Galaxy Note 5 Phone: A Comprehensive Review

The Galaxy Note 5 phone is a powerhouse of a device. It sports a large 5.7-inch Quad HD display, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing the web on the go.

Its sleek design and premium feel make it a joy to hold and use. The phone's curved edges and metal frame give it a premium look and feel.

The Galaxy Note 5 is equipped with a fast and efficient Exynos 7420 processor, making it capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. This processor is paired with 4GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking.

This phone is a beast when it comes to taking photos, thanks to its 16-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front camera.

The Galaxy Note 5 phone has its pros and cons.

One major advantage is its large 5.7-inch screen, making it perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and multitasking.

However, the phone's lack of a microSD card slot is a major con for users who need to expand their storage capacity.

The phone's S-Pen stylus is a game-changer, allowing users to annotate documents, draw, and even take screenshots with a simple click.

But some users may find the S-Pen's placement on the side of the phone to be awkward and uncomfortable to use.

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 has some downsides that you should consider before making a purchase. It's a big phone, but its size can be a deal breaker for some people.

The phone is expensive, and that's a major con. You can get a used version of the phone for a fraction of its original price, but it's still a significant investment.

One of the biggest complaints about the Note 5 is its lack of a microSD card slot. This means you can't expand your storage capacity, which can be a problem if you take a lot of photos or have a large music library.

There's also no removable battery, which can be a hassle if you need to replace it. The phone's new glass-and-metal design is sleek, but it's also slippery and can be prone to accidents.

Here are some of the Note 5's cons:

The phone's volume is also a problem, with weak sound that can be difficult to hear in quiet locations. This is a common issue with Samsung phones, and it's something to consider if you value good sound quality.

The Note 5 is a real Galaxy Note, despite its lack of removable battery and expandable storage.

Many people reacted negatively to these omissions, but the Note 5's design and smaller size make it a great compromise.

For some users, the lack of expandable storage and removable battery will be a concern, but it's a trade-off for a better design.

The Note 5 is actually smaller and easier to manage than the Note 4, which is a significant advantage.

A handful of Note 4 users were shown the Note 5, and the verdict was mixed - three liked the Note 5, while two preferred the Note 4.

Ultimately, whether the Note 5 is worth the upgrade depends on whether you can handle the compromise.

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The Galaxy Note 5 has a sleek design, with a glass sheet infused into a metal frame, similar to the Galaxy S6. This construction makes it thinner and lighter than the Note 4, weighing in at 171g.

The phone's glass back is a fingerprint magnet and can be slippery to hold, but cases can help with grip and prevent the phone from slipping out of your hand. The phone's curved back makes it easier to hold in your palm, despite its phablet size.

One of the standout features of the Note 5 is its 5.7-inch screen, which uses the phone's real estate to provide features like side-by-side multitasking and picture-in-picture. The phone's dimensions are 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6mm, making it slightly smaller and thinner than the Note 4.

The phone's processor is an octa-core Exynos 7 chipset, with a 2.1GHz quad-core chip and a second 1.5GHz quad-core chip for lower-powered tasks. The 4GB of RAM helps keep things running smoothly, and the phone also comes with 32GB or 64GB storage options, but no microSD expansion slot.

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 has a sleek design with a glass back that's infused into a metal frame, similar to the Galaxy S6.

Gone is the faux leather back of the Note 4, replaced by a glass sheet that's prone to fingerprints and slipping out of your hand.

The phone's dimensions are 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6mm, making it slightly smaller and thinner than the Note 4, and it weighs 171g.

The curved glass back on the Note 5 makes it easier to hold in your palm, despite its phablet size.

However, glass can be slippery, especially with its smooth surface, making it a challenge to grip.

The phone's aluminum frame is silver, with a color-matching power button on the right and volume rocker on the left, which feel strong when pressed.

The thin bezels on the Note 5 make it look sleek, but also make it more prone to slipping out of your hand.

The phone's large size, combined with the glass back, creates a few issues, including making it feel more slippery than the Galaxy S6.

The glass back can feel nice, especially with its curves on both edges, but it's not without its drawbacks.

The Note 5's design is a bit plain and similar to the iPhone, which might not be for everyone.

The phone's price is a real issue, especially when compared to other great phones that offer similar features at a lower cost.

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The S-Pen is a game-changer for the Galaxy Note 5.

The new push eject system makes it easy to pop the pen out, and the Air Command menu is much nicer than before, blocking out the background and giving you a range of options.

Action Memo lets you scribble a note with ease, and a cool feature is being able to take the pen out and write a quick memo on the screen while it's switched off.

The lasso tool in Smart Select is a welcome improvement, allowing you to select a small section of the screen and share or edit it.

Screen Write is one of my favorite features, letting you take a screenshot of a page and scribble notes on top of it, and the ability to scroll capture is a particularly cool new feature.

You can set shortcuts to your three favorite apps with App Shortcuts, but it's worth noting that you'll probably end up using apps that are compatible with the S-Pen, like Evernote, OneNote, and S-Note.

The pressure sensitivity of the S-Pen has been improved, making it feel even more like a traditional pen.

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The Note 5 has a range of accessories available, including several cases and a faster wireless charging puck.

One of the most distinctive cases is the Keyboard Cover, which snaps a QWERTY keyboard onto the front of the screen for a BlackBerry-like experience.

If you're looking for a way to charge your phone and other devices, the power brick is a great option - it charges your phone wirelessly and other devices through a cable.

The Galaxy Note 5's camera is a significant improvement over its predecessor, with a wider aperture lens that lets in more light and produces better low-light photos.

You can expect clearer and brighter low-light photos, but the camera still struggles with automated night mode, which can turn high-contrast scenes into low-contrast mush.

The phone's image stabilization does a good job, especially on windy days, but it's not as effective as it was on the Galaxy Note 4.

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The Note 5's camera can handle macro shots, but you'll need to use the Pro Mode and manually focus to get the best results.

Low-light shots are acceptable, but Samsung still has work to do in this area - they can be a bit soft and lacking in detail.

The front-facing camera has been upgraded to 5 megapixels, making it a great option for selfie-lovers.

You can also use the default beauty mode, which gets more aggressive about airbrushing your face, or turn it off and use the wide-angle selfie mode.

Video capture goes as high as 4K Ultra HD, but that's overkill for most people - the default is full HD, which is a more practical choice.

The storage situation is a bummer, especially since the Note 5 is positioned as a productivity device - you'll need to get either the 32GB or 64GB versions and hope you have enough cloud storage.

Here's a summary of the camera features:

The Galaxy Note 5 has a redesigned shortcuts wheel called Air Command, which is a floating icon that opens up to reveal a circular menu of frequently used apps.

This feature responds faster than before, allowing you to quickly dismiss it if you accidentally click the S Pen button. You can also customize Air Command by adding up to three apps of your choice.

One useful feature is the ability to create an instant memo, even when the screen is turned off, by pulling out the S Pen. This is called "screen off memo" in the settings.

The Note 5 also allows you to annotate PDFs by handwriting on them, and you can capture scrolling screens with a single button press. This can be very helpful when reading long pieces of text.

The phone runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, with a TouchWiz layer, and has a range of features such as Easy mode, Private mode, and two power-saving modes.

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The Galaxy Note 5 runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, which means you'll have access to Google's wide array of services like Google Now and Google Drive files.

The phone also features Samsung's own TouchWiz layer, which customizes the display's look and feel. This includes quick-access toggles in the notifications shade and features related to the S Pen.

You'll find a range of Samsung apps preloaded on the phone, including Note mainstays like S Note and S Health. These apps are designed to work seamlessly with the device.

Some of the other notable apps include Microsoft's One Drive cloud storage app, Galaxy Gifts, and Galaxy Essentials. These apps can be found in various spots throughout the phone.

The phone also includes a simplified home screen (Easy mode) and a vault for photos and files you don't want anyone else to see (Private mode). These features can be accessed through the settings menu.

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Here are some of the phone's notable modes and options:

The phone also includes a flashlight in the quick-access settings, which can be edited to reorder. From the home page, you can swipe right to reveal Flipboard, which you can use to read headline news about your pet topics.

The new features in the Galaxy Note 5 are a game-changer. You can now customize the Air Command menu to include up to three of your favorite apps.

Air Command has also gotten faster, so if you accidentally click the S Pen button, you can quickly dismiss it without too much interruption. It only interacts if you tap or click with the S Pen, not your finger.

The screen off memo feature lets you create an action memo even when the screen is turned off, but it only works just after pulling out the S Pen. This adds to the S Pen's ability to quickly jot a note.

You can now annotate PDFs by handwriting all over them, just like you would with a screenshot. This is a huge time-saver for anyone who needs to mark up PDFs regularly.

The Note 5 will also prompt you to capture more of a long piece of text, rather than taking multiple screenshots. This feature is a must-have for anyone who likes to take notes or annotate documents.

Samsung Pay is supported by the Note 5, just like the S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge+.

The service is currently only available in the US and South Korea.

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The Galaxy Note 5's performance is a significant improvement over its predecessor. It's powered by an octa-core processor, which is the same Exynos 7 chipset used in the S6. This processor is a 2.1GHz quad-core chip, plus a second 1.5GHz quad-core chip for lower-powered tasks.

The Note 5's 4GB of RAM is also a notable upgrade, which helps keep things running smoothly. In fact, the extra RAM means that the phone can handle 15+ apps open in the background without impacting performance. This is a welcome improvement over previous years.

The Note 5's performance is among the world's fastest, according to diagnostic benchmarking tests. In real-world experience, the device is incredibly responsive and efficient. The combination of the octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM makes it a powerhouse of a phone.

Here are some key specs that highlight the Note 5's performance capabilities:

The Note 5's battery life is also impressive, lasting up to 15 hours in looping video tests. This is a significant improvement over the Note 4's 12.9 average in the same test. The phone's embedded battery, wireless charging capabilities, and power-saving modes all contribute to its long-lasting performance.

The Note 5's battery life is a pleasant surprise. In fact, it blows away the Note 4's average of 12.9 hours in three looping video tests, with a staggering 15 hours of battery life.

The processor and 4GB of RAM play a significant role in this improvement. Samsung may have also tightened up its software to make the phone more efficient when drawing power.

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Battery life varies depending on how you use a device, but the Note 5's performance is promising. Streaming music and turn-by-turn navigation, for example, can suck down your battery faster.

You'll also appreciate the two wireless charging standards (PMA and WPC) and two stages of power-saving modes that come with the Note 5. The ultra-powersaving mode, in particular, is a useful feature that essentially turns your phone into a dumb phone to keep it alive for emergencies.

The Note 5's battery is non-removable, which is a departure from previous Note models. However, based on my testing, I've struggled to drain more than 80% of the battery in a full day's usage, with an average battery life of 15 to 18 hours and 4 to 4.5 hours of screen on time.

Here's a breakdown of my phone's current settings:

While the lack of a removable battery is a drawback, the Note 5's battery life is not something I'm concerned about... at least not yet.

The Galaxy Note 5's performance is a major highlight of the device. It features an octa-core processor, which is a significant upgrade from the previous model. This processor is not only fast but also efficient, making it perfect for heavy users.

The Note 5's processor is a 64-bit Exynos 7420 chip, which consists of two pairs of four cores. This design allows for smooth multitasking and seamless performance. In real-world experience, the Note 5 is among the world's fastest devices.

Having 4GB of RAM is a game-changer for the Note 5. This extra GB of RAM makes all the difference in keeping the device running smoothly, even with multiple apps open in the background. The extra RAM also means that the device will take much longer to slow down compared to previous years.

In fact, the Note 5 can handle 15+ apps open in the background without impacting its performance. This is a significant improvement over previous models, which would often struggle with multiple apps open.

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The Galaxy Note 5's price is a major consideration, and it's not cheap. The 64GB version costs roughly $800 and the 32GB model costs about $700 as of October 2015.

You can find the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 for $350 on Amazon in the US, which is a significant discount from its original price of $696 or $29 a month for 24 months.

The Note 5 was not widely available in the UK or Europe, with Samsung instead focusing on the Galaxy S6 Edge+ in those regions.

The Galaxy Note 5 is a solid choice for those who want a reliable and non-explosive phone.

It's worth noting that the Note 5 has a great camera and terrific stylus, making it a great option for those who value writing capabilities. The stylus can even jot a memo with the screen turned off, adding to its functionality.

If you're looking for an alternative to the Note 5, there are plenty of options available. Apple's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, as well as Google's Pixel phone, offer great performance and long battery life.

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is a solid choice, especially if you're looking for a stylus with all its writing capabilities. The Note 5 is essentially the same as the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge+, minus the dual-curved display and Edge shortcuts.

If you already have a Samsung Galaxy Note 4, you might not need to upgrade to the Note 5. The Note 4 still handles most tasks adequately, and its removable battery and extra hardware storage are features you might miss.

The cameras on the Note 5 are a bit better than those on the Note 4, but the improvement is minimal. The stylus gains on the Note 5 are nice touches, but not enough to justify an upgrade.

Samsung Pay is a benefit of the Note 5, but only if you're in the US or South Korea, where it's available.

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If you're still considering buying a Galaxy Note 7, don't bother, it's not worth the risk.

The Note 7 has a history of exploding, which is a major safety concern.

US cellular carriers and Best Buy will exchange your Note 7 for a safer phone on the same network.

You can also consider the Galaxy Note 5, which is a solid and reliable option.

The Note 5 has a great camera, a terrific stylus, and extensive battery life.

It's also safe to own and use, unlike the Note 7.

There are plenty of other great alternatives, like the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

These phones take great photos, provide long battery life, and deliver fast performance.

They may not have all the features of the Note 7, but they're a safer bet.

Samsung's own Galaxy S7 Edge is also a great option, but it doesn't have the stylus.

The Note 5 is a great device with strengths in its stylus capabilities and design.

By embedding the battery and reducing storage options, Samsung has opened the door to competitors that can offer more for less.

The Note 5 is a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable phone with a great camera, long battery life, and a terrific stylus.

You'll get a fantastic camera, terrific stylus, and extensive battery life, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free experience.

The Note 5 is available for a lower price than the S6 Edge+, making it the more affordable option for those who don't need the Edge+ features.

If you're not planning to use the stylus, there are probably better options out there for you, especially if you don't live in a region with Samsung Pay.

The Note 5 has a lot to offer, especially for those upgrading from a Note 3 or joining the Note family for the first time.

You pay for the Note 5's larger display and S Pen, but internally, the two are almost identical, with differences in battery capacity and RAM.

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The Note 5 is a great option if you're looking for a phone that's absolutely the best in terms of sheer tech, but if you're on a budget, there are great alternatives available.

The Note 5 is the best Android smartphone out there, but it may not be the best value, especially with great cheap alternatives available.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is a phone that still packs a punch, even 10 years after its release. It has all-day battery life.

Many users have been impressed with its camera performance, with some even comparing it favorably to newer iPhones. The old OS may not be as flashy as newer models, but it still gets the job done.

The Galaxy Note 5 has a 5.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2560×1440 and a pixel density of 518 PPI.

This screen size is perfect for watching videos or browsing the web on the go. The Galaxy Note 5 has 4GB of RAM, which is more than enough for multitasking and running demanding apps.

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With 32GB or 64GB of storage, you'll have plenty of space for your photos, music, and apps. The 16 megapixel rear camera is great for taking high-quality photos, and the 5 megapixel front camera is perfect for selfies.

The 3,000 mAh battery provides all-day power, even with heavy use. The phone's dimensions are 5.40 x 2.68 x 0.27 inches, making it easy to fit in a pocket or purse.

Weighing in at 6.03 ounces, the Galaxy Note 5 is lightweight and comfortable to hold.