If you're a fan of Samsung's Galaxy Note series (or just phablets in general) and you're in Europe then the Galaxy Note 4 is still as good as it gets right now - because the Galaxy Note 5 is a no-show. Yes, sadly, Samsung decided to just launch the handset in North America and Asia in September 2015 and although there were rumours it would arrive in Europe and the UK by the end of January 2016, we're now in mid-February and there's been no word whatsoever. Not a peep. So it seems that was all a load of poppycock, and until we hear otherwise it seems the Galaxy Note 5 is not UK-bound.
Not that this is the end of the world. The Galaxy Note 4 is still a fantastic device, and in fact, from what we've seen of the Galaxy Note 5 so far it doesn't seem like the newer model is a huge update this time round. Let's take a look at what the Note 4 can do...
The Galaxy Note 4 clearly presented Samsung with something of a problem – the company had already honed its phablet concept into something optimal and refined with the Galaxy Note 3; what then, could be changed on the successor model? Well, on the outside not a great deal, it must be said.
The corners have been rounded off a wee bit more and the front glass panel is slightly raised and curved, while being embedded into the fascia for a unique look. Samsung’s usual silver surround design has been split into two ultra-thin bands with a slight contour to them and which sit between where the edges meet both front and back panels. The end result is that the sides are extremely flat, which helps with grip, and the edges are fashioned from a quality-feel matte aluminium. Not only is it practical but it looks pretty sharp too.
The back panel is removable and uses Samsung’s faux leather finish, although this doesn’t seem like a good implementation compared to its predecessor – the soft finish isn’t as plush, feeling more plasticky and tacky than it did before. The fake stitching is gone though, which is a plus. One neat change is the positioning of the power key and volume rocker, with the former being on the right-hand edge and the latter on the left – this means you’re able to have a finger or thumb over each control when holding the handset regardless of which hand you hold it in. The controls have a satisfying feedback level and are solidly contained in the chassis with no hint of wobble.
Samsung’s kept other details similar to its existing model; there’s a microUSB data and charging port in the base alongside the S-Pen stylus’ cubby hole, while along the top edge is a 3.5mm headphone jack. Removable cards are housed near the battery under the removable back cover. Lastly, Samsung continues to use its physical Home key flanked by a pair of capacitive Android controls (“Back” on the right, “Multitasking” on the left).
In terms of handling, Samsung has maintained the positive traits of the Note 3, that is to say; it has a large display with a narrow bezel, and while the bodywork is sized to accommodate this it is by no means an unwieldy device. It is a little heavier and thicker than its predecessor, but the balance still makes it easy to operate and one-handed use is not entirely out of the question, though can be a bit tricky and is certainly task specific with regards to whether it’s practical or not.
It's also worth pointing out that the waterproofing Samsung added to its Galaxy S5 flagship has not made its way across to the Galaxy Note series just yet, with this latest model being as sensitive to the wet stuff as any previous device and with no port covers in sight - avoid taking it in the bath!
Personally I am none too keen on the Note 4’s back panel implementation, but everything else here is solid.
