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Galaxy Note 5

If you want more of a stock Android experience on Note 5 I just paid like $2 for Package Disabler Pro Android app that's even easier than the free Debloater Tool running on Windows. It has a default bloat blacklist that when disabled frees up an additional half a GB of DRAM with total free just under 2GB on Note 5. Enough for combination of 11 active and background apps without closing (NFS Most Wanted, Sky Force 2014, Sketchbook Pro, Lecture Notes, movie playback, Twitch.tv, RDP, JuiceSSH, ConnectBot, IRC and Hangouts).

Also, 'limit background processes' in developer options dictates how many non-critical apps can run in the background. The default 'standard limit' has no set # and is only limited by available DRAM. When set to 'no background process' all non-critical apps like browser, games, etc. will close while critical apps like RDP, SSH client, video player, etc. stay open pretty much indefinitely with available DRAM. So, the memory management is Android and not Touchwiz. The only influence Samsung has is the DRAM used on top of Android for its software features affecting what is left for apps and can be disabled/enabled with the above mentioned tools. For comparison Windows 8.1 consumes ~1.1GB booting to desktop while Note 5 ~1.5GB but it has more hardware, sensors, radios, etc. so higher software/driver overhead.

I'd say at this point the multitasking performance and experience on Exynos 7420 is better than Core M. In the past, you tend to run out of SoC (CPU and GPU) cycles before DRAM but with Exynos 7420 there's plenty of SoC cycles left but limited by DRAM. We're going to need 6GB DRAM sooner than later especially with the jump to next generation ARM A72 cores. Before someone mentions iOS only needs 1GB DRAM it doesn't background multitask so it's like comparing Windows 3.1 to Windows 8.1/10.
 
Glad someone took the time to make this video. Sometimes it's hard to know what to do when you do t know how the mechanism works.

Hopefully it never happens to me but if it does, it's nice to know what to do
 
Easy removal of backward inserted pen with paper. Separating men from retards.

https://youtu.be/oEUaeGYhTlk

Retards in this case is referring to Samsung's design team. They could have easily made a lock that was only keyed to work on one end of the pen. Or they could have put a small beveled edge on the top of the pen "cap" so it couldn't catch in the lock mechanism.
 
Nothing stopping retards from putting coolant in the engine and oil in the fuel tank but not enough of them to warrant design changes from car manufacturers. Making products 100% retard proof is cost prohibitive if not impossible.

Being that three of the four people in the video are guys it should be natural for them to put the pointy end into the hole but maybe they've never used it in their lifetime.
 
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Nothing stopping retards from putting coolant in the engine and oil in the fuel tank but not enough of them to warrant design changes from car manufacturers. Making products 100% retard proof is cost prohibitive if not impossible.

Being that three of the four people in the video are guys it should be natural for them to put the pointy end into the hole but maybe they've never used it in their lifetime.

Yeah totally cost prohibitive.

So expensive that they literally did it on the Note 1, 2, 3, and 4.
 
Well, I decided to just go into the store and pickup my Note 5 and skip the reservation BS from Rogers.

My initial impressions are based on about 3 hours of use while I setup everything up and verified full functionality of the phone.

Initial impressions:
  • Blazing fast The Note 4 is fast but this is much faster and snappier
  • I find the phone more comfortable to hold
  • Bluetooth quality when used with my Xlink Gateway seems much better (less Bluetooth interferance)
  • The speaker is a definite improvement over the note 4 in general the bottom is also better than the back
  • Double tap bone to open the camera is amazing it opens almost instantly. I've literally been waiting for this on a phone for years, it's perfect.
 
Well, I decided to just go into the store and pickup my Note 5 and skip the reservation BS from Rogers.

My initial impressions are based on about 3 hours of use while I setup everything up and verified full functionality of the phone.

Initial impressions:
  • Blazing fast The Note 4 is fast but this is much faster and snappier
  • I find the phone more comfortable to hold
  • Bluetooth quality when used with my Xlink Gateway seems much better (less Bluetooth interferance)
  • The speaker is a definite improvement over the note 4 in general the bottom is also better than the back
  • Double tap bone to open the camera is amazing it opens almost instantly. I've literally been waiting for this on a phone for years, it's perfect.

I've had my note 5 which replaced my note 4,for a little over a week now and I'm also very happy with it. It's a definite upgrade from the 4 which is still a great device, but the 5 is just that much nicer. I do miss the sd card but for now I'm making do with the 64gig on board. Battery life with a little tweaking is better than my 4 was. All in all I'm very happy with it.
 
Well, I'm through my first full day with my Note 5.

It's been off the charger (Used my new Tylt VU QI charger last night) for just over 15 hours. It has 27% left and had the screen was on for 2 hrs and 15 minutes. In fairness, I streamed radio with Tune in Radio Pro for a half hour which uses a fair but if power and also another hour or so of Google play music, mixed with some clash of clans action and other random Web surfing, social and messaging.

Overall, I don't feel like the battery life I am getting is really any different than my Note 4 but I have GSAM battery monitor installed, so I should have a better idea how it compares in a few more days once it averages out.

I tried handling this phone with gloves on (think winter in Canada in a few months) and it's like holding a Fucking bar of soap in the shower. I really like using my phones without a case but when wearing gloves, it's looking like that's just not an option. The faux leather on the note 5 was the best of any note device, it was nice and grippy.

Having said that, the phone does feel really good in hand. By far the most comfortable Note device to hold imho.

Anyway, ordered a Spigen Neo Hybrid Crystal case, well see how that is for times I need a case.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B010MWJ6M8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_f9L5vb6JP1C9A

I found that when a text message notification displays, you can reply in line without interrupting what you are working on by switching to the Messaging app, that was an unexpected bonus that I don't recall seeing on my Note 4. I haven't seen anyone mention that.

The screen is definitely easier to read outdoors. Indoors, I'd have to say I can't see any real difference from the Note 4, which kind of makes sense.

The headphone output seems a bit better. I use Shure SE535 IEMs directly connected to the phone. I love the Adapt sound (used that on my Note 4 as well). I'm not sure if I like the UHQ upscale or not, have to play with that more.

The ear speaker sounds louder and clearer to me. The note 4 I had had a tendency to vibrate/crackle a bit (like that from new). Also, the phone supports and uses VOLTE for calls, so no more fall in back to HSPA+ all the time. Also a bit quicker to connect calls. Also works fine when I call another cell that supports HD Voice for really nice call quality. The Note 4 worked with HD Voice but no VOLTE.

My opinion stands. This is my favorite note yet and it was worth the upgrade for me. Still can't get over how fast this thing is. On top if that, the laggy, delayed task switcher from the Note 4 is gone. That thing comes up almost instantly allowing for seamlesly switching between open apps. So nice!
 
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I want a device that doesn't need to be upgraded every year so it has be future proof and reliable for the next 2 to 3 years. Galaxy Note II clearly served that purpose and can still easily stretch it out to 4 years having features like precision pen that no other brand still has, 2GB DRAM that the upcoming iPhone 6s will get and unbeatable reliability with thousands of hours of uptime. After test driving the Note 5 it's such a huge jump across the board not only under the hood but also design and build quality that it qualifies as the primary device for the next 2 to 3 years. If you want a blown up iPod it's not for you but if you want a better, easier and pocketable Surface Pro 3 there's no other.
 
I want a device that doesn't need to be upgraded every year so it has be future proof and reliable for the next 2 to 3 years. Galaxy Note II clearly served that purpose and can still easily stretch it out to 4 years having features like precision pen that no other brand still has, 2GB DRAM that the upcoming iPhone 6s will get and unbeatable reliability with thousands of hours of uptime. After test driving the Note 5 it's such a huge jump across the board not only under the hood but also design and build quality that it qualifies as the primary device for the next 2 to 3 years. If you want a blown up iPod it's not for you but if you want a better, easier and pocketable Surface Pro 3 there's no other.

Just about anything recent is a huge jump from the Note 2.

I say that as someone who carried one for 2 years and help develop ROMs for the damn thing.
 
In 2 - 3 years your battery will be at 70% performance or lower.
 
Not all batteries are created equal. Just because Apple cuts corners on sourcing crappy batteries to increase profit doesn't mean all batteries are crappy. Here's original Note II battery from 2012 still holding 100% 3100mAh capacity and good for two to three days of use. Ranks up there with Japanese batteries like Panasonic/Sanyo, Makita power tools, etc.

Screenshot_2015-09-02-13-34-11a_zpshvvhwtoj.png
 
I believe the Note 5 battery is LiPO whereas past phones were Lion, not sure if that will make a difference or not.
 
I somehow doubt that Battery Monitor app is accurate and the battery has 0% degradation (esp. if it has been used at all) after 3 years.
 
If it's not charging to 100% it wouldn't say 100% on the action bar, no? The app is just getting the info from the stock kernel.

In hidden menu on the phone it shows the same 100% when fully charged and unplugged:

Screenshot_2015-09-02-16-00-36a_zpsek3sdadw.png
 
That's not how battery degradation works mi7chy.

Lithium ion/polymer batteries degrade over time just by holding charge. It's not an indication of poor batteries but rather the state of the technology.

The only way you'd be able to tell if the battery degraded in terms of numbers would be to run the exact same software (and version) performing the exact same looping tasks with the exact same OS and hardware settings, comparing the runtime from fully charged to phone off.
 
To Apple it's not degradation but profit$. Charge dumbsumers a service plan but instead of only covering it if it drops under 50% they're forced by consumer protection agencies to up it to 80%.

Personally, I'd forgo the service plan and expect a quality Japanese or equivalent cell that maintains near 100% capacity for the useful lifetime of device.
 
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To Apple it's not degradation but profit$. Charge dumbsumers a service plan but instead of only covering it if it drops under 50% they're forced by consumer protection agencies to up it to 80%.

Source? In comparison, what does Samsung cover in the same timeline?
 
Lets talk cases. What did everyone get?

Had pretty good experience with Luvvitt Clearview for the Galaxy S6.

Looking for something similar for Note 5 that's not bulky, with good accessibility to pen silo/ports (no covers), doesn't yellow with age, isn't sticky where it'll pick up debris/lint, scratch resistant and raises the camera housing so it doesn't touch the surface. Unless I find something better will likely go with i-Blason Halo.
 
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It's MAGIC!!! MAGIC!!!!!!!! :eek:

Guys. We are talking about cases now. Not Samsung battery wizardry or references for our claims (like we cried for in the iPhone gorilla glass thread). Cases are the new subject.
 
I got the Spigen Neo Hybrid Crystal case. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. Just got delivered today. I saw Floss Carter do a quick review on it. It looks good.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B010MWJ6M8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_f9L5vb6JP1C9A

I don't think those cases stay clear for very long nor do they offer much drop protection. The bumpers have a tendency to crack if you actually do drop the phone, and the edges around the front don't hold on very well at all and a bunch of junk ends up between the case and the phone. It's an illusion of protection and something decent to keep most scratches off the phone. Furthermore, Spigen's TPU material is more plastic like and less rubbery than many other cases. It is about on par with the TPU material they use on phone cases they sell at gas stations (and my kid has like four gas station cases for her old phone). Spigen plastic feels cheap as well, very slippery in some cases. I have no idea why anyone gets a boner for Spigen cases, they have good marketing and really nice product renders, I don't think their stuff holds up. I just end up with them because they go on sale for like $4 shipped.

Source: Multiple Neo Hybrid, Tough Armor, and Slim Armor cases I've used for iOS and Android devices.
 
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Thin TPU cases are all I've ever used and have protected my current and previous phones in several drops without issue. I think anything more is complete overkill unless you're doing some crazy stuff with your phone a lot. But even then, the TPU case I have on my current M8 protected it from falling off a damn roller coaster and carnival ride, on top of several other normal drops onto concrete. Other than a small dent on the charging port (which I think I actually did by banging my phone on the ground trying to get some dirt out of the charging port), there's not a scratch on it. So when I see people with those absurdly thick Otter Boxes and stuff, I just think they got ripped off hardcore.
 
Drop protection wasn't a requirement. It's mainly for scratch, ding and camera housing protection. As far as yellowing, some do better than others and as long as we're talking months and not weeks it's fine. Case is a wear and tear item that will probably get replaced more than once a year so no big deal.
 
I think I'm fairly happy with the look of the case. It feels nice in hand still (unlike the Tough Armour case I got for my Note 4).

I bought it to improve the grip of the phone when wearing gloves. It's definely more grippy than the bare phone, so it serves my needs. I really do prefer my phone with no case but this is a reasonable compromise that doesn't completely change the look of the phone by covering it all up.

It was a pretty inexpensive case, I'm happy. The buttons also maintain their clicky tactile feel through this case which I like.

I guess it's possible that it could yellow but I only keep my phones for a year generally and I have the black note 4 which would make it hard to tell.
 
I find myself spoiled by the extended battery I ran on the S5. I do love the Note 5, but my only gripe is the lack of removable battery. That being said. ended up buying a 10,000mah powerbank for 20 bucks so the point is kind of moot.
 
If you get a Qualcom Quick Charge 2.0 certified battery bank (I'm only aware of one from Samsung and one, possibly 2 from Aukey) you can charge the phone super fast. I may pick one up for travelling purposes to avoid the slow 2 amp charge from my old Anker 12000mah charger.

Aukey Quick Charge 2.0 10400mAh Portable External Battery Fast Charger (16.2W / 5V 9V 12V Supported, Quick Charge Input and Output) - Silver

Aukey Quick Charge 2.0 15000mAh Portable External Battery Fast Charger (20W/5V 9V 12V Supported, Quick Charge Input and Output) - Black

Samsung Fast Charge 5200mAh Battery Pack

I'm finding the battery life on my Note 5 at least as good my Note 4, maybe even 0.5-1 hours additional screen on time (at least according to the average GSAM is calculating over the last week or so).

Honestly though I really love the QI charging built in. I know I could have added it to my other phones but it's so nice that it comes built in finally. For day to day charging I find this convenient, plus it saves wear and tear on the USB port.

This is hands down my favourite Samsung Galaxy Note to date. There's no such thing as a perfect phone but for me and my needs, this comes very close. I am continually amazed at the speed and general responsiveness of the device.
 
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Samsung Galaxy Note 5: A second opinion
http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-note-5-second-opinion

I've always enjoyed Phil's article and opinions on Android. He tells it like it is, no fanboy or sugar coating.

Phil admits he doesn't like large phablet phones, and doesn't see himself ever using a stylus on a smartphone, and he's never been a Touchwiz fan. So a Note phone does not seems like something he would even be interested in, and he admits that. But he says the Note 5 is so good in other areas, it is the top Android smartphone to own right now. Best in class camera, amazing build quality, super fast zero lag, and pretty good battery life.


For my money — about $800 for the 64GB model — this is the phone to get. It's easier to hold than the GS6 because of its increased size. It's maybe not as quite as easy to hold as the LG G4 for me, but it's fairly close.

What's really done it for me? The camera, of course. As I said at the outset (and numerous times this year), the camera is a deal-breaker for me in 2015. I'm not compromising. The LG G4 camera is really good. The Note 5 (and other Samsung phones this year) is better. But the Note 5 software has been running much better for me than the G4's software.

So for now, I'm a Note 5 user. That'll change at some point, for sure. But as of right now this is as good as it gets.
 
I'll give a more detailed review this weekend, but first my quick comment after owing the Note 5 for a few days. I've owned all three of the these phones now. Will explain that in more detail later.

The Note 5 feels like the iPhone 6 Plus and Nexus 6 had a baby together.

The N5 reminds me and feels like a 6 Plus in a good way, super high quality build, very good looking phone, jaw dropping beautiful display. But of course is running Android, but not the stock Android we all love, so this TW OS feels almost like a mix and mash of iOS9 + Android in a strange way.

I've rooted my Note 5, and am running a custom ROM, which is tweaked performance, better battery life, and debloated. I am also using Nova launcher, and a different icon theme, and the Material Dark theme from the Samsung store.

So my Note 5 now looks like a stock Nexus type phone, but with the added Touchwiz stuff like S-Pen apps, and actually some of the default apps are nicer than I expected. Like the dialer I prefer this TW Dialer more than Stock Android's. And just the way certain core apps run and operate I surprisingly like better than stock Android. When a phone call is over, the screen fades away after a few seconds back to the home screen, without me pressing the home button. Just little tweaks on TW that I am shocked seemed to be nicer than stock Android.

Battery life seems to be really good, easily on par with my tweaked Nexus 6, I am thinking it will be even better. This Note 5 will easily get 5h to 6h Screen On time for sure.
 
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