Should You Keep Your Samsung Galaxy Note 5 or Upgrade to the Note 7?

While the excitement surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is justified, the Galaxy Note 5 remains a powerful and feature-rich device worth considering. It boasts a range of functionalities that still hold up well today. Deciding whether to stick with the Note 5 or upgrade depends on your priorities. The answer isn't straightforward—it depends on what features you value most in a smartphone.

This comparison highlights key differences:

Design: The Galaxy Note 5 has an edge in design, offering a more durable feel and better grip. Its slim profile makes it comfortable to hold, whereas Note 7's curves and delicate look may require extra care.

The Note 5 stands out with a robust grip and a slightly slimmer build.

Usability: The Note 5 provides a higher screen-to-body ratio despite lacking full edge-to-edge display. The Note 7 introduces additional sensors and features like iris scanning, but the Note 5’s S-Pen still offers great usability for productivity and creativity.

Display: Both models feature similar screens and resolutions. However, the Note 7 allows manual adjustment between Full-HD and HD, giving users more control over display settings.

Battery Life: The Galaxy Note 7 comes with a larger 3500mAh battery for longer usage, but the Note 5’s 3000mAh battery delivers nearly 15 hours of moderate to heavy use, making it a reliable option.

Additional Features: The Note 7 offers water and dust resistance along with a hybrid microSD card and dual SIM slot (though these cannot be used simultaneously). The Note 5's dual SIM variant supports two SIM cards but lacks microSD support. User preference will determine the best fit.

Storage Options: The Note 7 offers one model with 64GB storage, while the Note 5 provides multiple options: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB.

Overall, although the Note 7 introduces new stylus features, they may not warrant upgrading if your Note 5 still meets your needs.