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Why is Note 4 Better than Note 5?

After Note 5 was published, people make lots of complaints about it. So, can anyone tell me why Note 4 better than Note 5?

The War LOrD said:
After Note 5 was published, people make lots of complaints about it. So, can anyone tell me why Note 4 better than Note 5?
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MicroSD-Card reader, IR Blaster, swappable battery, larger battery, Gear VR, no fragile glass body, etc.

Screen off Memo
the only reason why I want to update to Note 5 from Note4 is "Screen off Memo". And now we can have this SOM on Note 4, so no more Note 5 for me (Big thank to xperiacle and Pako7).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/themes-apps/screen-off-memo-t3203744

The War LOrD said:
After Note 5 was published, people make lots of complaints about it. So, can anyone tell me why Note 4 better than Note 5?
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No microSD support is bad, but I still can manage that.
But NO user replaceable battery....that's a DEAL BREAKER!
I'm the type of person who use a device until it is broken.
So being able to replace battery easily means I can just replace the battery if the original battery is broken.
That's why Note 4 is better than Note 5

note 4 vs note 5
I just purchased a note 4 Exynos chip instead of a note 5. The reasons for the going for the older model.
- expandable SD card.-( I upgraded from an LG G2), it was always a hassle to backup Roms and if the memory is full from apps and app data then there was no space for music let alone videos. now with SD card I can carry loads of media and even swop out SD cards while I travel. also easy to update ROMS and load content from computer to phone without the need for cables.
- Battery life-the note 4 has a larger battery, yes the note 5 has more efficient hardware and might actually last longer but i believe that with proper software like the recent update to 5.1.1 will negate the hardware effectiveness unless you run high intensity games. I easily reach 2 days battery life and can push 3. and then you can just pop off the back and boom insert new battery. also as your device ages the battery dies and it is a cheap fix to just pop out the back and insert new battery, future proofing a bit.
-Exynos chip- The note 5 has a much faster chip but I am not a gamer. I like to use my phone for everything from calling(yes it is obvious but very overlooked) to running functionality apps that simplify life, with some light to medium gaming thrown in between. IE more calculations than graphics that is why i purchased an unlocked exynos chip note 4. it has the ability to oneday, with the correct software, to also run with 64 bit capability. downside is lack of ROMS especially my favorite CM 12.1. I have also done benchmark test and on geekbench i am getting results of 4500 plus multi score and 1200 single. Antutu gives still 54000 . this means that with Android 5.1.1 the phone is not much slower than the note 5.
The Spen - you cant break your phone with the note 4 Spen, and is idiot proof like you can with the note 5. the other little upgrades are just software. Software can always change. Look at some of the fantastic work done by Devs here to give note users the latest features on older phones.
IR blaster- overlooked but so useful, can control TVs Aircons and Media devices. (just wish samsung could also learn IR signals like my old G2 to custom make a remote for the house/office)
Things that make the note 5 better.
Faster chip( as mentioned above not that major for sum of us, if you game a lot then maybe it is), more ram, better fingerprint reader(one thing I wish note 4 had), samsung pay (nice to have, will unfortunately not be coming to my country soon so not a problem).
Things people say makes note 5 better but I think is just hogwash
- build quality- both are excellently built, but everyone just puts covers on anyway and then the note 4 even wins with better covers that integrate with the back panel, and no glass that can be slippery.
- wireless charging. REALLY people how difficult is it to insert a charger , USB type C with fast charging would be the ultimate solution. and if you really want it the note 4 can also use wireless charging with 3rd party products
Above is just my 2 cents worth. use it ignore it it is just up to you, I know I made my disision and I am not regretting it at all. will probably root my phone soon, but so far there is little reason to root. maybe to use note 5 apps
:good::good:

Plus no mhl and no smart select ie and converts to text

The Note 4 has overall mostly the same features as the Note 5 does. You won't really notice and difference in speed on a normal daily use, only benchmark wise.
The Note 4 has a removable back, replaceable battery and microSD support. If your Note 4 battery is fauly, you can get a new one under warranty. If your Note 5 battery is faulty then you would have to send it back to Samsung.
And, of course, the Note 4 is cheaper and you're getting way more value for your money than with the Note 5 in my opinion.

It seems to me that every new Note has features I don't want added, and ones I really use taken away.
Case in point - I still have my old Note 3 lying around as a spare, and picked it up to use the other day. It made me stop and think - the Note3 was actually an awesome phone, why on earth did I "upgrade" to a Note4 in the first place?
1) Note3 was lighter and slimmer than the Note4
2) It had USB3 - to be honest I don't miss that all that much, but it was kind of cool when copying large videos off the phone
3) The car dock audio worked flawlessly via the USB cable, something I've been waiting in vain for Lollipop to fix, but to be honest I think it's a hardware limitation
I feel the same about the Note5 - everyone + dog has belabored the lack of SD card and removable battery, and while I wholeheartedly agree that these individually would be a deal breaker for me, the nail in the coffin is the lack of a Snapdragon processor.
Yes, yes the Exynos is a fine processor I'm sure but it feels as if all the development of ROMs is happening on the Snapdragon. I mistakenly bought the N910C Exynos version when the Note4 was first released and it took me about a week before I sold it, at a loss, to buy a Snapdragon variant - it just felt laggy, I couldn't find any hope that I'd ever be able to put CyanogenMod onto it. In short I hated it, and myself for not checking the model number before buying.

Is Note 4 still worth it ?

Is Note 4 still worth it to buy ?
I am thinking of buying a new one. Is N910C with Samsung Exynos 5433 octa core is good ?
I am choosing between Note 4 and S6. which is better ?

Note 4 . JUST DO IT !

Go Ahead for Note 4 , It's pretty one i swear & also S6 is not Supporting SD Card but Note 4 Dose ^_^
My Device is Samsung Galaxy Note 4 N910C

I will go for Note 4. Is there a big difference between quad core and octa core in note 4 ?

Heres the thing with tbe note 4 vs s6
Note 4 is a much better phone in my opinion. Its a phkne fkr the android enthusiasts who want to really get the most out of their phone hence the big screen and overhauled processer. The octacore has more cores and can run multiple strings but does eat some battery. The big disadvantage if the octacore is that it's only available in the international version.
The problem is that if your phone cracks, lcd goes bad, etc and you wan to replace the digitizer, board etc you have to buy an jnternational version or else it will not work meaning that they are more rare and a bit more pricey
Against the s6, the note 4 has similar specs but youre not really enjoying it on that small screen. And even if youre not a fam of big phones, at least stay away from the horrible seald glass back. Iphone learned from that mistake on their iphone 4 and those things were ugly once cracked. If you want that size of a phone get an lg g4 or an s5.
Back to the note 4. It is an overall well built phone and a beautiful one as well. The so called "phablet" size is something you get used to and it grabs alot of attention to woth the exclusive s pen as well (which is always cool)
Ask more note 4 users though and get their opinions too! ☺☺

Superdudekk said:
Heres the thing with tbe note 4 vs s6
Note 4 is a much better phone in my opinion. Its a phkne fkr the android enthusiasts who want to really get the most out of their phone hence the big screen and overhauled processer. The octacore has more cores and can run multiple strings but does eat some battery. The big disadvantage if the octacore is that it's only available in the international version.
The problem is that if your phone cracks, lcd goes bad, etc and you wan to replace the digitizer, board etc you have to buy an jnternational version or else it will not work meaning that they are more rare and a bit more pricey
Against the s6, the note 4 has similar specs but youre not really enjoying it on that small screen. And even if youre not a fam of big phones, at least stay away from the horrible seald glass back. Iphone learned from that mistake on their iphone 4 and those things were ugly once cracked. If you want that size of a phone get an lg g4 or an s5.
Back to the note 4. It is an overall well built phone and a beautiful one as well. The so called "phablet" size is something you get used to and it grabs alot of attention to woth the exclusive s pen as well (which is always cool)
Ask more note 4 users though and get their opinions too!
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The only available model in my country is N910C which is octa core. It will be the first time using big phone and i prefer note 4 over s6.

I consider Note too ,but wchich version snap or exynos? The main priority is battery! So wich would be better?

Raptor 2020 said:
The only available model in my country is N910C which is octa core. It will be the first time using big phone and i prefer note 4 over s6.
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Octa core ( Semi Octa Core as only 4 cores active at the same time) = Exynos
jkb91 said:
I consider Note too ,but wchich version snap or exynos? The main priority is battery! So wich would be better?
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Any differences (IF ANY) is negligible, so pick any model that you like.

Note4 experiance sum and verdict
Became a sucker the other day and bought a Note4 910F to replace my Note3.
Big misstake, why?
Too sum up my experience which includes 48hr of intense working around the phablet, I'm gonna simplify it as best as I can. So this is my verdict.
Cons:
- Battery drainage is a fact.
- All games, even "wheaphones" lag like a *****. The screen is simply too powerful for the chipset which makes all "heavy" games unplayable after 30 min or so. Also 1080p movies begins to freak out after some time because of heat and throttling.
- Bloatware. Hours you have to spend on removing and disabling them.
- No tempered glass covers actually look good, it bubbles up around all the edges because of the beveled screen.
- S Pen apps LAG. Autodesk SketchBook is a nightmare when using some brushes.
- You'll have too tweak in DEV's mode to hospitalize all functions and graphic Sam****s have put years on developing because it don't work fluently.
Pros:
- Beautiful screen resolution and pretty to look at.
- Good camera
- Nice feel too it
- Fingerprint (even though some have reported it too be some cause of the lag)
- Scores VERY VERY well on my tests.
3Dmark score was 1227, and AnTuTu score was 66 822.
- Fluent menus after removing all work sam****s have put in.
It's basically a phone without value from it's maker.
I've gone from first Note to 4. And note 3 is probably the best of them, every model with a different purpose. Note 4 was supposed to be a flagship but if you ask me it's a epic fail as they "DESIGNED" it for Gear VR and gaming! Say what now? They meant the 15-20 minutes you actually can play the game before the phone heats up, drains the battery and throttles in utter dissapointment. Thank you SAM****S, you've become as cheap as Apple's iphone.
Theres alot more I can say, but those points are sure a buzz kill.
Take my advice. Wait for Huawei Mate 8.
My Note4 is no longer with me lmfao. It felt sorry for itself and comitted suicide.
Good luck.

Is there much differnece in sound quality between exynos with wolfson / snapdragon with integrated chip? ? I can buy 910c or 910f version almost at the same price

alexeei said:
Is there much differnece in sound quality between exynos with wolfson / snapdragon with integrated chip? ? I can buy 910c or 910f version almost at the same price
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Not sure but check out the review on gsmarena where they review the sound quality. The sound quality was good (compare to my nexus 4) but I bought a usb otg cable anyways so I can use it with my usb dac.
The only con I would say about the note 4 really is the the shiny metal sides can be scratched easily. As other have said, between this phone vs. The LG G4, it really depends on what's more important to you. And the compare would be note 4 snap vs. LG G4 vs. Note 4 exnoys. I would of gotten the G4 if it looked better/more premium , had better battery life, and something that stands out like the spen.

@imeem true that. I mean I have both the G4 and the Note 4 and they are extreemly close in specs and ease of use. If there is no need for the spen though, I would say to get the G4. However the few times you need to write a note down, Samsung outdid themselves on that. Otherwise, take the s pen out of the equation and you have a slightly larger G4 with a physical home buttom

Compatible models from other regions - firmware/modem flash?

Hope someone can help! I've been sitting on my Galaxy Note 3 waiting to find a 128GB version of the Note 5, only to discover a disappointing lack of features in the Note 5. So I've decided to "upgrade" to the Note 4 for now and wait for the Note 6 specs.
Based on my location/carrier, it is the SM-N910W8 that would be most suitable, however I was hoping to get the bronze/gold phone and I'd like to maximize my travel flexibility. I've been researching all the region/processor/band intel trying to figure out if there is a compatible model that a firmware/modem flash could tweak to achieve the correct band communication for my "home" and "away" options.
For instance I discovered the SM-N910T has similar specs, and added WCDMA. I've been comparing the specs from sammobile so hopefully this information is accurate. Unfortunately the SM-910T doesn't seem to come in bronze/gold, unless I buy out of Hong Kong and then am I really getting a genuine SM-N910T?
How much of the band capability is software driven (and therefore flashable) and how much of it is base hardware driven? Is there a universal base model from another country that operates on similar bands that I can flash/tweak?
Thank you for any help on this - I'm going cross-eyed from all the research but am no closer to a solution!

Anyone able to help on this? I'd like to pull the trigger on a Note 4 asap!
Thanks!

Sorry if this is unhelpful (i hate folk responding for the sake of it , contray to this....) but if you check frequency bands of nation , see whcich nation uses similar & go from there , I upgraded to note4 from 3 in April (difference is unprecedented) ; Simple Kernel functionality & perfomance improves massively.
I was reading (literally Last night) an XDA article (Search for it on the blog section) that the Note5 doesn't contain the same performance boost that the Note4 had compared to the note3.
https://www.xda-developers.com/search/Note5
No MicroSD or removable battery
However there are notorious issues with Note4 like balck screening & the lackk of adhesive between the LCD digitiser & Screen & the base body , I Yesterday replaced my screen myself , i mention this because I had to revert back to my note 3 for a week & in doing so (Very impressed its still being maintained) I realised my signal was absurd constantly drropping having to restart the phone only to have to restart again , playing with APNs etc ; Nightmare.
---- A simple modem update using a NordicModem via RRmx 6.xx Topic (I use that Custom Rom on both) & my signal literally hasnt been better.
Carriers are always having to adjust through government , telecommunication regulations & hardware capabilities & of course public health (these are wireless frequencies we have soft tissue & if your fortunate enough to know anything about RF this is quite serious)
Thats the main reason I went to note 4 , the last of the top variants that allow for a removable battery , I ordered via amazon an Sunzos & RavPower replacement battery (Highly recommend) & literally throw them in my pocket (obviously need an external battery charger)

Is the Note 4 the best upgrade from a Note 2?

My Note 2 has served me well, but it's time to move on. The screen shows signs of burn in, and applications frequently crash due to (likely) faulty memory. Clearing the cache helps, but it's not something I want to do daily.
I'm looking for a similar phone with a pen/stylus, replaceable battery and mSD card support. Is the Note 4 the only option? Other than having a phone with no faults, what are expected to be the main benefits if I upgrade, and are there any regressions/drawbacks to consider?
Thanks!

wait a few weeks and see what the Note 7 have to offer ( it wont have removable battery though )

definately Note 7 - waterproof, with decent camera and audio, superb screen, sd card and many many more. I migrated to Note4 (DN5) from N3 and I'm waiting also for n7 as n5 is a crap (or beta version )

Lack of replaceable battery makes the Note 7 a non starter. When travelling I frequently use the phone for many hours without charging (on-foot navigation; tripadvisor etc) and I need it to be completely dependable. With a replaceable battery I just pop a new one in and I'm good for the rest of the day. I tried using a portable charger in the past, and hated how unwieldy it was compared to just spending 10 seconds to replace the battery.
The LG Stylus 2 Plus looks somewhat comparable to the Note 4 and is newer (Android 6, touch fingerprint reader), but seems to have a more limited stylus and lacks a physical home button (which I like very much in the Samsung, but I'm not sure lack of it is a deal breaker).
Thoughts?
Edit: Man, this promotional video from LG is good!

2 august is the day!!!
SM-N910F

What happens on August 2?

If you are on a budget then yes the Note 4 is a worthy upgrade from a Note 2. As it's the last in Samsung's flagship line that had a removable battery. However if you have the cash to spend, wait and get the Note 7.

The Note 7 doesn't fit my requirements, regardless of cost (no replaceable battery). It seems I need to decide between the Note 4 and the much newer LG Stylus 2 Plus.

oren_b said:
The Note 7 doesn't fit my requirements, regardless of cost (no replaceable battery). It seems I need to decide between the Note 4 and the much newer LG Stylus 2 Plus.
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Yap.
My vote is for Note 4.
It`s really an awesome device.
I`m using this one for last one year without any issue.
Excellent Display.
Removable Battery.
Expandable Memory.
Good XDA Dev support.
Stock MM really gives good battery backup.

Micheal86 said:
Yap.
My vote is for Note 4.
It`s really an awesome device.
I`m using this one for last one year without any issue.
Excellent Display.
Removable Battery.
Expandable Memory.
Good XDA Dev support.
Stock MM really gives good battery backup.
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Yeah, the LG Stylus 2 Plus is a rather poor spec device. You are much better getting the Note 4 instead of that! As the stylus used in the LG Stylus 2 is just a regular capacitive stylus that you can get at any high street retailer.

Ok, so I'm probably getting a Note 4 later this week. A few questions to make sure I'm making the right decision:
1. Is it easy to root?
2. Do I need to worry about Knox?
3. Can I use it worldwide without an issue (roaming)? I've had no issues at all in this regard with my Note 2.
4. I can get the N910C variant for less money than the N910F. Is there any significant difference between the two? Note that I don't play games on my phone.
Thanks!
Edit: I can also get the Galaxy Note Edge SM-N915F for the same price as the N910F. It seems pretty cool, but getting a TPU case for it (which I like) seems to be impossible. Such cases are very easy to fine for the Note 4 and usually cost only a couple of bucks.

The N910C is much more stable than the N910F as the N910C uses the Exynos 5433 SOC rather than the Snapdragon 805 in the N910F. You can root it pretty easily both the N910C and F models have excellent worldwide coverage with the exception of specific US carriers.
It is possible to get TPU cases for the Note Edge I've seen them online.

When you say the N910C is much more stable do you mean the N910F tends to crash / freeze, or something else?

Bought the Note Edge eventually. I love almost everything about it, but there are some senseless regressions on the software side:
- No way to display Favorites (contacts) as a list. The thumbnail-based display uses tiny text for names and has them truncated.
- No way to display Apps as a list. The grid display is much slower to browse because the eye has to go in different direction to follow the correct alphabetization.
- Dialer log does not support long-press menu anymore. Makes it more difficult to add a number to the reject list or favorites.
Why cripple things that used to work so well?

oren_b said:
Bought the Note Edge eventually. I love almost everything about it, but there are some senseless regressions on the software side:
- No way to display Favorites (contacts) as a list. The thumbnail-based display uses tiny text for names and has them truncated.
- No way to display Apps as a list. The grid display is much slower to browse because the eye has to go in different direction to follow the correct alphabetization.
- Dialer log does not support long-press menu anymore. Makes it more difficult to add a number to the reject list or favorites.
Why cripple things that used to work so well?
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Congrats mate.
Hope you`re enjoying your new device.
Best of luck.
:good:

Overall I do enjoy it. Hopefully I can find solutions for these relatively minor annoyances.

oren_b said:
Overall I do enjoy it. Hopefully I can find solutions for these relatively minor annoyances.
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Sure mate. Best of luck.
[emoji106]

The Note 4 is great. Since you have no interest in the Note 7, then you'll be completely fine with the N4. I upgraded from a Galaxy S5 and it feels like a completely new phone even though it released a long time ago. Marshmallow breathes new life into it.

AndroidGTAF said:
The Note 4 is great. Since you have no interest in the Note 7, then you'll be completely fine with the N4. I upgraded from a Galaxy S5 and it feels like a completely new phone even though it released a long time ago. Marshmallow breathes new life into it.
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Exactly. It's an amazing device

Compatible Camera replacement for n910H?

Good morning all,
I had a Note 4 more than a year ago, but it suddenly died and I just had to go with another phone. I loved it, although I had several problems with it (not the best coverage, bluetooth problems, battery drain and no GPS at all)...
Right now I am using another phone but stumbled upon a nice opportunity to buy a second hand one to repair, a n910H. As I had a n910F, going for the Exynos variant was exciting.
Phone is mostly OK, with some scratches on the front and borders, and had no back cover and the main camera is damaged (apart from no SPen, no headphones, no charger,...). So far really OK for the price asked. I also bought a n910F with damager MoBo and damaged screen. I will reuse it for chassis, back cover, SPen and camera if possible...
Do you know which exact versions of camera are compatible with n910H? I have it now in version 4.4.4 and it says, with some HW info apps, that it is using the Sony sensor (IMX240?).
Can I replace it with the n910F camera? Shall I buy a n910C camera?
Thanks!!

I believe all Camera sensors designed for the Note 4 are cross-compatible with all models.

Thanks for your answer!
Info is quite confusing. I found some threads in several Webs speaking about two different rear sensors on the Note 4 versions. It seems they discovered that Exynos versions used Samsung Camera, instead of Sony. if so, my n910H should use that.... Later on, some people claimed that it was not true, it was just a typo, corrected on newer software versions... This is one of such threads:
https://www.gsmarena.com/the_galaxy_note_4_with_exynos_chipset_has_an_isocell_camera-news-10330.php
In any case, some apps identify my n910H camera as a Sony IMX240... so not like in the exynos?
Having a look on some parts dealers, also in Aliexpress and ebay, sometimes they diffirientate by some models, saying it is not compatible with others...really strange...
Does anyone know?
Thanks,

hmedevil said:
Thanks for your answer!
Info is quite confusing. I found some threads in several Webs speaking about two different rear sensors on the Note 4 versions. It seems they discovered that Exynos versions used Samsung Camera, instead of Sony. if so, my n910H should use that.... Later on, some people claimed that it was not true, it was just a typo, corrected on newer software versions... This is one of such threads:
https://www.gsmarena.com/the_galaxy_note_4_with_exynos_chipset_has_an_isocell_camera-news-10330.php
In any case, some apps identify my n910H camera as a Sony IMX240... so not like in the exynos?
Having a look on some parts dealers, also in Aliexpress and ebay, sometimes they diffirientate by some models, saying it is not compatible with others...really strange... I have F mofel.
Does anyone know?
Thanks,
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Did you get/find answer? I am looking ebay too and another sellers say different than others..