Samsung‘s Galaxy phones are almost like a Russian nesting doll in that there are multiple variations on any given line. There’s the S4, S5, S6, and the S7 to start with, but then there are the “edges” and “Notes” within the “S” series. It can be confusing to figure out which phone to buy. The S4 has largely fallen by the wayside even though it’s only two years old, but there are still plenty of S5s and S6s available for sale.
Part of Samsung’s popularity is due to the fact that it includes features like a micro SD slot and hyper-sensitive touch screens to use with a stylus. So which one do you buy? Here’s a comparison of the phones from the S5 to the S7 to help you decide.
Galaxy Note 5 Compared to the S6
The phones in the Note series are always going to be larger than the ones in the “S” line. The reason for this is that the Note is touted as a phone for those who want to be able to write notes as if the phone were paper.
The S6 is about 7 percent smaller overall in height and width when compared to the Note5. It’s also lighter by almost 20 percent. Both have aluminum frames, but the S6 has a slightly protruding camera, whereas the Note’s lens is barely visible.
They also have glass backs, but the Note has rounded edges that feel more comfortable in the hand. The display type is AMOLED on both, but the S6 lacks a stylus.
Galaxy edge+ Compared to the Note5
The edge+ and the Note5 are almost identical in their specifications. Both have the same screen real estate of 5.7″ and a resolution of 2560 x 1440 (518 ppi), but the edge+ has rounded edges that come just past the edges of the screen. Both use the same Exynos processor, have the same amount of RAM, and have identical cameras.
The edge+ gives the appearance that the phone’s front is all display with only a top and bottom bezel. The Note5 has a bezel on all sides, giving it a more utilitarian feel. These two phones come down to the choice between bezel and stylus or no bezel and no stylus.
Galaxy S6 and S6 edge
The Galaxy S6 and S6 edge are almost identical, with the major difference being the display on the S6 edge. This version of the S6 line saw the changeover from plastic cases to aluminum, giving the phones a heftier feel. Aluminum also tends to be more damage-resistant than plastic, which translates to fewer scratches from use.
The S6 edge has a curved screen on both edges just like the edge+, but it’s been improved upon in the S6 version. The screen is set more deeply, giving it an almost 3-D feel when playing games or watching videos. Users can place text on the edges when using an app that’s not taking up all of the available display area.
Galaxy Note7 vs. Galaxy S7 edge vs. Galaxy S7
The Note series skipped the S6 and went straight for the S7 in order to make the line consistent. It has the same features that make the Note popular, along with improvements and upgrades. What the Note7 doesn’t have is a dust- and water-resistance rating up to IP68, but the S7 edge and Galaxy S7 do.
All phones in the line have the same 12-megapixel rear-facing camera with Dual Pixel technology, as well as a fingerprint sensor. Like the Galaxy S7 edge, the Note7 has curved edges on the display, which is a new addition to the Note. In terms of size, the Note7 is the largest, with the S7 edge in the middle, and the S7 the smallest of all three. The Note7 has the coveted stylus while the other two don’t.
The Galaxy line of phones is Samsung’s most popular product to date, and for good reason. They have innovative design, quality builds, thoughtful touches, and solid engineering. There’s a lot to like about any Galaxy phone, even if it’s not the latest one.
