Switching From Note 5 To S8 Was The Upgrade Worth It Or Just Hype

For millions of Samsung Galaxy Note 5 users, the arrival of the Galaxy S8 in 2017 marked a pivotal moment. After years of loyalty to a device praised for its stylus functionality, solid build, and expandable storage, the leap to the S8 promised a dramatic shift in design, display, and software experience. But beyond the sleek marketing and futuristic curves, did the upgrade deliver meaningful improvements—or was it simply riding the wave of hype? Drawing from real-world usage patterns, hardware comparisons, and user feedback, this article dissects whether moving from the Note 5 to the S8 was a justified evolution or an overpriced aesthetic refresh.

Design and Build: From Sturdy to Sleek

The Galaxy Note 5, released in 2015, embodied Samsung’s premium metal-and-glass philosophy with a confident, angular stance. It felt substantial—some might say heavy—but offered excellent grip and durability. In contrast, the Galaxy S8 introduced a radical redesign: curved edges, minimal bezels, and an elongated 18.5:9 display that redefined smartphone ergonomics.

This shift wasn’t merely cosmetic. The S8’s Infinity Display created a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for video and gaming. However, the trade-off was increased fragility. The glass back made the S8 more prone to cracking when dropped, whereas the Note 5’s slightly textured rear provided better drop resistance despite lacking official IP certification (the S8 added IP68 water resistance).

Tip: If you frequently use your phone without a case, consider that the S8’s glass body demands more protection than the Note 5’s sturdier build.

Display and User Experience

The most immediately noticeable upgrade was the screen. The Note 5 featured a sharp 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED panel, but the S8’s 5.8-inch display—with its taller aspect ratio and reduced chin and forehead—offered significantly more screen real estate in a smaller footprint.

Colors were more vibrant, blacks deeper, and brightness levels higher on the S8, thanks to improved panel calibration and HDR10 support. For media consumption, the difference was transformative. Scrolling through web pages felt smoother, and multitasking with split-screen apps became more practical due to the vertical space.

However, one unexpected change was the removal of physical navigation buttons in favor of on-screen controls. While this maximized display area, some longtime Note users found the transition awkward at first, especially those accustomed to muscle memory with capacitive keys.

Performance: Incremental Gains vs. Real-World Impact

Under the hood, both devices used Samsung’s Exynos 7420 (international) or Snapdragon 808/810 (U.S.), meaning raw CPU performance differences were marginal. The Note 5 already had 4GB of RAM and ample storage options, including microSD expansion—a feature absent on the S8 in certain regions.

What changed was optimization. The S8 ran Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box with Samsung Experience UI (later One UI), offering better background management, smoother animations, and enhanced security via iris scanning and facial recognition. Apps launched faster, and system responsiveness improved—though not dramatically enough to justify the upgrade solely on speed.

“Upgrading purely for performance gains between the Note 5 and S8 is like buying a new car because the seats are slightly softer. The experience improves, but the engine hasn’t changed much.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Subtle Refinements

The camera specs looked nearly identical: both phones sported a 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and an f/1.7 aperture. In practice, the S8 delivered marginally better low-light performance and more consistent dynamic range thanks to improved image processing algorithms.

Selfies also saw minor enhancements. The front-facing 8MP camera on the S8 adapted better to varying lighting conditions, reducing overexposure in bright environments. Still, for casual photographers, the difference wasn’t drastic enough to warrant a full upgrade unless image quality was a top priority.

Battery Life and Charging Evolution

The Note 5 came with a 3,000mAh battery—modest by today’s standards but sufficient for moderate use. Fast charging and wireless charging were already present, giving users flexibility.

The S8 stepped down to a 3,000mAh battery as well, despite the larger screen. This led to slightly shorter battery life under heavy usage, though power efficiency gains from the 10nm processor helped offset some drain. What made the bigger difference was the addition of fast wireless charging and compatibility with Qi pads, aligning with growing ecosystem trends.

One major downside: the removal of Samsung Pay’s MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technology in later S8 models meant fewer point-of-sale terminals could be used compared to the Note 5, which retained MST support.

Feature Trade-offs: What Was Lost in the Upgrade?

While the S8 introduced new features like Bixby, Always-On Display enhancements, and facial recognition, it also eliminated several beloved aspects of the Note 5:

• No removable battery: Once a hallmark of Samsung’s pro devices, this disappeared entirely.
• No headphone jack: The S8 removed the 3.5mm port, forcing reliance on USB-C adapters or Bluetooth headphones.
• Limited storage flexibility: U.S. versions lacked microSD support, locking users into fixed internal storage tiers.
• Stylus omission: The S Pen was exclusive to Note series; S8 buyers lost access to sketching, screen-off notes, and Air Command.

Feature	Galaxy Note 5	Galaxy S8
Display Size	5.7 inches	5.8 inches
Aspect Ratio	16:9	18.5:9
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7	12MP f/1.7
Front Camera	5MP	8MP
Battery Capacity	3,000 mAh	3,000 mAh
Water Resistance	None	IP68
Headphone Jack	Yes	No
microSD Support	Yes (up to 256GB)	Yes (international), No (U.S. variants)
S Pen	Yes	No
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes (with fast charging)

Mini Case Study: Alex’s Upgrade Journey

Alex, a graphic designer from Austin, had used his Galaxy Note 5 since launch day. He relied heavily on the S Pen for sketching wireframes and taking handwritten client notes. When the S8 launched, he was drawn to its edge-to-edge display and modern look. He upgraded primarily for aesthetics and future-proofing.

Within weeks, he noticed two key issues: missing the S Pen during brainstorming sessions and frustration with the lack of a headphone jack while commuting. Although he appreciated the slimmer profile and improved screen, he eventually purchased a Galaxy Note 8 six months later—admitting the S8 didn’t meet his productivity needs.

His experience highlights a crucial insight: upgrades should align with personal workflows, not just industry trends.

Checklist: Is the S8 Worth It Over the Note 5?

Before making the switch, consider these factors:

1. Do you prioritize screen immersion and modern design over utility features?
2. Are you willing to give up the S Pen and microSD card slot?
3. Is water resistance important for your daily routine?
4. Can you adapt to using Bluetooth headphones regularly?
5. Do you value facial recognition and Bixby shortcuts?

If most answers are “yes,” the S8 offers a compelling next step. If not, staying with the Note 5—or upgrading directly to a Note model—may be smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Galaxy S8 faster than the Note 5?

In benchmark tests, the performance difference was minimal. Both used similar chipsets and 4GB RAM. Real-world usage showed slight improvements in multitasking and app launch times on the S8 due to software optimizations, but not a transformative leap.

Could the S8 replace a Note 5 for creative work?

Not fully. Without the S Pen, tasks like note-taking, photo markup, and quick sketches become less efficient. Creative professionals who relied on the stylus found the S8 lacking in direct productivity tools.

Did the S8 hold its value better?

Initially, yes. The S8 commanded higher resale prices due to its flagship status and newer design. However, long-term depreciation was similar across both models once newer devices launched.

Conclusion: Beyond the Hype

Switching from the Note 5 to the S8 wasn’t a clear-cut upgrade—it was a pivot in philosophy. Samsung shifted focus from functional versatility to seamless elegance. For users who valued innovation in form factor, display technology, and ecosystem integration, the S8 delivered a satisfying evolution. But for those who depended on the S Pen, expandable storage, or tactile navigation, the trade-offs outweighed the benefits.

The truth is, the upgrade was worth it only if your priorities aligned with Samsung’s new direction. Otherwise, it risked being little more than stylish hype.

💬 Have you made the jump from Note 5 to S8? Share your experience—was it a game-changer or a step sideways? Join the conversation below.