I've been and continue using my Note 5 for a year, even though I have a Note 7 (due to the current recall of the Note 7). The Note 5 was my fourth Samsung phone, and my first experience with the Note series (my previous phones being an S2 Captivate, S4, and S5).
Having a stylus took a little getting used to, but now I can't live without it. I use it to take both personal notes and also at work. The phone functions smoothly, even impressing iPhone 6 users with the performance of some games. The phone is comfortable to hold, and while the camera isn't as good as the current S7/Note7 camera, the pictures the Note 5 takes are still effin incredible.
The main reason I wanted to upgrade to a Note 7 was because of Samsung's move back to microSD cards for expandable space, and water resistance (my two favorite features of the S5). That said, 64 GB on a Note 5 is plenty of space and I have never even come close to using half of it. I also watched videos of people submerging their Note 5's into bowls of water and it comes out fine, even if the phone doesn't have the official rating that the Note 7 does.
I can't wait until I can exchange and start using my Note 7, but I am keeping my Note 5 and plan to continue using it, too. Due to the microUSB port, it fits into my Gear VR headset while the Note 7 (USB-C) won't. I am totally going to continue using my Note 5 for everything that only needs WiFi access (Netflix, internet, games, etc), while my Note 7 is charging.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
4
Like the phone
on September 7, 2016
Posted by: MrJaYy
from Tampa, Florida
Expertise:Intermediate
works better than the note before, just having problems with the download. Battery drains too quick, most of the battery is used on screen display, even drains battery when locked screen. The battery issue should be fixed.
Pros: Durable, Lightweight, Built-in speakers
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
3
Design
4
Value
4
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
All around really great phone to have
on September 8, 2016
Posted by: tamtam28166
from North Carolina, NC
I'm switching over to the Galaxy Note 5 from an Apple iPhone 6+ and the features of the Galaxy verses the Apple are non compareable. I'm so glad I made the switch.
When my Samsung Galaxy 5 began having issues after a year I decided to try the Note 5. Overall it has been an excellent choice. Love having the stylus right there and snuggly secured. While I haven't explored everything this baby can do, it is invaluable to me and my business.
Now if only had a homing device in it so I can find it when I've lost it. . .
I upgraded to the Note 5 from the Galaxy S5. I miss the removable SD slot, battery, and water resistance.
On the plus side, the size is great, the display is bright and clear, and I find myself using my phone over my iPad quite often due to the ease and speed it provides