The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is either a game changer or deal breaker for longtime fans of the Android phablet, now that it has a premium look and feel.
Its 5.7-inch display, super-fast processor, improved camera and S Pen stylus are joined by a new, glass-and-metal design that reflects the solid construction of the Samsung Galaxy S6.
That makes it a huge leap over last year’s Galaxy Note 4, which backed the phone in cheap, textured plastic. Samsung’s build quality is finally fit to compete with the aluminum iPhone 6 Plus and the Huawei Ascend Mate 7.
All of this comes at a cost, however. There’s no microSD card slot for expandable storage or removable battery to swap out, like on the Note 4 and LG G4, and the new sealed-shut design is slippery.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is certainly a contender for best phone in the world, but it isn’t for everyone who can’t grip a two-handed phone, or its compromises in the name of style.