Pixel 3 Vs Note 5 Was Upgrading Really Worth It Or Is The Note 5 Still A Solid Phone

Five years can feel like a lifetime in smartphone technology. For users who made the jump from the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 to the Google Pixel 3, the decision likely felt like stepping into the future. But with time passing and both devices now well beyond their prime support windows, it’s fair to ask: Was that upgrade truly worth it? And more surprisingly—can the aging Note 5 still hold its own today?

This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about value, usability, and understanding how far smartphones have—or haven’t—come in half a decade. Let’s break down the real differences between these two iconic devices and assess whether the Pixel 3 delivered enough meaningful improvements to justify leaving behind a flagship of its era.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The Note 5 launched in 2015 with Samsung’s Exynos 7420 (in most regions) or Snapdragon 808 in the U.S., paired with 4GB of RAM. At the time, it was top-tier hardware, delivering smooth multitasking, excellent battery life, and class-leading display quality on its 5.7-inch Quad HD AMOLED screen.

In contrast, the Pixel 3 arrived in 2018 with the Snapdragon 845, 4GB of RAM (a point of criticism even then), and a much smaller 5.5-inch OLED display with thinner bezels and an iPhone X-inspired notch. While the screen size was similar, the Pixel offered better color accuracy, higher brightness, and HDR support for media consumption.

But raw specs don’t tell the whole story. Real-world speed and app responsiveness were significantly better on the Pixel 3 thanks to optimized software and faster storage. Even simple actions like opening apps, switching between them, or launching the camera felt snappier.

“Hardware evolves quickly, but the real test is sustained performance over time. The Pixel 3 maintained fluidity longer because of tighter software-hardware integration.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst

Software Experience: Stock Android vs TouchWiz Legacy

One of the most compelling reasons users upgraded from the Note 5 to the Pixel 3 wasn’t just hardware—it was software. The Note 5 shipped with Android 5.1 Lollipop and received updates only through Android 7.0 Nougat before Samsung ended official support. By 2018, many users were stuck with outdated security patches, bloated TouchWiz UI, and missing modern features.

The Pixel 3, on the other hand, launched with Android 9 Pie and guaranteed three years of OS and security updates. It delivered pure, bloat-free Android with timely feature drops—like Adaptive Battery, App Actions, and improved gesture navigation—that simply weren’t possible on older Samsung devices.

Google’s software polish also extended to exclusive features: Now Playing (which identified music playing nearby), AI-powered call screening, and Smart Reply in messaging apps. These weren’t gimmicks—they added tangible daily convenience.

Tip: If you're still using a device stuck on Android 7 or earlier, consider upgrading—not for speed, but for security. Outdated phones are vulnerable to exploits with no patches available.

Camera Comparison: Computational Photography Changes the Game

The Note 5 had a competent 16MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and laser autofocus. In good lighting, it took sharp, vibrant photos. But low-light performance was inconsistent, dynamic range was limited, and there was no portrait mode or advanced processing.

The Pixel 3 changed expectations entirely. With only a single 12.2MP sensor, it outperformed nearly every dual-camera phone of its time thanks to Google’s computational photography. Features like Night Sight (introduced via update) allowed users to capture bright, detailed photos in near darkness—a capability unimaginable on the Note 5.

Portrait Mode with natural bokeh, Top Shot (AI selects the best moment in a burst), and Super Res Zoom (digital zoom that actually worked) gave the Pixel 3 a massive edge. Front cameras told a similar story: the Pixel’s dual front shooters enabled wide-angle selfies and vastly better HDR+ processing.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Note 5	Google Pixel 3
Rear Camera	16MP, f/1.9, OIS	12.2MP, f/1.8, OIS, EIS
Front Camera	5MP, f/1.9	8MP + 8MP wide-angle, f/1.8
Night Mode	No	Yes (Night Sight)
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (rear & front)
Software Updates	Ended at Android 7.0	Android 12 (final update)

Real-World Example: A Power User’s Journey

Take James, a freelance photographer who used the Note 5 from 2015 to 2018. He loved the stylus for quick notes and sketches, and the removable battery meant he could carry spares for long shoots. But by late 2017, his phone struggled with editing apps, GPS lagged during travel, and the lack of modern camera tools became a professional liability.

He upgraded to the Pixel 3 primarily for the camera. Within weeks, he found himself relying on Night Sight for indoor client previews and using Call Screen to manage bookings without answering spam calls. The Always-on Display and smoother OS made checking messages faster. While he missed the S Pen initially, Google Keep and third-party styluses filled the gap.

“I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I switched,” James said. “The Pixel didn’t just take better photos—it helped me work smarter.”

Is the Note 5 Still a Solid Phone in 2024?

Technically, yes—but with major caveats. The Note 5 can still make calls, send texts, browse basic websites, and run lightweight apps like WhatsApp or calculator tools. Its build quality remains impressive: aluminum frame, glass back, and that satisfying click of the retractable S Pen.

However, modern web standards, app requirements, and security protocols make it impractical as a daily driver. Most banking apps won’t install. Chrome no longer receives updates. GPS and Wi-Fi may behave unpredictably due to outdated firmware. And there’s zero protection against current malware threats.

If you’re considering reviving a Note 5 as a backup phone, emergency device, or retro experiment—go ahead. But don’t rely on it for anything involving personal data, online accounts, or real productivity.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade From an Old Flagship?

1. Evaluate your current usage: Are you still satisfied with speed, camera quality, and app compatibility?
2. Check Android version: If you’re on Android 7.0 or lower, security is a serious concern.
3. Test critical apps: Try opening your banking, email, and social media apps. Do they load properly?
4. Assess battery health: Swollen or fast-draining batteries are safety risks.
5. Consider upgrade cost: Even budget phones today offer better security, cameras, and support than the Note 5 ever will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 3 still be used in 2024?

The Pixel 3 received its final Android update in late 2021 and security patches ended in 2022. While it runs Android 12 and most modern apps, some newer services may begin phasing out support. It’s usable but no longer secure for sensitive tasks. Consider it a short-term solution at best.

Why did Google only give the Pixel 3 4GB of RAM when competitors had 6GB or more?

Google prioritized software optimization over raw specs. Stock Android uses less memory, and background processes are tightly managed. In practice, 4GB was sufficient for most users—though power users running many apps saw limitations.

Did the S Pen disappear after the Note 5?

No—the S Pen evolved. Later Note models refined the experience with Bluetooth capabilities, remote shutter control, and air gestures. Samsung continues the legacy in the Galaxy S Ultra series.

Final Verdict: Upgrading Was Worth It—For Most

For the average user, moving from the Note 5 to the Pixel 3 represented more than a hardware refresh—it was a leap into modern mobile computing. Faster performance, superior camera intelligence, timely software updates, and enhanced security collectively justified the upgrade.

That said, the Note 5 wasn’t obsolete overnight. It served thousands faithfully for years, especially those who valued the stylus, expandable storage, or removable battery—features later phased out across the industry.

Today, neither phone should be your primary device. But if you're holding onto a Note 5 wondering whether you missed anything, the answer is yes—you did. The Pixel 3 offered meaningful advancements that redefined what a smartphone could do, especially through software innovation.

💬 Used both phones? Share your experience. Did the Pixel 3 impress you, or do you still miss the Note 5? Join the conversation and help others understand how far we’ve come.