The range Galaxy Note has always reigned virtually unchallenged in the segment of phablettes. While some manufacturers were offering almost equivalent experiments with finest materials (HTC One Max, Xperia Z Ultra, etc.), the supply of Samsung, then represented by the Note 3, held out his role as leader. But this year, while Sony and HTC have not shown any inclination to pick up the Note 4, another competitor has decided. And not just any Apple
With the iPhone 6 Plus, and despite a severe smear campaign following the Bendgate, the Cupertino company is able to create a surprise, particularly at the commercial level, while his Phablet is clearly overpriced. Will he have sufficient to shake the Korean giant? Why not? For even if the Galaxy Note 4 on account of many qualities, consumers attracted to 5 inches above screens will no longer have to turn to Android. They have a choice. A choice that is not always favorable to Samsung, referring to Korean catastrophic results.
A fact sheet almost flawless
However, Samsung does is the leader in large-screen smartphones for nothing. For the Galaxy Note is not just a Phablet. It is a complete experience with a powerful smartphone, a mischievous touch pen and just dress TouchWiz Android interface. We will return to each of these elements. Let’s start with the technical platform:
- Screen Super AMOLED QHD 5.7 inches with a resolution of 515 pixels per inch
- Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- 805 Snapdragon Chipset Qualcomm Krait composed of 4 cores clocked at 2.7 GHZ 450 and Adreno 420 GPU with a 600 MHz
- 3 GB of RAM
- 32 GB of internal storage expandable with microSD
- 3220 mAh removable battery
- Main camera 16 megapixel camera with image stabilization and optical aperture of f / 2.4
- Webcam 3.7 megapixel front with optical wide-angle (90 °) aperture of f / 1.9
- Compatible LTE Category 6 ac MIMO WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, infrared, GPS
- barometer, accelerometer, digital compass, fingerprint reader, heart rate, UV sensor
- S-Pen stylus 15 grams with 2,048 levels of pressure
- Android 4.4.4 with TouchWiz overlay
- Thickness: 8.5 mm
- Weight: 176 grams
In this specification, we obviously do not have much to say. Without excess play a 41 megapixel sensor, choosing to offer a memory card slot to avoid increasing the internal memory, Samsung makes smart choices here. Expected, even. Of course, fussy always find fault with the webcam a little stingy, especially for lovers of selfies. Maisl again, less excess does not hurt, especially on a range rather accustomed Galaxy Note to exaggeration and exuberance.
A large Alpha Galaxy
Taking a few naturally acquired Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Note 4 is physically comparable to Alpha Galaxy would have grown a lot. The distribution of the elements on the front panel, the rear seat or parts is almost identical, two minor differences, both at the rear of the handset. First the speaker back in the bottom left corner, not on the bottom edge. Then, the training and flash are on the side of the camera sensor. On the latter point, the Galaxy Note 4 recalls the many Galaxy Note 3 (not the first, because the speaker was also on the edge …)
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This is also not the only thing in common that this new Phablet shares with its predecessor, we naturally find the fingerprint reader finger under the bottom of the screen and the “home” button, S-Pen in a housing at the lower end, and this coating faux leather (here ribbed rather than smooth) which characterizes the range Note. The hull is obviously removable to access the SIM and microSD removable battery port. Note that, unlike the Galaxy S5, the Note 4 does not provide waterproof shell. He managed probably survive a few splashes, but certainly not a small bath (admittedly we have not tried it …).
You will notice however the disappearance of the microUSB port 3.0 Galaxy Note 3 Round the Galaxy and Galaxy S5. An interface that is not unanimous among users and a component more expensive to buy. However, it seems a shame, because the charging time is shorter USB 3.0 (which is not trivial on a battery of 3220 mAh) and the best transfer rate widely. In addition, microUSB 3.0 is backward compatible with microUSB 2.0. We see here that will save some money.
Beautiful slices Metal
Last notable feature of the new Note 4: the slices. We loved those Galaxy Alpha superbly designed and built to the whole smartphone. We regret that even the same kind of material was not brought to the entire chassis. Here we have the same feeling. The metal brackets are superb.
The bevel cutting angles provides a nice grip. The matte finish on the straight portions and brilliant on round parts, offers a modern look and premium at all. Finally, we appreciate that the metal brackets come protect the touchscreen and that does not exceed the frame. The Note 4 is finished, even if there actually was a small clearance between the slices and the screen (what to get a post-it).
However, this does not hinder the grip of the smartphone. Solid course, but not as much as the size of the screen might suggest, the Galaxy Note 4 fits comfortably in hand. The button layout is typical of a Phablet for one-handed operation. Access to the stylus is optimized for right-handed (being left-handed, I would like the mobile right hand to write with the right hand and the rounded thumb is obstructing access to the stylus which is only accessible if I change the grip).
A qHD screen that is the look
The screen is obviously one of the strengths of this smartphone. Very large. Very bright. Very detailed thanks to the more than 500 pixels per inch resolution (380 pixels per inch against for a Full HD panel of the same size). And more respectful of colorimetry since the new version of the AMOLED technology, while maintaining contrast ratios that characterize it.
Note 4 is therefore based on a beautiful touchscreen for viewing angles very open for maximum visibility. And, of course, it reacts well to stress. The protective glass Corning is always nice and glides under your fingers. Fluidity which obviously also felt through the power system. But we will.
The same overlay as the Alpha Galaxy, S-Pen and more
Because it’s time to explore the operating system and software provided by Samsung. The rating is based on 4 KitKat Android 4.4.4, dressed as always TouchWiz. And more precisely the same version as we discovered with the Galaxy Alpha. Widgets are the same (but adapted to more than an inch diagonal screen) and graphics architecture.
We also find, by chance, the Samsung after the first page of menu and more Google applications on the second page. That’s fair game. Still operated by Flipboard, UX Magazine, which is on the left panel of the Home screen has changed slightly, but overall still very close.
Ecran Home, multi-task and UX Magazine
Two points are worth noting in the TouchWiz interface Note 4. First, by making a long press on the back button, you access the menu of multi-window applications. And their number is quite impressive. Then, if you remove the S-Pen of its location, the Galaxy Note will automatically detect it and will notify you. It automatically trigger Air Command (default, but you can ask to open Action Memo) to access specific functions of S-Pen (Action Memo Capture, Image Clip Selection and Intelligent.)
Accès the multi-window function
Also note that widget provides access to Action Memo. The stylus to wake up the smartphone when removed from its location, which is not the case if it is already out. However, it is possible to access Action Memo from the lock screen. Practice.
Air Command, Action Memo on screen lockfile, and S-Note
Full applications … and trade links
side applications, it is still rich even if Samsung has a tendency now to let the user go on the market Galaxy Apps, its application store house. Two widgets invite it to enjoy a selection of essential (all free) and exclusive promotions. We must find other sources of growth when margins are reduced … Samsung obviously do not hesitate to overload the system applications. Could not all present.
the purposes of this test, we preferred to focus on related S-Pen applications. For his pen, the manufacturer offers S-Note, a note-taking tool handy (visual above), Scrapbook, which includes several types of media to make collages, Pen.Up (below), an impressive community of artists who post work done with S-Pen. Also note the rather legitimate Evernote presence alongside WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Dropbox (a few GB of storage offered with the Note 4).
Météo, Smart Remote and Pen.UP
Performance fly high
The assembly rotates so well. For 805 Snapdragon, even the wrapper which dresses Android is not a problem. I must say, the power of this chipset is not proven. Naturally, we made some technical tests for purposes of comparison with other platforms tested in our columns
Note 4 reached the score of 47964 points AnTuTu, slightly below the iPhone 6 (in A8), but slightly above the Galaxy Alpha (under 7 Exynos Octa) and OnePlus One (Snapdragon 801). He beat a little more Xperia Z3 and more G3 LG. 3DMark side, again a great score since the smartphone more than 20 000 points, which is pretty rare. The OnePlus neared 20,000 points without exceeding the symbolic.
Perfect for playing and watching movies (almost)
Such a power under the hood, we have not even tried to start Dead Trigger 2 in its default configuration. We have directly enabled the most demanding configuration. We have obviously not been disappointed: all effects, all structures and all the details were well in the game It is with such a screen, very large and well-defined that we see all the flaws of this game.. not only has the advantages of having a big screen very well defined …
On the video side, we are in the presence of the same media player on the Galaxy Alpha. This means that there is good and bad news. The good news is that the media player is capable of playing all formats of video files, MP4 to MKV, 720p or 1080p. It would even be able to read 4K if you had (in realizing shots Ultra HD for instance, since the Note 4 is compatible). This player is also able to decode subtitles encapsulated in MKV. Very good news.
The bad, however, it is obviously some audio codecs that are not supported. If the MP3 is a mandatory format AC3, which is nevertheless quite common is not so. Beware also of fingers lying on the back of the device and could clog the speaker.
Finally an optical stabilizer for the photo
Finally , picture side, we are faced with a device that is made for mobility, but not necessarily to produce works of art. The 16 megapixel sensor produces pictures a little dull, but still bright and crisp with an optical stabilizer. For the occasion, we took the photo below in conditions of relatively low light, late afternoon. The sensor has immediately increased the sensitivity, which tends to blur the image if the user moves a little bit. And then, nothing. In the evening, the optical stabilizer suffers greatly because the camera does not seem to capture enough light to quickly realize his shot. The picture is sharp, but with the grain.
Photo taken with the Galaxy Note 4
The photo application is heavily automatic modes. The intelligent auto mode adapts naturally to the scene (night, landscape, portrait, macro), allowing you access to some settings (picture quality, HDR, flash mode). There are some interesting patterns preinstalled and others to download. All of these modes, closer to those proposed by the camera application Sony Xperia are good ideas, but their uses are limited so they become accessories or gadget.
A very good … for a smartphone Samsung?
In conclusion, the Galaxy Note 4 Samsung is a very good smartphone. And if we remove all elements that are related to everyone’s taste (interface design, materials), the Note 4 is clearly one of the best phablettes. On pure performance, it is above the fray with a powerful 805 Snapdragon and a generous battery.
There will always be detractors for support where it hurts. Of course Samsung TouchWiz greatly increases the experience with all the preinstalled applications and impossible to remove (this may change soon). Of course, TouchWiz interface is a mess that multiplies the marketing and commercial widgets shortcuts. Of course the plastic shell, although the imitation leather is damn good, is unworthy of a smartphone sold today at a higher price to 700 euros. Note 4 but as Alpha, a few months earlier shows from the Korean giant signs of obvious changes … but not may be sufficient.
OnePlus One left, Galaxy Note 4 to the right
The King reigns there still time? Not so sure …
Because the competition is fierce. Starting with the iPhone 6 Plus we had the opportunity to try during the test version of the classic. And it is clear that Apple hits hard with this first Phablet. But this is not the only opponent. In China, cheaper and also efficient models attract attention. Compared to OnePlus One, Note 4 reveals a slightly better construction, higher screen size ratio, higher resolution, plus S-Pen which brings a new dimension to certain uses.
But this Is it worth the extra cost? 64 GB version, the One is sold 299 euros. In 32 GB, the proposed Note 4 to 749 euros on the official website of Samsung. You might even buy two One and headphones JBL premium instead of a Note 4. A comparison that we could do the same for the iPhone. But it emerges so strong that the price issue will not arise. We must therefore believe that Samsung no longer able to generate as much charm.
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