Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is an absolute beast in the performance department. The interface is slick and heavy apps and games are no trouble for this smartphone. The octa-core Exynos 7420 processor and 4GB of RAM ensure everything runs smoothly. The new SoC is also a big upgrade over last year’s Galaxy Note 4, which had the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 SoC. The performance difference is best reflected in AnTuTu, which threw up a score of 68, 277, compared to the 46, 678 we got on its predecessor. Look and Feel
Samsung has kicked it up a notch in the aesthetics department as the Galaxy Note 5 borrows many design cues from its stylus-free siblings. The phone looks premium, and is on par with the HTCs and Apples of the world. Samsung uses 7000-series aluminium and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 for the construction, which lends the Note 5 a sturdy, yet attractive feel. Unlike the Galaxy S6 Edge+, whose screen curves around the sides, the Note 5 has a more subtle curved back. This leaves you with sides wide enough to grip comfortably so there’s less chance of it slipping from your hand. It’s also easier to reach the power and volume buttons.
Specifications and Software
The hardware and software are practically identical to what we saw in the Galaxy S6 Edge+ so we won’t spend too much time on those aspects. We will however talk a bit about the revamped S Pen and the software associated with it.
Let’s start with the stylus. It’s still made of plastic and is easy to use but the metallic finish around the main button and the top lend it a more polished look. Pressure sensitivity is similar to that of the Galaxy Note 4, which makes it a great tool for artists.