Thanks to Samsung for the invite to Shangri-la Residences to watch the Live Streaming of the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 4G+ and Galaxy S6 edge+ 4G+. Glad to see so many familiar faces there and the supper prepared by Samsung (yes, the event starts at 11pm). All of us were super excited to play with these devices for the first time after the live streaming.
I think this is the first time, in my memory, that bloggers and media got together to watch a live streaming event of unveiling of new products, and able to play with these new devices immediately after the streaming.
Highlights of the event is definitely the two new devices, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+. Of course, some countries will be able to try out Samsung Pay which was also announced in the event.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 4G+ will be available from 15th August 2015 while the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ 4G+ will be available from 22nd August 2015 at local telecommunication operators, major consumer electronics stores, authorized retailers and Samsung Experience Stores.
Both devices will be available in Black Sapphire and Gold Platinum, with 32GB and 64GB storage options, at the following recommended retail prices:
- Galaxy Note 5 4G+ (32GB): S$1,088
- Galaxy Note 5 4G+ (64GB): S$1,188
- Galaxy S6 edge+ 4G+ (32GB): S$1,188
- Galaxy S6 edge+ 4G+ (64GB): S$1,288
Compatible accessories for both devices are also available at the following recommended retail price:
- Clear View Cover: S$88 in Blue Black, Gold and Silver
- S View Cover: S$68 in Blue Black, White, Gold and Silver
- Level On Wireless Pro: S$418 in Gold and Black
- Fast Wireless Charging Pad: S$98 in White and Black
To celebrate the launch of the Galaxy Note 5 4G+ in Singapore, Samsung is also hosting the following events:
- Note 5 Delights – at Civic Plaza, Ngee Ann City, from 29th to 30th August for consumers.
- Student Delights – at Da Paolo Bistro Bar on 27th, 28th August and 3rd September for students from NTU, NUS and SMU respectively.
Both devices have similar specs. Both have same processor, same storage, same 4GB ram, same battery capacity, same camera specs, same 5.7-inch display. Of course, the S6 edge+ has the dual edge display, and the Note 5 has a S Pen. In terms of weight, the Note 5 is about 20 grams heavier than the S6 edge+.
Check out the specs
Specifications of Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+
1 Based on Samsung’s internal test results, measured when device is at rest with Samsung battery and adaptive fast charger. Estimated charging time is dependent on network configuration, app usage, mode settings, actual device usage, battery condition and other surrounding factors and conditions.
2 Fast Wireless Charging Pad to be purchased separately. Charging speed is based on Samsung’s internal test results, measured when device is at rest with Samsung battery and Fast Wireless Charging Pad. Estimated charging time is dependent on network configuration, app usage, mode settings, actual device usage, battery condition and other surrounding factors and conditions.
3 Promotions are subject to third party service providers’ terms and conditions.
4 Free treats are while stocks last and are not exchangeable for cash or other items. Other terms and conditions may apply.
5 Actual user-accessible internal storage is less than specified total memory due to operating system, software, and other built-in applications, and may vary after software updates/ upgrades.
6 Free gifts are while stocks last and are not exchangeable for cash or other items. Free gift may only be redeemed at a later date to be advised by Samsung upon presentation of valid redemption documents. Hardcopy of NRIC will be retained for audit accountability purpose.
7 UHD video file formats may vary among products. Device does not support video playback in all UHD file formats. Format of video content recorded or saved on device may not be supported on all Samsung products and may not be available for viewing on some products. Please check individual product user manual for details.
8 Requires stable 4G network connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi® connectivity; additional data charges apply. Supported on HTTP 1.1 protocol only, for files more than 30MB in size. Not supported when either 4G or Wi-Fi® speed is 4-5 times faster than the other. Download Booster will be automatically disabled when there is any loss of either 4G or Wi-Fi® network, and will only be enabled when both networks recover.
9 Dependent on Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi Direct® connectivity to the connected Samsung devices. Supported devices may vary, feature may not work on some products, please check individual product user manual for details. Screen Mirroring from TV to device is only available on selected Samsung Smart TV models (Samsung SMART TV 5000 series and above).
10 For selected apps only.
11 Not intended for clinical or medical use, including diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, alleviation, compensation, cure, prevention or mitigation of any disease, ailment, defect, injury or other conditions.
12 The estimated maximum standby time (“Time”) provided has been calculated based solely on Samsung’s internal standby time test results, measured when device is at rest. The test conditions were based on various network connections under initial factory settings using the same settings as the Ultra Power Saving mode. Therefore, the Time may not be accurate depending on your current network configuration, application usage, mode settings, signal strength, noise, features or tasks selected, actual usage patterns, operating temperature, battery condition and other surrounding factors and conditions. Unless otherwise expressly stated or legally required, Samsung disclaims any warranty that the Time will be accurate without any error.
13 Dependent on network, SIM card, usage and battery condition. Note: Certain features, services and applications (including 4G+ LTE) are dependent on network connectivity and may not be available in all coverage areas. Additional data charges may apply. Specifications are accurate as at time of print and are subject to change without prior notice.
Now, lets take a look at these devices and accessories. BTW, these are the first look and not a review.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 4G+
First impression of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is that it doesn’t look like a Note. If you have used any Note series or have seen one before, the usual comment is that it is bulky or chunky.
Finally, for the latest Note 5, I believe Samsung has successfully remove that kind of impression. If I put some other Samsung devices together, you might not be able to differentiate the Note 5 from them at first glance.
Not only that, the built quality is good and it feels light.
It has a 16MPX f1.9 rear camera that is capable of taking video in 4K. Worth noting is that for video recording, it has a new feature, VDIS (might stands for Video Digital Image Stabilizing), an advance video stabilizing other than the usual OIS (Optical Image Stabilizing).
I had tried out the feature by recording while walking with it. Super stable as if you are using some external stabilizing jig. And the best part is that there is no cropping of the video.
Do note that at 4K video selection, the image stabilizing cannot be turned on. However, I believe OIS is still available (based on the observation during video recording at 4K resolution). The video recording is also limited to 5 minutes (might have to do with buffering).
It has a 5MPX front camera that also supports Imaging Stabilizing.
Top and bottom views
Top – Microphone, SIM Card tray
Bottom view – 3.5mm jack, Micro USB port, Speaker, Microphone, S Pen
Here is the S Pen out from the slot.
Notice that the S Pen has a click feature. Basically, it helps you to take out the S Pen from the slot easily.
Here is a new feature of the Note 5. You can now take memo quickly using the S Pen with this feature, Screen Off Memo. When the S Pen leaves the slot, this feature will be activated (you can switch this feature off if you don’t need it).
Here is a short video of the Screen Off Memo in action.
The side views – notice how slim the Note 5 is.
On the camera control, there is a new brightness slider control.
Video Size selection for the rear camera.
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ 4G+
First impression of the Galaxy S6 edge+ is that it is very slim, thanks to the curved edge. When playing videos on it, it has almost the bezel-less feel. Compared to Note 5, it is 20 grams lighter at 153 grams.
Top and bottom views
Top view – Microphone and SIM Card tray,
Bottom view – 3.5mm jack, microphone, Micro USB port, Speaker.
The S6 edge+ sports the same camera as the Note 5.
Comparison
Here are some picture comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
Accessories
Fast Charge Wireless Charging Pad
One of the new features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 edge+ is the Wireless Fast Charge. Here is the first look of the Fast Charge Wireless Charging Pad.
Do note that Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge will NOT be able to enjoy the fast charge feature as the chipset is different. Nevertheless, you can still use Fast Charge Wireless Charging Pad to charge these two devices.
Fast Charge in action. I noticed that there is no indication to show that it is on Fast Charge. Normally, for fast charge with cable, it will show “Fast charging”.
Keyboard Cover
One of the most talked about accessories for the evening is that Keyboard Cover. It comprises of two parts, the back cover and the front keyboard cover. Both of them have to be used together as there are embedded sensors on them.
Attaching the keyboard to the phone is actually quite simple.
Back Cover
The back cover is actually not very thick.
Note that with the embedded sensors in the Keyboard Cover, the phone is able to detect it and display correctly (above the keyboard). Typing on the keyboard might need some practicing because some keys are not in the usual place.
If you are keyboard warrior (punk intended), this might be the best accessory for you.
Do note that the Keyboard Cover is also available for Galaxy S6 edge+ but they are NOT interchangeable because of the differences in dimension for both devices.
Portable Battery
This might be the best looking portable battery I have seen for a while. Super well built but unfortunately, for this size, it has only 5,200 mAh capacity and only a single port. It is priced at S$98 (pricing needs to be verified as it was told verbally).
Phone Covers
As usual, Samsung has a wide range of covers for the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 edge+. I am no fans of covers. So, this is the only picture I took (yes, that is the reflection of me and DK, plus part of my feet).
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