Galaxy Note 5 Vs J7 Prime Is The Note 5 Still Worth It Over The J7 In Current Year

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy J7 Prime were both pivotal devices in their time, representing different ends of Samsung’s smartphone spectrum. The Note 5, released in 2015, was a flagship powerhouse with stylus functionality and premium build quality. The J7 Prime followed in 2016 as a mid-range contender focused on value and broad accessibility. Today, neither device is new, but in regions where secondhand or budget phones dominate the market, consumers still face the choice between them. So, is the Galaxy Note 5 still worth choosing over the J7 Prime in the current year?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While the Note 5 had superior specs at launch, age affects hardware, software support, and daily usability. Meanwhile, the J7 Prime, though less powerful, benefits from slightly more modern architecture and better long-term resilience in certain areas. Let’s break down this comparison across key dimensions to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Hardware: Flagship Power vs. Practical Longevity

The Galaxy Note 5 was built around Samsung’s Exynos 7420 processor (in most regions) or Snapdragon 808 (in select markets), paired with 4GB of RAM. At its peak, this combination delivered smooth multitasking, excellent gaming performance, and fast app launches. The J7 Prime, by contrast, uses the Exynos 7870—an octa-core Cortex-A53 chip—paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM depending on the region.

On paper, the Note 5 outperforms the J7 Prime significantly. However, real-world usage in 2024 tells a different story. The Note 5 launched with Android 5.1.1 and received updates up to Android 7.0 Nougat. It has not seen security patches in years. In contrast, the J7 Prime launched with Android 6.0 and was updated to Android 8.1 Oreo, receiving security updates for longer due to its later release.

Tip: Older flagships like the Note 5 may feel sluggish over time due to software bloat and lack of optimization for newer apps. Consider lightweight custom ROMs if you must use one.

While the Note 5’s hardware was top-tier in 2015, aging batteries, potential wear on internal components, and app incompatibility can hinder daily use. The J7 Prime, while slower, often performs more consistently in 2024 because its software demands are lower and its system remains more stable under lighter loads.

Display and Design: Premium Feel vs. Functional Simplicity

The Note 5 featured a 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. This offered sharp visuals, deep blacks, and vibrant colors—still impressive by today’s standards. The J7 Prime has a 5.5-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920) TFT LCD panel. While decent for its class, it lacks the contrast and viewing angles of AMOLED.

In terms of design, the Note 5 stood out with its glass-and-metal construction, featuring a sleek, curved back and a premium aesthetic. However, its non-removable battery and difficult repairability became pain points. The J7 Prime opts for a unibody metal design—less flashy but more durable and easier to handle.

One critical downside of the Note 5: Samsung implemented a controversial restriction that prevents charging when the battery is above 95% unless the phone is turned off. This “feature” frustrates users who want to top up quickly. The J7 Prime has no such limitations.

“Flagship phones from 2015 were built to impress, but durability and user freedom weren’t always priorities. Today, usability often trumps prestige.” — Lena Park, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Asia

Camera Comparison: Then vs. Now Expectations

The Note 5 came with a 16MP rear camera with OIS and an f/1.9 aperture, capable of producing strong daylight photos and respectable low-light shots for its era. The front-facing 5MP shooter worked well for selfies. The J7 Prime also has a 13MP rear sensor (f/1.9) and 8MP front camera.

In direct lighting, both cameras produce usable images, but the Note 5 generally captures more detail and dynamic range. However, image processing on older firmware struggles with modern lighting conditions—especially mixed or artificial light. The J7 Prime, benefiting from slightly newer ISP tuning and software enhancements, sometimes delivers more consistent color reproduction.

Video recording is another area where the Note 5 technically wins (4K vs. 1080p), but again, practical use is limited. Most apps and platforms today optimize for newer codecs and stabilization methods that the Note 5 doesn’t support efficiently.

Camera Performance Summary

Feature	Note 5	J7 Prime
Rear Camera	16MP, f/1.9, OIS	13MP, f/1.9
Front Camera	5MP	8MP
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	1080p @ 30fps
Low-Light Performance	Moderate (noise-prone)	Fair (better processing)
Software Optimization	Outdated	Better for current apps

Battery Life and Charging: The Hidden Trade-Off

The Note 5 packs a 3000mAh battery, while the J7 Prime has a larger 3000mAh unit as well—but with less power-hungry hardware. Despite similar capacities, the J7 Prime typically lasts longer on a single charge due to its 1080p screen and efficient Exynos 7870 chip. The Note 5’s QHD display and aging battery degradation reduce real-world endurance.

Worse, the Note 5 does not support fast charging beyond its original Adaptive Fast Charging standard, and replacement batteries are harder to find. The J7 Prime supports basic fast charging and is easier to service.

If you’re buying secondhand, battery health should be a primary concern. Many used Note 5 units have degraded below 70% capacity, leading to poor all-day usability. The J7 Prime, being newer, often retains better battery health even after years of use.

Mini Case Study: Choosing Based on Daily Use

Ahmed, a small business owner in Lahore, needed a reliable phone for messaging, light browsing, and managing inventory via a mobile app. He considered a used Note 5 for its S Pen functionality but found it lagged when switching between apps and died by midday. After switching to a refurbished J7 Prime, he reported improved stability, longer battery life, and fewer crashes—even though the screen wasn’t as sharp. For his needs, practicality won over prestige.

Software and Security: The Deciding Factor

This is where the J7 Prime gains a significant edge. Both devices are far beyond official update cycles, but the J7 Prime reached Android 8.1, which includes important security improvements over Android 6.0 or 7.0. Apps like banking services, WhatsApp, and Google Pay increasingly require newer OS versions or security patches to function.

The Note 5 runs outdated software vulnerable to known exploits. Public Wi-Fi, app logins, and even web browsing pose higher risks. Custom ROMs like LineageOS can extend life, but they require technical know-how and void any remaining warranty.

Tip: If using either phone today, disable auto-sync, avoid public Wi-Fi, and only install apps from trusted sources to minimize security risks.

Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Buying Either Phone in 2024

• ✅ Check actual battery health (ask seller for diagnostic report)
• ✅ Test app performance (open WhatsApp, Chrome, and a social media app)
• ✅ Verify screen condition (look for burn-in on Note 5’s AMOLED)
• ✅ Confirm if the S Pen works smoothly (for Note 5 buyers)
• ✅ Ensure the device can connect to modern Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth accessories
• ✅ Avoid units with cracked motherboards or water damage
• ✅ Prefer devices with recent firmware flashes or clean boot records

FAQ

Can the Galaxy Note 5 still run modern apps?

Some basic apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube will run, but performance varies. Many newer apps either won’t install or will crash frequently due to unsupported APIs or insufficient RAM management.

Is the S Pen on the Note 5 still useful today?

Yes—for note-taking, sketching, or quick annotations. However, newer S Pen features like Bluetooth control or Air Actions aren’t supported on the Note 5. Its utility is limited to on-screen input.

Which phone holds better resale value now?

Neither holds strong resale value, but the J7 Prime is more likely to sell quickly in budget markets due to broader usability. The Note 5 appeals mainly to collectors or enthusiasts.

Final Verdict: Is the Note 5 Worth It Over the J7 Prime?

The Galaxy Note 5 was a landmark device—powerful, innovative, and beautifully designed. But in 2024, its age outweighs its strengths. Unless you specifically need the S Pen for productivity or are collecting vintage flagships, the J7 Prime offers a more practical, stable, and secure experience.

The J7 Prime may lack the prestige and high-end specs of the Note 5, but it delivers better battery life, slightly more modern software, and greater day-to-day reliability. For users in emerging markets or those on tight budgets, the J7 Prime is the smarter choice for staying connected without constant frustration.

That said, if you find a well-maintained Note 5 with a healthy battery and plan to use lightweight apps or custom firmware, it can still serve as a functional secondary device. But for primary use, especially involving communication, payments, or browsing, the J7 Prime is the safer bet.

🚀 Still using an older Samsung? Share your experience below—what kept you loyal, or what finally made you upgrade? Your insights could help others navigate the shift from legacy devices to modern alternatives.