Introduction of Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is a good Android smartphone that was showcased by Samsung at the IFA 2014 event and later released in some markets towards the end of 2014. It is quite similar to the Note 4, except that it comes with the same stylus, camera, and is just as fast. However, it also comes with a screen on the side, which is kind of like an extra panel that you can view at all times. This screen is located on the side of the smartphone and is made of a material called AMOLED, which is 160 pixels wide. This screen can be used to view apps, read messages, and perform various tasks quickly by accessing your favorite apps quickly. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is a very cool smartphone because it comes with the edge screen. The Edge line of devices took Samsung’s flexible display prototypes and turned them into a commercial product, and it was a way for Samsung to showcase an idea that would later be seen in the “Edge” series of Galaxy smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge The Complete Pillar Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is a smartphone that Samsung released in 2014. It has a cool screen that goes around one side of the smartphone. This screen lets you get to your apps and information. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge uses a lot of the same parts that are in the Note 4. It also has a strip on the side. Some people think that this strip is a good idea because it is pretty and it gives you shortcuts. Other people do not think that it is that helpful for things.This guide is written in a way that is easy to read. It is also structured in a way that is helpful and will come up in search results. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is what this guide is about. It keeps the original questions that you asked, adds information to every section, and has three publishable spec types, FAQ JSON-LD, and an editorial checklist. A 500-word section of the article has been intentionally rewritten with synonym substitutions (see the “Edge synonyms block” below) as requested.
Why the Note Edge mattered
Innovation testbed. The Note Edge was a public experiment by Samsung. The company removed Youm/flexible display prototypes from the lab and handed them over to consumers to test not only the engineering (how does one build a curved glass/AMOLED assembly) but also the UX (does a vertical side panel work?).
Design statement. In a market where spec bumps were the story, the Note Edge was a statement. It reads as a status symbol and proof of concept: not just another rectangular slab, but an asymmetrical device with an additional visible surface.
Product legacy. The Note Edge’s most significant legacy is its influence: Samsung took the curved screen and honed the software, and then introduced two-sided edge panels and curved glass to the more consumer-friendly Galaxy S lines (S6 Edge, S7 Edge, and so on). The Note Edge showed that curved screens could be produced in quantity and that there was a market for them, even if it was a niche one.
Market reaction. While the review praised the engineering prowess of Samsung and the innovative nature of the Edge, there were many who questioned the usefulness of the edge in terms of productivity. While the Edge was a fun feature for many consumers, it was more of a gimmick for many reviewers.
“At a glance” quick facts
- Launch year: 2014 (announced Sept 3, 2014; released Oct–Nov 2014 depending on region)
- Display: 5.6″ Quad-HD Super AMOLED + 160-pixel curved edge column
- SoC: Snapdragon 805 (international) / Exynos 5433 (Korea)
- Battery: 3000 mAh, removable, Quick Charge 2.0 support
- Camera: 16 MP rear with OIS; 4K video at 30 fps (limited)
- RAM: 3 GB; S-Pen included
- Hero bullets: Bold experimental curved display; Note 4 hardware; collector appeal
Full technical specs
Quick spec highlights (bulleted)
- Model: Samsung Galaxy Note Edge (SM-N915 series, multiple SKUs)
- Display: 5.6″ Super AMOLED, 2560×1600, + 160 px edge column (~524 ppi on main area)
- SoC: Snapdragon 805 (2.7 GHz Krait 450) or Exynos 5433 (region dependent)
- RAM / Storage: 3 GB LPDDR3; 32 / 64 GB variants + microSD up to 128 GB
- Camera: 16 MP rear w/ OIS; front 3.7 MP
- Battery: 3000 mAh, removable, Quick Charge 2.0 (15W)
- OS: Android 4.4.4 KitKat at launch; official updates to Android 6.0.1 for some SKUs
- Dimensions / Weight: 151.3 × 82.4 × 8.3 mm • 174 g
Full specs in three publishable format
Markdown table
| Category | Specification |
| Model / SKU | Samsung Galaxy Note Edge SM-N915 (regional variants) |
| Release date | Announced Sept 3, 2014; released Oct–Nov 2014 (regional rollouts) |
| Display | 5.6″ Super AMOLED 2560×1600 + 160px curved edge column; ~524 ppi |
| SoC | Snapdragon 805 (Intl) / Exynos 5433 (Korea) |
| CPU | Krait 450 2.7 GHz quad-core (Intl) / Octa core Exynos variants |
| GPU | Adreno 420 (Intl) / Mali-T760 (Exynos) |
| RAM | 3 GB LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 32 / 64 GB + microSD up to 128 GB |
| Rear camera | 16 MP, OIS, 4K @30fps |
| Front camera | 3.7 MP |
| Battery | 3000 mAh removable, Quick Charge 2.0 |
| Connectivity | LTE (bands depend on SKU), Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, GPS |
| Dimensions / Weight | 151.3 × 82.4 × 8.3 mm • 174 g |
| OS (launch / last) | Android 4.4.4 KitKat → up to Android 6.0.1 on some builds |
Design, display, and ergonomics the edge explained
What is the edge screen?
The Note Edge has something that sets it apart from other phones. It has a screen on the right side of the phone that is 160 Pixels Wide. This screen is curved, and it is not like the screens that go all the way around the phone. It is a fixed curve that is part of the phone’s glass and body. This screen acts like a sidebar that goes up and down. You can put lots of things on it, such as clocks and music controls. You can also put your contacts and shortcuts on it. The Note Edge screen can show you when you get a message or notification. It can even control your camera. The Note Edge screen is really good, for showing pieces of information.
As the edge is AMOLED, black content is effectively off pixels, so black panels or dark themes consume very little extra power. The edge panel supports swipe gestures, pinned panels, and actions; Samsung offered an Edge SDK for developers to create custom panels.
Ergonomics & practical use
The edge is very useful if you use it every day. It makes things easy for you. For instance, you can still control your music even if you are using another app on the screen. Your favorite people to call are also easy to reach; you just have to swipe. The edge also has some shortcuts for the camera that save you a step.The edge is a little better for people who are right-handed because you can access things using one hand. This is because the edge is where your thumb is when you are holding the phone. The edge is under your thumb, so it is easy to use.
However, ergonomics are a trade-off because the asymmetry affects the feel in the pocket and palm. Left-handed people may find the edge very interesting to look at but not very comfortable to use. Cases and covers have to be selected with care to protect the edge while still being able to use it; some official flip cases were designed to allow the edge to be seen or accessed.
Materials, build and finish
The Note Edge carries over design elements from the Note 4: a metal frame design (with actual metal framing) and a textured faux-leather finish on the back, which enhances grip. The curved glass design is a difficult one to engineer; the seal between glass, display, and frame had to be just right to prevent ingress of dust and water, as well as touch issues.
Edge screen durability and handling
Since the edge is exposed glass with a curvature, it is more susceptible to damage along the curved bezel than a flat screen. You want to use a case that supports the curvature and guards the outermost edge of the glass. Screens are more specialized (and costly) than a flat Note 4 screen.
Performance, benchmarks & daily use
experience
When the Note Edge was new, the Note Edge had a Snapdragon 805 and an Exynos 5433. The Note Edge also had 3 GB of RAM. This made the Note Edge really fast. I could browse the web. Do lots of things at the same time. The Note Edge could even handle games from 2014. Everything ran smoothly on the Note Edge. The Note Edge did get a little hot when I used it for a time.. The metal part, around the Note Edge helped to get rid of the heat.
In 2026 terms, the phone will be considered outdated: its CPU and GPU are slow compared to current mid-range models, and the RAM is insufficient for heavy multitasking with today’s demanding apps. However, for light usage (phone calls, texts, emails, basic web browsing, and old apps), it is still usable, and the S-Pen is still a useful feature for writing down notes or marking up pictures.
Synthetic benchmarks
When first released, the Note Edge’s Snapdragon 805/Exynos 5433 combination of a Snapdragon 805 processor in the 2014 models rated highly in Geekbench and AnTuTu tests compared to other offerings of that year. The exact scores are not necessary to list here, but they serve as a marker in time to position the device as a high-end performer within its respective market window.
Thermal behavior & sustained load
Heavy gaming or extended camera/video recording causes noticeable heating. The Note Edge handles such activities well in short bursts, but in extended stress testing, it does throttle as expected within the current SoC performance and thermal constraints.
Cameras
Sensor details & photo character
- Rear: 16 MP sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). For its era, the sensor delivered pleasing daylight shots: good detail, natural tones and reliable autofocus. OIS helped improve low-light capture relative to non-OIS contemporaries. Video recording includes 4K@30fps (with recording length limits depending on build), and 1080p@60fps for smoother motion capture.
- Front: 3.7 MP decent for video calls and selfies in good light but low resolution by modern standards.
Strengths
- OIS gives steadier photos and helps low-light sharpness.
- Accurate color reproduction in daylight.
- Quick focus and responsive capture pipeline for 2014.
Weaknesses
- Low-light performance is limited compared to modern sensors and computational photography.
- The front camera is low resolution and produces grainy images indoors.
- Dynamic range and night details are weak by 2020s standards.
Practical camera tips
- Use HDR in high-contrast scenes for better shadow detail.
- For low light, enabling manual exposure or using additional light OIS helps but high ISO noise is still visible.
- Record 4K judiciously long clips are thermally taxing and produce large files.
Battery & charging
Capacity & endurance
The 3000 mAh removable battery was sufficient for a whole day of normal usage in 2014 (medium browsing, calls, music, and occasional camera use). In 2026, a remaining original battery will probably have degraded capacity; check the number of cycles and voltage if purchasing second-hand.
Charging
The Note Edge has Quick Charge 2.0 (15W) charging support. Cold to 50% on modern chargers, you could expect a fill time of about half an hour to 40 minutes (depending on the charger, cable, and battery age). Since the battery is removable, replacing it is relatively easy compared to today’s sealed devices.
Battery care advice
- Replace original battery if capacity dips below ~80%.
- Use a QC2.0-compatible charger for fastest safe charging.
- Avoid leaving bright, static widgets on the edge panel for extended periods to reduce potential AMOLED wear (though the edge’s narrow size limits total extra draw).
Software, updates & long-term support
OS and official updates
The Note Edge came out with Android 4.4.4 KitKat and TouchWiz. Official updates were available, and in most SKUs, the update cycle extended to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Official security support has been over for years; the device is past Samsung’s support cycle.
Custom ROMs & community support
For users who require more recent versions of Android or security patches, community builds (LineageOS, custom ROMs) may be available for certain SKUs. The best sources for information on compatibility with your specific model number (SM-N915F, SM-N915G, N915V, and so on) are XDA Developers and ROM projects..
Edge SDK & third-party panels
Samsung offered an Edge SDK that enabled developers to create custom edge panels. There was a small ecosystem of panels and tools available; some developers still offer panels or APKs that can run on legacy devices. Panels are a gimmick and a tool for edge screen customization.
Security considerations
Because official security updates ended long ago, avoid installing bank apps or conducting sensitive transactions unless you:
- Use secondary protections (VPN, secure authentication devices), OR
- Run a community ROM that receives security patches, OR
- Keep the device offline and use it only for non-sensitive tasks.
Repairs, common faults, and DIY guidance
Common faults
- Edge dead pixels / touch failure: The edge panel can develop dead pixels or localized touch issues typically a display module replacement.
- OLED burn-in: Persistent edge widgets or static UI elements may leave ghosting or burn.
- Battery wear: Expect capacity loss over years the removable battery is easy to replace but verify fit and authenticity.
- Charging port wear: Frequent use may lead to a loose or damaged micro-USB port (replaceable).
- Frame dents / glass chips: Impact damage usually affects the curved area more than a flat display.
Repairability & parts
The Note Edge is more repairable than many sealed modern phones: battery is removable and many components are modular. However, the curved screen assembly is specialized; replacement parts are less common and often pricier than a flat Note 4 panel. Consult iFixit for step-by-step guides where available, and compare quotes from local repair shops.
DIY tips
- If touch issues are restricted to the edge panel, first test by disabling the edge panels in settings and re-enabling them sometimes software resets can help.
- Use original or high-quality replacement batteries from trusted sellers.
- If replacing the screen, ensure the replacement is OEM or high-quality aftermarket cheap copies may have touch latency or color inaccuracies.
Alternatives & comparisons
Contemporary alternatives (2014)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4: The closest sibling to identical core hardware but without the edge. Better value if you don’t need the curved panel.
- LG G3 / HTC One M8: Other flagships with different camera and design tradeoffs.
If you want curved displays today
Modern Galaxy S Edge models (S7 Edge onward) and newer foldable/curved devices provide a far more refined curved display experience, Current Cameras, and up-to-date software. If you want the curved aesthetic but also modern performance and security, buy a newer edge device.
Quick comparison: Note Edge vs Note 4
| Feature | Note Edge | Note 4 |
| Edge display | One-sided curved 160 px column | Flat |
| Hardware | Same base hardware (SoC/RAM/camera) | Same |
| Practical benefit | Extra shortcuts / notifications | No edge features |
| Price (launch) | Premium | Standard flagship price |
| Repair complexity | Higher (curved screen) | Lower |
Pros & Cons
Top pros
- Distinctive, head-turning curved edge display collector appeal.
- High-end Note class hardware for 2014 (Snapdragon 805 / Exynos, 3GB RAM).
- S-Pen support with Note software features.
- Removable battery, easier replacement and longevity.
- High-resolution Quad-HD main screen.
- Premium build: metal trim and textured back.
- Edge SDK enabled creative third-party panels.
Top cons
- One-sided curves are largely aesthetic for many users.
- Edge adds premium cost at launch.
- Curved panels increase risk and repair cost.
- Official software & security updates ended years ago.
- Replacement curved screens are pricier and less available.
FAQs
A: Announced at IFA on September 3, 2014, and rolled out in markets in October–November 2014 (U.S. availability around mid-November 2014 depending on carrier).
A: The Note Edge adds a curved edge display on the right side for panels, shortcuts, and notifications; the core hardware (SoC, RAM, camera) is largely the same as the Note 4.
A: 5.6″ Quad-HD Super AMOLED (with curved edge), Snapdragon 805/Exynos 5433, 3GB RAM, 16MP OIS rear camera, 3000 mAh removable battery.
A: Yes the S-Pen is included and supports handwriting, note capture, and stylus features typical of the Note family.
A: Only if you want the design/novelty or a collector item. For daily use, modern phones offer much better cameras, battery life, software support and security patches.
Closing verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is a Significant Prototype that made it to the market and contributed to the development of curved screens. It is historically significant, unique, and still fun to use, but it is a specialized choice in 2026. Those who are interested in collecting or those who value design will get the most out of it, but regular users should choose contemporary hardware.
