technology

Why you should take Note of Samsung’s latest phablets

The Samsung Galaxy S6. The new device is focused on delivering the best multimedia experience. – AFP pic, August 14, 2015.The Samsung Galaxy S6. The new device is focused on delivering the best multimedia experience. – AFP pic, August 14, 2015.At a special live event in New York on Thursday, Samsung unveiled two new handsets – the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge+ – that it claims underline its commitment to large-screen mobile devices but, more importantly, prove that it is listening intently to what its customers want.

The fifth generation of Samsung's category-defining phablet, the Galaxy Note 5 has a better battery and better screen but more importantly, it's the first premium phablet from the company that feels premium in the palm and comfortable when used with one hand.

Even though it has a bigger display – a 5.7-inch quad HD – the finer bezel and curved casing mean the handset is actually smaller than the model it's superseding. But that's the only thing that is smaller. The device comes with 4GB of RAM to ensure swift multitasking and a larger battery so that the device won't be out of juice when inspiration strikes or a deadline nears.

In that respect, the stylus input, or S-Pen, as Samsung calls it, is also dramatically better. It's more sensitive and balanced and is always ready. You can now jot down notes on the Note without even having to unlock the device.

Galaxy S6 Edge+

For those who are visually creative, the rear-facing camera can shoot in full 4k or when filming in HD can stream directly to YouTube or to a pre-created group of friends or contacts.

And for those who can live without stylus input altogether and instead want the best possible multimedia experience, Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy S6 Edge+, which is to the company's existing S6 flagship what the iPhone 6 Plus is to the iPhone 6.

It too has a 5.7-inch quad HD display but it's one that wraps around on both edges (hence its name). That curved display looks cool and after nearly two years of development is now actually useful too. The edges can be used for quickly launching favorite apps or settings and for faster messaging of friends – think speed dialing for the 21st century.

However, like the fifth-generation Note, it boasts 4GB of RAM, the same seriously fast processor and camera trickery.

Both devices will be going on sale later this month and will be available in four colours – White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium – and with a choice of 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage. They will also be the first Samsung handsets to support the firm's mobile payments system, Samsung Pay, out of the box. – AFP, August 14, 2015.

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