Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Top 10 features

Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 4 at IFA in Berlin earlier this week.

Due to ship in October, the Note 4 will run Android 4.4 KitKat and include numerous features that were introduced with the firm's flagship Galaxy S5.

We take a look at the 10 best features of the Galaxy Note 4.

Galaxy Note Edge coming later this year

There will also be a special edition of the device called the Galaxy Note Edge.

The Note Edge has a curved display, which provides an additional way of interacting with the device as it shows up notifications or allows you to run simple apps like the stopwatch. Samsung revealed the Note Edge will be available in as yet unspecified markets later this year.

1. S Pen

The pressure sensitivity of the S Pen has been doubled to 2048 points.

Calligraphy and fountain pen modes have been added and it's now possible to highlight multiple images and text like you can with a traditional mouse. This is done by clicking the physical button on the pen and then dragging it across the display.

Samsung has also teamed up with Mont Blanc to provide special edition stylus accessories.

2. Screen & Design

The Note 4 ships with a 5.7in quad-HD Super Amoled with 3.7 million pixels (2560 x 1440). Samsung has added a premium metal frame to the Note 4 and strengthened the 2.5D glass, which was used in its predecessor. The handset weighs in at 176g and is 8.5mm thick.

The familiar removable soft touch back remains. Samsung will offer the device in four colours: black, white, gold and pink.

Be warned, though. Unlike the Galaxy S5, the Note 4 is not waterproof or dustproof.

3. Battery life

The battery has been increased marginally to 3220mAh. But Samsung is claiming the more efficient processor and battery saving modes mean the Note 4 lasts 7.5 per cent longer than the Note 3.

Samsung has introduced a fast-charging mode - so the Note 4 is capable of recharging from 0 to 50 per cent in 30 minutes.

If you do experience any problems with the battery, it can be swapped out at any time as the back cover is removable.

4. Hardware

The majority of Note 4 devices will be powered by a 2.7GHz quad-core processor with 3GB of RAM. Specific regions (TBC) will get an Octacore processor.

Samsung offers 32GB of internal memory and this can be topped up with micro SD card support (up to 64GB). The firm also has a deal in place with Dropbox to offer 50GB of free storage for 2 years.

5. Revamped Multitasking

During the launch, Samsung execs said they had received feedback from users stating that it was difficult to find the Multi-Window' feature on the Note. The feature is now easier to use - you can swipe from the corner of an app to minimise it and then open a new one. If you want to snaps apps to the screen, just drag them into place.

6. Snap Note & Smart Select

With Snap Note, you can take a picture with the camera, annotate them just like any other note and then share with friends or colleagues.

Meanwhile, Smart Select allows users to screenshot several images from multiple sources and then share them together via email or text by dragging and dropping them.

7. Camera

The rear-facing camera has a 16-megapixel sensor with optical image stabilisation. The front-facing camera uses a 3.7-megapixel sensor, and allows in 60 per cent more light than its predecessor.

Samsung is also touting the inclusion of a 'Wide Selfie' mode to allow users to take pictures of large groups without cutting out people. Plus the heart rate sensor can be used as a shutter button for selfies.

8. Sensors

The Note 4 includes all the regular sensors you'd expect in a smartphone from an accelerometer through to the proximity and barometer.

Samsung has also added the fingerprint scanner, so users can unlock the device without a password. There is a UV monitor to warn users about sunlight exposure and the heart-rate monitor has been ported over from the Galaxy S5.

9. Connectivity

Depending on your region, you may be able to get a Note 4 with 4G (LTE) Category 6 support. These devices will have theoretical download speeds of up to 300Mbps and upload speeds of 50Mbps. All other regions will support Category 4 with 150/50Mbps download and upload speeds, respectively.

The Note 4 also supports WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80) MIMO PCIe, GPS/ GLONASS/Baidu, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1 (BLE,ANT+) and has an Infra-red sensor allowing it to be used as a remote control.

Users will be able to combine Wi-Fi and 4G signals to boost download times via the Download Booster function.

10. Free trials/offers

As mentioned, Samsung has partnered with Dropbox to offer 50GB of free storage for 2 years.

Users will also get free trials for The Wall Street Journal, Blooomberg, Businessweek, and The New York Times.

PayPal is a Samsung partner too, so payments can be authorised via the fingerprint scanner. Details about all the promotional offers are to be confirmed.