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Enlarge ImageJames Martin/CNET
Editors’ Note, January 21, 2014: This article has been updated to reflect Samsung’s confirmation that the Galaxy Note 4 variant will use an Exynos processor, and not Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 processor as previously reported.
Another high-powered Android device is getting an LTE-A redux. Similar to the Korean-exclusive Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Cat-6 LG G3, a tri-band LTE-A variant of the Galaxy Note 4 will be made available for retail in 2015.
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Like the other handsets, the new Note 4 offers faster data speeds. LTE-A is available on selected carrier networks in the US, UK, Australia and other countries. It gives users data download speeds up to four times faster than standard 4G LTE, but it does require a compatible handset.
In addition, it was previously believed that the Note 4 would be equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 processor, but Samsung has since confirmed that the variant will feature Samsung’s proprietary Exynos processor instead. Though the company has not stated why it opted out of using the 810 CPUs, equipping the handset with Exynos processors would be more cost effective. Indeed, there is speculation that the company may cease using Qualcomm processors going forward.
There’s also no word yet on where the new Note 4 will be sold, but chances are it will launch in South Korea first and foremost, in the same vein as the Galaxy S5 with LTE-A. Other than the LTE-A connectivity, the variant will be identical to the original Note 4. The device will still have that expansive and crisp 5.7-inch 1440p display, Android 4.4. KitKat, and a 16-megapixel camera.
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