Mobile Technology

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs. Galaxy Note 4

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs. Galaxy Note 4
Gizmag compares the features and specs of the Galaxy Note 5 (left) and last year's Note 4
Gizmag compares the features and specs of the Galaxy Note 5 (left) and last year's Note 4
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Camera aperture (rear)
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Camera aperture (rear)
Battery
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Battery
Build (back)
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Build (back)
Build (frame)
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Build (frame)
Physical camera shortcut
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Physical camera shortcut
Camera megapixels
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Camera megapixels
Color options
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Color options
Processor
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Processor
Dimensions
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Dimensions
Display resolution
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Display resolution
Display size
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Display size
Display type
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Display type
Fast charging
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Fast charging
Fingerprint sensor
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Fingerprint sensor
Gear VR compatibility
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Gear VR compatibility
Gizmag compares the features and specs of the Galaxy Note 5 (left) and last year's Note 4
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Gizmag compares the features and specs of the Galaxy Note 5 (left) and last year's Note 4
Slide-on keyboard accessory
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Slide-on keyboard accessory
Optical Image Stabilization
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Optical Image Stabilization
Pop-out S Pen
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Pop-out S Pen
Price (full retail)
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Price (full retail)
RAM
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RAM
Release
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Release
Samsung Pay
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Samsung Pay
Software
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Software
Storage
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Storage
S Pen
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S Pen
Weight
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Weight
Wireless charging
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Wireless charging
MicroSD card slot
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MicroSD card slot
Heart rate sensor
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Heart rate sensor
Multi-page screenshots
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Multi-page screenshots
Screen-off note taking
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Screen-off note taking
View gallery - 32 images

The Galaxy Note 5 is the first version of the stylus-toting phablet that has an all-premium build. Let's see how it compares to last year's model, the Note 4.

Size

Dimensions
Dimensions

No major differences in height and width. The Note 5 is a hair shorter and 4 percent narrower.

Thinness is a big step forward for the Galaxy Note 5. It's 11 percent thinner than the Note 4.

Weight

Weight
Weight

Weight is only a minor upgrade, with the Note 5 measuring 3 percent lighter.

Build (frame)

Build (frame)
Build (frame)

Both phones have aluminum frames, though the Note 5's has a more Apple-like design, with its bottom edge (just like in the GS6) looking more than a little influenced by the iPhone 6.

Build (back)

Build (back)
Build (back)

This is where the premium factor comes in, as the Galaxy Note 5 switches from faux leather (plastic) to a beautiful Gorilla Glass 4 back with sloped edges.

Colors

Color options
Color options

Samsung is selling the Note 5 in four different color options this year.

Display size

Display size
Display size

No changes here, as the new model sticks with the same large 5.7-inch display we saw in last year's model.

Display resolution

Display resolution
Display resolution

Resolution also stands pat, with incredibly sharp Quad HD resolution.

Display type

Display type
Display type

Samsung always uses AMOLED panels in its flagships. They give you rich colors, deep blacks and great contrast.

S Pen

S Pen
S Pen

It wouldn't be a Galaxy Note without an S Pen. The stylus in the new model looks and feels a bit more premium than the Note 4's pen, but the new version's metallic-looking finish is still plastic.

Click-out S Pen

Pop-out S Pen
Pop-out S Pen

To unsheathe the S Pen in the Note 4, you have to dig your fingernails into ridges on the end of the pen. It isn't exactly a chore, but it also feels a little less than 100 percent seamless.

In the Note 5, just push in the cap on the pen and it will pop out enough that you can more easily pull it out from the phone.

Processor

Processor
Processor

The Note 4 was a fast phone when it launched, but the Note 5 should have zippier performance, thanks in part to its octa-core Samsung Exynos processor – the same chip found in the Galaxy S6.

RAM

RAM
RAM

The Note 5 also gets a RAM upgrade.

Storage

Storage
Storage

Both handsets ship in 32 GB and 64 GB options.

MicroSD

MicroSD card slot
MicroSD card slot

But the Note 4 is the better choice for storage, as Samsung dropped the microSD slot from the new model.

Camera megapixels

Camera megapixels
Camera megapixels

The Note 4 has a very good camera, but the Note 5 gets the same excellent cameras found in the Galaxy S6 and GS6 edge.

Physical camera shortcut

Physical camera shortcut
Physical camera shortcut

Like on the GS6, you can double-tap the Note 5's home button to launch its camera.

Camera aperture (rear)

Camera aperture (rear)
Camera aperture (rear)

The Note 5's camera has slightly wider aperture.

OIS

Optical Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilization

Both handsets' rear shooters have Optical Image Stabilization.

Battery

Battery
Battery

The new model has a slightly lower-capacity battery, but that doesn't mean it will have shorter battery life.

Fast charging

Fast charging
Fast charging

When using the stock cable, both handsets can juice up quickly from a nearly-dead battery level.

Wireless charging

Wireless charging
Wireless charging

The Note 5 has wireless charging built-in, but it also has a new fast wireless charging feature that can juice up the phablet from 0 to 100 percent in about 2 hours.

Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay

When Samsung Pay launches, the Note 5 will let you use your phone as a wallet – not only at NFC terminals (like Apple Pay) but also at standard credit card readers.

Fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint sensor
Fingerprint sensor

The Note 5 has the same touch-based fingerprint sensor found in the GS6 (similar to the one in the iPhone 6), while the Note 4's sensor requires you to drag your finger across the home button.

Heart rate sensor

Heart rate sensor
Heart rate sensor

Both handsets have heart rate sensors on their backsides.

Keyboard cover

Slide-on keyboard accessory
Slide-on keyboard accessory

Samsung is launching a new BlackBerry-like keyboard cover that slides onto the Note 5.

Gear VR compatibility

Gear VR compatibility
Gear VR compatibility

When the "full consumer" Gear VR launches, we'd be surprised if the Note 5 wasn't part of the fun. But right now, it's left out of the Oculus-powered virtual reality party.

The Note 4 works with the original version of the Gear VR, which has a wider field of view than the GS6 edition, but – much more significantly – has overheating problems. Long term, we'd bet on the Note 5 being the much better bet for VR.

Screen-off notes

Screen-off note taking
Screen-off note taking

The new Galaxy Note has a nifty feature that lets you scribble notes on its black screen after pulling out the S Pen (a trick that's only practical on AMOLED displays). It lets you jot down thoughts without even waking your phone's display.

Multi-page screenshots

Multi-page screenshots
Multi-page screenshots

Have you ever wanted to grab some content on a Galaxy Note that couldn't fit on one screen? The Note 5 lets you do that, capturing things like long documents or entire web pages.

Software

Software
Software

Both phones have Android Lollipop at their cores, with Samsung TouchWiz on top, but the Note 5 will likely stay up-to-date longer than the Note 4 will.

Release

Release
Release

The Galaxy Note 5 launches alongside the Galaxy S6 edge+ this month. The Note 4 has been around since last October.

Starting price (full retail)

Price (full retail)
Price (full retail)

Prices on the year-old Note 4 vary a bit, but the Note 5 is launching at around the same price points we've seen for every Galaxy Note.

Just remember that most people won't need to throw down US$750 at once; some carriers still offer on-contract pricing (usually starting around $300) and installment plans that let you pay the full price over two years.

For more, you can check out Gizmag's full reviews of the Galaxy Note 5 and last year's Note 4.

View gallery - 32 images
19 comments
19 comments
phissith
No more drinking Samsung Cool-aid, what makes Samsung... Samsung was its value and innovation compare to iPhone. Standard micro USB, OTG cable, MicroSD card to expand memory, swap able battery, water proof. Take that away that they are truly copying Apple.
What I would have like to see is retaining MicroSD and water proof. Having these key different will help Samsung stay different and more competitive. Note 4 was perfect have it was not for lagged touchwiz and older 805 processor.
EndgameArchitecture
Welp... I'm convinced... I'm getting last year's Note 4...hands down.
exodous
No SD card?!? I don't know, I have a S4 and wanted to upgrade to a larger screen but I don't think this will be it without an SD card. . .
KenLawrence
I own a Note 4 and work in mobile sales at a local retailer. I am going to be opening a new Verizon account on an employee plan. My Note 4 was my first Samsung smart phone and I have been nothing but happy with it after more than 6 months. I have tried to be optimistic about the Note 5 knowing that they would be going away from the strengths of the 4 to make it more similar to the new GS6 designs. I was still hopeful they would realize the power user features of the Note series and not deviate too far from those exclusive features but alas I am disappointed.
Note 5 negatives: Non-removable back/battery. No Micro-SD storage. Glass back (really?, glass has no grip and shows tons of dirt/smudge, not to mention is another side of the phone that can be cracked and worth less for trade-in values). Eject-able S-Pen (wtf is this garbage, push to eject is not easier than pulling it out). Conforming to the years of rivalry with Apple to make this phablet even more similar to the iPhone which I dislike so very badly.
Note 5 positives: 64 bit CPU. More Ram. Slightly better front camera. Wireless charging built-in. Touch fingerprint instead of swipe. Live YouTube streaming, love this idea! Multi-page screenshots, lots of potential.
Other thoughts: I feel like Samsung could have at least put a Micro-SD slot on the side, instead of not offering it at all. I was ok with no removable back while still offering some expansion. Some nice software changes that can be very handy: At lock screen double hit home key for camera shortcut, write on PDF's and save them. Both of which I believe can be implemented in a future software patch so I do not count them as points awarded to a new phone. I feel like Samsung has lost touch with it's original purpose for the Note series. This is a phone designed for power users. We use our phones all day long. We like convenience, expansion, diversity and a fully featured phone with as little limitations as possible. Why deviate from this? We are the core consumers for this line of mobile devices and now you have taken this away with the new Note 5. I predict that this new phone launch will only motivate people to buy more Note 4's. I have already decided to keep my Note 4 and in regards to me opening an employee account, my device will be another Note 4. Your Note 5 is a complete waste of an upgrade.
Excellency Neckbeard
So..... Am I going note 4 or moto x pure? I'm half inclined to go note 2 and cyanogen.
JoshuaLangleySherrouse
Up until this point I could never say anything bad about the note series. The note 3 & 4 were above reproach and up until this point out performed their predecessors in almost every way but now it seems as though Samsung is focused more on design rather than functionality. Apart from an extra gigabyte of RAM, a much better processor and a better U.I, it seems as though they have improved on much. I for one feel the only way to go with a uni body design is aluminum, much like HTC did with One M8 and M9. And while a can move passed the no expandable storage, as long as I purchase the 64 gigabyte edition, I don't feel that sacrificing a larger battery for a phone that is 11% thinner is a fair trade. However, I'll still end up purchasing one once Samsung unveils the developers edition, but it's not worth trading the note4, just for a marginal improvement.
Glenn™
The Note 5 launch was very disappointing. I can live without the SD CARD feature, maybe even the removable battery but I was expecting a 4K display, waterproof and uni-body aluminum case, not to mention a side by side release of the new Gear VR. A glass back!? Even Apple figured out this was crap. I am still using my Note2 (on original battery) which I purchased pre-release so I guess I will be waiting on the Note 6 release next year, damn! If Samsung keeps going down this road however I am afraid the Note 6 will be running IOS and lacking an S-Pen.
SeaDog
I was looking forward to the Note 5. After checking the specs I purchased a Note 4. The deal breaker not to buy the Note 5 was: No SD Storage, No Removal Battery, No Water Resistance. I am using the Note 4 with a wireless charging case & love it. Fast charge is also available by wire if needed. Part of travel gear is a spare battery for those really long days in the field. Hopefully by the time the Note 4 wears out there will be another choice with what many consider necessary features.Samsung has lost a lot of prestige by removing desirable features from their equipment.
willemco
This comparison sums it up! Most of us stick our phones on a case any way UNLESS you have an iPhone and need to SHOW that (never mind the cracked screen and cratched back and the fact that's LOWBAT AGAIN).
Back to the guts of the two phones... Like many others I am extremely happy with my Note4 (and before a range of Galaxy S-series phones for almost 5 years). My choices were made on the guts of the phones and size. iPhone was never an option - why would I pay a premium price for a midget phone? However, my Note4 will now be my last Samsung phone. Mr Shanklin already put a question mark when talking about software upgrades with Samsung (which I have grown VERY DISAPPOINTED with) and I don't very much if the Note5 will ever see a a software upgrade (it usually skips a version).
Somebody commented that he would rather see a waterproof version than the incremental improvements that Samsung came up with. However, the S-Pen is the reason why this can't be done. DO WE NEED THE S-PEN? My personal reason for getting the Note was the SIZE. Perfect sized for me. And (of course) the Amoled screen and the off the planet quality of the camera. WHY ditch the replaceable battery and Micro SD card? I cannot fathom the shortsightedness of Samsung in this regard. Don't they understand that this IS what makes their phones stand out in the crowd? Makes them different from most other top of the range smartphones?
This is going to leave a HUGE gap that many other companies will JUMP in to fill. Other Korean companies but don't forget the Chinese! Xiaomi, OPO and Huawei are catching up very quickly and will GO FOR THE JUGULAR! Mark my words... they will do what Apple (in my opinion) always was after... to KILL SAMSUNG...
Thanks for having me Samsung... it was a JOY while it lasted. Why kill it?
KevinFahler
I have been with Samsung Galaxy since the S4. Then I upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy S5 and despite the reviews on it, I very much liked it along with the ip66 rating which came in handy all the time. After a whole year of anticipation for the Galaxy s6, I was shocked at what they released. No ip66 no micro sd card, no removable battery. On a sealed phone you can't make it water tight? All the s5 had was a gasket running around the inside of the back and you tell me now it can't be made that way anymore. It is more like a conspiracy to the insurances and the manufacturers. Why make an indestructible phone when you can make a throw away model, which is exactly what this years Samsung models are. Your battery will be shot after a year of heavy use. I don't care how good it is. You can only get so many charges out of it. I bought a note 4 this year in anticipation of this crap that I was afraid they were going to release, and with out disappointment, here it is. I use to get good money for the unlocked phones. I sold my S4 for $425.00 when I bought my S5. The depreciation on the newer phones are remarkable. You loose your ass! Looks like I will be sticking with my note 4 for a couple years, especially since all the manufacturers seem to be hep to the idea people will spend money every year just to get the newest phone even with minuscule improvements. Saving my money from now on.
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