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Samsung has officially announced the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and we know everything we need to know about the device. We have specs, photos, release dates, new features, new accessories and a lot more on tap. Here’s everything you need to know about the Galaxy Note 7.
What happened to the Samsung Galaxy Note 6?
It doesn’t exist. Last year we had the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, and this year we’re getting the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. There’s no great reason for the number skip other than Samsung wanting to align marketing for the 2 lines of Samsung’s flagships so consumers won’t get confused and think the “Galaxy Note 6” is an old device. Thus, we have the Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, and Galaxy Note 7 all in one year.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Specs and Hardware
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 borrows a lot of the same design traits from the Note 5, but it’s all much more refined. A dual Edge display combines with the return of a microSD card slot and IP68 water resistance to make for the device we once knew and loved. Also notable is the debut of an iris scanner, the first of its kind on a Samsung phone (and probably any consumer-centric Android phone).
- Display: 5.7-inch 2560×1440 SuperAMOLED Edge display
- Chipset: Octa-core 2.3GHz processor in the international model (likely the same Samsung Exynos 8890 used in the global GS7)
- RAM: 4GB of RAM
- Storage: 64GB of storage as standard, microSD up to 256GB
- Battery: 3,500mAh battery with wireless fast charging
- Other features: USB Type-C, Iris scanner, IP68 water-resistant, fingerprint sensor. 3.5mm headphone jack
- Camera: Dual-Pixel” 12MP camera with OIS, f/1.7 aperture; 5MP front-facing camera
- Software: Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS
- Dimensions: 153.5mm x 73.9mm x 7.9 mm
- Weight: 168g
Another first for Samsung you’ll notice is the inclusion of a USB-C port, and no, they haven’t sacrificed the 3.5mm headphone jack as a result.
New software features
What you’re getting on the Galaxy Note 7 is your typical TouchWiz-infused Marshmallow experience (Nougat sure to arrive once it’s ready), however there are a couple of new features. Samsung introduced Samsung Cloud, a new cloud storage service that’ll let you back up files, photos, and more. Ever lose your phone? Sync with the cloud, and it’s right there waiting for you.
Samsung Pass was another new addition, though we won’t see the best of its tricks just yet. Samsung Pass allows you to use your various biometric authentication methods — the fingerprint scanner and the iris scanner — to log into financial banking apps. There aren’t going to be any apps supporting it at launch, but Samsung is partnering with Bank of America, Citibank, and US Bank to get going down the line.
Finally, the S-Pen gets a couple of new features in software, including the ability to Magnify text and Translate text in an instant. There’s also an improved Samsung Notes app that puts all your note taking tools — including writing and drawing — into one nice location.
Is the Galaxy Note 7 waterproof?
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 didn’t have water or dust resistance, but Samsung reintroduced the feature with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 after refining the design of the smartphone. The company has stamped it with an IP68 rating, which means it can handle submersion in water up to 30 minutes. You can also use the S-Pen in the rain, if need be. Be sure to reference this page for an explanation on IP ratings.
The Iris scanner
Yup, it’s real: the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is the company’s first consumer device to include an iris scanner, and damn it’s fast. It works like you’d expect it to: you put your eye to the sensor and it scans your iris for the unique patterns to give you easy access to your phone. As we mentioned previously, the iris scanner will gain more functionality down the line.
S-Pen Improvements
Samsung made some considerable improvements to the S-Pen with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. For starters, the tip of the S-Pen shrinks from 1.6mm to 0.7mm for more precise writing. It also has double the pressure sensitivity as the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, which means it’ll feel a lot more like writing with an actual pen.
A comparison of features between the Note 5 and Note 7’s S-Pens.
As discussed before, Samsung also introduced new software features for the S-Pen, such as the ability to translate selected text on the fly. Oh, and it’s no longer possible to insert the S-Pen in the wrong direction — that should be welcome news for those who don’t care to insert it the right way.
The new Samsung Gear VR
Samsung created a new Gear VR headset to go along with the launch of the Galaxy Note 7. The device gets a new look with an all-black color scheme and an updated visor. It’s largely the same as the predecessor in function, but it does include a USB-C connector for use with the Note 7’s newly-equipped USB-C port.
Beyond that, the Gear VR can now hold flagships dating all the way back to the Galaxy Note 4, so those who can’t quite upgrade can still enjoy some VR goodness on their current phones.
Other Accessories
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will have your typical range of useful accessories to pick up alongside it. Here’s what you’ll be able to get:
- S View Standing Cover Case
- LED View Cover
- Clear View Cover
- Keyboard Cover
- Leather Cover
- Clear Cover
- Lens Cover
It’s also worth noting that the Galaxy Note 7 ships with a microUSB to USB-C adapter in the box so you can continue using your old accessories with the new port.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Price and Release Date
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is launching August 19th at all major carriers and retailers, and pre-sale opportunities are starting as soon as tomorrow. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7’s listed retail price is $849.99, but that may vary based on carrier. There are varying payment plans and deals for the phone available, too. You can read all about where to buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 right here.
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