New Samsung Galaxy Note 5 phones as of January 2016 fix the jammed S-Pen problems, and there are rumors about a UK launch date. This review has been revised to reflect these changes.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is a phone that's either a game changer or deal breaker for longtime fans of the Android phablet, now that it has a premium look and feel.
Its 5.7-inch display, super-fast processor, improved camera and S Pen stylus are joined by a new, glass-and-metal design that reflects the solid construction of the Samsung Galaxy S6
That makes it a huge leap over last year's Galaxy Note 4, which backed the phone in cheap, textured plastic. Samsung's build quality is fit to compete with the aluminum iPhone 6S Plus, Huawei Mate 8 and Nexus 6P.
All of this comes at a cost, however. There's no microSD card slot for expandable storage or removable battery to swap out, like on the Note 4, LG G4, and very likely the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S7, and the new sealed-shut glass design is slippery.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is among the best phones in the world, but it isn't for everyone who can't grip a two-handed phone, or its compromises in the name of style.
Release date and price
The Note 5 may not be for everyone simply because it's currently only available in the US and Canada in the Western world. It launched in the US on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular on August 21, 2015.
It hasn't come to the UK or the rest of Europe, but new rumors suggest it'll launch in February, with my guess being whenever Android 6.0 Marshmallow is ready for the phone. Samsung has focused on the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ in the UK. For now, anyone outside of North America who wants a new phone with a stylus is out of luck.
