Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Release Date & Pricing: Iris Scan And Other Features Make It Superior to iPhone? Phablet Available This Month

After months of teasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 release date, the Korean tech giant has finally revealed the specifications for its next high-profile release. The 5.7-inch phablet, shown for the first time in public during a press event in New York City, will be marketed as the best alternative to rival the iPhone series of rival tech conglomerate Apple, rumored to be releasing a new entry in its own smartphone series next month.

One of the best characteristics of this new phablet is its enhanced authentication features, USA Today reported. While some companies only started releasing smartphones and tablets with fingerprint scanners for the first time this year, Samsung took it one step further by adding in an iris scan feature, inevitably raising the bar for future gadget updates in the coming years.

Another luring feature for this new phablet is it inherited the water resistant characteristics of predecessors Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. In fact, it is IP68-certified, which means it would not be affected by much even if it is submerged in water by up to 30 minutes. Just like other entries in the Note series, it is also equipped with the signature S Pen.

Arguably the biggest challenge for Samsung to hurdle, however, is to convince consumers that switching from iOS to Android is worth the risk, CNBC reported. While Android remains to be the top mobile OS by a mile in the world, iOS users tend to be pickier and may not see the value in a high-end purchase when the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 release date arrives especially with Apple's shackling software ecosystem.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 release date will be on August 19 worldwide. It will cost buyers around $849. By comparison, the iPhone 6 had an introductory price of $840 when it first became available last year. It's your move now, Apple.