Unveiling the Samsung Galaxy Note5 Duos Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Note5 Duos

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 Duos was launched as part of Samsung's highly successful Note series in August 2015. It quickly established itself as a flagship model known for its range of features tailored towards productivity and power users. Although it has been discontinued, the Note5 Duos remains a significant part of Samsung's mobile portfolio. This detailed review aims to provide insight into its design, performance, and overall functionality.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 Duos supports a comprehensive array of network technologies. It is built to function on GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, making it versatile for users across different regions. The device's 2G bands include GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 for both SIM cards, while it supports 3G bands like HSDPA 850, 900, 1900, and 2100. For 4G, it covers an extensive assortment of bands, ensuring a fast and reliable mobile internet experience. Additionally, it promises impressive speeds with HSPA at 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat6 at 300/50 Mbps or LTE (3CA) Cat9 at 450/50 Mbps.

Build and Design

The Galaxy Note5 Duos exhibits a premium design featuring a glass front and back, both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, and an aluminum frame. It measures 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm and weighs 171 grams, which makes it slightly more compact than some predecessors. Its dual SIM capability allows for flexible communication options, an attractive feature for business users who need to manage multiple phone numbers.

Display Features

The device boasts a Super AMOLED display which is well known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. At 5.7 inches, the display provides an excellent viewing experience, with a high resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels and a high density of around 515 ppi. The protection provided by Gorilla Glass 4 ensures durability against scratches and minor drops. This setup is ideal for users who consume a lot of media or use their phone for professional applications such as video conferencing and presentations.

Performance and Platform

Powered by the Exynos 7420 Octa chipset built on a 14nm process, the Note5 Duos is equipped to handle demanding tasks. It features an octa-core CPU divided into a configuration of 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53, coupled with a Mali-T760MP8 GPU. Initially running on Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), it is upgradeable to Android 7.0 (Nougat), making sure users have access to the latest apps and features. The processing power makes it suitable for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 Duos is available in variants of 32GB and 64GB internal storage, each paired with 4GB of RAM. While the phone does not offer a card slot for expandable storage, the internal memory is substantial for most users, offering ample space for apps, games, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 16 MP rear camera with an f/1.9 aperture, offering Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and autofocus capabilities. It includes features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, with video recording options up to 4K at 30fps. The front-facing 5 MP camera is equally robust, supporting 1440p video at 30fps, with dual video call capabilities and auto-HDR for better selfies.

Sound and Audio

The Note5 Duos features a loudspeaker and maintains a 3.5mm audio jack. This allows users the flexibility of using traditional headphones and earphones, an advantage for those who prefer wired audio devices for better sound clarity and quality.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity options are comprehensive, with support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP, EDR, and LE ensures stable connections with various devices. The device's positioning is strengthened with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS support. Additionally, NFC capabilities and microUSB 2.0 with OTG provide more convenience for users.

Battery and Power Management

The non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery supports both rapid wired charging (15W) and wireless charging depending on the market. Users can expect up to 22 hours of 3G talk time and 64 hours of music playback, covering most needs for a full day's usage without the need for recharging.

Additional Features and Sensors

The Note5 Duos is equipped with a variety of sensors including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate monitor, and SpO2 sensor. These features cater to both security and health-focused applications, aligning with modern lifestyle needs.

Color Options and Pricing

Aesthetic customizations come in the form of four color choices: Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Silver Titan, and White Pearl, allowing users to select a model that best suits their style preferences. Initially, the device was priced around €450, reflecting its position in the high-end smartphone market at launch.