X
Tech

Samsung's Galaxy Note 7: What to expect

The new, large-screen flagship will align with Samsung's popular Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge.
Written by Stephanie Condon, Senior Writer
capture10.jpg

The Galaxy Note 7 is believed to have a 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, a 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.7 aperture and 4K video support, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, 64GB of onboard storage, a microSD card slot, and 4GB of RAM. (Image: @OnLeaks/NoWhereElse)

Samsung on Tuesday will unveil its latest phablet, the Galaxy Note 7. Along with its name, the company has already previewed some of its features.

The announcement comes about a month ahead of IFA in Berlin, where Samsung typically rolls out its new Note devices. By speeding up the Note 7's release and aligning its name with the successful Galaxy S series, Samsung clearly wants the next Note to keep up the momentum its smartphones have generated this year -- before consumers turn their attention to the next iPhone. After posting its strongest profits in two years for Q2, thanks in large part to the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, Samsung now needs the Note 7 to keep the profits rolling in over Q3 and Q4.

So, what can consumers expect from this device? Here's a rundown of what we know, and what's rumored to be announced.

Design and specifications

Samsung said the device will have a S Pen and large display, making it an excellent tool for the enterprise market.

Other reported features include:

  • A USB-C connection in place of a microUSB
  • Iris scanner for enhanced security
  • A dual-curved, 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED display
  • 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.7 aperture and 4K video support
  • 5-megapixel front-facing camera
  • 64GB of onboard storage, a microSD card slot, and 4GB of RAM
  • A metal frame with a glass back
  • Dimensions: 153.5mm x 73.9mm x 7.9mm
  • Weight: 168g
  • Waterproof and dustproof

Complementary VR headset

Samsung will reportedly roll out a new Gear VR headset designed to match the Note 7. The current Gear VR headset uses a microUSB connection.

Leaked images claim to show Samsung's Galaxy Note 7

Upgraded software

Samsung's mobile chief, DJ Koh, who will host Tuesday's event, recently told reporters in Seoul, "We significantly improved the Note features on the Galaxy Note and, for ease of use, upgraded the software."

CNET's Jessica Dolcourt wrote that Samsung's front-end software TouchWiz could get a major overhaul. Referencing an allegedly leaked video from Italian site HD.Blog.IT, she said, "We might kiss TouchWiz goodbye and open our arms to Grace, a more pared-down yet interactive take on phone software."

Availability

According to 9to5Google, the Note 7 will go on sale August 19 on T-Mobile, with other carriers likely to follow.

Editorial standards