Introduction
Envision a smartphone that’s akin to a compact tablet provided with a pen allowing you to illustrate or scribble observations directly on the interface. That’s the Samsung Galaxy Note 5! Introduced in 2015, it was among the initial “phablets” handsets spacious enough for films yet compact enough for your pocket. In 2026, despite its age, enthusiasts continue to adore it for its S Pen stylus and luxurious sensation. Through community qualification like tailored ROMs, you can execute more recent Android editions on it.
History and Launch Details of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 didn’t merely emerge; it was a significant event upon its debut. Samsung proclaimed it on August 13, 2015, during an elegant gathering in New York. They displayed it alongside the Galaxy S6 Edge+, and it reached retailers shortly thereafter. The rollout date was August 21, 2015, in regions such as the US (via providers like Verizon and T-Mobile) and South Korea. Amusingly, it avoided Europe initially since Samsung aimed to gauge interest.
Full Specs Breakdown
Let’s reach the core of the specifications! The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 comprises sturdy hardware for 2015, but how does it perform in 2026? We’ll employ a useful chart to enumerate everything. Recall, it lacks a microSD compartment, so capacity is permanent.
Detailed Specs Table
| Category | Details |
| Model | Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (SM-N920) |
| Release Date | August 2015 |
| OS | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (upgradable to 7.0 Nougat officially; custom ROMs to Android 13+) |
| Chipset | Exynos 7420 (Octa-core: 4×2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Mali-T760 MP8 |
| RAM Options | 4GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage Options | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (UFS 2.0, no microSD expansion) |
| Display | 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED (1440 x 2560 pixels, 518 ppi, Gorilla Glass 4) |
| Cameras | Rear: 16MP (f/1.9, OIS, PDAF, 4K video); Front: 5MP (f/1.9) |
| Battery | 3000mAh non-removable Li-Ion |
| Charging | 15W wired (Adaptive Fast Charging), Qi wireless charging |
| Connectivity | LTE Cat9 (up to 450 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, microUSB 2.0 |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, heart rate |
| Colors | Black Sapphire, White Pearl, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium |
| Dimensions/Weight | 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm, 171g |
Design and Build
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 appears like a deluxe object even at present. Its aesthetic blends arched glass on the rear with a metallic border, elegant and glossy! Measuring 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm and weighing 171g, it’s comfortable to grasp, not inordinately weighty for a phablet. Shades like Black Sapphire impart a superior aura, resembling adornment.Pen incorporation is the highlight: The stylus resides in a groove at the base, ejecting with a press. It accommodates pressure awareness for illustrating in applications like Autodesk Sketchbook. Absent a home key like fresher variants, but the statistics reader is quick and forward-oriented.
Display Quality
The panel is a 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED boasting 1440×2560 clarity and 518 ppi. Hues burst like pyrotechnics! It’s superb for viewing Netflix or statistics images with the S Pen. Luminosity attains 500 nits, suitable for external settings in Lahore sunlight.
Update frequency? Merely 60Hz, lacking the fluid 120Hz of current devices. But via customized ROMs, you can refine for enhanced observation. Perpetual display exhibits hours and alerts useful for swift peeks. Safeguard is Gorilla Glass 4, with rounded borders for hold.
Practical application: Perusing digital books or sketching seems innate. Downside: Absent HDR backing, so footage appears dull versus S24 Ultra. Power consumption is minimal due to AMOLED innovation. If you’re impassioned about creativity, this panel excels combining it with a stylus for electronic drafting. GSMArena dubs it “among the finest in 2015.” In 2026, it’s still visually appealing for frugal consumers.)
Performance and Benchmarks
Fueled by the Exynos 7420 eight-core processor and Mali-T760 graphics unit, the Galaxy Note 5 was a powerhouse in 2015. 4GB memory manages comparability, surfing, and Casual Amusements like Candy Crush. But 2026? It falters with programs like Instagram Reels or intensive navigation.Metrics from dependable outlets: AnTuTu v9 ratings ~67,000 (GSMArena, 2023 evaluation on original ROM). Geekbench 5: Single-core 350, multi-core 1,200 (AnandTech records). 3DMark: Approximately 800 for visuals. Using LineageOS 20 (Android 13), it enhances 10-15% more fluidly, though it anticipates delays in multi-tasking.
Camera Features
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 imaging system is undemanding yet proficient with a 16MP back sensor (f/1.9, OIS, PDAF) for crisp daytime captures, plus 5MP forward for self-portraits. No elaborate ultrawide or zoom; it’s a solitary-lens arrangement from 2015.
Capabilities: OIS steadies footage to 4K@30fps ideal for personal videos or household recordings. Instant HDR elevates tones, and cosmetics filter gentle self-images. With S Pen, you can distant-activate captures amusing for collective shots!
Example applications: Informal portraits in Lahore bazaars appear lively; OIS aids dim-ambient street cuisine images sans fuzz. Footage? Steady for YouTube, but no undemanding motion past 120fps.
Limitations in 2026: Dim-ambient grain is poor (no nocturnal mode), and no artificial intelligence modifications like present devices. Forward cam is average for video chats. Advice for optimal images: Activate HDR, ISO below 400, stable grip. PhoneArena critiques commend daytime tones but observe roughness in shadows.
Battery Life and Charging
The 3000mAh power source is non-detachable, a hassle in 2026 as it deteriorates. Anticipate 6-8 hours active display duration for varied operation surfing, communications, mild networking. Authentic assessments: YouTube playback at 50% illumination yields 7-9 hours; amusement 4-5 hours on legacy games.
Replenishment manual: 15W cable refills it in 90 minutes; Qi inductive is an extra position on a mat overnight. Yet evade complete recharges routinely to preserve longevity; target 80%. Worn power sources? Prevalent after a decade exchange for $20-50 on eBay.
Strategies to prolong: Reduce illumination, terminate programs, employ energy-conservation setting, deactivate NFC. GSMArena stamina score: 78 hours conversation duration. In Pakistan warmth, it depletes quicker transport of a portable charger. Via ROMs, power metrics ameliorate. In general, substitute it for routine utilization; it’s not an entire-day contender like 5000mAh contemporaries.
Software and Updates
From the factory, Samsung Galaxy Note 5 executed Android 5.1.1, ascending to 7.0 Nougat formally. Protection updates halted in April 2018 hazardous for present applications. But here’s the savior: Tailored ROMs! LineageOS 20 delivers Android 13+ with periodic security. Set up through XDA instructions release recharger, flash archive. Update log: Improved power, contemporary interface, sans excess. Perils: Damaging if incorrect; safeguard initially. No formal OTAs post-2018, but SamMobile possesses legacy firmwares. In 2026, it’s practical for WhatsApp, but omits financial programs for safety. Advantages: Aerial directives for S Pen, off-screen annotations. Disadvantages: No Google renewals. Reddit Contributors exchange triumph tales; one stated, “Android 13 on Note 5 senses renewed!” For Pakistan, it’s superb for regional programs.
Pricing and Availability
Galaxy Note 5 costs are remarkably inexpensive pre-owned. Debut was $700, but currently? In Pakistan, PKR 8,000 on Daraz (as of Jan 2026). US: $50-150 on Amazon/eBay. UAE: AED 200 on Noon; India: INR 4,000 on Amazon; Nigeria: NGN 20,000 on Jumia; UK: GBP 40 on Amazon.
Regional Table
| Country | Retailer | Price | Currency | Date Checked |
| Pakistan | Daraz | 8000 | PKR | 2026-01-18 |
| USA | Amazon | 60 | USD | 2026-01-18 |
| UAE | Noon | 200 | AED | 2026-01-18 |
| India | Amazon | 4000 | INR | 2026-01-18 |
| Nigeria | Jumia | 20000 | NGN | 2026-01-18 |
| UK | Amazon | 40 | GBP | 2026-01-18 |
Stock: Abundant used inventory, scarce new. Verify for counterfeits procure from reliable vendors. Resale value persists for stylus aficionados.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Deluxe glass-metal gorgeous Senses opulent!
- Legendary pressure-aware S Pen Illustrates professionally.
- Lively 5.7-inch Super AMOLED panel.
- Dependable 16MP imaging for essentials.
- Economical pre-owned costs ($50+).
- Tailored ROM backing for Android 13+.
- Inductive replenishment ease.
Cons:
- Obsolete operating system.
- Non-detachable power unit permit to wear.
- Absent microSD growth.
- No 5G or contemporary linkage.
- Pengate concern in initial models.
Equitable perspective: Advantages triumph for frugal innovation.
Comparisons: Galaxy Note 5 vs. Note 20 Ultra and S24 Ultra
Adjacent evaluation, the Note 5 is the contender.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note 5 | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Display | 5.7″ QHD AMOLED (518 ppi) | 6.9″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED (120Hz) | 6.8″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED (120Hz) |
| SoC | Exynos 7420 | Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 32-128GB (no microSD) | 128-512GB (microSD) | 256-1TB (no microSD) |
| Camera | 16MP rear, 5MP front | 108MP quad, 12MP front | 200MP quad, 12MP front |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 4500mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 15W wired, wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 45W wired, 15W wireless |
| Price | $50$150 used | $400$600 used / $1000 new | $800$1200 new |
Overview: Note 5 for fundamental stylus affordably; Note 20 Ultra for intermediate makers with 5G; S24 Ultra for experts requiring artificial intelligence.
FAQs
No, it has no IP rating for water or dust resistance. Keep it away from water to avoid issues like the old “Pengate” problem (S Pen inserted backward could cause internal damage in some early units).
Yes, but only through custom ROMs such as LineageOS 20 (based on Android 13) or later community builds. Official support stopped at Android 7.0 Nougat in 2018. Installation requires unlocking the bootloader and flashing via XDA guides.
On a stock or lightly used battery you can expect 68 hours of screen-on time for mixed use (browsing, WhatsApp, YouTube, light social media). Heavy users or degraded batteries often get less. Many people replace the battery ($2050) to restore 810 hours of mixed usage.
No, it only has 4G LTE (Cat9, up to 450 Mbps download). It works perfectly fine on 4G networks in Pakistan and most countries in 2026, but you won’t get 5G speeds or future 5G-only features.
Pressure-sensitive drawing and writing (great in apps like Autodesk SketchBook, Infinite Painter, Samsung Notes), Air Command menu for quick notes/screenshots, screen-off memo, remote camera shutter, and precise selection/scrolling. Many artists and students still use it daily for note-taking and sketching.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 remains a charming 2026 budget pick for S Pen Connoisseur with custom ROMs extending its life, but skip for demanding tasks opt for improvement if you need current security and performance.
