The Samsung Edge series was a revolutionary line of smartphones that took the world by storm with its unique curved design and innovative features. However, despite its initial success, the series eventually phased out, leaving many to wonder what happened to this once-promising line of devices. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Samsung Edge series, its key features, and the reasons behind its decline.
A Brief History of Samsung Edge
The Samsung Edge series was first introduced in 2015 with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. The device was a variant of the Galaxy S6, but with a curved screen that wrapped around the edges of the phone. The curved design was a major departure from the traditional flat screens of most smartphones, and it quickly gained attention for its sleek and futuristic look.
The S6 Edge was a critical and commercial success, and Samsung followed it up with the Galaxy S7 Edge in 2016. The S7 Edge built upon the success of its predecessor, with improved performance, a larger battery, and new features like water resistance.
Key Features of Samsung Edge
So, what made the Samsung Edge series so special? Here are some of its key features:
- Curved Design: The most distinctive feature of the Edge series was its curved screen. The screen wrapped around the edges of the phone, providing a unique and immersive viewing experience.
- Edge Panel: The Edge series introduced the Edge panel, a feature that allowed users to access frequently used apps, contacts, and features from the curved edge of the screen.
- Wireless Charging: The Edge series supported wireless charging, making it easy to charge the device without having to deal with cables.
- High-Quality Cameras: The Edge series had high-quality cameras that were capable of taking stunning photos and videos.
The Decline of Samsung Edge
Despite its initial success, the Samsung Edge series eventually phased out. So, what happened? Here are some reasons that contributed to the decline of the Edge series:
- Lack of Innovation: After the initial launch of the S6 Edge, Samsung failed to innovate and improve the Edge series significantly. The subsequent models, such as the S7 Edge and S8+, were incremental updates that didn’t offer much new.
- Competition from Other Samsung Devices: Samsung has a wide range of smartphones, and the Edge series faced competition from other Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series. These devices offered similar features and performance at a lower price point, making the Edge series less appealing.
- High Price Point: The Edge series was always priced at a premium, which made it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers. As the smartphone market became increasingly competitive, Samsung struggled to justify the high price point of the Edge series.
- Design Limitations: The curved design of the Edge series was both a blessing and a curse. While it looked sleek and futuristic, it also made the device more prone to damage and limited the availability of cases and accessories.
The Final Nail in the Coffin: Samsung Galaxy S8+
The Samsung Galaxy S8+ was the final nail in the coffin for the Edge series. The S8+ was a larger version of the S8, with a 6.2-inch screen and a similar curved design to the Edge series. However, the S8+ was priced lower than the Edge series and offered similar features and performance.
The S8+ was a huge success, and it marked a shift in Samsung’s strategy towards larger, more affordable devices. The Edge series was eventually phased out, and Samsung focused on its other smartphone lines.
Legacy of Samsung Edge
Although the Samsung Edge series is no longer in production, its legacy lives on. The curved design of the Edge series has influenced the design of many other smartphones, and its innovative features, such as the Edge panel, have been adopted by other manufacturers.
The Edge series also played a significant role in establishing Samsung as a major player in the smartphone market. The series helped Samsung to differentiate itself from its competitors and to establish a reputation for innovation and design excellence.
What’s Next for Samsung?
So, what’s next for Samsung? The company has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of smartphone design and technology. The Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series have become incredibly popular, and Samsung has also launched new lines, such as the Galaxy A and Galaxy M series.
Samsung has also been experimenting with new designs and features, such as foldable displays and 5G connectivity. The company has announced plans to launch a new line of foldable smartphones, which could potentially revolutionize the smartphone market.
| Model | Release Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge | 2015 | Curved design, Edge panel, wireless charging |
| Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge | 2016 | Improved performance, larger battery, water resistance |
| Samsung Galaxy S8+ | 2017 | Larger screen, similar curved design to Edge series, lower price point |
Conclusion
The Samsung Edge series was a revolutionary line of smartphones that pushed the boundaries of design and innovation. Although the series eventually phased out, its legacy lives on, and its influence can be seen in many other smartphones. Samsung continues to innovate and push the boundaries of smartphone technology, and we can’t wait to see what the company has in store for us next.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, it’s clear that the Samsung Edge series will always be remembered as a pioneering line of devices that dared to be different.
What was the Samsung Edge series, and what made it revolutionary?
The Samsung Edge series was a line of high-end smartphones introduced by Samsung in 2015. The series was known for its unique curved screen design, which wrapped around the edges of the device, providing a distinctive look and feel. This design element was a significant departure from the traditional flat-screen smartphones that dominated the market at the time.
The curved screen design of the Edge series was not just aesthetically pleasing; it also provided some functional benefits. For example, the curved edges allowed for a more immersive viewing experience, and the phone’s software took advantage of the curved design by providing features such as edge panels and shortcuts. These features allowed users to quickly access frequently used apps, contacts, and other functions by swiping in from the edge of the screen.
What were some of the key features of the Samsung Edge series?
The Samsung Edge series was known for its high-end features, including large, high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and advanced camera systems. The series also included features such as wireless charging, water and dust resistance, and expandable storage. In addition, the Edge series was one of the first smartphones to include a curved screen, which provided a unique and immersive viewing experience.
The Edge series also included a range of software features, such as edge panels and shortcuts, which took advantage of the curved design. These features allowed users to quickly access frequently used apps, contacts, and other functions by swiping in from the edge of the screen. The series also included advanced camera features, such as optical image stabilization and 4K video recording, which provided high-quality images and videos.
What were some of the challenges faced by the Samsung Edge series?
One of the main challenges faced by the Samsung Edge series was the high cost of production. The curved screen design was more expensive to produce than traditional flat-screen designs, which made the Edge series more expensive for consumers. This limited the appeal of the series to a wider audience, as many consumers were not willing to pay a premium for the unique design.
Another challenge faced by the Edge series was the lack of software optimization. While the series included some unique software features, such as edge panels and shortcuts, these features were not always well-implemented. Some users reported issues with the edge panels, such as lag and unresponsiveness, which detracted from the overall user experience.
How did the Samsung Edge series impact the smartphone market?
The Samsung Edge series had a significant impact on the smartphone market, as it introduced a new design element that other manufacturers would later adopt. The curved screen design of the Edge series influenced the design of future smartphones, with many manufacturers incorporating similar features into their own devices.
The Edge series also raised the bar for smartphone displays, with its high-resolution and large screens setting a new standard for the industry. The series also influenced the development of new features, such as edge panels and shortcuts, which have since become common in many smartphones.
What led to the decline of the Samsung Edge series?
The decline of the Samsung Edge series can be attributed to a combination of factors, including increased competition from other manufacturers, a lack of innovation in subsequent models, and a shift in consumer preferences. As other manufacturers began to adopt similar curved screen designs, the Edge series lost its unique selling point, and consumers began to look elsewhere for innovative features.
Additionally, Samsung’s decision to discontinue the Edge series and focus on other models, such as the Galaxy S and Note series, also contributed to its decline. The company’s resources and attention were diverted to other areas, and the Edge series was eventually phased out.
What legacy does the Samsung Edge series leave behind?
The Samsung Edge series leaves behind a legacy of innovation and design excellence. The series’ curved screen design influenced the development of future smartphones, and its high-end features raised the bar for the industry. The series also demonstrated Samsung’s willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible in smartphone design.
Although the Edge series is no longer in production, its influence can still be seen in many modern smartphones. The series’ focus on design and innovation has inspired a new generation of smartphones, and its legacy continues to shape the industry today.
Will we see a revival of the Samsung Edge series in the future?
It is unlikely that we will see a revival of the Samsung Edge series in the future. Samsung has moved on to other models, such as the Galaxy S and Note series, and has focused its resources on developing new features and technologies. While the company may incorporate elements of the Edge series into future devices, it is unlikely to revive the series in its entirety.
However, Samsung has not ruled out the possibility of revisiting the Edge series in some form. The company has filed patents for new curved screen designs, and has hinted at the possibility of releasing new devices with similar features. While nothing has been officially announced, it is possible that we may see a spiritual successor to the Edge series in the future.