Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Release Date, Specs, Features And Price; Iris Scanner Limitations Revealed In Latest Spec Leak?

Following a slew of announcements centering on software, it looks like a major smartphone release is in the offing. Not satisfied with bowling its rivals over with the Galaxy S7 duo earlier this year, Samsung is gearing up the successor to the Note 5, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming smartphone.

What Happened To The Note 6?

The South Korean tech firm decided to call the Note 5 successor, Galaxy Note 7 rather than Galaxy Note 6 in a bid to minimize confusion and align the Note and S ranges, Gizmodo reported.

Design and Display

Judging by the images doing rounds online, the Note 7 looks like a brawny Galaxy S7 Edge. This actually affirms it will be the phablet to look forward to when it hits the store shelves.

Moreover, the promotional taglines - 'Write on the edge of something great', 'The next edge is just around the corner' - that surfaced alongside the leaked images warrants a curved-screen model, and it is believed Samsung will not release a flat version.

Standout Features

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is rumored to boast an iris scanner as its standout feature.

While recently surfaced leaks and screenshots give a sneak peek at how the feature will work, new setting screenshots uncover possible limitations for the rumored component. Just like how fingerprint scanners may not work as intended in case a user has wet hands or does not place his/her finger directly on the sensor, there are numerous occasions - such as wearing glasses, sun shades, circular contact lenses or color contact lenses - when the Galaxy Note 7's iris scanner may fail to recognize user's eyes, iDigitalTimes reported.

In addition, if a user tries to scan their irises in a dark area or even with too much light, the iris scanner may not recognize a user's eyes. Also, problem could arise if a user has had Lasik surgery. Nevertheless, it would be quite handy to be able to unlock your smartphone with just a quick flash of your eyes.

Robust Innards

While last year's Note 5 is still looked upon as one of the most powerful phones available, its obvious Samsung would go for a ridiculously high-end setup for its successor.

If rumors doing rounds are anything to go by, Samsung will unveil different versions of the smartphone for different markets. UK consumers waiting with bated breath for the Note 7 do not need to worry about an Exynos Octa 8 chip-powered model as it won't be released in the country. Instead, several reports hint they'll be treated to a Snapdragon 820-powered Note featuring an impressive 6 GB of RAM - basically, the same setup as the OnePlus 3.

If rumors proved to be true, the handset will boast a mammoth 64 GB expandable storage and will pack a 4,000mAh battery, which will be rechargeable via a USB Type-C port.

Pre-Installed Apps

The smartphone will run Android 6.0 Marshmallow with the company's own TouchWiz interface slapped on top. There'll also be an array of awe-inspiring features as well as pre-installed apps especially designed to enable optimum use of the big screen and S Pen.

Camera

A slew of conflicting reports centering on the Note 7's camera are currently doing rounds online. However, recurring speculation hint a 12 MP DualPixel rear camera setup, just like the the Galaxy S7. Rumors are also running rampant that the Note 7 will boast a 5 MP front shooter for the selfie addicts. Nevertheless, these are mere speculations.

Price And Launch Date

Citing the lack of mystery in smartphone domain, Samsung decided to skip teasers and announced that the next smartphone in the Galaxy Note range will be launched on Tuesday, August 2. The London launch is slated to start at 4pm, and events in New York and Rio de Janeiro will be held simultaneous. Alternatively, you can tune in online on Samsung's website.

The handset is expected to hit the store shelves a couple of weeks later, and could cost above of £700, making it one of the most expensive smartphones to date.