It looks like Samsung Electronics is intentionally rushing the release of its next-generation phablet dubbed as Galaxy Note 4 with an aim to combat with its rival Apple's iPhone 6, which is expected to be unveiled the same month.
Traditionally, Samsung unveils its Note series at the annual IFA Expo before releasing a few weeks later. This year's IFA Expo in Berlin is from 5 to 10 September. But reports suggested that the Galaxy Note 4 will be announced and released on 3 September, two days before the IFA Expo event.
"Samsung will hold an event to announce the Note 4 on Sept. 3, just few days before this year's IFA trade fair in Berlin, Germany ― Europe's biggest technology exhibition," an executive at Samsung's top-tier display supplier told Korea Times by phone. It added that the South Korean electronics giant may send out official invitation to select parties, media and industry officials soon.
The report went on to say that the South Korean electronics giant rushed the release of its new product to combat its arch rival's flagship smartphone iPhone 6. Apple is expected to launch two models of iPhone 6 – a 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch variant – either on 16 or 19 September before releasing in October, according to reports.
Samsung's plan to release its new device before iPhone 6 is a business strategy as it may help the company in terms of sales. The phablet can at least rule the market for a few weeks and make a maximum business before Apple Inc. releases its much-hyped device. Moreover, early release has an advantage, as prospective smartphone buyers may go by the hype and grab the one that comes first.
It was earlier reported that the Note 4 will be released at the upcoming IFA Expo in Berlin starting on 5 September but a report by ETNews claimed that the device might be unveiled and released in the beginning of September.
Samsung4Note website reported that the device may come with a 16MP rear and a 3.6MP front snapper for both the variants. The device may have a 16MP rear camera with ISOCELL technology, 4K video recording and a 2MP front camera with 1,080p video recording, while G4Games (via ETNews) suggested that it may have a 12MP cam with an optical image stabilization (OIS).
The device may sport a 5.7-inch super Amoled display with a 2560x1440 resolution (500+ppi) and may run on Android 4.4.3 KitKat OS or Android 4.5 Lollypop. It may also have S-Pen stylus powered by ultrasound technology with updated gestures and air command, and houses 3GB LPDDR3 RAM.
The Korea Times reported that Galaxy Note 4 will sport a 5.7-inch flat OLED screen with metal frame and that a curved OLED version of the device will be available, and have several features that will help users.
"The Note 4 will be the first smartphone to incorporate an ultraviolet sensor. The sensor can measure UV radiation and offer index levels to Note 4 users inside the 'S Health' application," an executive at Samsung's software partner based in Korea told the publication. He went on to say that the phablet will support fourth-generation long-term evolution (LTE) mobile wireless technologies, and that LTE-Advanced technology might be made available for users in Korea.
The device will be made available in major wireless carriers like AT&T, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless when it is released in the market.
