Sunday, September 27, 2015

Samsung Galaxy Note5 vs Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+


Samsung Galaxy Note5 vs Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+

Introduction


It’s not even September yet, but things are surely heating up as we eventually get into the thick of things with the upcoming holiday season. After having such a rousing hit with its two premium offerings from earlier the year, Samsung isn’t wasting any time by launching two other high-prized prized devices in its stable – the Samsung Galaxy Note5 and the Galaxy S6 edge+. These two new entrants undoubtedly help to diversify the company’s portfolio, which is still generating interest from consumers all around after the release of the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge.

Following the same path they’ve threaded last year, where they also unveiled two phablets for the fall season, we’re faced with nearly the same predicament as before – wherein there’s a decision needed for which of the two should you buy. Like last year, the differences between the two are mostly subtle, but meaningful. We know, it’s tough cookies considering the hefty amount you’ll need to shell to pick up either of them, but we’ll do our best to dissect exactly what accompanies each one. 

Design


First, let’s talk about the good between their designs. That, folks, has to be none other than their premium exteriors – ripped from the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge that preceded them. While we’re not as enthused this time around, we still have to point out the exceptional quality that’s oozing from the seams with their metal-meets-glass construction. They’re beautiful no matter what angles they’re viewed from, just because there’s a dazzling show produced when light bounces off their glass surfaces.

The more we look at the two, we’re still compelled by the slicker aesthetics that accompany the Galaxy S6 edge+. Naturally, it’s due to the dual-curved display, which also made the Galaxy S6 edge stand out over the standard Galaxy S6.

The Galaxy Note5 is the more ergonomic to hold in the hand of the two, and in the long run, much more comfortable to hold, despite it being the being ever so slightly wider, thicker, and heavier. Sure, they’re both slick feeling and prone to smudges due to the glass surfaces, but our hand is better able to grasp the Galaxy Note5 because of how those curved edges in the back conform to our grip. Conversely, the Galaxy S6 edge+ still exhibits a subtle of sharpness around its sides and it just never feels as natural to hold. All told, the Galaxy S6 edge+ earns the style award – whereas the Galaxy Note5 feels better in the hand thanks to its proper ergonomics.

Despite that, the two share the same set of arsenal that make them so cutting edge. Specifically, they feature the same lickety-split finger print sensor, heart rate sensor in the rear to measure our pulse, built-in wireless charging, and rapid charging microUSB 2.0 ports. Even the placement of their buttons and ports is the same, so there’s no one that has an advantage over the other. By now, though, we all know what makes each one so unique. For the Galaxy Note5, it comes with that pressure sensitive stylus we’ve come to know and love with the series – while the Galaxy S6 edge+, as its name implies, gets its uniqueness from its dual-curved display.
Read more at http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-Note5-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-edge_id4066#reBXp7kTWt1ykxTs.99

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ vs Samsung Galaxy S6 edge


Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ vs Samsung Galaxy S6 edge

Introduction


With the Galaxy S6 edge+, Samsung is pandering to the ever-growing market niche where 5" displays are simply not enough. Those of us who liked the innovative dual-edge screen of the Galaxy S6 edge, but are reluctant to use anything less than 5.5 inches, can now have everything they like about the S6 edge, but with a bigger screen, and still in a very slim form factor. 

Other than that, the specs are nearly identical, save for the one gig of RAM more on the S6 edge+, and the larger battery.

Design

While with a way better screen-to-body ratio than the S6 edge, the 5.7” S6 edge+ is still harder to handle than its smaller sibling.

Messing with the best, this year Samsung decided to ditch its signature plastic designs, which, however, were among the few left to offer removable batteries or expandable storage. Both the Galaxy S6 edge and edge+ are made with a high-grade aluminum alloy frame and side rim, with layered nanocoating of the glass back to achieve shiny uniform coloring. Unlike the S6 edge, its larger sibling doesn't feel as “edgy” in the palm, as the frame's edges are smoother.

Moreover, the Galaxy S6 edge+ is slightly thinner, and with way better screen-to-body ratio than the S6 edge, despite still having a physical home key and fingerprint scanner embedded there, below the display. Other than those subtle differences, the overall look of the two handsets is practically identical, complete with the big, protruding camera unit on the rear.
Read more at http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-S6-edge-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-edge_id4071#6J5fgRK52wXQgUqd.99

Samsung Galaxy Note5 vs Google Nexus 6


Samsung Galaxy Note5 vs Google Nexus 6

Introduction


The Samsung Galaxy Note5 is the new kid on the phablet block: a 5.7-inch phone that showcases the best of Samsung’s innovation including the latest Super AMOLED panel and a Samsung Exynos-branded system chip. It’s only natural that it gets compared to the device that Google itself used to debut stock Android 5.0 Lollipop on a phablet - the even bigger Google Nexus 6.

Both are superficially similar in terms of display tech, as they come with AMOLED screens, but apart from that, it’s all about the differences: Samsung’s TouchWiz against stock Android, the modern Samsung glass and aluminum design versus a more conservative plastic back, and two fairly different cameras.

At the end of the day, though, one may wonder: which is the overall better phone? We take a deeper look of the features and performance of the two to find out.

Design

We love the sleek, stylish new design of the Galaxy Note5, which is a huge factor in making the device easier to use. The Nexus 6 is not in the same league - it feels too big, and its plastic back gets messy easily.

The Galaxy Note5 features the new design language that Samsung introduced with the Galaxy S6 earlier this year: a metal frame sandwiched between two pieces of tempered glass, and all of that feels solidly put together, thin, and good-looking, making for a true premium phone. The Google Nexus 6, on the other hand, is much less refined: it features a metal frame and is also put together with no moving parts, but its back is made of plastic that catches fingerprints so easily that the whole phone turns into a gigantic mess after a few minutes of use.

When it comes to size, Samsung has done a great job on making the large, 5.7-inch display of the Note5 fit in a relatively compact body for this size: side bezels are extremely thin and the device has a slight curve on its back, so that it fits more comfortably in your palm. The Nexus 6 - in stark contrast - is large and feels large. The 6-inch giant barely fits in a single hand. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to even fit in a pocket, and while we’re all used to seeing big phones, the Nexus 6 remains on the extreme side of things, and it will definitely feel uncomfortably large for many people.

In terms of buttons, there is the signature Samsung physical home key on the Note5 (with integrated touch-type fingerprint reader) with two capacitive keys, and then you have a power/lock key on the right and two volume buttons on the left hand side. The Nexus 6, on the other hand, lacks a fingerprint scanner, and uses on-screen navigation buttons.

This being a Note series phone, it also comes with a new and improved stylus. In terms of pure mechanics, you can now gently press the slightly protruding tip of the stylus and it automatically pops up thanks to a new, built-in spring mechanism. A neat little touch! The Nexus 6, on the other hand, lacks a stylus.
Read more at http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-Note5-vs-Google-Nexus-6_id4067#2XePfObrmvBftrri.99

Samsung Galaxy Note5 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4


Samsung Galaxy Note5 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Introduction


After a year of being on top of the Samsung food chain, the Galaxy Note 4 finally surrendered the throne and got succeeded by the newest S Pen-boasting phablet in the high-end Note lineup. Without the shadow of a doubt, the Note5 can be easily crowned as the most advanced and feature-packed smartphone Samsung has released to date, and from the looks of it, it will most probably retain that role for some time.

However, unlike previous battles between the old and new generation of Samsung's products, the Galaxy Note 4 is not ready to part with the top spot that easily. Despite the Note5 is the newer and more advanced device, the older Note still has a few key features that might stop some users from upgrading or jumping on the Note 5 train.

Is this truly the case? Is the Galaxy Note5 much better than the Note 4 and is it worth upgrading to the newest super phablet in town? Let's find out!

Design

It's hard to take eyes off the exquisitely-designed Note5, which overshadows the Note 4 by a fair margin

Tailored in accordance with Samsung's new design trend that was introduced along with the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge earlier this year, the Galaxy Note5 is a very good-looking “sandwich” of glass and metal, intertwining together to create a nice and premium design. It won't be an overstatement to say that the Galaxy Note5 is easily one of the better-looking handsets we've seen of late - Samsung really did much better with the design aspect this time around. 

On the other hand, we have the Note 4, a device that was also lauded for its departure from Samsung's “plastic fantastic” design language short of a year ago. It was one of the first Samsungs to employ an aluminum frame with subtly chamfered edges, although still complemented by a plastic back cover. While it is not as head-turning as the Note5, the Note 4 certainly has a charisma of its own. 

Even from a distance, it will be downright easy to distinguish that these two are made by Samsung. The fronts of both parties employ the time-tested and classic design language of the company, characterizing themselves with a proudly-exhibited hardware home button and pretty decent screen-to-body size ratio (an aspect in which the Note5 wins yet another solid victory). Alas, the Note5's glass back is a fingerprint magnet, which is not something to like, but that's the cost of using such a nice and shiny material.

Moving on to the side frames, one of the things that are first noticed are the Note5's separated volume buttons, whereas the Note4 employs a single-piece volume rocker. Another noteworthy difference is the placement of the 3.5mm audio jack – top of the phone for the Note 4 and bottom positioning for the Note5. 

Size-wise, the Note5 is noticeably thinner and more elegant than its predecessor. But it's not only thinner, it's also a smidgen shorter and not as wide, making it distinguishably svelter. While both feel well in the hand, it's more comfortable to handle the Note5.

While it can't boast looks as exquisite as those of the Note5, the Note 4 has other aces up the sleeve – it might be a bit larger and heavier, but it has a removable rear cover and battery, which are two of the several features the Note5 doesn't employ. Still, both phablets proudly come with S Pen styluses and fingerprint readers embedded in their home buttons (touch-based for the Note5 and swipe one for the older device); we also have a bunch of biometric sensors at the back of both devices, but we'll talk about these later on.

Read more at http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-Note5-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4_id4064#xsZLXPm9wfTbVGdo.99

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Review


Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Review

Introduction


When the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge was announced alongside the S6 earlier in the year, there was no arguing about Samsung’s decision to push forward with curved screens. Between the two of them, we found the S6 edge more fascinating, thanks to the undeniably exotic aesthetics of its dual-curved display. Generating such attention, it’s no wonder why Samsung is on the fast track to give consumers just a little bit more variety with one of its newest offerings.

From what we’ve seen so far, big phones are big business for the companies making them. Knowing that, it’s no surprise at all to know that the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ includes everything we know and love about the existing S6 edge, but takes things to a bigger scale – and by that, we mean a phone with a 5.7-inch display. Now, some might think it’s merely a larger edition of the S6 edge, but that’s not exactly the case, as the S6 edge+ is accompanied by a number of its own unique features to differentiate itself. While its addition to Sammy’s already diversified lineup is appreciated, it’s actually trying to make a name for itself in the phablet world.

Or is it just Samsung’s way of trying to capitalize on what’s hot and trending at the moment?

The package contains:

  • Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
  • microUSB cable
  • Wall charger
  • Stereo headphones
  • SIM removal tool
  • Quick start guide
  • Warranty card

Design

Aside from the larger footprint, it’s the same premium design we know and love. It’s still gorgeous, but we’re not as enthused because we’ve seen it before.

One look at the Galaxy S6 edge+, it’s hard to deny the obvious assertions about its design right from the onset – it’s just a bigger-sized version of the Galaxy S6 edge. That’s the undeniable reality, so in a way, it doesn’t achieve the same level of intrigue that we first experienced with its smaller sibling. Don’t get us wrong, it’s still an attractive phone paired with premium materials to accentuate the stylish aesthetics brought on by its dual-curved display. The metal and glass combination, much like other high-end offerings from Sammy’s camp, makes it one of the best-looking phones around right now!

In terms of size, it’s clearly more of a handful to use than the S6 edge, but that’s the expectancy for something categorized as a phablet. Comparing it to Sammy’s other notable phablet, the Note5, the S6 edge+ is technically longer, at 6.08-inches, but also narrower, skinnier, and lighter. Interestingly, though, it’s not quite as sharp around the edges where its metal trim bezel is skinnier. And of course, we can’t forget about the mesmerizing show produced by its design as light bounces off the glass surfaces to produce a shimmering effect at certain angles.

For all of its aesthetic acclaims, it's still a finger print magnet, so its pristine looks can quickly be overpowered by smudgy prints on its glass surfaces. Even though it’s still largely an attractive looking thing in the space, we’re less enthused this time around with the design, since it merely replicates the design language of its sibling. On the flip side, for those who’ve never seen the S6 edge, this will certainly draw attention and significant admiration.

Nearly everything found on the S6 edge is present here again with the S6 edge+, so that includes the handy fingerprint sensor, heart rate sensor, rapid charging microUSB 2.0 port, and built-in wireless charging. The placements of its ports and buttons are also unchanged here. However, there’s one thing missing from its arsenal that’s available with the Galaxy S6 edge – that’s the IR blaster on its top edge. Most folks might overlook this decision, but we feel that it’s a bit unsettling considering that it’s something they were able to squeeze into the crammed confines of the Galaxy S6 edge.
Read more at http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-S6-edge-Review_id4060#7UbTyjWdsMaQT5Yc.99

Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review

Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review

Introduction


Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Boy what a ride it’s been for Samsung so far for the first half of the year! In one fell swoop, they generated enviable amounts of interest in the Android arena when they introduced the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edgeearlier this year. And why is that? Well, they’ve completely reconstructed their reputation when it comes down to phone designs, seeing that prior to those phones, their designs have been unflattering in contrast to what the competition produced.

Riding high on that momentum, Samsung is one of the first major players out of the gate to announce and deliver its phones for the second half of the year. Last year, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 managed to receive universal acclaim for its superb specs sheet, all-around performance, and most importantly, its utility for being the Swiss Army knife of smartphones with its rich features set. In the world of Android phablets, Samsung’s Note line has yet to see any sort of threat – so there’s always reason to be excited about a successor.

And that, folks, is where we find ourselves with theSamsung Galaxy Note5. Even before its official announcement, we all knew that another major redesign was coming – not surprising, considering that the S6’s premium design has been widely received by consumers. While it’s almost certain that the Note5 (are we the only ones who like 'Note 5' better?) is going to be yet another solid offering, we’ve seen a shift in the space of late that points us to the direction of these value-conscious phones that pack impressive qualities without the hefty pricing attached to them. As more and more carriers phase out contract pricing, it’s only going to be more crucial for high-end phones to justify their worth, as devices in general are being bought full-priced or financed.

Perhaps, the Note5 can muscle the competition to prove that it’s one of the undisputed pound-by-pound champions?

The package contains:

  • Samsung Galaxy Note5
  • microUSB cable
  • Wall charger
  • Stereo headphones
  • SIM removal tool
  • Quick start guide
  • Warranty card

Design

While there are compromises to its arsenal, the Note5 is the best-designed phone in the series to date.

Straight to the point, this is the best-designed phone in the series to date! The design is undoubtedly revolutionary for Samsung, as prior phones in the series were primarily constructed out of plastic. Last year’s Note 4 was notable for its stark redesign as well, shedding the all-plastic construction with a slightly more sophisticated one that involves a metal frame surrounding the sides of the phone. With the Galaxy Note5, however, Samsung followed in form by employing the same design language they’ve raised eyebrows already with its S6 line.

We won’t deny the attractiveness of the Note5’s premium aesthetics – one that combines metal with glass once again for that ultimate fusion, though in the process, they’ve shed the utilitarian look of the Note series for one that’s more fashionably stylish. Our eyes are once again mesmerized by the dazzling show produced when light bounces off its glass surface for a shimmering effect – allowing the phone’s color to be more profound at certain angles. What's more, the metal trim bezel adds integrity to the phone’s construction. However, while we applaud its solid construction and eye-catching looks, the glass makes the phone a little fragile, prone to fingerprints, and slippery. Trust us, you’ll want to be extremely careful handling it, since minor drops can probably do a number to it.

Beyond the aesthetics, we’re astounded by how they’re able to trim out the fat even more from its body. For a phone with a ginormous 5.7-inch display, the Note5 bears a smaller footprint than its predecessor (6.03 x 3.00 x 0.30 inches versus 6.04 x 3.09 x 0.33 inches) – while also weighing less as well (171 g versus 176 g). All of this points to obvious improvements in making the handset slimmer, lighter, and somewhat easier to handle. Sure, two-handed operation is still preferred, but the curved edges around its rear help to give it a more ergonomic feel.

Although the design isn’t necessary original per se, it’s something that meshes well in giving the phone its premium qualities. The overall package is undeniably beautiful.

The Note series has always been known to be the Swiss Army knife of smartphones. That claim is still reasonable because it’s fashioned with several amenities you don’t get with most phones. In particular, it features rapid charging via its microUSB 2.0 port, built-in wireless charging, heart rate sensor, and a finger-print sensor.

The latter is worth noting because it employs the same, hassle-free operation brought on by the S6 – one that only requires us to gently rest our finger over the sensor, as opposed to the swipe down method offered by the Note 4. Without question, it’s significantly easier to operate than before, and in our experience, it seems faster too with its recognition than the S6. In addition, it’s going to come in handy when Samsung Pay officially launches.

At the same time, there’s a drastic change to the Note5’s arsenal – one that’s generating a lot of concern for some folks who are used to seeing it on previous iterations. Gone are classic staples in the series such as a removable battery, microSD card slot for storage expansion, and an IR blaster. We’re told from the Samsung folks that the latter has been omitted because they found out that customers rarely use it. To an extent, we can agree with that argument, but the other two items are just tough to overlook. Whatever the reasoning behind it, the Note5 forgoes having them in favor of a design that’s more premium, slimmer, and lighter. That’s the obvious tradeoff!

Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review
S Pen


Fortunately, the S-Pen continues to be one of the Note5’s integral features, so its availability continues to make it unique in the space. With this year’s offering, Sammy changes things up a bit in the way the S Pen is accessed. It’s still tucked away in the lower right corner of the phone, but it employs an auto-eject mechanism – one that’s spring assisted to give it a clicky pen-like feel. For us, this new way of accessing the S Pen feels unnatural, and the process adds just an extra step over last year’s implementation. And why’s that? It’s because we have to eject it with our finger, then proceed to pull it out – whereas before, it was a single step process.

We also feel that its placement would’ve been better suited in the upper right corner, since the ejection process would feel a bit more natural there. Whatever the case, it just means that we’ll need to adjust to this new particular method, which should feel a bit more natural over time. Technically speaking, this S Pen is slightly longer when its spring-assisted end is extended and it’s skinnier, but gone are the groove marks that gave the previous S Pen a grippy feel. It’s smooth all throughout the pen, which thankfully enough, doesn’t hinder its operation.

Just like before, too, the tip is sensitive to recognize varying degrees of applied pressure. Therefore, it’s able to distinguish light presses from firm ones – it’s a useful thing that truly gives this particular stylus an accurate feel. While it can be used for jotting things down quickly and drawing something, it also acts as a useful navigational tool by hovering it over the display. No one does the stylus like Samsung, that’s just the undeniable reality! We’ll talk more about its new features later on.