Galaxy Note 4 Vs S5 Was Upgrading Worth It Or Is The S5 Still Good

When Samsung released the Galaxy S5 in 2014, it set a new benchmark for flagship Android phones with its water resistance, fingerprint sensor, and fitness-focused software. Just months later, the Galaxy Note 4 arrived—positioned as a premium phablet with advanced stylus functionality and superior hardware. For users caught between these two devices, the decision to upgrade wasn’t always clear-cut. Was jumping from the S5 to the Note 4 truly worth it? Or could the S5 still hold its own in a market rapidly shifting toward larger screens and more powerful processors?

This article breaks down the real differences between the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy S5, examining not just specs on paper but actual user experience, longevity, and practical value over time.

Performance and Hardware: Under the Hood

The Galaxy S5 launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 processor (in most regions), paired with 2GB of RAM. It delivered solid performance for everyday tasks—browsing, social media, and light gaming—but began showing limitations when multitasking or running graphically intensive apps.

In contrast, the Galaxy Note 4 upgraded to either the Snapdragon 805 or Exynos 5433, depending on region, and included 3GB of RAM. This extra memory made a noticeable difference in app switching, split-screen usage, and overall system responsiveness. The Adreno 420 GPU in the Snapdragon version also improved gaming performance significantly.

Tip: If you frequently use multiple apps or rely on productivity tools, the extra RAM in the Note 4 provides tangible benefits over the S5.

Battery life was another area where the Note 4 pulled ahead. With a 3,220mAh battery compared to the S5’s 2,800mAh, it offered longer screen-on time despite the larger display. Both supported removable batteries, giving users flexibility for extended use.

Display and Design: Size Matters

The S5 featured a 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, which at the time was considered top-tier. Colors were vibrant, blacks deep, and viewing angles excellent. However, the Note 4 stepped up with a 5.7-inch Quad HD (1440p) Super AMOLED panel. The jump in resolution meant sharper text, crisper images, and better detail in videos.

While the higher pixel density improved visual fidelity, some users found little practical benefit unless they were viewing content up close or using VR apps. Still, professionals editing photos or reading documents benefited from the clarity.

Design-wise, the S5 had a textured plastic back with a faux-leather finish and IP67 water and dust resistance—a rare feature at the time. The Note 4 adopted a similar aesthetic but felt more refined, with metal trim around the edges and improved build quality. However, it lacked full water resistance, trading that protection for a sleeker profile and glass/metal hybrid design.

“Even though both phones shared DNA, the Note 4 felt like a step into the future—especially with that display.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetScope

Feature Comparison: What Sets Them Apart?

Here’s a direct breakdown of key features between the two models:

Feature	Galaxy S5	Galaxy Note 4
Display	5.1” FHD (1080p) Super AMOLED	5.7” QHD (1440p) Super AMOLED
Processor	Snapdragon 801 / Exynos 5422	Snapdragon 805 / Exynos 5433
RAM	2GB	3GB
Battery	2,800mAh (removable)	3,220mAh (removable)
Stylus Support	No	Yes (S Pen with pressure sensitivity)
Water Resistance	IP67 rated	Not officially rated
Rear Camera	16MP with LED flash	16MP with LED flash & OIS
Fingerprint Sensor	Front (swipe-based)	Front (improved swipe mechanism)
Heart Rate Monitor	Yes	Yes

The inclusion of the S Pen was arguably the biggest differentiator. With features like Air Command, Screen Write, and Popup Notes, the Note 4 opened up new workflows for note-taking, sketching, and quick actions. For students, creatives, or business users, this added layer of functionality justified the upgrade.

Real-World Example: One User’s Upgrade Journey

Take Mark, a university student in 2014 who bought the Galaxy S5 at launch. He appreciated its durability, fitness tracking features, and compact size. But by mid-2015, he found himself struggling with limited multitasking and wanted better support for digital notes during lectures.

After testing the Note 4 at a store, he upgraded primarily for the S Pen and larger screen. “I didn’t think I’d use the pen much,” he said, “but being able to jot down ideas without unlocking my phone changed how I worked. Plus, the extra screen space made PDFs way easier to read.”

However, he missed the peace of mind that came with water resistance. “I dropped it in a puddle once—no damage, but I wouldn’t risk it again.” His experience highlights a trade-off: enhanced productivity versus reduced ruggedness.

Is the S5 Still Good Today?

By modern standards, neither device runs current Android versions or receives security updates. However, in their prime, both were leaders in innovation. The S5 remains surprisingly usable for basic functions: calls, messaging, music playback, and light web browsing. Its removable battery and microSD slot (up to 128GB) give it an edge in customization over today’s sealed smartphones.

But limitations are evident. App compatibility has declined, especially with banking and newer social platforms requiring updated OS versions. GPS accuracy, camera performance in low light, and Wi-Fi 5 support make them feel outdated.

If you’re holding onto an S5 purely for backup or secondary use, it can serve as a lightweight offline device. But for daily driving in 2024 and beyond, it falls short.

Tip: Repurpose an old S5 as a dedicated music player, smart home controller, or kids’ learning tablet—just disable cellular data and install only essential apps.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Whether to Upgrade (Even Now)

Even years after release, users may face decisions about whether to keep or replace aging devices. Here’s a timeline to guide your thinking:

1. Assess Current Needs (Week 1): Track how often you use your phone for work, communication, navigation, or entertainment.
2. Test Performance (Week 2): Open five apps in succession. Does the device lag or reload previous apps frequently?
3. Evaluate Battery Life (Week 3): Monitor how many charges you need per day. If it dies before evening, consider replacement.
4. Check Software Support (Week 4): Confirm if the device receives any security patches or app updates. No updates = higher risk.
5. Determine Value (Final Week): Weigh sentimental attachment against practicality. Can it fulfill core tasks reliably?

For those comparing Note 4 and S5 historically, the answer depended heavily on use case. Casual users saw diminishing returns upgrading from S5 to Note 4. Power users, especially those leveraging the S Pen, gained meaningful improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Galaxy Note 4 faster than the S5?

Yes. The Note 4 typically used a more powerful processor (Snapdragon 805 vs. 801) and had 3GB of RAM compared to the S5’s 2GB, resulting in smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications.

Can the Galaxy S5 still be used in 2024?

It can function for very basic tasks like calling, texting, or playing local media. However, lack of security updates, poor app compatibility, and degraded battery health limit its usefulness as a primary device.

Did the Note 4 have water resistance like the S5?

No. Despite its premium build, the Note 4 did not carry an official IP rating for water or dust resistance, making it less durable in wet conditions than the S5.

Conclusion: Making Smart Choices Based on Real Needs

The debate between the Galaxy Note 4 and S5 wasn’t just about specs—it was about purpose. The S5 offered balance: compact size, ruggedness, and solid all-around performance. The Note 4 pushed boundaries with a sharper display, more power, and unique stylus capabilities tailored to productivity.

Upgrading was worth it if you valued the S Pen, needed more RAM, or wanted the best display available at the time. But if you prioritized durability, portability, and simplicity, the S5 remained a strong choice—even after the Note 4 launched.

💬 Still using an old Samsung flagship? Share your experience below—what kept you loyal, and what finally made you upgrade?