Galaxy Note 7

[Insomniator]

Was a little concerned about getting my wife a Note 5 for $400 a months ago with the Note 7 around the corner but this... doesn't look like much of an upgrade at all.

 

[Zaap]

Iterative design as expected for the tail end of a 2 year cycle. Not the superphone folks were hoping for but a worthy upgrade for Note 4 owners IMO.

Agreed. Seems to be a pattern with Samsung, but then again it may be a pattern with other companies' flagships as well:

Owners of the previous model= no compelling reason to upgrade.

Owners of models older than previous= probably a decent upgrade.


For me (Note 4 holdout) I'd say it's a great upgrade in every way but removable battery. I'd given up on that anyway.

Other than that, the stats are fine with me. I personally can't complain too much that it's just a blown up S7 edge with a pen- since that's almost exactly what I wanted. (Granted, the N7 being all around BETTER than the S7 not just bigger was preferable, but, ah well...)

Heck the stats of the Note 4 are still fine with me, there's not much I need a smartphone for that the N4 can't handle.

If I'm honest, the reason I want a N7 is the same as many people: no pressing need to replace my already more than good enough current phone. I just want a new gadget to play with that's faster/better/more exciting!

 

[DefDC]

My Note 3 has taken a beating and i need an upgrade. I'm underwhelmed by this Note, but I think we've hit diminishing returns on CPU. The 4GB of RAM is a bummer, if only because other flagships have 6. I'm not sure there's a killer app which would make it useful at this point.

I welcome the water resistance and SD card. I've come to accept we needed to sacrifice the removable battery for water resistance. (Even if that's not exactly true)

I DESPISE shiny, slippery, glass and metal bodies on any phone. I wish they'd make a rubberized "Active" version of the Note. I'd be all over that. This is the same BS as cars no longer having "bumpers". I never bought a case for my Note 3. I used a glass screen protector and it's nearly in mint condition.

I am going to have to sacrifice my magnetic car dock, which is very much a bummer. I love that thing. Now I need a case or stick a magnet on the back of my phone. *Sigh*

 

[Demo24]

I've a note5 for work and that gets me through a work day (sometimes 2 if necessary) just fine. I'd expect the 7 to be fine from a battery standpoint. It charges so quickly I don't care that the battery isn't removable. I'm just happy they've finally figured out how to put in quality antennas, radios, and speakers.

Was thinking of getting this for my personal phone but not sure I will. Still excited to go and hold it in person, although I ecco someone else's desire for a more rugged version.

 

[citan x]

What did you expect in less than 6 months of development?

Seriously, Note people are expecting unicorn farts.

That is just the thing that is wrong. Samsung is so worried about releasing before the iphone, that they don't take the time to release a better product.

And, I was not asking for much, just a bigger battery and bigger screen. Is that really so much? I would have settled for a non-edge version.

 

[you2]

I'm thinking of going fromt eh note 4 to note 7 or edge 7. Does the battery last longer than the note 4; if so I can live non-removeable.
-
To be honest not sure there is much benefit for the upgrade (from note 4). Not sure if it will have better speakers, microphone or reception. Does it offer anything over the note 4 (other than sleek design and water resistance) ?

 

[dawheat]

That is just the thing that is wrong. Samsung is so worried about releasing before the iphone, that they don't take the time to release a better product.

And, I was not asking for much, just a bigger battery and bigger screen. Is that really so much? I would have settled for a non-edge version.

I actually think the S7 and Note 7 are signs of a smarter, more confident Samsung vs. the throw everything at it, spec chasing Samsung of old.

Their flagship mobile product cycles are now clearly 2 years, though they do continue to refine the external design. The Note 7 from a polish, symmetry, and in-hand feel perspective is the culmination of their last 2 years of glass/metal design.

Internals are shared across both flagship lines to save cost and minor upgrades (like S820 to S821) aren't a priority as only spec chasers would care and have no impact on experience.

Instead they seem to finally be adding the polish that the majority of people have wanted from Samsung - both from an hardware and software design. They took a big step with the S6 but really didn't get all the tiny details right until this year.

Believe me - I'm a bit of a spec chaser myself and a 5.9" Note 7 in the same size as the Note 5, S821/823, 6GB memory, etc would be my personal preference and actually push me to swap my S7 Edge for the Note 7, even though there'd be really no real life difference. I do think the vast majority of phone owners will appreciate the more compact width of the Note 7 while maintaining screen size and the top asks of Samsung from owners was not a bigger screen than 5.7".

 

[Oyeve]

I am gonna give my s7 edge to the gf and get the note 7. She's on an s4 and it's slow as hell. The note 7 is pretty much an s7 edge so I'm good.

 

[spacejamz]

looks like Sams club has decent pre-order deal (if you are a Sam's member)...

Gear fit 2 or 256GB card

and a $150 sams card if you activate in store (waive activation fee)...

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/pagede...803_1&rid=1122657206&lid=710344&oid=119429732

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

I might not switch from my note 5 simply because I don't know if I would like the edge display.

I mean really, what does it add?

 

[poofyhairguy]

I might not switch from my note 5 simply because I don't know if I would like the edge display.

I mean really, what does it add?

MicroSD slot.

 

[KentState]

MicroSD slot.

USB-C also. While not a huge deal, it means upgrading all cables and chargers since they seem to be a little more particular.

 

[Crono]

As always with the Note, I want the hardware but not the software.

This. I'd like one in Coral Blue, but with an unlocked (or unlockable, as some of the other manufacturers let you request unlock) bootloader.

 

[deputc26]

I might not switch from my note 5 simply because I don't know if I would like the edge display.

I mean really, what does it add?

Battery life, easier to hold, waterproof.

 

[Zaap]

I DESPISE shiny, slippery, glass and metal bodies on any phone.

Same, as far as glass. Super-dumb choice for the back of the device as it makes it slide off surfaces way too easily, harder to grip, another needless fingerprint magnet, and needlessly fragile to boot. For the Note it makes the device less useful to set on a flat surface and use the pen as it will slip around more. I like how I put my N4 down and the nice heft of it plus grippy back keep it firmly in place.

In a more practical age, I think glass backs will be looked on as laughable, but at present it's considered part of the "premium" fad, and so it goes.

If not a removable back, the Note should have at least a nice grippy texturized or 'rubberized' type back. Plenty of such materials ironically are not only more practical, but appear much more "premium" looking as well.

The ability to change out my Note 4's back as my needs dictate is another thing I find hard to give up.

I wish Samsung would find a way to release multiple versions of the same device. Same innards, but several different chassis types.


One version with removable back and battery- a Note Utlimate for those that want all the function back. Hell, I'd pay a premium for it. The version that's needlessly thin and made of fragilium-fingerprintium and waterproof for people that care about those things. The ruggedized version (which they do) and possibly edge/non-edge variants. Of course I won't hold my breath.

 

[isekii]

looks like Sams club has decent pre-order deal (if you are a Sam's member)...

Gear fit 2 or 256GB card

and a $150 sams card if you activate in store (waive activation fee)...

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/pagede...803_1&rid=1122657206&lid=710344&oid=119429732

Does this apply to upgrades too?

 

[luv2liv]

i think a lot of folks can live without retina scan.
looks like we've truly hit peak smartphones for realz.

 

[DefDC]

I'll reserve judgement on battery life. However, is it about time we start marking it into the NEGATIVE column when the phone gets any thinner. How many years now, have we said, we'd happily take a thicker phone with a larger battery. It's already awkward to hold these thin slippery phones.

Instead of letting us pick memory sizes, let us pick battery sizes. Let's see which one wins!

 

[Zaap]

Got to see the Note 7 live at Best Buy yesterday... all I can say is...

AWESOME.

The Note 7 in black is IMO the best looking phone available right now. Silver was no slouch either. They didn't have a blue one.

My quick first impressions- for me the edge screen is great on the note. Gives it a 3D pop that makes viewing (for me anyway) a pleasure. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I find it best of all possible worlds for the note.

The s-pen's responsiveness is the best yet. So close to the feel of a real pen. The difference is subtle, but it's there- the new finer point nib makes a world of difference- I don't feel so much the resistance/scrape of the glass.

Just messing around with it for about 10 minutes it felt silky smooth and responsive to me. Opening and closing apps much more lightning fast than my Note 4.

I'll never be a fan of the glass back, but the rest of the package is so stellar I can live with it. Can't wait to own one!

 

[Zaap]

hmmm... is there no way to edit a post with this new board? If so I couldn't find it.

Just wanted to add that when I was using the s-pen in the Note 7's curved screen, at no time did I find the curved screen a hinderance to using the pen (like it might slip uncomfortably off the curved edges or anything.

 

[KentState]

I cracked the screen on my Note 5 and not sure if I can live with it for another year. The 7 us nice, but for another $800 I want something dramatic. I like the new iPhone, but not sure about changing over.

 

[Zaap]

I guess 'dramatic' is in the eye of the beholder. The Note 5 certainly didn't wow me as much as the N7 does. In fact, my reaction the N5 when it came out was quite negative, given all its steps backward. I wouldn't say the N7 is 'dramatically' better in some never seen it before way, but it adds back in enough function (SD storage) and gives enough new stuff (better S-pen, edge scree, waterproofing, if you're into those ) that I'd say it's certainly a decent upgrade for anyone those things were important to.

 

[TridenT]

I thought the Note 7 basically addressed all the issues I had with the Note 5. However, it doesn't really have any particular wow-factor and the fact the internals are basically the exact same as the S7 is a con for me. I would've liked to see upgraded internals and a bigger battery.

We'll see what the reviews say. I like most of the things it has but for $850+... I mean, the iPhone 7 isn't far away... I'm gonna be watching for the iPhone 7 but people are saying the new iPhone won't be radically different. It's the iPhone 8 that will be.

 

[dawheat]

Got to see the Note 7 live at Best Buy yesterday... all I can say is...

AWESOME.

The Note 7 in black is IMO the best looking phone available right now. Silver was no slouch either. They didn't have a blue one.

My quick first impressions- for me the edge screen is great on the note. Gives it a 3D pop that makes viewing (for me anyway) a pleasure. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I find it best of all possible worlds for the note.

The s-pen's responsiveness is the best yet. So close to the feel of a real pen. The difference is subtle, but it's there- the new finer point nib makes a world of difference- I don't feel so much the resistance/scrape of the glass.

Just messing around with it for about 10 minutes it felt silky smooth and responsive to me. Opening and closing apps much more lightning fast than my Note 4.

I'll never be a fan of the glass back, but the rest of the package is so stellar I can live with it. Can't wait to own one!

Played around with it at BB as well and like you, found the black one to be the best looking. The dark metal frame looks even better than the silver frame on the S7 Edge. The in-hand feel is also noticeably better than the S7 Edge and it is very very well made. The smooth edges between both glasses and the frame are pretty impressive in build quality, whether you like glass or not.

That being said, I don't think I'll be switching from my S7 Edge - the battery is a little bit bigger and the cost isn't worth the similar internals. 64GB would be nice but with a mSD, I have no lack of storage. However if a good enough deal comes along that doesn't make me jump too many hoops, then I'll certainly be tempted.

It does feel like Samsung is focused on the S8/S8 Edge.

<edit> One other comment - the sharper edge is an improvement over the S7 Edge. More of the screen is flat, it actually is a little more comfortable, and it also seems to be better at palm rejection.

 

[GTRagnarok]

It's a mighty fine phone, but I realize now I'm not that excited about it because it wouldn't be an upgrade in the display for me as a Note 4 user. I think it would be nice if the Note series became 6" or so. It would better distinguish it from the S series if that's going to be available as ~5.5" from now on. It would provide more space for using the S pen. It would allow for a bigger battery. And with the curved edges now, it probably wouldn't even be any wider than the Note 3/4.