This is my personal observation. I have owned every Note since the 2. I had the Note 5 for almost a year prior to upgrading to the Note 7. While the Note 7 was really a nice device (I have returned it and repurchased a Note 5 64GB Tmobile Version), I did notice the following differences:
1. The Note 7 I/O speed was much slower than the Note 5. I restored my device using SmartSwitch, so both devices had the same exact software installed.
2. The Note 7 had horrible lag using the Gear VR 2016 version, most apparent when streaming videos or graphic intensive games. I would always have to optimize memory before using the Gear VR, or the lag would be severe. The Note 5, is rock solid using Gear VR, with little to no lag(I am running stock Tmobile 6.01 ROM.)
3. While I do miss the curved screen on the Note 7, I couldn't find a screen protector that wouldn't stop peeling within two weeks after installing(The S7 Edge and previous edge devices were easier to apply screen protectors due to the larger radius of the edge). I couldn't find a glass screen protector that wasn't attached by just the edges(this is a horrible design that allows dust to get between the protector and the screen.) The Note 5 has many awesome Glass Screen Protectors.
4. I do miss the always on display on the Note 7, but I never used the Edge Display Stuff, just seemed like fluff that would take up valuable system memory. The curve did make the phone easier to hold without a case, but who does that?
5. I also miss the Grace UX, but not the combining notifications of the last Note 7 update(they should have included the option to turn off.)
6. Due Note(pun intended) that the Note 7 never really got the chance to run with a fully optimized ROM due to the obvious recall, but I felt like the Note 7 was hindered by the GPU/CPU, it should have been buttery smooth like the Note 5 when it was first launched, it felt more like the disaster that was the Note 4 when the 5.0.1 ROM was released(later corrected with 5.1.1 ROM.)
I am ultimately happy with the Note 5 for the next year, until they release the Note/Pro 8. I really don't feel the Curved Screen adds any value to the power user, and makes it more difficult to use the pen, and provides a difficult surface for screen protectors.
1. The Note 7 I/O speed was much slower than the Note 5. I restored my device using SmartSwitch, so both devices had the same exact software installed.
2. The Note 7 had horrible lag using the Gear VR 2016 version, most apparent when streaming videos or graphic intensive games. I would always have to optimize memory before using the Gear VR, or the lag would be severe. The Note 5, is rock solid using Gear VR, with little to no lag(I am running stock Tmobile 6.01 ROM.)
3. While I do miss the curved screen on the Note 7, I couldn't find a screen protector that wouldn't stop peeling within two weeks after installing(The S7 Edge and previous edge devices were easier to apply screen protectors due to the larger radius of the edge). I couldn't find a glass screen protector that wasn't attached by just the edges(this is a horrible design that allows dust to get between the protector and the screen.) The Note 5 has many awesome Glass Screen Protectors.
4. I do miss the always on display on the Note 7, but I never used the Edge Display Stuff, just seemed like fluff that would take up valuable system memory. The curve did make the phone easier to hold without a case, but who does that?
5. I also miss the Grace UX, but not the combining notifications of the last Note 7 update(they should have included the option to turn off.)
6. Due Note(pun intended) that the Note 7 never really got the chance to run with a fully optimized ROM due to the obvious recall, but I felt like the Note 7 was hindered by the GPU/CPU, it should have been buttery smooth like the Note 5 when it was first launched, it felt more like the disaster that was the Note 4 when the 5.0.1 ROM was released(later corrected with 5.1.1 ROM.)
I am ultimately happy with the Note 5 for the next year, until they release the Note/Pro 8. I really don't feel the Curved Screen adds any value to the power user, and makes it more difficult to use the pen, and provides a difficult surface for screen protectors.
