A host of new phablets have hit store shelves since the start of fall. With exciting new features ranging from curved screens to heart rate monitors, three-day batteries to anti-shake video modules, there’s a lot to appreciate in the latest line up.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
The Samsung Galaxy Note series has a devoted following and the latest release has been hotly anticipated. The new update moves the series a huge step forward: the processor is 4K-optimized, the Quad HD resolution ramps up the screen definition, the audio recording is of superior quality, and the 16MP camera is a step up from last year.
Faithful Note users will be pleased to know the handset is still familiar. The control buttons remain in the same positions, a finger print sensor on the back is still used to secure access and when it’s used in combination with the S-Fit app it’s still handy for workouts. In short, it’s the same Note users have come to love, just better.
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
The Note Edge shares many features with the Note 4 but has grabbed the spotlight due to a unique display that wraps around the right side of the phone. The side screen is both independent and connected, it can be used to launch frequently-used apps, can display widgets with short bursts of information ie tweets, and can also be used as a clock. Samsung is said to have poured millions into display development and it appears the investment is now paying off.
So far the Edge has only launched in Japan, but it’s expected to roll out across more selected markets in November. The rumour mill has the Canada launch date pegged for the first quarter of 2015 but that will depend on the momentum it builds up in the initial markets.
Huawei Ascend Mate 7
The Ascend is six inches tall, making it easy to accommodate the hefty 4100 mAh battery. The battery earns its space by powering the phone for up to three days on a single charge. Among the other highlights is the finger sensor embedded in the aluminium at the back, it’s sensitive enough to detect even a wet finger and can be reset to act as a shutter button when operating the camera. The Ascend sold over a million units in the month after its release showing a growing popularity.
Blackberry Passport
The Passport has been pitched as the serious tool for productivity-orientated professionals. It’s exciting to see how the features deliver on that promise.
The square panel is a better format for composition and the 32 GB memory means users don’t have to worry about opening files or storing data.
The physical keyboard looks like a throwback but tests have revealed it makes typing four times more accurate than on the Blackberry 10 virtual keyboard. The keyboard also includes a track pad offering a bit of cursor control.
The Passport comes loaded with Blackberry Blend, a programme that enables the sharing of content between the phablet and other devices. Blend allows users to get instant messages, respond to work and personal email, and access documents, contacts, calendar and media in real time regardless of which device they’re using.
The battery will run for 30 hours and it really is small enough to fit in a suit or jacket pocket. And peering at the screen won’t be a problem as the Passport’s pixel density is higher than both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus resulting in a display that pops with detail.
There’s a wealth of choice out there when it comes to choosing a new phablet. It’s just a matter of deciding what you want.
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