Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Release, Preorders, Specs and Design: Device Features Iris-Reading and Waterproofing Technology
Samsung finally took off the wraps off its much-awaited Galaxy Note 7, which comes a month before Apple is expected to launch its new iPhones.
The latest iteration in the Note series—which skips the number 6 to match the innovative technology behind the large smartphone—the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 boasts a 5.7-inch dual-edge Quad-HD SuperAMOLED display, water-resistant design, a monstrous 64 gigabyte storage—with a micro-SD support of up to 264 GB—and an in-built iris scanner to boot.
In terms of design, the Note 7 looks much more similar to the Samsung Galaxy S7 than to its predecessor, the Note 5. Meanwhile, its unique front-to-back symmetrical dual-edge curve is just like that of the S7 Edge, and is the first device to sport the recently unveiled Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Its dimensions are 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm, at a lighter-weight 168 grams.
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Key changes in the Note 7 also include a monstrous battery capacity at 3,500 mAH (capable of fast charging both wired and wireless), as well as an improved dual pixel 12 MP rear-facing camera, which was debuted on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. It also does away with the micro-USB for the reversible USB type C connector for its charging port, and runs on Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow).
Meanwhile, Samsung's iris-scanning technology, the Note 7's headline feature, uses infra-red camera lens. Aside from unlocking the phone itself, it can also be used to unlock a secure folder where users can store sensitive files within the Android OS. In a test drive by Express.co.uk, iris-scanning proved to be fast and accurate, unlocking the phone within mere seconds.
Samsung has also made some improvements to the S Pen, fine-tuned to a 0.7mm tip for better accuracy and pressure sensitivity. Now, the S Pen can also create GIFs out of a video clip, and write off memos even when the phone is off.
The Note 7 is also rated IP68—meaning it is water and dust resistant, the first in the phablet devices—and can withstand 30 minutes submerged in 1.5 meters of water.
Not surprisingly, however, these astonishing array of features comes at a hefty price, as the Note 7 is pegged as one of the most expensive Samsung phones apart from the Edge series. If you're excited about it, pre-orders for the Coral Blue, Black Onyx, and Silver Titanium colors will begin August 3 in the United States and will officially launch on August 19.
Most of the pre-order bundled promotions come in with either a Samsung Gear Fit 2 or a 256 GB microSD card. You can start pre-ordering via major carriers such as AT&T ($879), T-Mobile ($849), and Verizon (no price available yet).
