Samsung Galaxy Note Edge rocks a curved sidebar screen (hands-on pictures)

It has a 16-megapixel camera, 2.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor, and S Pen stylus, but none of those are reasons that you'll notice the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.

In fact, its hard to think of anything other than the Edge's 5.6-inch curved screen when you first see this Galaxy Note 4 alternative.

Alerts, alarms, and on-screen controls live in the sidebar on the phone's display.

No matter which screen you're on, the Edge Display glows with icons and controls you can access at a tap.

A manager app lets you customize the Edge.

Since it's context-aware, the Edge icons change when you launch certain apps, like the camera.

Just like the Note 4, the Edge has a stylus.

The edge from the side.

You can program the display to work as a ticker, and to flash notifications.

The power/lock button sit on the phone's top edge instead of its right side.

A fast-charging micro-USB charging port and stylus live at the bottom.

Just the volume rocker adorns the phone's spare left side.

The right side is taken up by the wraparound screen.

A home button and capacitive controls haven't budged from their usual spots.

You don't have to give up heart-rate tracking when you get an Edge.

The Galaxy Note Edge will sell in black and white shades.

A slogan marks the phone's identity, which you can also personalize.

Quick settings give you fast access to items like this clever ruler.

Go into the settings to reorder and even strike out Edge screens you don't want to see.

There's much more to know about the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. Read CNET's full review for all the details.