Choosing a new Android phone can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two Samsung devices against each other: the flagship Galaxy Note5 and the mid-range J7 Prime 2. Let's see how these phones stack up and which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Note5 is the clear winner in terms of performance and features, boasting a significantly faster processor and a superior camera. However, the J7 Prime 2 offers better value for budget-conscious buyers. It's a trade-off between power and affordability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - N920V, N920R | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 7, 13 - N920V | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (3CA), EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25 - N920R | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2018, March. Released 2018, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum/plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm (6.03 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) | 151.7 x 75 x 8 mm (5.97 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| | Stylus | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass (market dependent) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~515 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) | Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T760MP8 | Mali-T830 MP1 |
| OS | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS | 13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.9, 22mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
| - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC2
Wireless | - |
| Music play | Up to 57 h | Up to 84 h |
| Talk time | Up to 28 h (3G) | Up to 21 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Sapphire, White Pearl | Black, Gold, Rose Gold |
| Models | SM-N920, SM-N920P, SM-N920V, SM-N920R, SM-N920W8, SM-N920R4 | SM-G611F, SM-G611FF, SM-G611M, SM-G611MT, SM-G611K |
| Price | About 450 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) | 0.61 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Note5 (USA)
- Significantly faster performance
- Superior camera with OIS
- Vibrant Quad HD AMOLED display
- Premium build quality
- S Pen stylus
- Older device, limited software updates
- Higher price (if found)
- Battery life not exceptional
Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime 2
- More affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Decent camera
- Good battery life
- Sleek design
- Slower processor
- Lower resolution display
- Less premium build quality
- Limited features compared to flagship phones
Display Comparison
The Note5 features a 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) Super AMOLED display with a vibrant color and sharp detail. The J7 Prime 2 has a 5.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Super AMOLED display. While both are AMOLED, the Note5's higher resolution and slightly larger size provide a noticeably better viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Note5 boasts a 16MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 4MP front camera. The J7 Prime 2 has a 13MP main camera and an 8MP front camera. The Note5's OIS and more powerful processor result in better image quality, especially in low light. The J7 Prime 2's camera is decent but lacks the Note5's advanced features.
Performance
The Note5's Exynos 7420 chipset with its dual Cortex-A57 cores provides significantly faster performance than the J7 Prime 2's Exynos 7870 with all Cortex-A53 cores. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the Note5. The J7 Prime 2 is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Note5 has a 3000mAh battery, while the J7 Prime 2 has a 3300mAh battery. Despite the slightly larger capacity, the Note5's more power-efficient processor and display often result in comparable or even slightly better battery life due to optimization. Both phones support fast charging.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Note5 is ideal for power users, photographers, and those who want a premium experience. The J7 Prime 2 is a great choice for everyday users who prioritize affordability and a reliable, no-frills Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Note5 still worth buying in 2023?
If you can find one at a good price, the Note5 still offers excellent performance and a great display. However, be aware that software updates are limited.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Note5 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and GPU.
