual-SIM through its hybrid SIM slot. Unlike the Galaxy A9 Pro, it doesn’t have a separate microSD slot.
The S Pen
It’s no secret that Samsung continues to push the Note7 as a productivity device. Rightfully so. Because the Note7 and the S Pen is unmatched. Till this day, there hasn’t been a true competitor to the incredible integration of hardware and software for the Note’s note-taking abilities.
Like the Note5 before this, you can take notes without unlocking the screen, by using Screen Off memo. The Always On Display is also a nifty feature that gives you split second accessibility to notifications.
New Air Command functions include Magnify and Translate, just by hovering the S Pen over text.
More about this in a quick hands-on.
Security: Keeping you safe, not sorry
Samsung Knox provides heightened security and privacy for your data. It now works with its built-in fingerprint scanner and new iris scanner. The new iris scanner can be used to authenticate purchases via Samsung Pay.
There’s Secure Folder to keep your data private and safe, with added authentication.
Software and services
The Note7 runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box and comes with Samsung’s ecosystem of apps and services.
Pricing and availability
The Galaxy Note7 is available in Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium and Black Onyx. It is set to arrive on Malaysian shores starting 19 August and will retail at MYR3,199 (incl. GST).
Online pre-orders start from 8-10 August where 4,000 units will be made available.
For more Galaxy Note7 information, head over to vernonchan.com/tag/galaxy-note7/
https://youtu.be/a0a6Y9JvPqo
