Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) launched its Galaxy Note Edge alongside the Galaxy Note 4 phablet on September 3. Experts have called the Galaxy Note Edge the most exciting phablet yet because of its curved display. Of course, the Korean company had launched Galaxy Round with a curved display last fall. But Note Edge is the first device that brings useful software functionality to complement its curved screen.
Galaxy Note Edge predecessor to phones with foldable displays?
The Galaxy Note Edge sports a curved 5.6-inch Youm OLED screen that wraps around the side of the phablet. Using the edge screen, users can access the alerts, frequently used apps, and other features even when the cover is closed. When the cover is open, you’ll receive notifications on the edge screen without interrupting whatever you are doing on the phone.
Steve Symington of The Motley Fool says that the Galaxy Note Edge is an important step in Samsung’s long-term plans. It could be the predecessor to smartphones with foldable displays. According to Korean media, Samsung may launch phones with foldable screens in early 2015. Samsung said at its Unpacked Event that the Galaxy Note Edge will hit the stores in October, without specifying the release date or price.
Galaxy Note Edge to cost more than one million won
Symington notes that the Galaxy Note Edge could arrive with a hefty price tag. Last year’s Galaxy Round, which was a niche product, was priced at $1,000. ZDNet has learned from its Korean sources that the Note Edge will cost well over one million won ($982), mainly due to its limited inventory and the cost of its curved screen.
However, if it arrives in the U.S., carrier subsidies may bring down its prices significantly. Anyway, it will most likely sell at a premium compared to other devices with a curved screen. It will be a limited edition product, available only in a few countries. The Korean company doesn’t yet have the manufacturing capacity to take its curved screen phablet to the masses.
