Earlier this month, Samsung announced the all-new and completely redesigned Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and a massive Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. From August 21, both smartphones are available from all major carriers worldwide and in the United States. Below is a buyer’s guide detailing features, specifications, carriers, prices, accessories, and more for those interested in this great new 5.7-inch smartphone.
Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 5 is out now, exactly two months ahead of all previous Note release dates. This year the company surprised many by announcing it on April 13 instead of September at IFA, and it’s now available to buy directly from all carriers in multiple colors and storage options, and there are plenty of elegant accessories to go along with. IT.
Just like the Galaxy S6 launched earlier this year, the new Note 5 has been redesigned with glass and aluminum construction materials. This means no more micro SD slot and removable battery. This has disappointed some users, but Samsung offers two storage options to choose from, similar to Apple’s approach. Read on for everything a buyer would want to know.
For starters, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is available on all carriers in the United States, including US Cellular, unlocked on Samsung.com, globally, and even at Best Buy. This phone is everywhere, and you’ll want to know as much as possible before signing a 2-year contract, buying it outright, or signing up for a payment plan on T-Mobile.
We’ll first start with the specs, specs and what the Galaxy Note 5 is all about, then below are all the links and details on what to buy, where and how much.
As you can see the Galaxy Note 5 is quite a smartphone. It’s been called the best screen on any smartphone ever by independent reports, the camera is excellent and slightly better than the award-winning Galaxy S6 camera, it has a beautiful new design and the fingerprint scanner now really works. Just like the Galaxy S6 or iPhone, it only takes one tap instead of the dreaded swipe method introduced on the Note 4.
The Galaxy Note 5 is actually slightly smaller and lighter than the Note 4, but has a premium aluminum design with better internal components, a fast 8-core processor, 4GB of RAM and wireless charging and everything else we mentioned. It’s also curved at the back, slightly thinner and easier to hold. If you liked the Note 4, you’ll love the Note 5. As long as you can live without a micro-SD slot or a removable battery.
Galaxy Note 5 Price
A premium smartphone with almost every box checked in the specs department, this is one of the best phones on the market, but it comes at a price. The Galaxy Note 5 is expensive, especially if you want 64GB of storage or the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus with a curved screen. This guide is focused on the Note 5, here is the pricing.
The Galaxy Note 5 is a device that probably everyone will sign a 2-year contract or pay monthly, and that’s because it’s pretty expensive. US Cellular and Verizon have the lowest exact price, but we’ll reveal all pricing for those interested.
As you can see the Note 5 is an expensive buy and AT&T wants more than anyone else. In fact, you can get the 64GB Galaxy Note 5 from T-Mobile for just $40 more than what AT&T wanted for the 32GB model. That said, AT&T has a decent price for monthly payments and is only $249 with a 2-year contract or $299 for the 64GB model.
All carriers now offer payment plans for smartphones rather than just 2-year contracts, and T-Mobile kicked off all this a while ago with its Uncarrier move. If you can’t afford $299 or don’t want to sign a contract and can’t spend around $700 to buy right away, make monthly payments to your preferred carrier.
Pricing can be a bit confusing with monthly payments, easy payouts, lease agreements and more, so users are best off going to the nearest carrier of their choice and picking the one that’s right for them. That said, T-Mobile and Verizon seem to be the best way. There are also some good deals that can save buyers up to $200 on the Note 5 or Galaxy S6 Edge Plus.
Note 5 Color
Another thing to consider is color. The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 has been announced in four beautiful colors, but unfortunately not all of them are available in the US. All carriers in the US only have Sapphire Black (which appears dark blue) and White, but there are also Gold and Titanium Silver.
Titanium Silver Galaxy Note 5
Coming to our Galaxy Note 5 colors shipping, most potential buyers seem to want to buy the phone in Gold color, but according to their website this is not yet an option from US carriers, but Gold may be available in stores.
Moreover, BestBuy.com users will find that Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T all have the Gold Note 5. Each color is a fingerprint magnet, covered with glass front and back, so color is all about preference. However, Silver was my favourite, and Gold was my least favourite. Everyone’s to himself. It doesn’t look like the silver version will be available in the United States, but it might be on Samsung.com eventually.
Competition
There’s a lot of competition with Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 5, and there are plenty of great smartphones worth considering as well. Phones like the LG G4, the big 6-inch Nexus 6, the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and even the upcoming new Moto X Pure Edition. It has the same 5.7-inch screen size, customization, and a micro SD card for $399 and will launch early next month.
Here are some comparisons with competitors and other Samsung devices to help potential buyers make the right decision.
Note 5 Accessories
Sure, the Galaxy Note 5 is great on its own, but users will want to buy some official accessories or cases. Many popular 3rd party manufacturers offer cases, screen protectors and more, and Samsung has a wide selection of accessories to offer as well.
Head over to Best Buy and browse all their accessories and official Samsung products, or Amazon.com is full of options for the Note 5. Alternatively, the slideshow below features some of Samsung’s official accessories exclusive to the Note 5. Take your phone and enjoy.
