Galaxy Note 5 Review: The Tablet Killer Returns | Pocketnow

Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Note 5! Check out the full review at Pocketnow: /2015/08/26/galaxy-note-5-review
With the latest in its large-format lineup, Samsung has substituted focus for features, fit and finish for frills … and the result is a formidable phone. But has the company sacrificed too much in its quest to commoditize the king of phablets? Let’s find out.
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Pocketnow has been a key source of mobile technology news and reviews since its establishment in 2000. With offices on three continents, Pocketnow offers round-the-clock coverage of the mobile technology landscape, from smartphones to tablets to wearables. We aim to be your number-one source for mobile tech news, reviews, comparisons, and commentary. If you love mobile as much as we do, be sure to subscribe!
Galaxy Note 5 Review: The Tablet Killer Returns | Pocketnow
• Galaxy Note 5 Review: ...
PocketNow
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[@thefinder8087]

I just got the Note 5 yesterday, I have to say I really really like it. It's super fast and smooth, and the display is just insane. I came from the Note 4 and maybe it's just the DPI setting but the display on the Note 5 seems sharper to me, with better colors. Brighter as well. The performance is much better on the Note 5, the lighter TouchWhiz and Exynos 7420 are a killer combo. It seems a lot more premium than the Note 4, not just in looks either. I know that's very subjective but still, had to mention it. The only negative is the battery doesn't last quite as long on the Note 5 (so far anyway), but I'm very happy with the trade off, and battery life could be improved a little with an update. I would very much recommend it, it's the first time I've gotten a new phone and not been at least a little disappointed on the first day.

[@jevonbutler9867]

here a tip for battery life. turn on the power saver mode. I got 6 hours SOT with that on. it basically limits the cpu and it works very well

[@jonesnj07]

Nathaniel Graham try greenify for the battery.

[@thefinder8087]

+Nathan Jones is there a knox-proof root out? If Knox gets tripped then you can't use Samsung pay, and I'd like to give that a try when it comes out.

[@thefinder8087]

+Jevon Butler thanks for the tip!

[@jonesnj07]

Nathaniel Graham you don't nned to be rooted to use greenify.

[@JaimeLopez-ry1sh]

so much hate towards this phone, personally im sold :)

[@chrisbarnes5167]

Jaime Lopez Agreed

[@jcmyluv1]

+Sedrick SK bullshit

[@BryantBaudelaire]

I love my Note5

[@dcolb16]

this phone is amazing. I actually find myself using the s pen :) well worth the money

[@julianarjah1175]

+Jaime Lopez it's a shit phone

[@DaengDaeng0128]

I dont get it. WHY the hell people dissapointed at this kind of Hardware spec? What kind of other Android flagship or iphones bringing this good hardware? People just never satisfy... Sigh...

[@MrValaras]

I get 6hours+ SOT almost everyday, I have no idea how you only getting 4 hours *_*

[@Pocketnow]

MrValaras More details in the text review landing tomorrow. Keep in mind we said the AT&T version gets better battery life; T-Mobile's software load is likely the culprit here. ^M

[@MrValaras]

+Pocketnow I'm using a T-Mobile device aswell which is why I'm suprised you're getting these poor results. Turn off VoLTE + Wifi calling and see if it makes a difference. Awesome review Michael!

[@Pocketnow]

MrValaras Yep, VoLTE and WiFi Calling were toggled off the moment we got it! Will follow up with more on the text side. ^M

[@JamesRussoMillas]

MrValaras Six hours?? jesus man. I get 3.5 on Verizon if I'm lucky. Screen should be #1 battery user, but on mine it's not.

[@MrValaras]

+James Russo whats draining most your battery exactly? android os?

[@sophiak.martin2820]

I absolutely love your reviews. Keep up the good work. Note 5 for the win.

[@feffrey81]

+Sophia K. Martin I think you meant to say, Note 4 for the win. ;)

[@ILoveWomen]

+Geoff S shes entitled to her own opinion...

[@sophiak.martin2820]

Geoff S No sweetheart I meant exactly what you read, note 5 for the win. I'm a Fan of the note series overall, and the missing sd card slot/ non removable battery aren't deal breakers for me as they may be for you. Loving the new design, will be giving up my iPhone 6 plus very soon😉. Wait let me apply my 😎's since you're planting 🌴🌴.

[@sophiak.martin2820]

SUPERTRIP™ thanks boo. Opinions are like eyeballs most of us have two lol.

[@stillyas85]

yup, lovin my white 64GB N5.

[@lolmetswhathappeneduhhh2029]

A great device, even in 2018. Battery life isn't the best, but it charges absurdly fast with a compatible fast charger. And unless you have it next to something like a Note 8/9 or other 2017-2018 phablet, you will not notice any performance deficit. It still has great camera software, takes very good photos, display is still damn good, and the functionality that comes with the S pen come in very handy. I picked mine up for $206 to take the place of my S7, which has suffered a nasty cracked screen, and aside from the expandable storage, I haven't experienced a loss in anything from this "downgrade".

[@richardlew3667]

Who needs to change batteries when you can have portable chargers?

[@MLyricEntertainment]

Richard Lew tell that to the Galaxy Note 7

[@reallyryan_]

Ah the good old days when mr mobile was here :')

[@DaquaneJohnson]

"Pop off the back cover, and... oh..." lol I CANT WITH YOU 😂😂😂

[@DylanHunter64]

Where's the Oneplus Two review?

[@Pocketnow]

Dylan Hunter Coming soon. We're reviewing it based on the new OxygenOS version, so thanks for your patience. ^M

[@nedrapaul4135]

+Pocketnow i heard that the s pen must be put back inside the phone the same way it was or it well get stuck, is that true??

[@kebs10]

+Nedra Paul Well, yeah. If you put it in backwards it will probably mess up your phone and might even get stuck. Android Police made a video about it. Samsung have put a warning in the instruction manual against doing so though. I'm guessing they probably discovered the problem after they already manufactured the devices.

[@nedrapaul4135]

+sjolander i don't mean backwards i mean like flipped... like pull it out this way but put it back the other way

[@reallyryan_]

Up my arse.

[@Ilija742]

Morgan Freeman of tech world!

[@kunalmutha9943]

exactly!

[@justinbryan5717]

I could listen to Michael Fisher's voice all day. It's just so pleasant to hear.

[@friskypikachuz]

Biggest disappointment of the year.

[@kadeneharvey7292]

Not really but personal preference.

[@BobbyJay1]

Well said

[@11910blackops]

Agreed

[@gjackson2004]

so true

[@WikumWijesinghe]

+Random Accεss Mεmoriεs Biggest disspointment to iSheeps

[@vonmiller6222]

I'm a heavy user and my battery last all day

[@AliceBz]

wow, this is yet the best Note5 review i've seen so far, and i've seen pretty much of this kinds of videos since i'm researching to buy a Note5, here they talk about both the ups and downs, not blindly compliment the phone all video! cool, i really appreciate that

[@yassinelitime]

michael fisher's reviews and those of marques brownlee are the best in their category... they make you concentrate while watching.. keep it up

[@jevonbutler9867]

watching this on my note 5

[@kadeneharvey7292]

Are the compromises affecting you?

[@jevonbutler9867]

+Kadene Harvey compromises😂. Everything about this phone is an upgrade over my lg g2. I didn't have a micro SD card on my g2 so I don't care about storage. On my g2 I would get 1 hour 40 minutes SOT. On this beast, I get 5 hours! And this camera is freaking amazing. Screen is amazing. I actually prefer the stock TouchWiz theme, but there are some I tried out. If there is really a compromise for me it would have to be the ir blaster. But if that's one feature they have to take , for everything else to be good, then I'm all for it.

[@landedhoaxer]

+Jevon Butler how is touchwiz's ram management?

[@jevonbutler9867]

landedhoaxer ram management is fine. I'm not trying to use this phone like a laptop so I usually close everything out when I leave an app. And I will mention this. ZERO LAG. None whatsoever. But the one occasion when I did have a bunch of apps open, it switched fast enough for me

[@landedhoaxer]

+Jevon Butler fair play :D

[@Lansky1213]

Great review! I'm enjoying this on my $79 Lumia 640 W10preview. Might sell my galaxy s6 edge for the note 5 or just wait on the surface phone.

[@uNkLeRaRa4]

Holy video stabilization Batman!!

[@TECHKYYASSER]

u r the best smartphone reviewer in the world....:)

[@megabojan1993]

Gosh, I miss this guy. Such a good reviewer :(

[@megabojan1993]

***** He was my favorite KZbin reviewer. There are maybe 100 famous youtube reviewers, but he was the best.

[@ramiz856]

+MegaBojan1993 Where has he gone ? can i anyone brief me on this ?

[@megabojan1993]

RAMIZ AMER CH I don't know for sure :(

[@ramiz856]

Well I have figured it out ! He went with the MobileNations !

[@rafihossaiin]

his new youtube channel name is MrMobile[Michael Fisher]

[@maheenali94]

the "tablet killer" isn't coming to the UK... instead we are getting a larger curved gimmick as Samsung say the note isn't needed in the UK...well I guess LG and their G4 gets my cash this year

[@BobbyJay1]

LG G4 is also for me

[@BobbyJay1]

LG G4 is also for me

[@leebotticelli9832]

agreed, I don't understand this politics, we have the s6edge plus, for what??

[@drsnowmon]

+maheenali94 Note 5 is coming to EU definitely, just not now....

[@maheenali94]

+drsnowmon too late for Samsung , I've moved on to the LG G4 and don't regret the move at all .... love the phone

[@rommelbalidio7941]

the most comprehensive site is here with Michael Fisher period

[@drsnowmon]

that pdf edit and save feature itself already won me over, definitely checking this phone out

[@omarsalam9973]

2019 !!!! Anyone?

[@bob_frazier]

Absoluty! For $200 (new) this does everything I need.

[@omarsalam9973]

@Mohd Redhuan note 3 is a beast 💥

[@omarsalam9973]

@Mohd Redhuan yup👍

[@ramcannon]

the non removable 3000mA battery just helped me make my decision to wait for the new nexus.

[@mastersirus1985]

ramcannon you do know every nexus since forever has always had a non removable battery lol

[@ramcannon]

+Elton Arteaga yes but its rumored to have larger than 3000 mA battery. I didn't say I would buy the nexus for sure. Im simply going from "buying the Note 5 for sure", to "wait and see" mode.

[@davijoneslockr]

+ramcannon and have u heard that the nexus 6 battery even tho bigger than the note 5 is not doing any better, about 4-5hours SOT.??????

[@davijoneslockr]

+Elton Arteaga exactly! Since no nexus battery life has been better than a Samsung flagship phone except for maybe the s6

[@trumyles7587]

no real note user can just drop the note line all together just because of a change.....unless that nexus can do a fragment of what a note does....it just doesn't compare!

[@rodolfoortega1574]

Defenetly, great device... Mine I gave it to my father and still going strong like almost 6 years ago... With every original components...Still very fast and no hasle with my dad... Thanks againg Pocketnow and Michael for the top notch reviews... Cheers...

[@ideym]

Great as always, keep the wonderful job, Michael

[@thefinder8087]

What app was that at 7:40

[@NF0RCED]

+Nathaniel Graham I want to know the same thing

[@thefinder8087]

+ben stark thank you, they must have changed the UI quite a bit since the last time I used that app.

[@DarrenHollander]

Nathaniel Graham Which is it?

[@DarrenHollander]

I think I found it. It's just Samsung's in-house optimization settings.

[@thefinder8087]

+Darren Hollander somebody said clean master. Where'd you find the samsung optimization settings?

[@kapilbusawah7169]

Well the Note 4 was the best Note there was and now it seems as though that was is now an is . The Note 5 isn't an upgrade at all .

[@sic22l]

+kapil busawah It is - software wise, not hardware wise.

[@kapilbusawah7169]

sic22l Anything the Note 5 can do , so can the Note 4 . Software wise it has squat on the Note 4 . Ever heard of rooting ?

[@MrJflomario]

+kapil busawah Its an upgrade, if you're coming from any phone that isn't the Note 4.

[@sic22l]

kapil busawah Software is much smoother and more refined in the Note 5, there really is quite a difference. Rooting voids you warranty and 98% of people will never do it.

[@ChesterFoster]

+sic22l well said. I use to root for wifi tethering but once I got tmobile that came with my plan. now I have the S6 edge and I can't find any reason to root. I think the Note 5 is one of the best devices. just can't get it because the s6 edge hasn't given me a reason to upgrade and I have been looking for one.

[@Ranblv]

One of the best reviews of the note 5. calling it like it is. Good job.

[@turkeybuttsammich]

Polished, informative review...

[@QuinchGaming]

No battery change, no SD expansion...I'm out

[@anthonyjones451]

Lol typical bandwagon. Goodbye

[@QuinchGaming]

Anthony Jones been my feelings since it was announced....they''re features I pretty much rely on so...how is that "bandwagon"?

[@QuinchGaming]

well they're the features (along with big screen and S-Pen) that meant the Note was ideal for me. Discounting two of the main features that brought me to the range means I no longer have the functioning tool I need.

[@PHeMoX]

+Quinch Same here. Add to that the disappointing RAM management and I'll be far more likely to go with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ instead.

[@cnmdiva81]

+Quinch I'm in total agreement.

[@LJLMETAL]

To me; the Galaxy Note 5 is the next big disappointment. How can Samsung make a Note phone without expandable memory, and a removable battery? It looks too much longer the IPhone. The design has no originality to it. We might as well call it "The I-Note." Personally, I never had a problem with TouchWiz. I actually prefer it over any other UI.

[@vernonleewarren280]

Lawrence Lepes well said

[@MrBakkensan]

Loved the back cover joke/segment guys! Great review :)

[@DeviantDragonsGaming]

Great review as usual. I'm looking forward to someone porting the note 5 feature to the note 4. It's only a matter of time. I'll keep my Note 4 till it can't go any further. A year old and still looks almost new.

[@Pocketnow]

Looking for more? We go into greater detail in our full Galaxy Note 5 review, available here: pocketnow.com/2015/08/26/galaxy-note-5-review ^M

[@Vote4waifu]

+Pocketnow So no 128 GB model? That's lame.

[@Emily1963eh]

+Pocketnow So where is the IP rating, where is the FRONT FACING SPEAKERS, where is the expandable storage? Sorry, this is no tablet killer.

[@KB.84]

I guess it depends on users and what they are actually doing with their phones.

[@Emily1963eh]

MrKgee84 Not really, a premium phone should be a premium phone, not wanting for anything, it really isn't hard to figure out what they should do and stop making excuses as to why they can't or won't do it.

[@forgottensoul1666]

+Prinz Naryk around 23gb

[@kadeneharvey7292]

Who's getting the Note 4 over this?

[@omkarcj100]

Nice Punch to the complainers at the end micheal!!! You truly have the skills for a perfectly crafted script of a review!!! I have never seen a reviewer with a "Sea" of high quality english words like u have!!!! Great job!!!

[@saqibijaz9465]

Excellent work... Nicely narrated and described.... Good job done..... Keep it up....

[@valornfear6023]

This is trash, I'm getting the 6s

[@EzMackinCheez]

lol

[@Yoloist3711]

I wait for the iPhone 7 but it's your choice lol.

[@chrisbarnes5167]

Samson956 Just curious....What do you hope to obtain from the 6s?

[@EzMackinCheez]

Obviously you are ios kinda guy. But the 6s will pale to even the note 3. Lol

[@muhammedyusuf946]

Mr Fisher, in my opinion u make the best mobile reviews on KZbin perfectly shot and precise information. Keep up the good work.

[@godsangell12]

This guy makes legendary reviews

[@randyamericano9247]

love the pocketnow reviews! thanks

[@Ronniesan0201]

just got my note 5 today. love it.

[@462410doctor]

Very honest and well-put review, as always. Shame we won't see the note 5 here in Europe though.. Thank you for another insightful video Michael. All the best from the Netherlands!

[@Mekuzee_Khen]

I liked this video before watching it and Michael Fisher did not disappoint. He's simply the best smartphone reviewer ever. Best 9 minutes of my day.

[@eljeffe58]

Great review, always the best reviews of all. Thank you Michael.

[@michaelkeaton32]

Man this phone is calling my name. I've always wanted a Note, something about that stylus makes me want one.

[@EzraBufford]

How is the 'signature' set up done in the text window area with this great phone? It was very easy with the older models. thx -Love this phone!

[@Thedesertguy75]

The note 5 is an amazing phone. Even in 2017. With nougat it's a beast! I had a s7 edge, but I missed the note 5. I went back.

[@sajidbutt2680]

Absolutely Fantastic Review. Impartial, Detailed and Mesmerising.

[@IvanAtli]

Another great video Fisher. You are by FAR the most skilled reviewer on the internet.

[@soufianeaz6725]

Michael , i hope you read this , because you are the best reviewer on pocketnow , i just enjoy your videos. So clear and easy to understand.

[@MC-rw1xc]

Nice and fantastic video as usual,thanks Micheal Fisher

[@Wowhexx]

Can't wait to get mine in the mail!

[@AdanyKai]

I can't believe Michael Fisher used to work with pocketnow.Now he has a successful channel Mr.mobile

[@markgildo85]

I'm happy now with my note 5 bought it last week it's a beast phone. super fast and battery life is good open WiFi all the time for 15hrs with moderate using of Facebook, Twitter, youtube, google browsing and gaming and still there's a 35% left for battery. love this phone using it for drawing and painting. ☺

[@Rajorsi]

Michael Fisher reviews are the best.

[@rahbarkarim671]

Probably the best review,, Michel Fisher ever did! Every second worth watching

[@ArielRakhamimov]

9 minutes of joy. Thank you Michael. Thank you Pocketnow.

[@chrisveverka8769]

Great review Michael. Spot on. Thanks.

[@rmataczynski]

I've got it and love it. coming from a gs6 the battery life is hands down twice as good! seriously a beast of a phone.

[@saschar.9624]

Great Again! Thanks, i Like Your Reviews the Most ;)

[@s8plusisboss449]

Owning the Galaxy Note 5 and S6Edge+ is definitely the best in class phablet experience on the market today nothing else tops this day to day experience.

[@akjl01]

As usual, another great review.. Thanks Pocketnow.

[@srahimi95]

Just picked up my note 5, 2 days ago and it is everything I've wanted in a smartphone. Coming from the s4 I swore that I'd never go for a Samsung phone again. They really pulled their shit together and produced some of the best phones to date this year.

[@SaeedDaakeek]

Nice phone. Now we need to wait for manufacturers to make a battery case for it.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

As usual, a very good, very useful, very well-balanced review from Michael Fisher. Well done.

[@Meastersquallx]

Great review as always.. keep hard work buddy

[@freshbakedbread]

I just got the Note 5 last week. I came from an iPhone 5s so it was a huge jump, but it's incredible. It's very fast and Android is great. I use the sPen all the time. The only problem that I have is that the battery barely lasts a full day for me, but I would say I'm a heavy user.

[@paulwesley27]

I never thought I could like a Galaxy Note this much. Alas, I ADORE it.

[@djgmoney8649]

At the 8:48 mark, you move text from one app to another with the S-pen. How did you do that without using smart select? Thanks.

[@johny1220]

I got the galaxy s6 edge plus yesterday and it's an awesome phone

[@arjunthabomb]

using a note 5 to write this message, I'm deffinatly not disappointed with it. one amazing device!

[@MrDoomonish]

Amazing review as always Michael.

[@sexybabe7657]

Am getting mine next week

[@davidcollins465]

Mr.Fisher. I have a question for you. What theme launcher are you running on the galaxy not 5 that is featured in this review? I would really love to know. Thanks David Collins

[@kaykayvanessafly]

Looking forward to getting this phone soon! The S Pen would be amazing to use during university, especially that option where you can write on the phone with your phone off. I understand people are upset because it is missing alot of the features that were found in the note 4, but personally, i don't use those and I would gladly upgrade since I am still using a note 2. TBH note 2 is still superb as it is (a battery that lasts all day), just the S pen makes me want to upgrade for sure!

[@TechMadeSimple]

What theme did you use to make the default message icon look like the hangouts icon ?

[@Jeremyspoptart]

Great review. I noticed that your notification panel looks different. Is that available in the Samsung app store? What is theme is that called. Thanks so much.

[@kamao1268]

Its 2019 and im still enjoying my note 5.. powerful cpu.. very good ram.. very good camera.. very good screen display.. fast charging very useful nowadays.. and the s pen features.. what more you ask for. Overall very good phone.. well of you have note 7 above then you ignore note 5

[@Bianca8bit]

love Michael Fishers reviews! I only watch his. ;)

[@easily_excitable]

Michael Fisher, you have a great voice, sir. Any chance for pocketnow to join team crispy any time soon? I'd love to see future reviews in QHD or above. Great work, big fan! Take care

[@MieMohd]

Best great review on SGN6 so far =)

[@spirg]

Mike , you're the best !!! Just got a Note 5

[@RareMade]

Whats that power optimization app around 7:50?

[@nicolaismaginable]

Excellent review! I fully agree, since I own one for a week of enjoyable usage..

[@Cjohnsonmuisc]

what was the theme you were using in this video on the note 5?

[@BoneAppleTeeth94]

What a review! You nailed it!

[@soooomagy]

Thank you Mr. Fisher it's really a professional review.

[@ChrisB10]

your reviews are ridiculously good. holy fuck balls you can review tech

[@thecomplexingarchangel5363]

Hey Michael! Fantastic review as always! My first time on the KZbin floor commenting and thought I'd start it with one of your reviews :D That fluff aside.. Is the Ultra Power Saving Mode still available on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5? I mean given the reduced Battery capacity, why get rid of a nifty feature like that? (if they have) Fellow reviewer, D

[@phenixboy1]

You can add a screen saver on the reverse side this will help with the slippery feel but the phone will have a dull look. Amazing phone !

[@nothingmuch6666]

I'm really hoping I get a Note 5 for Christmas, I need an upgrade, and to me this is the best phone for that upgrade.

[@vishalninama3249]

i will buy this next month ... .... so excited .......

[@maxrocksd]

Awesome review,thanks a lot!! :)

Most of the people keep saying that Samsung Galaxy Note 5's battery capacity was decreased from 3220 to 3000 mAh from previous Note 4. Sure it's sucks, not because it's a "puny" battery capacity but also non-removable. Most people said that the battery drains faster and cannot last a day. Here's the full tip about battery life. 1- Turn Power Saving Mode; 2- Close all apps after using (Press the Multi-task button and close all opened apps); 3- Don't install a lot of apps. The apps can sometimes run itself in background. Heavy usage of lighter usage depends of a person's taste, I am an average user. My device is Mega 2 (2014). It has 2800 mAh and lasted 2 and a half day or 3 with average usage. I used fully charged and recharge it after getting 5% of battery. So there is no need to blame that 3000 mAh is too disappointment for some people.

[@MrJl2853]

Nice review. How does the note 5 screen DPI compare to the nexus 6P?

[@onewayofliving]

I used to upgrade my phone every year Samsung. Now with no upgradable battery, and no internal memory, I am just going to hold on to my old Note.. SAMSUNG add back the IR, removable battery, SD card, no need for fancy metal cases, they are going to be going into a case anyhow! This is just a big S6. We need the power features of the old note. Fingers crossed for the Note 6 please!