Is a curved edge screen on a Note just style over function?

[Spencurious]

Just moved from the unashamedly square Sony Z5 Premium to a Note 8, and while I'm impressed with its power and functions, I'm having some issue with the design.

The curved edges look very cool and give the phone a distinctive look, but I'm struggling to see any practical value, and there also seems to be some functional disadvantages?

When using the S-Pen I find that it slips on the curved edge if you try to write too close to the edge of the screen. And when thumb typing the edges sometimes respond to accidental touches from my fat thumbs. Also, some pages from websites have buttons right on the edge of the screen (the little x used to close pop-up adds for example), and these are right on the curve of the screen.

It's still early days for me - so will I get used to it?

 

[SwissCheese06]

Depending on how you use it.
You can also use the Apps Edge functionality to easily access your favorite apps or app pairings!

 

[trucksmoveamerica#AC]

I get the pen slips on the edges and can be a pain. For me, the edge serves as a purpose, not just looks. I use it every day for sending texts to frequent contacts thru people edge. Here is a couple more that I use frequently.

 

[aldo82]

I don't see why they couldn't have the edge panel functions with a flat screen. for me the edge screen has no function other than Samsung thinks it looks good and gives them a one over the other manufacturers. it's fine though. my main issue with it is I think the screen is more vulnerable to drops as cases generally stay below the edges

 

[srvctec]

IMO, the curved edge is COMPLETELY a design over function thing. Please don't try to convince me that you couldn't have edge apps the same way they are now but on a flat screen instead. The screen doesn't need to be curved to have a little touch sensitive button on it to be able to slide it over and utilize edge apps!! Yes, I use the function but it would still function perfectly fine if the screen was flat. If the screen was flat, there wouldn't be any issues whatsoever with screen protectors, either.

I came from a Note 4 and had I known how many issues the curved edges were going to cause trying to find a screen protector that actually fits correctly, I might have just passed on it. Don't get me wrong, the N8 is by far the best phone I've ever had but I could do without the stupid curved edges that make the phone look cool. I'm 100% function over form every time and in his case, it's the other way around.

 

[krishnansasikumar]

The edge screen is a design element to wow people to their product. It makes it stand out from the remaining phones.

But, it compromises functionality to quite an extent, like the OP pointed out. It's an inconvenience for sure.

After using the Galaxy 8 series (S8 & Note8) for well over 5 months, I'd now prefer a flat front screen over the edge.

 

[aldo82]

I would say that the edge screen on the note 8 is much better than it was on my s7 edge. it's more subtle so not as much of a nuisance. still would prefer flat though

 

[belodion]

I go so far as to not buy phones with curved glass, since I see no worthwhile advantages, and several disadvantages.

 

[toenail_flicker]

definitely flash over function. the curve is nothing but a pita and a crack/break magnet

 

[trucksmoveamerica#AC]

Sounds like a few shouldn't be buying the note 8. Some of it is style over function. Samsung was trying to get screens with no bezels, which I remember everyone was excited about. The curved edges gave that to us. Google is trying to get rid of apps that use overlay to do things such as swipe edge of screen to perform functions unless it's intended for disabled people. Letters have been sent to developers of such apps to provide proof that it's for disabled people features or take it down, so the swipe on the edge may not be an option. Unless I don't understand Google's intentions here 100%.

This is the link I'm talking about. I read another one that listed swiping edge screen also, but can't find it. Maybe that won't be effected, hope not as I use edge gestures also.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/1...vices-anything-except-helping-disabled-users/

 

[daves221]

I like the edge as I found the bezel on the note 4 really caused me to lose the ability to write near the bezel. I get much more use of the full screen with the rounded edge of the 8. So for me, I like it.

 

[magichoward]

Definitely prefer flat screen easier to find a glass protectors

 

[donm527]

They can. It's completely a design aesthetic at this point. They could easily make the edge menu/options work on a flat screen. It looks nice... but not practical for a mobile device.

Here is the original Note Edge and see how they had more dedicated space for more functional purposes and you'll see how from there we evolved to more of a useless bend, then edged on both sides and now both sides front and back.

It is a really nice looking phone design-wise.

https://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/samsung-galaxy-note-edge-hands-on/

I don't see why they couldn't have the edge panel functions with a flat screen. for me the edge screen has no function other than Samsung thinks it looks good and gives them a one over the other manufacturers. it's fine though. my main issue with it is I think the screen is more vulnerable to drops as cases generally stay below the edges

 

[evohicks]

I like the curved edges, its one of the reasons I bought it. Yes it's a pain fitting screen protectors but I've removed mine so no issues for me, I think the curved edges look great, I've liked them since they were introduced on the Note edge, but the curves on the Note 8 are quite a bit steeper.

 

[Risley88]

Definitely prefer flat screen easier to find a glass protectors

Amen to that

 

[Carraser23]

I like the curved screen in that it looks amazing and makes content consumption much more emersive. I hate it because screen protectors are hard to find/install.

 

[ocramida]

Yeah screen protector is a PITA. But I love the curved edge.

 

[bassplayrguy]

The curved screen looks amazing and allows a more fully immerse experience when viewing. I love the edge menus as well. They are very handy. Did you not do any research before spending a thousand dollars on a phone?

 

[LegalAmerican]

IMO, the curved edge is COMPLETELY a design over function thing. Please don't try to convince me that you couldn't have edge apps the same way they are now but on a flat screen instead. The screen doesn't need to be curved to have a little touch sensitive button on it to be able to slide it over and utilize edge apps!! Yes, I use the function but it would still function perfectly fine if the screen was flat. If the screen was flat, there wouldn't be any issues whatsoever with screen protectors, either.

I came from a Note 4 and had I known how many issues the curved edges were going to cause trying to find a screen protector that actually fits correctly, I might have just passed on it. Don't get me wrong, the N8 is by far the best phone I've ever had but I could do without the stupid curved edges that make the phone look cool. I'm 100% function over form every time and in his case, it's the other way around.

I had the Note 4 before this and I got the halo effect with screen protectors on that too. Also, with the curved screen, you just utilize all of the software features that make it so you aren't needing to write all the way to the edge. In most apps, I've found that you only have the pen slip off the edge if you don't use the software options in that app. But I'm not trying to convince you. That's not my job or worry, I'm just saying what I've experienced.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I haven't come across a function/feature where the curve had been beneficial. I've come across multiple times where it has been frustrating. Particularly when trying to use the pen, it just slides off.