The Samsung Galaxy Note5 and S6 Edge+ were top-tier flagships from 2015, boasting impressive features for their time. Both packed the Exynos 7420 chipset, but offered distinct designs and user experiences. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which phone holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Note5 edges out the S6 Edge+ due to its included S Pen, slightly better software support historically, and generally more practical design. While the S6 Edge+'s curved display was innovative, the Note5's functionality and overall usability make it the slightly stronger contender, especially considering their age.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - N920V, N920R | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - G928T, G928A |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 7, 13 - N920V | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20 - G928T |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (3CA), EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps/ LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25 - N920R | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26 - G928F |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2015, August. Released 2015, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm (6.03 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) | 154.4 x 75.8 x 6.9 mm (6.08 x 2.98 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 153 g (5.40 oz) |
| | Stylus | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~515 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~518 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 88.5 cm2 (~75.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) | Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T760MP8 | Mali-T760MP8 |
| OS | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.0 | UFS 2.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS | 16 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.9, 22mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/1.9, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
| 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC2
Wireless | 15W wired
Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) |
| Music play | Up to 57 h | Up to 66 h |
| Talk time | Up to 28 h (3G) | Up to 20 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Sapphire, White Pearl | Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Silver Titan, White Pearl, Pink |
| Models | SM-N920, SM-N920P, SM-N920V, SM-N920R, SM-N920W8, SM-N920R4 | SM-G928A, SM-G928F, SM-G928A, SM-G928T, G928I, SM-G928G, SM-G928C, SM-G928I, SCV31, SM-G9280, SM-G928L, SM-G928S, SM-G928K, SM-G928W8 |
| Price | About 450 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) | 1.22 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) | 0.22 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -93.7dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 83h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.615 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 70dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 26333 |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -93.7dB |
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 83h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.615 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 70dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark X: 26333 |
Samsung Galaxy Note5 (USA)
- Included S Pen for productivity
- Larger screen for media consumption
- More practical design
- Historically better software support
- Older chipset, limited modern app compatibility
- Battery degradation likely
- Design less visually striking than S6 Edge+
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
- Unique curved display design
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on condition)
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Curved display can be impractical
- Older chipset, limited modern app compatibility
- Battery degradation likely
- Less practical for one-handed use
Display Comparison
Both phones feature 5.7-inch Super AMOLED displays with QHD resolution, offering vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The S6 Edge+'s defining feature is its dual-edge curved display, which provides a unique aesthetic and some limited functionality. However, the Note5's display is arguably more practical for everyday use due to its flatter design and easier one-handed operation. The contrast ratios are similar, both boasting excellent performance.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 16MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance is noticeably weaker. The Note5's camera software offered slightly more features and control, giving it a minor edge in versatility.
Performance
Powered by the same Exynos 7420 chipset and 4GB of RAM, both phones offer comparable performance for their time. While they can still handle most modern apps, demanding games and multitasking may show their age. The Note5's software optimization historically provided a slightly smoother experience.
Battery Life
The S6 Edge+ boasts an impressive endurance rating of 83 hours, suggesting a larger battery capacity and potentially better power management. However, battery degradation over time is a significant factor to consider with both devices. The Note5's battery life is still respectable, but the S6 Edge+ likely holds a slight advantage in this area, assuming a well-maintained battery.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Note5 (USA)? Users who value productivity, note-taking, and a more traditional smartphone experience will appreciate the S Pen and larger screen. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+? Those drawn to unique designs and a visually striking curved display might find the S6 Edge+ appealing, but be aware of its age and potential limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?
Both phones are quite old and have limitations regarding software updates and modern app compatibility. However, they can still be used for basic tasks and offer a glimpse into Samsung's flagship designs of the past. Consider their age and potential battery degradation before purchasing.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Historically, the Note5 received slightly longer software support than the S6 Edge+. However, both phones are no longer receiving official updates.
