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Samsung Explains Availability Plan For The Galaxy Note 5

Samsung introduced yesterday two phones with very large screens, the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge+. We’d seen both phones in leaked pictures and we knew most of their specifications, which were confirmed at the event. While the Note 5 represents an evolution to the Note series taking design cues from the successful design on the Galaxy S6, the S6 Edge+ is a larger version of their curved flagship with some updated specs here and there, thus representing a second chance for the company to meet the demand of the market. Both of the phones share most of their specs, from the 5.7-inch display with QHD resolution to the processor and the amount of RAM and even the camera configuration. Even the hardware is similarly built with a metallic frame and glass on front and back.

Still, in terms of functionality they are very different, the Galaxy Note 5 includes the S-Pen which offers more functionality than ever like being able to take notes with the phone still locked. On the other hand, the curved display on the Galaxy S6 Edge+ offers an enhanced experience and now allows to keep shortcuts of the most used apps on the edges in addition to the contacts like its smaller version. What was surprising about yesterday’s announcement was that the Galaxy Note 5 would not be available on Europe as soon as in the rest of the world, and possibly those countries would never get it.

According to Samsung, they are basing this decision “according to consumer needs and the specific market situation” but they are releasing the Galaxy Note 5 in the U.S. and Asian markets in August and they will then decide which other markets will get this device. The company also stated that “For our European customers, Samsung’s portfolio will be centered on the Galaxy S6 edge+, so as to better cater to their needs”, so apparently Europe doesn’t use the stylus as much as other regions. While having the S-Pen really changes the experience as it can be used for more than drawing or writing, it begs the question if this added functionality is really necessary, in which case, why to even release a Galaxy Note? As for why wouldn’t Europeans use this as much as in other regions? Perhaps Samsung has a record of the sales of the Galaxy Note declining in that particular region, but it ultimately depends on the user’s choice and in Europe, the choice was made for them.