Bring on the shine
This is a Note like you've never seen it. Made of a glass back and metal trim, the 5.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 5 brings on the bling.
Stylus action
The stylus, which Samsung calls the S-Pen, is the one piece of equipment that differentiates the Note series from any other Samsung phone.
Memo
One of the best new features, you can now jot a memo even with the screen turned off.
It just clicks
The S-Pen physically clicks into place in the built-in holster.
Stylus redesign
A flatter S-Pen won't roll away (we think).
Stylish stylus
Not only is it supposed to work like a pen, it also looks like one.
Note versus Note
The glossy glass Note 5, left, leaves the Note 4's folio look far behind.
Mightier than swords
Side-by-side you can see the evolution of the S-Pen from the previous generation of Note.
Locked in power
The other big different from previous Notes is, of course, Samsung's new policy of non-removable batteries.
A faux farwell
The Note 5 swaps the faux leather finish of the 5 for the glass 'n' class we saw on the S6 and S6 Edge earlier in the year.
Fingerprint magnet
While some people didn't like the fake grain finish, it's worth noting that the Note 5 gets grubby very quickly.
Family resemblence
It's kind of the evolution of man, but with Notes. In order from L-R on the top line is the Note, Note 2 and Note 3. Underneath is the Note 4, Note Edge and the brand new Note 5.
Trim it
While the Note 5 (left) and 4 share identical screen sizes, the Note 5 shaves down its footprint.
Penterest
It's not just the phones that have evolved over the years. The S Pen has seen more than a few iterations. Again, from L-R there's the Note, through to the Note 5.
Back to Back
Spot the odd one out? On the far right you'll see the Note 5, the first in the range to have neither a removable cover, nor battery.
Customized shortcuts
The S-Pen calls up shortcuts from this wheel of items, to which you can add your own most-used apps.
Add your apps
You can choose up to three for the shortcuts wheel, called Air Command.
Camera app
Samsung styles the camera app just like the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, but adds something else, too: the ability to broadcast live video to YouTube.
Pocket-buster
The Note 5, while slightly shaved down from last year's model, is still a hearty phone.
Side view
This slim silhouette doesn't come easy...
No and no
Space-saving costs you the removable battery and expandable microSD card storage of previous Notes.
Two 5.7-inch titans
The Note 5 isn't alone in its status as an extra-large phone. Samsung also released its fraternal twin, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+.
Round versus square
You can tell the Edge+ (top) from its rounded sides, while the Note 5 remains more square.
Gold gleam
In addition to gold, Samsung makes both Note 5 and S6 Edge+ in white, silver and black -- though not every color will sell in every country.
Multitasking
Of course, stalwart Note features remain, like screen-splitting, which lets you open (and resize) two apps on a screen.
A Note above?
There's so much more to know about the Note 5's features and specs. Check out the full Samsung Galaxy Note 5 weigh-in for all the details.
App dock
Don't forget that you can move the Air Command floating app dock around if you don't like where it sits on the screen.
Super screen
The AMOLED Quad HD screen isn't just big, it's also bright and easy to see, even in daylight.
One handed
While not small, the stylus actually helps for using the Note one handed.
Get arty
The drawing apps for the S Pen return in the Note 5.
Take seat
Although we'd recommend sitting down first.
Screen brightness
And popping on some cool shades.
Massive rear camera
The 16 megapixel rear camera comes with some solid photo software.
Manual control
There's also the option to adjust photo setting manually for people who understand what an ISO is.
Simple option
There's also the standard run of features such as panorama modes and you can always download more as needed.
Rear camera
The rear camera also has optical image stabilisation if you're feeling a little shaky.
Take Note
The Note 5 is going on sale in most major territories -- check out our full review.