The countdown for the release of Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has begun with the unveiling day just a month away. Going by the reports, the flagship device may have several features superior to that of its predecessor, Galaxy Note 3.
Samsung Electronics usually announces its Note series at the annual IFA Expo before releasing a few weeks later, but ETNews reported that it might be unveiled and released in the beginning of September. The next-generation device is very likely to be unveiled on the eve of IFA Expo, on 3 September.
Galaxy Note 4 may have several feature upgrades over Galaxy Note 3, according to reports that have surfaced so far. The upcoming device may sport a 5.7-inch display with a 2560x1440 resolution (500+ppi), while its predecessor has a 5.7-inch display with 1080x1920 pixels (386 ppi pixel density).
Galaxy Note 3 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 and Exynos 5 Octa 5420 processors, but it is expected to be upgraded to Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 and Exynos 5433 8 Core for its successor. Note 4 may most probably run on Android 4.4.3 KitKat OS though some reports claimed that it might come with Android 4.5 Lollypop, however, its predecessor runs on Android v4.3 Jelly Bean (upgradable to v4.4.2 KitKat).
There are contradictory reports on the camera specification of the upcoming device with some reports suggesting that it might be upgraded from Note 3's 13 MP to 16MP, while others claimed that it might come with a 12MP with an optical image stabilization (OIS). Note 3 also has S-Pen Stylus but the one in the upcoming device is expected to be powered by ultrasound technology, and updated gestures and air command.
Here are five upgrades Galaxy Note 4 is expected to have over Note 3, according to reports:
| Models | Galaxy Note 4 | Galaxy Note 3 |
| Display | 5.7-inch flat OLED and curved OLED screen. It is also reported that it will sport a 5.7-inch super Amoled display with a 2560x1440 resolution (500+ppi). | 5.7-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with 1080 x 1920 pixels (386 ppi pixel density) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 and Exynos 5433 8 Core ( according to AnTuTu benchmark) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 and Exynos 5 Octa 5420 |
| OS | Android 4.4.3 KitKat OS or Android 4.5 Lollypop | Android v4.3 Jelly Bean, upgradable to v4.4.2 KitKat |
| Camera | 16MP camera or a 12MP with an optical image stabilization (OIS). | 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels, autofocus, LED flash |
| S-Pen Stylus | S-Pen Stylus powered by ultrasound technology and updated gestures and air command | S-Pen Stylus |
It was reported that Galaxy S5 will have a retina scanner, but it didn't happen. Now speculations are doing the rounds that Samsung will introduce iris scanner in Note 4. Executive vice president of Samsung's mobile business, Lee Younghee also reportedly told the Wall Street Journal that the company is thinking of a flexible display for the next generation device.
"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," said an executive at Samsung's software partner based in Korea to Korea Times. The source went on to say that the device's chip set 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 much-awaited Note series is expected to be shipped to the US through major wireless carriers like AT&T, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless when it is released.
