Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Note5: Pros and Cons

Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop)
Exynos 7 Octa 7420
Mali-T760 MP8
4 GB / 32 GB
5.7 inch (1440 x 2560 px)
16 MP, 5312 x 2988 px, autofocus, optical stabilization

Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy Note5 smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.7 inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7 Octa 7420 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) operating system. The AMOLED display provides deep blacks, vibrant colors, fast response times. This phone has only one rear-camera (16 MP, 5312 x 2988 px, autofocus, optical stabilization) on its back for photos and videos. Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Samsung Galaxy Note5 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / 1

Samsung Galaxy Note5 specifications

BrandSamsung
NameGalaxy Note5
ModelSM-N920
Release date2015

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.03 oz
Dimensions6.03 x 3 x 0.3 inch
Colorsblack sapphire, gold platinum, silver titan, white pearl
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Samsung Galaxy Note5 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop)
SoCExynos 7 Octa 7420
CPUHexa-core, Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53, Dual-core 2.1 GHz Cortex-A57
GPUMali-T760 MP8

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 comes with Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. The hexa-core Exynos 7 Octa 7420 CPU ensures high performance at all times. Many people consider ARM Mali GPUs a good option for mobile devices.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeSuper AMOLED
Screen size5.7 inch
Resolution1440 x 2560 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays are famous for their vibrant colors. They also have high contrast and are energy efficient. The 5.7 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / 3

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotno

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Galaxy Note5 has 32 GB. The internal storage of the Samsung Galaxy Note5 (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera16 MP, 5312 x 2988 px, autofocus, optical stabilization
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Galaxy Note5 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / 5

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB host
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This Samsung phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Galaxy Note5 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The Galaxy Note5 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / 6

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Galaxy Note5 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 / 7

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsbarometer, compass, fingerprint, gravity, gyroscope, hall, hr, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 4, Pen support

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Galaxy Note5 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Samsung phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • Super AMOLED display
  • adequate memory
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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