Is The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Worth It In 2023?
In the competitive world of smartphones, one question that often comes up is whether an older model is still worth buying. The Samsung Galaxy Note 5, originally released in 2015, has impressive specs and features that still hold up well today.
But with newer phones on the market, should you consider the Note 5 in 2023?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the Note 5 is still a very capable phone in 2023 and can be a good option if you find it at a discounted price.
However, its age does mean it lacks some newer features and will stop receiving software updates soon.
Design and Display
Attractive and Premium Build
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5, even in 2023, continues to impress with its attractive and premium build.
Samsung has always been known for its attention to detail when it comes to design, and the Note 5 is no exception. With its sleek and slim profile, it exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication.
The device features a combination of glass and metal, giving it a premium feel in the hand.
The glass back not only looks stunning, but it also allows for wireless charging, adding convenience to the overall user experience. The metal frame adds durability and provides a solid grip, ensuring that the device feels sturdy and well-built.
Vibrant Quad HD Screen
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is its vibrant Quad HD screen.
The device sports a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, offering stunning visuals and crisp image quality.
The colors on the Note 5’s display are incredibly vibrant and true to life, thanks to Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology.
Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or simply browsing the web, the screen delivers an immersive viewing experience with rich colors and deep blacks.
Moreover, the large screen size makes it ideal for productivity tasks, such as multitasking or using the S Pen.
The Note 5’s display is also equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass protection, ensuring durability and resistance against scratches.
With its impressive display, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 offers an excellent visual experience, making it a great choice for those who consume a lot of multimedia content or require a high-quality screen for their professional needs.
Performance and Hardware
When it comes to performance and hardware, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 still holds up remarkably well in 2023.
Despite being an older device, it boasts a powerful Exynos chipset that delivers impressive speed and responsiveness.
This chipset, combined with ample RAM, allows the device to handle multitasking with ease, making it a great choice for those who rely on their smartphones for productivity.
Powerful Exynos Chipset
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is equipped with an Exynos 7420 chipset, which was considered top-of-the-line when it was released in 2015.
Even today, it is more than capable of handling demanding tasks and running resource-intensive applications.
Whether you’re browsing the web, playing graphically intensive games, or editing photos and videos, the Note 5 can handle it all without breaking a sweat.
Respectable Specs for an Older Device
While newer smartphones may boast more advanced specifications, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 still holds its own.
It features a vibrant Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, offering stunning visuals and crisp detail.
Additionally, it has a generous amount of internal storage, allowing you to store a vast library of apps, photos, and videos.
Although the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 may not have the latest bells and whistles, it still offers a reliable and enjoyable user experience.
Its performance and hardware are more than sufficient for most daily tasks, making it a worthwhile option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on functionality.
For more information about the Samsung Galaxy Note 5’s performance and hardware, you can visit Samsung’s official website.
Camera
16MP Rear Camera Takes Good Photos
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5, even in 2023, continues to impress with its 16MP rear camera. This camera captures stunning photos with impressive clarity and detail.
Whether you’re capturing landscapes or close-up shots, the Note 5’s camera delivers excellent image quality.
With a high pixel count, the camera ensures that every shot is sharp and vibrant.
The advanced image processing technology enhances colors and reduces noise, resulting in stunning photos that are ready to be shared with friends and family.
Additionally, the camera features optical image stabilization, which helps to minimize blur caused by shaky hands or movement.
This feature is especially useful in low-light conditions, where it can be challenging to capture clear shots.
5MP Front Camera Suffices for Selfies
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 also comes equipped with a 5MP front camera, which is more than sufficient for taking selfies.
While the front camera may not have the same high pixel count as the rear camera, it still delivers good-quality images for your self-portraits.
The front camera also includes various features to enhance your selfies. Beauty mode helps to smoothen skin and enhance facial features, while wide-angle mode allows you to capture group selfies without leaving anyone out.
Furthermore, the front camera is capable of recording high-definition videos, making it ideal for vlogging or video calls. The quality of the videos is impressive, capturing clear and detailed footage.
Software
Ships with Android Lollipop
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 was released in 2015, and it came with Android Lollipop, which was the latest version of Android at that time.
While it may not have the most up-to-date software, it still offers a smooth and reliable user experience.
Android Lollipop introduced a sleeker design, improved notifications, and enhanced performance. It also brought new features such as multi-window support and a smarter battery-saving mode.
So, even though it may not have the latest Android version, the Galaxy Note 5 can still handle most of the tasks and apps you throw at it.
Won’t Get Major Updates Anymore
One thing to consider when deciding whether the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is worth it in 2023 is the fact that it won’t receive major updates anymore.
Samsung typically provides software updates for their devices for around three years, and the Galaxy Note 5 has already exceeded that timeframe. This means that you won’t be able to enjoy the latest features and improvements introduced in newer versions of Android.
However, it’s important to note that while the Galaxy Note 5 may not receive major updates, it will still receive security patches and bug fixes to ensure the device remains secure and stable.
So, while you may not get the latest software features, you can still use the Note 5 without worrying about potential vulnerabilities.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are custom ROMs available for the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, which allow you to install alternative versions of Android, such as LineageOS or Paranoid Android.
These custom ROMs are developed by the Android community and can provide you with a more up-to-date software experience.
However, it’s important to note that installing a custom ROM may void your warranty and could potentially lead to stability or compatibility issues.
Battery Life
When it comes to smartphones, battery life is one of the most important factors to consider. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, it does not disappoint.
With a good battery capacity of 3000mAh, users can expect a decent amount of usage time before needing to recharge.
This means that you can enjoy using your phone for longer periods without worrying about the battery dying on you.
Good Battery Capacity of 3000mAh
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 features a battery capacity of 3000mAh, which is considered to be quite good. This capacity allows the phone to provide sufficient power to run all its features and applications throughout the day.
Whether you are a heavy user or someone who uses their phone more sparingly, the Galaxy Note 5’s battery should be able to keep up with your demands.
So, you can browse the internet, stream videos, play games, and use various apps without constantly worrying about running out of battery.
Fast Charging Support
In addition to its good battery capacity, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 also supports fast charging. This means that even if you do find yourself with a low battery, you can quickly recharge it and get back to using your phone.
With fast charging technology, you can go from 0% to 50% battery in just 30 minutes, which is incredibly convenient for those who are always on the go.
No more waiting around for hours for your phone to charge – you can get a significant boost in battery life in a short amount of time.
It’s worth noting that fast charging support may require a compatible charger, so make sure to check the specifications and use the recommended charger for optimal charging speed.
With this feature, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 ensures that you can stay connected and productive without interruptions due to a dead battery.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 still has a premium design, great display, solid performance, and capable cameras for an older device.
It can be a good option in 2023 if you find it at a heavily discounted price and don’t mind the lack of major software updates.
However, most people would be better served by a newer mid-range or budget phone at this point.
The Note 5 had its time in the spotlight but has now been superseded by Samsung’s more recent releases.
