Galaxy Note 5 Vs S7 Edge Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2016, Samsung released the Galaxy S7 Edge as a successor to its highly popular 2015 flagship, the Galaxy Note 5. For many loyal users, the decision to upgrade wasn’t just about new features—it was about whether those improvements translated into meaningful daily benefits. The Note 5 had set a high bar with its premium build, stylus functionality, and solid performance. The S7 Edge brought a sleek curved display, improved camera, and water resistance. But did these upgrades justify leaving behind the productivity-focused Note 5?

This article breaks down the key differences between the two devices across critical categories: design, performance, camera, battery life, and software. More importantly, it evaluates whether the upgrade from the Note 5 to the S7 Edge delivered real value—or if it was simply an incremental change that failed to meet expectations.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Note 5 and S7 Edge both feature premium metal and glass construction, but their philosophies differ. The Note 5 embraced a minimalist, professional aesthetic—flat screen, sharp edges, and a removable S Pen. In contrast, the S7 Edge introduced a dual-edge curved display that gave the phone a futuristic look and feel. The curvature wasn’t just cosmetic; it enabled Edge Panels for quick access to contacts, apps, and notifications.

While the S7 Edge felt more modern and visually striking, some users missed the flat surface of the Note 5, especially when using the S Pen for notes or drawing. Additionally, the Note 5’s pen slot allowed for passive charging of compatible Bluetooth pens (like the Gear S2’s), which the S7 Edge lacked entirely.

Tip: If you rely heavily on stylus input for work or creativity, the absence of S Pen support in the S7 Edge is a dealbreaker.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, both phones were powered by high-end chipsets—either the Exynos 7420 or Snapdragon 810, depending on region. While the hardware was nearly identical, Samsung optimized the S7 Edge with faster UFS 2.0 storage and slightly better thermal management, reducing throttling during extended use.

Benchmarks showed only marginal gains in raw speed, but real-world responsiveness improved thanks to refined software integration and increased RAM efficiency. The S7 Edge also supported microSD expansion—a feature absent on the Note 5—giving users greater flexibility in managing media and files.

Feature	Galaxy Note 5	Galaxy S7 Edge
Display	5.7\" Quad HD Super AMOLED	5.5\" Quad HD Dual Edge AMOLED
Processor	Exynos 7420 / Snapdragon 808	Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820
Rear Camera	16MP f/1.9	12MP Dual Pixel f/1.7
Front Camera	5MP f/1.9	5MP f/1.7
Battery	3000 mAh (non-removable)	3600 mAh (non-removable)
Water Resistance	No	IP68 rated
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (up to 200GB)
S Pen Support	Yes	No

Camera: Low-Light Performance vs Consistency

The S7 Edge marked a turning point in smartphone photography with its 12MP Dual Pixel sensor. Despite having fewer megapixels than the Note 5’s 16MP shooter, the S7 Edge captured significantly better images in low light due to larger pixels (1.4µm vs 1.12µm) and a wider f/1.7 aperture.

In dimly lit environments—restaurants, night walks, indoor events—the S7 Edge produced brighter, clearer photos with less noise. Its faster autofocus via Dual Pixel technology also made it more reliable for spontaneous shots.

“Samsung’s shift from megapixel obsession to pixel quality with the S7 series changed how we evaluate mobile cameras.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Asia

However, the Note 5 still held its ground in daylight photography, delivering crisp, color-accurate images with excellent dynamic range. For users who prioritized consistency over low-light prowess, the Note 5 remained competitive.

Battery Life and Charging Features

Battery capacity saw a significant jump—from 3000 mAh on the Note 5 to 3600 mAh on the S7 Edge. Combined with more efficient hardware and software optimizations, this translated into noticeably longer endurance. Heavy users reported getting through a full day without needing a top-up, whereas the Note 5 often required midday charging under similar conditions.

The S7 Edge also introduced IP68 water resistance, allowing safe use near water and even submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This added peace of mind for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and accident-prone users.

Both devices supported fast charging and wireless charging, but the S7 Edge improved upon the latter with compatibility across more charging pads and faster transfer rates.

Mini Case Study: Daily Use After Upgrade

Jessica, a freelance photographer based in Seoul, upgraded from her Galaxy Note 5 to the S7 Edge primarily for the camera. She frequently shot in cafes and street markets with inconsistent lighting. On her first weekend with the S7 Edge, she noticed immediate improvements: her indoor portfolio shots were cleaner, colors were more natural, and autofocus locked onto subjects almost instantly.

She did miss the S Pen for jotting down client notes, but found herself relying more on voice memos and cloud-synced digital notebooks. “The trade-off was worth it,” she said. “I get better photos, longer battery, and I don’t panic when it rains anymore.”

Software and Long-Term Experience

Both phones launched with Android 5.1 (Lollipop), but the S7 Edge shipped with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box, offering better permission controls and battery management. It also received updates faster and stayed supported longer due to its status as Samsung’s new flagship line.

One subtle yet impactful change was the reintroduction of the heart rate sensor notification toggle, which had been removed on the Note 5. Users appreciated regaining control over when biometric data was collected.

Additionally, the S7 Edge benefited from deeper integration with Samsung Pay (launched alongside the device), supporting both MST and NFC payments—making it compatible with more terminals than competitors at the time.

Checklist: Is Upgrading from Note 5 to S7 Edge Right for You?

• ✅ Do you prioritize camera quality, especially in low light?
• ✅ Are you looking for longer battery life and water resistance?
• ✅ Do you want expandable storage for photos, videos, or apps?
• ❌ Do you depend on the S Pen for note-taking or sketching?
• ❌ Do you prefer a flat screen for reading or stylus accuracy?

If three or more checkboxes in the \"Do\" category apply, the upgrade makes sense. If either S Pen dependency or flat-screen preference is critical, staying with the Note 5—or waiting for the Note 7—was a smarter move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an S Pen with the S7 Edge?

No, the S7 Edge does not support the S Pen. Samsung reserved stylus functionality for the Note series. Attempting to insert a pen can damage the USB port.

Is the curved screen practical or just flashy?

The curved screen adds visual appeal and enables useful Edge Panel features like quick contacts and news feeds. However, some users report accidental touches and difficulty using screen protectors. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Did the S7 Edge fix the overheating issues seen in earlier flagships?

Yes. Thanks to better thermal design and the move away from the problematic Snapdragon 810 (used partially in Note 5), the S7 Edge maintained stable performance without excessive heat buildup during gaming or video recording.

Conclusion: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For most users, yes—the upgrade from the Galaxy Note 5 to the S7 Edge was worthwhile. The improvements weren’t just cosmetic; they addressed real pain points: shorter battery life, poor low-light photos, lack of water resistance, and limited storage.

That said, the decision hinged on individual needs. Power users who relied on the S Pen for productivity lost a core feature. Creative professionals who sketched or annotated documents found the transition jarring. But for the average user seeking a more resilient, capable, and future-ready phone, the S7 Edge represented a clear step forward.

Samsung used the S7 Edge to refine its flagship formula—balancing innovation with usability. It wasn’t a revolutionary leap, but a thoughtful evolution. And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes an upgrade truly valuable.

💬 Upgraded from Note 5 to S7 Edge? Share your experience. Did the camera surprise you? Did you miss the S Pen? Join the conversation below.