Samsung Galaxy Note 7: Everything you need to know about the phone

1.) Number of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 variants

It is nearly a year since the Galaxy Note5 was announced and Samsung is gearing up to launch its successor, the Galaxy Note 7 next week! It has even confirmed the marketing name, launch date and teased some of its features. As the launch date draws nearer, there are more leaks on the Galaxy Note 7. Here's a summary of what we know so far on the Galaxy Note 7: 

1.) How many variants of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 can we expect?

Samsung has been releasing at least two models for its flagship lineup since late 2013 (remember the Galaxy Note 4 and Note edge?). At the Un packed event last year, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note 5 alongside the Galaxy S6 edge+. Earlier in March, it unveiled the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Will we see two Galaxy Note 7 models? 

One variant (most likely)

Korean publication Munwha Ilbo reported last month that Samsung will only be launching one model this year and it will be the first in the Note lineup to sport a curved display. Leaked blueprints and renders of the Galaxy Note 7 obtained by @OnLeaks and uSwitch also suggest that there will only be one model and its design is very similar to the Galaxy S7 edge.

Two variants (unlikely)

Chinese social networking site Weibo user Rec2020_Eight claimed that there was a possibility of Samsung introducing a more "Lite" variant of the Galaxy Note 7. This model is said to come with a more affordable price tag. However, the lack of significant leaks and credible images suggest otherwise.

2.) Similar design as the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge

For the past two or three generations, the Galaxy Note series have generally followed the design philosophy of the Galaxy S series. Therefore, it is not surprising to see the Galaxy Note 7 taking some design cues from the Galaxy S7 edge.

@OnLeaks and USwitch published several blueprints and renders of the Galaxy Note 7 last month. The images reveal a design similar to the Galaxy S7 edge. It is said to measure 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm. In comparison, the Galaxy Note 5 measures 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm. U.K. online retailer also uploaded a short video of the Galaxy Note 7 in action which reveals a dual-edge curved display.

Earlier this month, reputable tipster @evleaks published the purported press images of the device in three different finishes (Black Onyx, Silver Titanium and Blue Coral). Days later, Steve Hemmerstoffer, the editor of NowhereElseFr, tweeted photos of a black Galaxy Note 7 prototype which shows curved edges on the both side of the display. @evleaks posted a render of the blue coral Galaxy Note 7 which looks gorgeous and comes with a matching blue S Pen!

3.) What is the screen size and resolution for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7?

Since we've concluded that there is likely to be only one Galaxy Note 7, it makes guesswork much easier. Samsung has not changed the display size of the Galaxy Note series since 2013 and it seems to have found the sweet spot - 5.7-inches! The resolution has remained at Quad-HD for two years and it is unlikely to see any changes too.

Earlier this year, a Chinese source reported that the Galaxy Note 7 would sport a 5.8-inch Quad-HD display. This was corroborated by a CPU-Z screenshot showing a display size of 5.77-inches and a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. Based on information obtained from leaked schematics, @OnLeaks and uSwitch claimed that the display size would be between 5.7 and 5.8-inches.

4.) Samsung's Exynos or Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor?

As seen from the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, Samsung is not afraid to use two different processors for its flagship models to cater to different markets. As a recap, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge sold in Singapore are powered by the Exynos 8890 processor while variants sold in other regions run on the Snapdragon 820 chipsets. Well, it is likely that Samsung will deploy a similar tactic for the Galaxy Note 7.

A Chinese source reported in February that Samsung would be using a mix of Exynos and Snapdragon processors for the device. Three weeks ago, a leak on Weibo revealed that the Exynos 8893 and Snapdragon 821 chipsets power the Galaxy Note 7.

Just a few days ago, Qualcomm took the wraps off its latest Snapdragon 821 chipset which will arrive in consumer devices in the second half of the year. Even if the Galaxy Note 7 launches with the Snapdragon 821 chipset, it is certainly not the first device to have it as ASUS recently updated its ZenFone 3 Deluxe with the same chipset.

5.) Dual-camera module for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7?

With LG and Huawei jumping on the dual-camera bandwagon, will Samsung make the jump too considering that Apple and Xiaomi are expected to launch devices with dual cameras later this year? If history is any indication, Samsung is unlikely to introduce a dual-camera module on the Galaxy Note 7 as the Galaxy Note series typically have the same camera modules as the Galaxy S series.

Leaked press images and blueprints of the Galaxy Note 7 have strengthened the case for a single camera module although Chinese site ZOL believed that a dual-camera lens system would be introduced on the Galaxy Note 7. The single camera module is highly likely to be the same as the Galaxy S7; expect to see a 12MP shooter on the rear with Dual Pixels and optical image stabilization.

6.) Iris scanner on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7?

Since early 2014, there have been reports that Samsung was interested in iris recognition technology. Two years have passed and it seems like Samsung is ready to debut an iris scanner this year as predicted by South Korean publication INews24.

In June 2016, Samsung registered trademarks for Galaxy Iris and Galaxy Eyeprint in the U.S., EU and South Korea. Samsung also let the cat out of the bag when its Galaxy Beta Program showed an iris scanner feature alongside the fingerprint authentication as a security option in the settings menu.

Earlier this month, @OnLeaks and Android Authority published a photo of the front panel which reveals additional cutouts. This was later confirmed by the press renders of the device and screenshots of how the iris scanner will work. The latest leaked video shows how fast the iris scanner unlocks the Galaxy Note 7.

7. ) USB Type-C Port on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7

USB Type-C is hardly a new USB standard; it first appeared on the OnePlus 2 last year followed by the Google Nexus 6P by Huawei and the Nexus 5X by LG. We also see LG using the Type-C port for the G5 and LG 360 Cam.

The first concrete evidence appeared in the leaked blueprints and renders of the Galaxy Note 7 last month. In addition, a leak on Chinese social networking site Weibo revealed the presence of the USB Type-C port among other rumored specs. The product image published by accessory maker Olixar also shows a USB Type-C port at the bottom of the device.

8.) Other rumored features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Samsung is said to be developing other new features for the Galaxy Note 7 which include a redesigned S Pen, new Air View features and IP68 water/dust resistance. 

Redesigned S Pen and new Air View features

iGyaan.in claimed to have obtained an internal Samsung memo on the redesigned S Pen and two new Air View features. While nothing is shared about the capabilities of the S Pen, you can probably expect sensitivity levels for more precise content manipulation and rendering. The two new Air View features are rumored to be called Dictionary and Speaking, with the former helping you to translate words from one language to another and the latter being a text-to-voice tool.

IP68

Samsung is likely to make the Galaxy Note 7 as dust and water resistant as the Galaxy S7/S7 edge since the feature is highly sought after by consumers. A Samsung employee reportedly told PhoneArena that the device will indeed come with IP68 rating.

Lens Cover Accessory

Samsung is likely to introduce a new accessory for the Galaxy Note 7 which is the Lens Cover. Leaked by U.K. online retailer MobileFun, the Lens Cover comes with a telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens and a slim case for you to mount the lens.

9.) When can you get it?

Samsung has officially confirmed that the Galaxy Note 7 will be announced on August 2 in New York City. As for its retail availability, @evleaks tweeted that the Galaxy Note 7 will be available for purchase in the U.S. in the week of August 15.

Since the U.S., Singapore and Malaysia are usually among the first wave of countries, you can probably purchase the device in the same week although pre-orders can start earlier at Samsung Experience Stores and telcos. We are crossing our fingers that the device be available soon after its launch on August 2. Be prepared to fork out a little more money this time as sources told SamMobile that the Galaxy Note 7 could start from €849 (~RM3,754) in Europe.

Sources: Hardwarezone