Samsung's Galaxy Note Edge is set to go on sale in the US later today. If you were looking to pick one up but were concerned about the durability of the device, fret not, as the South Korean manufacturer answered questions regarding the durability of the curved screen, unintended touches from the edge screen and more.
In a post on its official blog, Samsung mentioned that the metal frame that runs around the sides of the Galaxy Note Edge adds rigidity to the device.
What happens when someone drops it? Wouldn't the screen on the side break easily? Developers at Samsung were aware that people might be concerned that the curved display might crack easily. They say that they've done more than 1,000 drop tests, not to mention other vigorous durability tests that Samsung is widely recognized for. The Galaxy Note Edge actually undergoes more durability tests – tests designed to simulate the different angles it may fall because of the edge screen and how the edge screen changes the way the device is gripped.
The metal frame plays a significant role here too. It's pretty clear that the rigid metal helps make the frame stronger. Also, if you take the device, you can see that the metal frame pops out a bit from the screen, so that when the device is dropped, it impacts the metal frame first. Therefore, in terms of the device being dropped, it drops similar to the way regular smartphones are dropped; the display isn't the first impact point. Basically, the point is, the Galaxy Note Edge is quite durable.
The vendor also said that the edge screen is designed to distinguish the difference between a finger and a palm, which prevents accidental touches.
Since the Galaxy Note Edge has the touch screen display on the side, some people might wonder if it would accidentally activate other applications from the side. The designers and engineers certainly had this in mind. The touch sensor of the Edge screen can recognize the difference between finger and palm. The engineers also implemented a grip solution so that it can distinguish intentional gesture vs grip vs unintentional touch.
Although the Galaxy Note Edge features an asymmetrical design thanks to the edge screen on the right, Samsung mentioned that the device features a slight edge on the left side as well that improves balance. As for the efficacy of the curved display, the South Korean vendor stated that the launch of the Edge Screen SDK brings support for third-party apps that build on the functionality offered by the screen.
How many of you will be looking to pick up a Galaxy Note Edge once it goes up for sale? Be sure to check out our hands-on review of the device below:
Living in the UK? The device will be going up for pre-order today.
Source: Samsung
Reader comments
Samsung does not want you to worry about the durability of the Galaxy Note Edge
Lies. .. ! Mine its broken. ..two times Samsung for me its over
Agreed This was the most expensive phone I've ever bought and within 4 months it was the only phone I've ever had with a cracked screen. Very disappointed!
Yea the screen sucks after the third day I bought the phone it cracked but I didn't drop it. It tapped a wall as I was walking and when I went to look at it.... Cracked I was pissed
I have had my note edge about a week and half and it fell about 32 inches and my screen is cracked . My insurance has a deductible of 199.00 dollars . It's such a shame to have to give them so much money for something that they say is very durable. I'm not sure what kind of test where done but it must be test dropped onto rubber mat or dropped onto someone's bed or something cushioned. I'm very disappointed with this.
I drop mine one time and it broke
i just dropped my note edge for the first time and the screen is ruined. It is dangerous to even touch now. It landed near the top on the edge. That part cracked the most. unintended touches from the edge screen were one of the most annoying parts of this phone actually. it never prevents accidental touches either. when checking voicemail my screen doesnt go black so the side of my face somehow presses multiple "buttons"
I am not sure if all the new samsung phones have the speaker on back but i know the note 3 didnt. maybe i'm one of the only people that frequently use speakerphone and listens to music using the phone's speaker but a speaker on back blocks out the sound while multitasking. i can go on and on about my dislike for this device. I really wish I had the s5 or s6 instead.
My adult son bought a SS Note 4 Edge. Within 5 days the screen cracked in his large front jean pocket. It had a case and screen protector on it and had never been dropped. Samsung customer service says it is "friction and pressure" from being in the pocket. and is not covered under warranty. Of course they do not consider this as a manufacturer defect. I asked the Repair technician on the phone where are men suppose to carry their phones? He said they do not recommend they carry a phone that size in their pockets. Basically you don't have to drop phone to crack the screen. Men will either have to have a holster that big phone on their pants and chance it falling ...or carry a man bag or something. I have multiple Samsung products from refrigerator down to multiple tablets etc. This may be naive, but no matter how good a product any company may have, If you aren't going to back your product, you've lost my business.
I have had the Note edge for 2 weeks. Bought a rugged case for it. I dropped it from hip level to the ground and now the edge is cracked. Drop it with the case on it never even hit the glass and now its broke a thousand dollar phone broke so not happy
Now grab the Note Edge for a discounted price at Bestandroidphonedealscom
I'm going to cut through all this back and forth.
I've held both extensively at BestBuy.. you WILL accidentally activate the side bar.
The unit feels out of balance in your hand.. Sammy incorrect on this one.
Buy the Note 4.. it's screen is bigger and looks better.. and it's the best phone on the planet.. period.
I own the Note 4 Standard Addition..
And I love it.
Maybe your hands are too small for this device. I WILL NOT accidentally activate the side dock.
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Agreed fully and same, love my normal note 4
Mine shipped today!
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If they believe in the screen so much but they should warranty it from cracks and drops. Otherwise their words mean nothing
Posted via the Android Central App
It labeled that post under the wrong name I only have one account and that's not it
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Because glass breaks.
Posted via the Android Central App
Yes, if they claim it to be that resistant, and prove us wrong. If the impact point is on the curve, cover it for 1 year.
After one year if no accidental edges are cracked on the curve, I'll send everyone that argued against my point an apology and a "You're right, I'm wrong" message!
Life experiences = people being experts! ! Got it Rofdlmao
Alright "Officer" want to tell me where I said experts.. I'll wait.
Your very close minded. Life experiences allow us to make educated guesses my life experiences, as I can see vastly exceed your closes mind, tell me that phone will be more prone to breaking than others..
Come on, go on eBay and search <phone brand> broken screen, and you'll see a ton of them, now if flat recessed screens break that often, how do you think exposed curved glass will fair... Life experience.
educated guesses have to be based on something. What are you basing your guess on besides your gut telling you that the curve is more likely to break? Tell us.
Pretty much everything. Is it really that hard to fathom.. Is it really that far beyond your ability to see that the curve will protrude and it in in fact a point that has a huge chance of direct impact.. Really??
Since the article clearly states it has a raised edge and curves distrbute forces better yes it us hard to fathom it being significantly more damaged prone.
Ok. I guess we wait and see
Look up the Knights Templar - specifically their fortresses and why they were stronger than other designs of the day.
I'm not doubting that the dome is strong.. But the edge is not a dome, it's at best a shallow arc.
It continues to blow my mind how people question other who say it will break easy..
Yeah it's going to be more prone to cracking.. If you can't see that you need to spend more time learning physics.
Just because no one has used this device doesn't mean we can't form an educated assessment based of previous life experiences.. Fact 1 glass cracks
Fact 2 the curved portion at a range of angles will come in contact with a surface before any other part of the device will.
Fact 3 oem tests are always made under perfect lab conditions, anyone see a pile or gravel or a slab of uneven concrete in those lab tests like we have in our real world?
I've never drove a nail into my hand with hammer, but I know it will hurt. How do I know this? LIFE EXPERIENCE!!
Same applies here kids.
And because we know driving a nail into our hands will hurt, we avoid it.
I'm not going to start tossing around my phone because Samsung says it's durable. All they're saying is that the phone isn't that much more prone to breaking than other phones.
The only issue with the Edge is "How the hell do you replace the screen?"
Posted from the amazing whatever device I can afford because I'm a broke college kid.
Right and based on their guided perfect lab tests, they are probably right.. Based on how the real world is, it's more prone.
Like I said to officer below, eBay search any phone and broken screen and you will find a lot, now think, flat screens break that much, how will the curved edge fair?
Actually, a curved surface is more durable than a flat one, which is why the Templars built their strongholds like towers, instead of square, flat walls. So, the curved edge should *fare* well.
See, I have in fact put a screw through my hand. It doesn't tickle, but it really doesn't hurt that bad, so see, you can't know everything from "life experiences".
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Lol would you do it again?
No, you learned something through an experience you gained in day to day life..
Geese guys, is it really that foreign a concept..
Let's try another driving a car into a brick wall at 100mph.. Good idea? I'm sure we have all seen car wrecks and death to know that it's not a good idea, just because you didn't do it, doesn't mean you gained experience from other forms to make an educated guess.
But who am I to change your minds. Do what you like and have fun doing it.
My point is, you don't know somethings until you know it. We won't know about the screen until we know. What if they used thicker glass? What if the tech that let's it bend makes it more resilient?
Posted via the Android Central App
Right and what I'm saying is we know enough to make educated guesses as to how it will perform.
You're right, they may have a new glass.. Hell it might even be a plastic.. But that's another whole list of problems.
Except we have no life experience that the edge will cause it to break more or less than any other phone.
People have experienced a nail in the head so that we know hurts.
Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
Alright I am seeing the disconnect..
We can gain experience without experiencing something.. I'm referring wisdom and knowledge.
I guess if you take the stance that only things you've physically experience can add to your life experience then yes, we haven't experienced a curved display, but you have to admit you have enough experience to take an educated guess as to how durable this thing is.
Educated guesses have their place, but they are not always reliable (hence the term, "guess"), especially if you are guessing at something that turns out to be somewhat counterintuitive. Physics always finds a way to confuse those who would guess. Case in point: place two hanging objects in close proximity and cause air to flow between them, and they will generally move apart. Do this with two hanging spheres, and they move toward each other instead.
Yes, but an educated guess is seldom incorrect, it requires an understanding in all the variables and a knowledge of how they will interest with the world.. My educated guess is the device will suffer more screen damage due to falls than any other device.
My guess.
But we do not know the variables. We know one which is the breaking point of a piece of glass. This is something that I am sure the engineering department at corning/Samsung knows all too well. What we do not know is the steps that the two of them took to reinforce that glass or the way it is put together to make it less likely to break in relation to that stress point.
We do not have the information to make anything more than a guess
Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
Right, that's why it's still only a guess.. A good guess, an educated one, but still a guess
It cannot be an educated one. You cannot factor in all the variables.
It is nothing but a pull it out of your butt guess.
Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
Lol educated guess means I'm guessing based on what known info I have, not making a scientific claim here.. How old are you... You better learn the difference between the two before you make it out into the real world...
You are missing the build and tolerance variables. Without those there is no educated guess.
Not being accurate here in my example but you have two glass windows. They look identical. You throw a rock at one and it easily shatters. You can make a guess that the other one will do the same. You throw the rock. The other is safety glass and does not shatter.
You guess was wrong because just because they look the same (both glass) the construction was the difference. Same principle.
Your pulling it out of you butt until you have all the facts. All of them. Then you could make an educated guess. You do not have those.
Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
No you made an educated guess based on what you learned from the first window. If you had no prior knowledge about glass or rocks you would be making a non educated guess. If you have all the facts then it's no longer a guess, you know the outcome.
I know how aluminum behaves, I know about glasses tolerances, I know about impact forces and load distribution, I know about chaos theory and guided lad tests, I have enough knowledge to confidently make an educated guess as to how resilient the note edge will be to drops and impacts. They do not have any new special impact proof glass, in fact curving the glass will have weakened it, it might have a shatter proof coating, but that won't stop it from cracking. Some of the harder glasses to break undergo a process called heat soaking, then strength they gain is directly related to their thickness, thicker stronger (think glass railings). The glass thickness on any phone is way to thin, 1-2mm at most, to see any benefit of heat soaking. That leaves coating and lamination, both do nothing to protect against impacts.
My claim that the note edge is more prone to impacts is also educated. Take a note 4 it had a large screen area, it has a huge chance of screen damage, but it only has one face that is vulnerable, the note edge now has 2 and a 90* range between them on the right side. That increases its chances significantly.
So you see highly educated accurate guess bordering on scientific conclusion. That's how the process works guys, this is the same process as almost all scientific thesis papers..
Now we wait for the experiment and the final variables to make the hard conclusion.. Should not be long for a drop test.
I would suggest that if you knew much about physics you would know you don't have enough information to make that more prone to cracking claim.
Fact 1 -no shit, and all phones have glass. You have no evidence besides your gut that this glass is weaker in any respect.
Fact 2 - that is not true - the metal frame sticks up to prevent that - you could drop it on a corner i suppose, but again you can do that with all phones.
Fact 3 - it is not in any OEM's interest to lie, and have to replace/recall multitudes of broken phones.
What does driving a nail into your flesh hurting have to do with this? You have a multitude of LIFE EXPERIENCE with this phone somehow?! I doubt the developers would even claim they have that.
Fact 1: glass has a very specific breaking point, it does change if it is heat soaked and tempered, but since the glass here is very thin, that factor plays little to know effect on the outcome.
Fact 2: radius, look at the note edge, now look at a rock, you tell me when the metal edge will contact the rock, let's say a 3" diameter, before the glass.. My math can't find one..
Fact 3: lol right, they all skew results to their best interest, they are not lying, they just do do all the tests.. Really.
Really the experience thing confuses you.. Experience is gained from watching and experiencing.. The statement I made reflects the notion that YOU DONT NEED TO HAVE DONE SOME THING TO KNOW THE RESULT!
There is a sample of how they test in an article here on ac.
It is really world, pillows not included
Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
Did they use uneven pavement, rocks, sidewalk curbs, rolling chair base,? you know, the stuff we walk around and trip over everyday.
Some of us don't drop our phones often, and have you considered that most phones break on the objects your talking about?
Posted from the amazing whatever device I can afford because I'm a broke college kid.
Yes, they do, what I'm saying is the chance the note edge screen has off breaking is even higher then the note 4 because of the edge screen.. That's all. Saying it's a drop proof as the note 4 is just ridiculous.
You have no evidence of the opposite.
Only skill and education. But you are right I'd have to drop one to say without a doubt.. But I'm sitting at 99% certain on the screen being easy to break.
And yeah, we all know a dome requires a higher force to damage it, but I'm talking about unprotected edge Vs protected. Dropped on the right side onto a sidewalk, the note edge will suffer a destroyed screen more often then the note 4, point of contact on the edge is 1/16" frame and the screen, point of contact on the note 4 is the 3/16" aluminum frame.
we will have to see. Forgive the world for not trusting your gut.
Drop a flat phone on a rock how is that different? Besides LESS distribution of force that is.
You have no life experience with this phone oor anything that resembles this phone's curved edge, weight, etc so stop claiming you do.
The edge has that much more screen to come in contact with..
Experience.. OK note 4 same weight using it now, curved glass any drinking glass, eye glasses.. Durability of aluminum at small thicknesses I own a machine shop... Anything else?
give it a rest dude.
yes, in this case, you do...
Umm...you undermined your own argument with contradiction. If you've never driven a nail into your hand, you can't know it will hurt through "life experience", because you haven't experienced it.
Why does everyone think you need to have experienced something to have experience with it.. It's associative. You can gain experience through observation, the whole university system is based on this principle. Do you really think all structural engineers build building while on school?
you know when this will be settled, when the phones come out and you actually get some real world experience with it. Otherwise you're basing this on eye glasses and aluminum cans? Seriously?
You got eye glasses and aluminum cans = note edge as my argument..
I'm done, this is pointless.
I was thinking about leaving Verizon to get one on AT&T. If I have to wait more than I week I may just leave. I know, I'm so impatient.
I got to play with one last week at the AT&T store here, and I have to say that it is a very nice phone and the curved edge is pretty slick. Having the dock off to the edge like it does opens up the screen a lot.
The only thing that worries me about it is getting a quality screen protector and case on it.... otherwise it is a beautiful phone that I wouldn't mind owning at some point.
Posted via Android Central App on my HTC M8
I thought when AC did their first hands on and other sites I have read said the Note 4 had the metal frame but the Note Edge was still plastic? So did I miss something? Thought maybe they were talking about a metal frame inside the phone, but then it did the metal frame extends above the screen. I'm confused.
Posted via Android Central App
I recall a statement like that as well.
posted from an undisclosed device
AC stated it wrong on the video. It is aluminum metal frame coated with magnesium.
No AC was wrong about the Edge having a plastic frame. I went to the launch event and saw the Note 4 and the Note Edge in person and I was confused when AC kept saying the Edge had a plastic frame. I was thinking "I just held this thing in my hands the other day. I know that was metal" Glad that Samsung let me know that I was not crazy,... well at least about the frame of the phone anyway.
Thanks guys, thought I was losing my mind haha.
Posted via Android Central App
Given that the Note 4 is supposedly on unending backorder at T-Mobile, when I can get the money for the off-contact price, maybe. Have a feeling this'll possibly not sell as well as the regular Note, so stock might actually be available.
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I just bought one from TMO yesterday, the stores are getting stock before online orders are filled. Just call different ones in your area....
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Have you had a chance to play with it?
Posted on my Sexy Note 4
I guess you were lucky. I called 6 TMO stores in my area. None of them had stock, knew what store might have stock, in fact: seemed surprised that someone was asking. I ended up ordering it online. Hopefully I don't have to wait a month or so for them to get to online orders...
Way too expensive and has a virus called Touchwiz on it.
I'll stick with my oneplus one
Posted via Android Central App on 1+1
LOL! I will stay with HTC thanks. Your comment about touchwiz made my day, thx.
HTC One Remix
Touchwiz isn't that bad. That being said, I wouldn't go with a Edge. If someone was picking between the Edge and Note 4 I would tell them to go with a Note 4.
Exactly I love Touchwiz. Plain Android is not visually appealing by any means. Sure it's "slimmer" but it's also ugly as well.
Yeah it's amazing how lame Android is by itself. Thank goodness we have Samsung so they can make our phones better.
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They can say whatever they want. That side screen is going to crack very easily.
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Can you please show your exhaustive stress tests? I would be interested in comparing the data
Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
NoNexus...long time no battle from..lol. It amazes me how people "know" all these things about a device that they don't own. Cracks me up.
aijphoney users usually are like that...
... ( 0ppo F5) ...
How ya been?
Nah no battle just calling BS where I see it.
Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
lol right? It's just so damned obvious to some guy who's never seen or held one.
Does he have to hold it? If you drop it on that curved, exposed side of the screen which would normally be Samsung's plastic, will it not crack??? That side of the screen would normally just hold a power button, but with that glass on the side, it IS a vulnerability. We all make a lot of sarcastic comments, but I couldn't be more serious, if I ran Samsung Mobile as of right now, I would fire the brain responsible for this phone before I was even shown my office.
Posted via...The One
I also find myself wondering what type of screen protector could someone put on that. And a 1000 drops doesn't seem like a lot for a stress test
Posted via...The One
How many times do you drop yours?
Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
Honestly, up until this point with any smartphone since 2010, I've dropped and broken one phone, my carbon galaxy s2 (but that was DEFINITELY my fault!!! I also don't get into car accidents, I've never broken a bone in my body either. Doesn't mean it won't happen.
Posted via...The One
Mine cracked from 2 feet
How do you know? just curious...
Yup.
I am Aquaman!
I wonder what expertise htc guy has in this area
Posted via Android Central App
I just dropped mine today from just above waist height screen side down on rough road pavement. nothing cracked although there was slight damage to the pretty metal band on all 4 corners. Not happy with the new dings. If I had a case like the Elecom clear plastic ones that just cover the corners and back I don't believe there would have been any damage. Unlike all the broken screens I see on iPhone 5. I used my dremel tool to buff out some of the dings and it doesnt look too bad. I do now see how the metal band is slightly raised nit just the soft decorative silver metal band but under that.
Ok an update. This is the third drop and the glass is cracked. I believe once the metal frame has been compromised the glass is vulnerable. I bet Samsungs drop tests did not involve on pavement.
I got Galaxy Edge on 11/16/2014... On 1/24/2015 it slipped from my hand and landed right on the curve side of it... I am not a tall guy, 5'9'', so the phone fell from about 3 feet or less. The screen along the curved side has shattered completely from top to bottom, but the flat part of it is fine. I paid 947 with tax and not it looks like a truck ran over the curved side. On top of that, 2 days ago it just quit charging... I called T-mobile and asked them to repair the problem with the phone not being able to charge. I said forget about the screen just make it charge again. They told me to go buy a new phone lol... It;'s a crappy phone, there is nothing special about it. No screen protectors, no cases, and it costs almost a G! I definitely would not recommend it.
Wrong picture?
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Ehh....
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It's on the sprint.com homepage right now.
$429.99 On Sprints website