Samsung Galaxy Note 4 rumor round-up: specs, features, price, release date, and all so far

Image above is of a Samsung Galaxy Note 3

It has been about two and a half years since the very first Samsung Galaxy Note came out and single-handedly defined the phablet category. Since then, we've witnessed the launch of two highly-acclaimed successors, the Galaxy Note II and the Galaxy Note 3, and the attempts on Samsung competitors' side to deliver a worthy alternative appear to have had little impact on the momentum that Galaxy Note handsets have built up. In fact, we're only weeks away from greeting the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, which is shaping up as a beast of a smartphone. How do we know? Well, Samsung's J.K. Shin already hinted that a new Galaxy Note phone is in the works. He did not elaborate on the matter, of course, but hey, that's what we have the rumor mill for! So here's what is known about the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 so far, based on all the recent leaks and rumors.

Design

Will the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 adopt the S5's perforated design?

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (rumored model SM-N910) will be a relatively large smartphone, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. What exactly it is going to look like, however, is far from clear at this point in time as no real-world photos or renders have been leaked yet. Still, we can assume that size-wise, it will come really close to the current Galaxy Note 3 model since the screen size is expected to stay at 5.7 inches. Also, it seems safe to expect for the Galaxy Note 4 to be a plastic-made phone with a perforated design à laSamsung Galaxy S5, although rumors have yet to deny or confirm these design characteristics. What rumors do hint at, on the other hand, is that Electric Blue and Copper Gold versions of the phablet are incoming.

UPDATE: It is rumored that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 may use metal elements in its outer construction. This bit of information was recently provided by Korean media. It is also believed that the phablet could be made thinner thanks to a new technology replacing the touchscreen digitizer with ultrasound sensors. The latter, however, seems rather unlikely to happen.

Resistance to the elements is said to be in the cards for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. To be more specific, the smartphone is expected to be protected against dust and water damage. This one should be taken with a grain of salt, however, as it comes from a source that claimed the same for the LG G3. Yet on the other hand, since the Galaxy S5 has an IP67 rating, it won't be surprising to see a liquid-resistant Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

A fingerprint sensor is likely to come embedded in the Note 4's home button

Several new sensors are expected to make an appearance on the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Rumor has it that the phone will sport a fingerprint scanner, presumably embedded in the home key, and a heart-rate monitor, just like the Galaxy S5. The use for these should be self-explanatory. In addition,Samsung might add a sensor detecting ultra-violet radiation. This could allow for better automatic brightness adjustments and could help to warn you if you are at risk for a sun burn when you're outside.

Of course, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will come with an S Pen resting in its dedicated slot. It is believed that the S Pen will come in an improved form, but what kind of improvements these might be is not yet known.

Display

A Samsung patent visualizing a 'wraparound' curved display

One of the more peculiar rumors out there states that we should be expecting multiple Samsung Galaxy Note 4 variants – one with a typical, flat display, and another with a curved display. Actually, this one is not too hard to believe given that last year's Samsung Galaxy Round was basically a Galaxy Note 3 with a curved AMOLED touchscreen and without an S Pen. What's worth pointing out, however, is that the "curved" Galaxy Note 4 may have a Samsung-made YOUM screen that would extend around the edges in a "wraparound" fashion. The practical benefits of this design feature are anyone's guess at this time. If this curved Note 4 variant does turn out to be real, it will probably be available solely in niche markets. 

Either way, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is rumored to sport a 5.7-inch display, just like the Galaxy Note 3. The resolution, however, will get a bump to 1440 by 2560 pixels (QHD) for a pixel density rivaling that of the LG G3's awesome screen. True to Samsung's traditions, the Note 4's display will most likely be of the Super AMOLED kind. Rumors are mum on whether the flat and curved Galaxy Note 3 variants will both have the same display specifications, or factors like size and resolution will differ.

UPDATE: A list of APK files obtained by @evleaks seemingly confirms the QHD resolution of the Note 4's display.

Interface and functionality

Whatever version of Android ends up running on the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, it will most likely come in a heavily modified form. Samsung's TouchWiz interface in its latest variation – the one that we know from the Galaxy S5 – should be on board the device, along with goodies like Multi Window and whatever S Pen optimized features Samsung comes up with. 

Furthermore, it is rumored that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will get swipe gestures of some kind. These could be used for waking up the device and possibly for launching the camera from stand-by. Another feature that Samsung is allegedly testing could be Smart Fingerprint. Basically, it could be a shortcut for accessing certain functions with a swipe on the fingerprint scanner. Features found on the Galaxy S5 are also coming to the Note 4, it seems. Download Booster is expected to be one of them, allowing users to download large files using the combined bandwidth of a Wi-Fi and an LTE network.

Naturally, modes and features that appeared on the Galaxy S5 should be pre-loaded on the Samsung galaxy Note 4, including the Ultra Power Saving mode. And if the phone does get a heart-rate monitor, then it will most likely ship with the newest release of S Health for all your fitness monitoring needs.

 

Processor and memory

As the case is with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be available in two different processor flavors. According to rumors, that is. North America, South Korea, China, and Japan are expected to get a variant powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 SoC, while the rest of the world should be using Samsung's own Exynos chip, presumably the Exynos 5433. Both are probably going to pack at least 3GB of RAM, as that is what the Note 3 is rocking under the hood. No hints of storage space have been passed along so far, but we're inclined to believe that at least 32 gigs will be on board, with the option to add a microSD card for extra storage. 

UPDATE: Model names for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 have been leaked. It appears that all major US carriers will be offering the device with 32GB of native storage. Also, the white variant might be a Verizon exclusive, at least at launch. Here's what we know so far:

• Samsung SM-N910A - 32GB, AT&T, Black
• Samsung SM-N910V - 32GB, Verizon, Black/White
• Samsung SM-N910P - 32GB, Sprint, Black
• Samsung SM-N910T - 32GB, Black

Camera 

The Note 4 is expected to have a 16MP camera

According to what's making the rounds, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be packing a 16-megapixel camera, just like the Samsung Galaxy S5. But unlike the latter, the Note 4 will be utilizing optical image stabilization for steadier videos and blur-free photos. Sony is said to be the supplier for the camera unit, which, if true, could mean that the Note 4 won't be boasting phase-detection auto-focus. Note that the the Samsung Galaxy S5, which owes its super-fast focusing abilities to the said technology, uses an ISOCELL sensor by Samsung, and special pixel pairs on the sensor's surface are what make phase-detection AF work. As for the handset's front-facing camera, we're not expecting any surprises. It is said that Samsung will stick with the S5's 2MP front-facing camera for the Galaxy Note 4.

UPDATE: According to Korean media, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 might come with a 12MP camera instead of a 16MP one. Sounds strange given the fact that the Note 3 uses a 13MP one, but we wouldn't label this rumor as bogus right away. The choice to go with a lower-resolution sensor might have been made to allow for optical image stabilization gear to be implemented. Interestingly, benchmark results seem to detect a 3.7MP front-facing camera on the device.

UPDATE #2: Rumors in favor of a 16MP camera are starting to pile up. Whatever the actual pixel count of the phone's snapper, rumors agree that it will be blessed with optical image stabilization.

Price and release date  

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is expected to be announced on or around September 3 – days before the start of the IFA in Berlin. This rumor is most likely on the right track as the Note 3 and the Note II were introduced around the same time and showcased during the same expo. Details on the phone's availability are expected to be made official at its announcement, but our guess is that the phone will launch within weeks after it is made official. As for its pricing, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is not going to be cheap, if our intuition is to be trusted. Last year's Note 3 was offered for $299 on a 2-year contract with a major US carrier, and the Note 4 is probably going to be about as costly. But if the phone is indeed bundled with a Samsung Gear 3 smartwatch, then the offer might sound quite tempting.

It is rumored that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is ready to go into mass production. Allegedly, Samsung is aiming to launch the device only days after its official announcement – during the second week of September. More and more rumors are pointing at a September 3 announcement date for the phablet.

Samsung sends press invites for Galaxy Note 4 UNPACKED 2014 event: to be held on September 3rd

The next big thing from Samsung is coming soon. The company has sent out press invites for its big UNPACKED 2014 event and - just as earlier rumors claimed - Samsung has scheduled it for September 3rd, 2pm Berlin time.

Evleaks retired after two years of accurate leaks

Prolific leaker evleaks is calling it quits after two years of tweeting highly accurate information. His real name is Evan Blass, and he recently graduated from tweeting out his information, to using a website to pass them along. The last leak from Blass is a series of pictures showing off the Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch.

Originally, the tips from @evleaks were anonymous. But in July 2013,Blass revealed his identity. He started in 2005 as an editor at Engadget and worked his way up to Senior Editor. A three-year stint at Pocketnow as a Managing Editor, ended in 2012.

Blass is known to be afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis, which has left him with chronic pain issues. The MS might be behind the sudden and surprising resignation today. One of the best leaks that came from evleaks was that of the HTC One design back in January 2013. Despite the insistence from insiders that the leak was all wrong, it was Blass who had it right.

For two years, evleaks passed along information that usually panned out. We wish him success in whatever new endeavor Blass gets involved with in the future.

We are very thankfull for what Blass did in past 2 years, there are very less people on planet who gives very accurate leaks when it come to gadgets

Evleaks announces his retirement

 The last leak from evleaks, the Motorola Moto 360

5.5-inch iPhone may have faster internals than the iPhone 6

From everything that we've been hearing, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 could be hitting the market before the 5.5-inch iPhone, and it seems there may be a reason for that. Apple might be taking a page from Samsung's playbook and having the larger iPhone also have faster internals than the iPhone 6, just like the Samsung Galaxy Note is a spec upgrade compared to the Galaxy S series. 

According to supply chain sources for Cowen & Co. analyst Timothy Arcuri, the larger iPhone will almost certainly have a processor with a faster clock speed. This wouldn't be much of a surprise given that the iPad Air is also clocked faster than the iPad mini, despite using the same processor. However, it is possible that the larger iPhone may feature a larger die, which would allow room for more significant upgrades to things like the GPU and more. 

It is possible that the two iPhones could also feature different touch modules, but that part of the rumor isn't as solid as the rest; and, it is also unclear exactly what it would mean in terms of functionality to have different touch modules in the two iPhones. With luck, we'll get to see both iPhones announced next month, and maybe get more information soon enough

Samsung seemingly confirms several Galaxy Alpha variants, including AT&T and T-Mobile models

While we know a lot about the unannounced Samsung Galaxy Alpha (including most of its features), there’s one question that doesn’t have a concrete answer yet: will the handset be released globally? Well, we guess that it will, because we discovered no less than five alleged Galaxy Alpha versions listed on Samsung’s official website. 

Last week, a couple of live photos revealed that one of the model numbers of the Galaxy Alpha was SM-G850F. This model number now has a User Agent profile that’s available at Samsung’s website, alongside the UA profiles of SM-G850A, SM-G850H, SM-G850M, and SM-G850T. All these are listed as sporting displays with 720 x 1280 pixels - that's exactly the rumored resolution of the Galaxy Alpha's 4.8-inch screen. Android 4.4 KitKat is also mentioned, plus maximum CPU frequencies of 2.5 GHz (on the SM-G850F, SM-G850H and SM-G850M) and 2.3GHz (on the SM-G850A). 

By looking at the model numbers of previous Galaxy smartphones, we can assume that the SM-G850A is a Galaxy Alpha for AT&T, while the SM-G850T will find a home at T-Mobile. The SM-G850H and SM-G850F should be international versions. Of course, nothing is truly confirmed at this point.

It’s said that Samsung will announce the Galaxy Alpha on August 13. It seems that the handset has a metal frame around its body, and borrows some features from the Galaxy S5, including the fingerprint scanner and the heart rate monitor. Until the Galaxy Alpha is finally (and officially) unveiled, photos that allegedly show its white and black versions can be seen in the slideshow below.

Sony announces Xperia C3 selfie smartphon

Sony has unveiled the Xperia C3 (D2533) and Xperia C3 Dual (D2502, S55t, S55u), a device Sony is dubbing “the world’s best selfie smartphone“. Sony’s confidence comes from a 5MP 720p wide-angle (25mm with 80 degree field of view) front camera (with Superior Auto mode support) tied with a soft LED flash. Photos can be taken by double tapping the back cover or using Smile Shutter.

The Xperia C3 will also have the selfie software to go with it including a new ‘PROselfie cam’ app. Other apps that can be used with the front camera include AR effect and Portrait Retouch, which we’ve already seen on the Xperia T2 Ultra. 

Portrait Retouch v.2 is a newer version of the Portrait Retouch app which includes real-time makeover, DECO frame options and magic eye beam (light reflection) effects. You can also retouch portraits of up to two people per image.

In terms of specifications, the Xperia C3 has a 5.5-inch (720 x 1280) IPS display and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset (MSM8X26) with 1.2GHz quad-core processor and Adreno 305 graphics. The Xperia C3 has a phone to screen ratio of 68.10% and pixel density of 267 PPI.

Other features include a 8MP Exmor RS rear camera with auto-focus, 8GB internal storage (5.1GB usable), 1GB RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and a 2500mAh battery including Battery STAMINA Mode 3.0. The Xperia C3 Dual is the same device as the Xperia C3 but will feature dual SIM card support.

The Xperia C3 has dimensions of 156.2 x 78.7 x 7.6 mm and weighs 149.7g. The phone will launch with Android 4.4 KitKat in three colours (black, white and mint) from August 2014. China will be a launch market.

Sony Xperia C3 (D2533) white paper
Sony Xperia C3 Dual (D2502) white paper
Sony Xperia C3 Dual (S55u) white paper
Sony Xperia C3 Dual (S55t) white paper

Via Sony Mobile Blog.

Samsung Galaxy S5 mini: 4.5” Super AMOLED screen, water resistance and finger scanner

The Samsung Galaxy S5 mini is now official. The more compact sibling of the flagship Galaxy S5 comes with a 4.5” 720p Super AMOLED display, a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, and an 8-megapixel camera. 

It’s also retained most of the great new features of the Galaxy S5: the fingerprint scanner, the heart-rate monitor on the back, and even software touches like the great Ultra Power Saving Mode (UPSM).

The Galaxy S5 mini is shaped in the same design language as the S5 with the perforated soft-touch back, and it is also water and dust protected with IP67 certification, meaning that the phone is dust protected and can withstand being submerged in water up to 30 minutes in a depth of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet). You get four color options from the start: Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold. Being a phone with a 4.5-inch screen, the S5 mini is also fairly compact and easy to use with one hand. It is not too slim, nor too thick at 0.36” (9.1mm) body girth and weighs a fairly light 4.2 ounces (120g).

Under the hood, we seem to have the usual duality of models. Some markets will get the 4G LTE-enabled Galaxy S5 mini, which likely runs on the Snapdragon 400 system chip, while others will get a non-LTE version, powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 3470. Both models also have plentiful 1.5GB of RAM for efficient multitasking. Internal storage comes in at 16GB and you can expand on that via microSD cards of up to 64 gigs. The battery on it is a 2100mAh one, and it is easily removable. It's also worth pointing out that the S5 mini will have a dual SIM model in select markets.

WITH ULTRA POWER SAVING MODE, FINGER SCANNER AND WATER RESISTANCE, THE S5 MINI LOOKS LIKE A TRUE 'MINI' FLAGSHIP

In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy S5 mini has Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, USB 2.0, A-GPS + GLONASS, and an infra-red beamer, plus the LTE version will also have NFC. 

The handset also houses an 8-megapixel auto-focus main camera with a single LED flash on the back, while on the front there is a 2.1-megapixel shooter.

Given that the this new mini will launch shortly, in early July, it is no surprise that it is running on Android 4.4 KitKat, as the new Android L will not be available on devices until the fall. Good news, however, is that the TouchWiz-infused version of Android in the S5 mini will support features so far seen only on the Galaxy S5, like the Ultra Power Saving Mode that prolongs your battery longevity.

The S5 mini global release date is allegedly set for mid-July, and S5 mini price is set at €479 in Europe (the equivalent of $650).