Samsung Note 4 Vs Note 5 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

When Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 5 in 2015, it arrived as the successor to one of the most beloved phablets on the market—the Galaxy Note 4. For loyal Note users, the decision to upgrade wasn’t automatic. The Note 4 had already set a high bar with its powerful specs, S Pen functionality, and premium build. So, was the jump to the Note 5 truly justified? This article breaks down every critical difference between the two devices to help you decide whether the upgrade delivered meaningful improvements or merely incremental changes.

Design and Build Quality

The most immediate difference between the Note 4 and Note 5 lies in their design philosophy. The Note 4 featured a plastic body with a faux-leather backing and metallic trim, giving it a professional, slightly rugged look. It was durable but not particularly sleek by modern standards. In contrast, the Note 5 marked a significant shift for Samsung—introducing a glass-and-metal unibody design. The front and back were covered in Gorilla Glass 4, framed by an aluminum chassis, making it feel more premium and compact despite similar dimensions.

However, this new design came with trade-offs. Unlike the Note 4, the Note 5 sacrificed user-replaceable batteries and expandable storage. The sealed body meant no microSD card slot and no battery swapping—a controversial move at the time. While the aesthetic leap was undeniable, long-term usability took a hit for some power users.

Tip: If you rely on extended storage or carry spare batteries, the Note 4’s flexibility may outweigh the Note 5’s sleeker design.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the Note 5 brought a major upgrade. It debuted Samsung’s Exynos 7420 (in international models) or Snapdragon 808 (in select U.S. variants), both built on a 14nm process. This was a step up from the Note 4’s Snapdragon 805 (or Exynos 5433), which used a less efficient 20nm architecture. The result? Better multitasking, faster app launches, and improved thermal efficiency.

The RAM increase—from 3GB in the Note 4 to 4GB in the Note 5—was another game-changer. At the time, 4GB of RAM was rare in smartphones and allowed smoother handling of memory-intensive apps and future-proofed the device against upcoming software demands.

“Moving to 4GB of RAM in 2015 was bold. It gave the Note 5 headroom that lasted well into 2017.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Key Performance Differences

Feature	Samsung Note 4	Samsung Note 5
Processor	Snapdragon 805 / Exynos 5433	Snapdragon 808 / Exynos 7420
RAM	3GB	4GB
Storage Options	32GB + microSD (up to 64GB)	32GB/64GB (no expandable storage)
Battery Capacity	3220 mAh (removable)	3000 mAh (non-removable)
Charging	Standard charging	Fast charging & Wireless charging

Despite the smaller battery, the Note 5 introduced fast charging and wireless charging—features absent on the Note 4. These additions made daily use significantly more convenient, especially for users on the go.

S Pen Enhancements and User Experience

The S Pen has always been the heart of the Note series, and both devices supported robust stylus functionality. However, the Note 5 refined the experience. The stylus slot was redesigned so the pen could only be inserted one way, preventing damage from incorrect insertion—a common issue with earlier models.

Software features also evolved. The Note 5 introduced “S Pen Air Command,” offering quicker access to actions like creating quick notes, translating text, and capturing screen snippets. Samsung also enhanced handwriting recognition and added richer editing tools within the Note ecosystem.

While the S Pen hardware felt nearly identical, the integration with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) and later 6.0 (Marshmallow) provided a smoother, more responsive experience. Users reported less lag when writing or sketching, thanks to optimized drivers and better touch sampling rates.

Battery Life and Long-Term Usability

This is where opinions diverge. The Note 4’s 3220 mAh removable battery offered strong endurance, and users could extend usage by carrying spare batteries. The Note 5’s 3000 mAh battery was smaller and non-removable, leading to concerns about degradation over time.

In real-world testing, the Note 5’s efficiency gains from the 14nm chip helped compensate for the smaller capacity. With moderate use, both phones lasted a full day, but heavy users noticed the Note 5 struggling sooner, especially after a year of charging cycles.

Tip: Enable power-saving mode and reduce screen brightness to extend Note 5 battery life beyond the second year.

Mini Case Study: Business Traveler’s Perspective

Consider Mark, a sales executive who relied on his Note 4 for presentations, note-taking, and email during frequent flights. He upgraded to the Note 5 primarily for faster performance and wireless charging. While he appreciated the speed and sleekness, he missed the ability to swap batteries during long layovers. Instead, he began carrying a portable charger—a workaround that added bulk. After 18 months, he noticed battery degradation affecting all-day reliability. For him, the upgrade improved daily convenience but reduced long-term independence.

Should You Upgrade? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

If you're still using a Note 4 and considering the move to a Note 5, follow this timeline-based checklist to evaluate your needs:

1. Assess current performance: Is your Note 4 lagging with everyday tasks? If it still runs smoothly, the upgrade may not be urgent.
2. Evaluate your reliance on expandable storage: Do you store large media files or documents? The lack of microSD support on the Note 5 could be a dealbreaker.
3. Check battery health: If your Note 4 battery lasts a full day, replacement might cost less than upgrading.
4. Test S Pen improvements: Visit a retailer to try the Note 5’s S Pen responsiveness and software features.
5. Consider long-term ownership: Will you keep the phone for 2+ years? Battery degradation and lack of repairability matter more over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Note 5 faster than the Note 4?

Yes, significantly. The Note 5’s 14nm processor and 4GB of RAM deliver faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness compared to the Note 4’s older chipset and 3GB RAM.

Can I use a microSD card in the Note 5?

No. Unlike the Note 4, the Note 5 does not support microSD cards. Storage is fixed at 32GB or 64GB, so choose based on your media and app usage.

Why did Samsung remove the removable battery?

To achieve a slimmer, more premium design and enable wireless charging. The industry trend at the time favored sealed batteries for aesthetics and water resistance, though it reduced user repairability.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you valued cutting-edge performance, a premium build, and modern conveniences like fast and wireless charging, the Note 5 was a worthy upgrade. Its 4GB RAM and refined S Pen experience made it a forward-looking device for professionals and creatives.

However, if you prioritized practicality—such as replaceable batteries, expandable storage, or ease of repair—the Note 4 remained the more flexible option. Losing these features marked a turning point in Samsung’s design direction, favoring elegance over utility.

In hindsight, the Note 5 represented a transitional device—bridging the gap between traditional Android phablets and the sleek, sealed smartphones that dominate today. For early adopters and tech enthusiasts, the upgrade made sense. For pragmatic users, staying with the Note 4—or waiting for future models—was often the smarter choice.

🚀 Still using a classic Galaxy Note? Share your upgrade story or tips in the comments below. Your experience could help others decide their next move!