Stepping back in time, we pit two iconic Samsung Edge devices against each other. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, a pioneer with its innovative curved side display, dared to be different. Its unique approach to notifications and quick access set it apart in a crowded smartphone market.
Fast forward to a more recent era, and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge continued the curved display legacy, refining it with a sleeker design and more powerful internals. This comparison delves into what made each of these devices special and how they stacked up in their respective release windows.
Are you curious about how the original curved innovation compares to its more polished successor? Let’s explore the key differences and see which of these Edge smartphones truly captured the imagination and offered the best user experience for its time.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | note edge | s7 edge |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.6 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1440 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 805 | Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 32GB/64GB (microSD expandable) | 32GB (microSD expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 16 MP | 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 3.7 MP | 5 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3000 mAh | 3600 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 4.4.4 (upgradable) | Android 6.0.1 (upgradable) |
| Water Resistance | No | Yes (IP68) |
| Stylus Support | Yes (S Pen) | No |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint Scanner, Heart Rate Sensor | Fingerprint Scanner, Heart Rate Sensor |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Technology
- Note Edge: Featured a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Its unique curved edge display provided a secondary screen for notifications and shortcuts, which was innovative but sometimes prone to accidental touches.
- S7 Edge: Boasted a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, achieving even higher pixel density. The curved edges were more refined, offering a more integrated experience for multitasking and quick access, with fewer accidental touches compared to the Note Edge.
- Winner: s7 edge
Processor and Performance
- Note Edge: Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 or Samsung Exynos 5433 processor, paired with 3GB of RAM. This provided good performance for its time, handling most apps and multitasking smoothly, though it could occasionally lag with demanding tasks.
- S7 Edge: Came with either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Samsung Exynos 8890 processor, along with 4GB of RAM. This offered a significant leap in processing power and efficiency, resulting in faster app loading, smoother gaming, and superior multitasking capabilities.
- Winner: s7 edge
Camera Capabilities
- Note Edge: Featured a 16MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 3.7MP front camera. The rear camera produced good photos for its era, with decent low-light performance, but lacked the advanced features of later models.
- S7 Edge: Equipped with a 12MP dual-pixel rear camera with OIS and a 5MP front camera. Despite a lower megapixel count, the dual-pixel technology allowed for incredibly fast autofocus and excellent low-light photography, producing sharper and more detailed images.
- Winner: s7 edge
Battery Life and Charging
- Note Edge: Came with a 3000 mAh battery and supported fast charging. Battery life was generally adequate for a day’s use, but heavy users might find themselves needing a top-up.
- S7 Edge: Featured a larger 3600 mAh battery and supported both fast wired and wireless charging. This provided more robust battery life, easily lasting a full day for most users, and the convenience of wireless charging was a significant advantage.
- Winner: s7 edge
Storage Options
- Note Edge: Offered 32GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expansion. This was a decent amount for the time, but users who stored many large files might have found it limiting.
- S7 Edge: Provided 32GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot, significantly improving expandability. The inclusion of a microSD slot was a welcome return after its omission in the S6 series, offering users ample flexibility.
- Winner: s7 edge
Build Quality and Design
- Note Edge: Utilized a plastic build with a metal frame, featuring a distinctive curved edge display. While innovative, the plastic back felt less premium than some competitors.
- S7 Edge: Employed a premium glass and metal construction, with a refined curved edge design that was more ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. The water and dust resistance (IP68) was a significant upgrade in durability.
- Winner: s7 edge
Software Features and Updates
- Note Edge: Ran on Android 4.4 KitKat with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, receiving some updates but eventually reaching its end of support. The curved edge had dedicated software features, but these were often niche.
- S7 Edge: Launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Samsung’s refined TouchWiz, receiving multiple major Android updates. The edge panel software was further developed, offering more practical shortcuts and tools.
- Winner: s7 edge
Stylus Integration
- Note Edge: Did not include a stylus, focusing on the unique edge display experience. This differentiated it from the Note series’ core functionality.
- S7 Edge: Did not include a stylus. While it shared some design cues with the Note series, its target audience and feature set were distinct from the S Pen-enabled Note devices.
- Winner: note edge
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Innovation | note edge |
| Overall Performance | s7 edge |
| Camera Quality | s7 edge |
| Battery Life | s7 edge |
| Durability | s7 edge |
| Productivity (Stylus) | note edge |
| Storage Flexibility | note edge |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices boast vibrant Super AMOLED displays, offering deep blacks and excellent color reproduction for an immersive viewing experience.
- High Resolution: They share Quad HD resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels), ensuring incredibly sharp and detailed visuals for everything from browsing to media consumption.
- Expandable Storage: Both the Note Edge and the S7 Edge offer the flexibility of microSD card support, allowing users to easily expand their storage beyond the internal capacity.
- Premium Design: Each phone features a premium build with a metal frame and glass construction, conveying a high-end feel in the hand.
- Biometric Security: Both devices incorporate a fingerprint scanner for convenient and secure unlocking and authentication.
- Wireless Charging: Users can enjoy the convenience of wireless charging on both the Note Edge and the S7 Edge, eliminating the need for physical cable connections.
Note Edge Vs S7 Edge Buying Guide
Design and Display Considerations
When choosing between the Note Edge and S7 Edge, consider their unique designs. The Note Edge boasts a distinctive curved edge display that offers a different user experience for notifications and shortcuts. The S7 Edge, on the other hand, refines the edge concept with a sleeker, more integrated curve, offering a premium feel and enhanced water resistance.
Think about how you’ll use your phone. If you appreciate innovative interface elements and a bolder aesthetic, the Note Edge might appeal. If a more polished, durable, and water-resistant design is paramount, the S7 Edge takes the lead. Both offer vibrant AMOLED displays, but the S7 Edge’s screen is generally considered brighter and more color-accurate. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Performance and Processing Power
The Note Edge, despite its age, offered robust performance for its time, powered by a Snapdragon 805 or Exynos equivalent. It handled multitasking and most applications with reasonable speed. However, the S7 Edge, with its significantly newer Snapdragon 820/823 or Exynos 8890 processor, offers a substantial leap in raw power and efficiency.
For demanding tasks, gaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously, the S7 Edge will provide a smoother and more responsive experience. Its improved chipset also contributes to better battery management and faster app loading times. If cutting-edge performance is a priority, the S7 Edge is the clear winner in this category.
Camera Capabilities and Features
The camera on the Note Edge was respectable for its era, capable of capturing decent photos and videos in good lighting conditions. It featured a 16MP rear sensor with optical image stabilization, offering good detail. However, technology has advanced considerably since its release.
The S7 Edge showcases a significantly upgraded camera system. Its 12MP dual-pixel sensor, coupled with a wider aperture and improved low-light performance, allows for stunning photos in challenging conditions. Features like faster autofocus and superior video recording capabilities make the S7 Edge’s camera a more modern and capable option for photography enthusiasts. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor, and both devices have their strengths. The Note Edge came with a removable 3000 mAh battery, allowing for quick swaps if you carried spares. The S7 Edge features a larger, non-removable 3600 mAh battery, optimized for endurance and complemented by more efficient processing.
In terms of real-world usage, the S7 Edge generally offers superior battery longevity due to its more power-efficient chipset and software optimizations. While the Note Edge’s removable battery was a convenience, the S7 Edge’s integrated solution provides a more consistent and longer-lasting power supply for most users. Both support fast charging, but the S7 Edge’s implementation is more refined.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy note edge If…
- You are a power user who appreciates unique hardware features and a stylus for productivity.
- You enjoy experimenting with innovative display technology like a curved edge for notifications and shortcuts.
- You need the flexibility of more internal storage options and the ability to expand further with a microSD card.
Buy s7 edge If…
- You prioritize a more refined and modern design with excellent water resistance.
- You want a device with a more powerful and efficient processor for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- You are looking for a flagship experience with a great camera and a larger battery for all-day use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is more durable?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is significantly more durable than the Note Edge. It boasts an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Note Edge lacks any official water resistance rating, making it more susceptible to damage from liquids.
Is the Note Edge still receiving software updates?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is an older device and is no longer receiving official software updates from Samsung. This means it will not get new Android versions or security patches, which can leave it vulnerable to modern threats and unable to run the latest apps. The S7 Edge, while also older, likely received updates for longer. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge generally offers a superior display experience. It boasts higher peak brightness, better color accuracy, and a more refined edge display implementation that is less prone to accidental touches than the Note Edge’s pioneering curved screen.
Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge and the S7 Edge support external storage expansion via microSD cards. This is a significant advantage for users who need to store a large number of photos, videos, or apps. The S7 Edge, however, uses a hybrid SIM tray, meaning you’ll have to choose between a second SIM card or a microSD card.
Which phone is better for gaming?
For gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful processor and graphics chip provide a smoother, more fluid gaming experience with higher frame rates and better handling of graphically intensive titles. The Note Edge, while capable for its time, will struggle with modern mobile games compared to the S7 Edge.
Final Verdict
While the Note Edge was a groundbreaking device with its innovative curved display, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge represents a significant evolution. It offers a more refined design, superior performance, a better camera, and enhanced durability with water resistance. The S7 Edge also benefits from more recent software support, making it a more practical and future-proof choice for most users looking for a premium smartphone experience.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge