Galaxy Note 4 Vs S5 Is The Note Still Worth It In Current Year

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy S5 were flagship devices in their time, released just months apart in 2014. While both represented the peak of Android innovation at the time, nearly a decade later, their relevance has shifted dramatically. Today, with smartphones receiving years of updates and cloud integration being standard, the question arises: is the Galaxy Note 4 still worth using—or even purchasing—in 2024? More importantly, how does it compare to its sibling, the Galaxy S5, when judged by today’s standards?

This isn’t just a nostalgia trip. Some users still rely on older devices due to budget constraints, preference for physical buttons, or minimal usage needs. For them, understanding the real differences between these two models—beyond marketing claims—is essential.

Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel vs Practicality

The Galaxy S5 introduced a rugged, fitness-oriented design with water resistance (IP67 rating), a fingerprint sensor, and a textured back panel. It was built for durability, targeting active users who wanted a phone that could survive drops, sweat, and rain. In contrast, the Note 4 leaned into luxury with a faux-leather back and metallic frame, offering a more refined aesthetic. Its larger 5.7-inch display made it less pocketable but ideal for media consumption and productivity.

While both phones used plastic builds—a common trait of Samsung flagships at the time—the Note 4 felt more substantial and premium in hand. The S5’s lighter weight gave it an edge for daily carry, but the Note 4’s heft signaled its purpose: a mobile workstation.

Tip: If you're holding onto either device, use a protective case. Original materials degrade over time, especially the Note 4's faux leather backing.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, both devices launched with high-end specs for 2014. However, regional variants led to different chipsets: some models featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 805, while others used Samsung’s Exynos 5433. The Snapdragon-powered Note 4 generally outperformed the S5, especially in multitasking and graphics rendering.

Feature	Galaxy Note 4	Galaxy S5
Display Size	5.7” Quad HD (2560x1440)	5.1” Full HD (1920x1080)
Processor	Snapdragon 805 / Exynos 5433	Snapdragon 801
Ram	3GB	2GB
Battery Capacity	3220 mAh	2800 mAh
Stylus Support	Yes (S Pen)	No
Water Resistance	No	Yes (IP67)
Rear Camera	16 MP OIS	16 MP OIS

The Note 4’s higher-resolution screen and extra gigabyte of RAM gave it a noticeable advantage in handling multiple apps and media-rich content. The S Pen added functionality unmatched by the S5—allowing note-taking, screenshot annotation, and hover previews—making the Note 4 a favorite among students and professionals even years after release.

“Even without modern AI features, the S Pen provided tangible productivity gains that few mid-tier phones can match today.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Historian

Software Support and Security: The Real Dealbreaker

Both devices originally shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat and received updates up to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Since then, official support has ended. No security patches have been issued since 2017, leaving both phones vulnerable to modern malware, phishing attacks, and unsecured Wi-Fi exploits.

Using either device as a primary smartphone in 2024 carries significant risk. Banking apps, messaging platforms like WhatsApp, and Google services increasingly require recent OS versions. As of 2023, WhatsApp dropped support for all devices running below Android 5.0—effectively locking out many older phones unless manually sideloaded, which introduces further risks.

Custom ROMs like LineageOS offer a lifeline, supporting limited versions for the Note 4 (especially Snapdragon variants). These bring newer Android versions, improved performance, and basic security hardening. However, installing them requires technical skill and voids any remaining warranty or carrier compatibility.

Real Example: Maria’s Experience with Her Note 4

Maria, a freelance artist from Lisbon, kept her Galaxy Note 4 active until 2022. She relied on the S Pen for sketching ideas and appreciated the crisp display for reviewing client work. But she eventually upgraded after noticing frequent app crashes, inability to log into her email provider, and slow loading times on social media. “It was nostalgic,” she said, “but I couldn’t ignore how unsafe it felt connecting to public Wi-Fi anymore.”

Is the Note 4 Still Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to hold onto or acquire a Galaxy Note 4 today, consider this checklist:

• ✅ Do you only use offline apps or basic functions (calls, SMS, music)?
• ✅ Are you technically capable of installing custom ROMs for updated software?
• ✅ Will this be a secondary or emergency device, not your main phone?
• ✅ Can you accept no app store access or outdated web browsing?
• ❌ Are you planning to use banking, social media, or GPS navigation regularly?
• ❌ Do you connect to public Wi-Fi networks often?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first four and “no” to the last two, the Note 4 might still serve a niche role. Otherwise, continuing to use it poses practical and security challenges.

Step-by-Step: How to Extend Usability of an Old Note 4 (Safely)

If you’re committed to getting more life out of your Note 4, follow these steps to improve safety and functionality:

1. Backup Data Immediately: Transfer photos, contacts, and notes to a computer or cloud service before attempting any changes.
2. Install a Custom Recovery: Use TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) compatible with your model variant (check XDA Forums).
3. Flash a Lightweight Custom ROM: Choose LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) or similar for better performance and extended app compatibility.
4. Add MicroG or Aurora Store: Replace Google Services with open-source alternatives to download apps securely.
5. Disable Unnecessary Permissions: Turn off location, microphone, and camera access for unused apps.
6. Use a Privacy-Focused Browser: Install Firefox with tracking protection or Bromite (a privacy-enhanced Chromium fork).

Tip: Never enter passwords or credit card details on an unsupported Android device. Assume all data is potentially exposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy Note 4 run modern apps?

Most major apps—including Instagram, Gmail, and banking tools—require Android 7.0 or higher. Even if installed via APK, they may fail to authenticate or crash frequently. Limited functionality should be expected.

Which phone has better battery life today?

The Note 4’s larger battery gives it an edge, but aging lithium-ion cells reduce actual capacity. After 8–10 years, both phones likely retain only 40–60% of original battery health. Replacement batteries are available but diminish overall value.

Is the S Pen still useful in 2024?

In theory, yes—for quick notes or drawing—but without app optimization or palm rejection improvements found in newer Notes, its utility is limited. On-device handwriting recognition is outdated and error-prone.

Final Verdict: Nostalgia Has Its Limits

The Galaxy Note 4 was ahead of its time in productivity features, display quality, and stylus integration. Compared to the Galaxy S5, it offered superior hardware, a sharper screen, and unique functionality through the S Pen. But hardware excellence means little without ongoing software support.

In 2024, neither phone qualifies as a viable daily driver for most users. The lack of security updates, dwindling app compatibility, and poor performance under modern workloads make continued reliance risky and inconvenient. While the Note 4 holds sentimental and functional appeal for enthusiasts and collectors, it no longer delivers meaningful value for average consumers.

For those seeking affordable, reliable smartphones with stylus support, even entry-level models like the Samsung Galaxy A54 or refurbished Galaxy Note 10+ provide vastly better experiences—secure, fast, and compatible with today’s digital ecosystem.

🚀 Still using an old Samsung flagship? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal, and what finally pushed you to upgrade? Join the conversation below.