Update 8/2/2016: the Galaxy Note has now launched and we have published our complete Galaxy Note 7 Review and updated our Galaxy Note 7 Specs, which will be updated several times in the next few weeks.
The content below is a round up of all the information and rumors that we had before the official reveal, and we will keep the content as an archive. For the latest information, please visit the links above.
Unlike Apple and other Android OEMs, Samsung tends to release two flagship phones a year. We have the Galaxy S series in the early part of the year, followed by the Galaxy Note series in the later part of the year, with the latter series of handsets sporting newer harder, but we suppose one of the main differences would be the support for stylus input via the S Pen.
That being said, we expect that Samsung will introduce a new Galaxy Note this year, which for some reason will be called the Galaxy Note 7 instead of the Galaxy Note 6. Rumors predict the launch in August and not at IFA, unlike the previous years, and this is what we know so far about it.
We know that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be launched in New York On the morning of August 2 2016. Make sure to check Ubergizmo’s coverage to learn everything you need about the Note 7.
Design
Samsung has never really deviated too far from the designs of their Galaxy Note handsets, with each version feeling more like an improved version of the previous design rather than a radical change, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the Galaxy Note’s designs so far have been pretty decent.
We expect that this year shouldn’t be particularly different either. However based on the design of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, there could be some slight changes, like a slightly curved back that will allow users to hold the phone more snugly in their hand, but other than that we haven’t really heard any rumblings of a radical overhaul.
Screen Size
Last year’s Galaxy Note 5 featured a 5.7-inch display, and this year we are hearing the rumors that the Galaxy Note 7 could pack a slightly larger display at 5.8-inches. We’re not sure if the 0.1-inch will be very noticeable, but if a larger display is what you’re after then this might be it. Unlike previous years, it seems that Samsung may only introduce on variant of the Galaxy Note this year, and unsurprisingly given the positive feedback they have gotten for their curved displays, this year’s Galaxy Note 7 is said to come in only a curved screen variant.
Hardware
While Samsung has turned to the use of Exynos chipsets in their Galaxy S series, the Note series has typically relied on Qualcomm’s chipsets, and the Galaxy Note 7 is also rumored to feature a Snapdragon 823 chipset, although at this time a Snapdragon 821 seems more likely.
The chipset has yet to be officially announced and as it stands, the Snapdragon 820 is Qualcomm’s most powerful chipset to date, however recent benchmarks have shown that the phone may not sport the rumored Snapdragon 823, instead relying on the Snapdragon 820.
There have also been benchmarks which reveal an Exynos 8893 chipset, and given how Samsung has in the past released phones with either chipset depending on the market, this isn’t really that surprising.
In the RAM department, 3-4GB of RAM seems to be standard for flagships these days, but if the rumors are correct, the Galaxy Note 6 could be taking things to the next level by packing as much as 6GB of RAM, but benchmarks have only revealed 4GB so far.
Granted most of us probably wouldn’t need that much RAM, but we suppose it’s more of a technological feat than anything.
Camera
While Samsung’s Galaxy S cameras have always been the highlight of the phone, the Galaxy Note cameras are no slouches either. The rumors are saying we might be looking at 13MP cameras with optical image stabilization, but no word on the front-facing shooter yet, but benchmarks have pegged it at 5MP, but we suppose we won’t have to look beyond the Galaxy S7 to get an idea of what we might be able to expect.
Other Features
With the Galaxy S7 being water-resistant, it looks like Samsung will be bringing similar protection to the Galaxy Note 7. Rumors from a few months ago hinted that the phone could be IP68 certified (learn more about IP ratings). There are also rumors that the Galaxy Note 6 could be the first Samsung smartphone to adopt the USB-C standard.
So far there aren’t many OEMs who are adopting the standard, but given that USB-C is the way of the future we suppose the ball would eventually get rolling. Most OEMs are telling us that 2017 will be when nearly everyone switches.
The S Pen is one of the Galaxy Note’s highlights and the latest rumors have indicated that we could be looking at redesigned stylus. It is said that the clickable button has been moved, and that S Pen functions and features on the phone have also been changed and improved for the better, like improved Bluetooth LE connectivity for longer use and better accuracy/lag.
Conclusion
Take all of this information with a grain of salt. They are based on rumors, speculation, and also logical deduction based on Samsung’s history of releasing smartphones, and also based on industry trends. Samsung will most likely be announcing the device later this year around September which is when IFA will be taking place, so check back with us then for the official details.
Filed in . Read more about Android, Galaxy Note 7 and Samsung.
