A smartphone with an Edge
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, $950
Samsung's Galaxy Note Edge is a risk, which is why I like it.
The Note Edge's screen and front bezel wraps around the right side of the phone, and Samsung's interface designers have made the most of that sliver of curved screen real estate. During my few days with the Note Edge, I felt I was constantly learning what it could do.
When you unlock the phone, the curved edge holds a row of frequently used apps, which you can customize.
Just like you can swipe across your phone's screen to move between different home screens, you can swipe across the edge display to change the view.
When you play a video, the playback controls slide down to the bottom of the curve, where they're still handy but out of the way.
There is also a very slick clock that can be set to appear when the phone is asleep. The time display is dim but perfect for a nightstand.
So, besides the screen, is the Note Edge much different from the Note 4?
Not really.
They have similar specs and the same cameras. The battery in the Edge is smaller, but I didn't have a problem using it all day.
I'll be the first to admit that I thought the wraparound display was a gimmick. I was wrong.
I'm impressed with the idea of using the edge of the screen and how Samsung has come up with interesting ways to use it.
I do wonder about lefthanded users and how they'd like it. The phone is really designed to be held in the left hand and manipulated with the right.
Samsung has included an option to rotate the entire phone interface 180 degrees, so lefthanders haven't been totally abandoned, but the solution is less than ideal.
You're going to pay more for the Note Edge over the Note 4.
I like the curved screen, but I'm not sure I like it enough to pay almost $1,000 (after taxes) for a phone.
So while I applaud Samsung's design, I think this phone is overpriced for what it brings to the table.
Dallas Morning News
