Samsung has made the Galaxy Note 5 official but the 2015 phablet flagship release date will not happen until August 21, at least for U.S.-based consumers. For the most part, the rumored specs and features of the device became real.
Baked in with the fifth-gen Samsung jumbo phone is a 64-bit Exynos 7420 chip that taps into 4GB of RAM. The display is a 5.7-inch Quad HD crisp panel thanks to Super AMOLED technology that beams out in 2560 x 1440 screen resolution with pixel density of 518 pixels per inch. The internal memory configuration is either 32GB or 64GB with no prospect of extra space as the microSD slot is eliminated like the rumors say.
The camera mix is what has been speculated - 16MP on rear and 5MP on front. But the battery disappoints a bit at 3000mAh though Samsung is including fast charging capability that also applies to its native wireless charging feature.
Overall, the Galaxy Note 5 is a huge step up from the Note 4 of 2014 and those prompted to upgrade can consider the following choices from U.S. network service providers as compiled by BGR:
U.S. Cellular
Buyers unwilling to pay upfront large amount of cash can go to U.S Cellular as the telco only requires initial payment of $200 in exchange for the 32GB Note 5 model. The deal, however, comes with a lock-in period that stretches 24 months.
Or customers can go for the installment plan that U.S. Cellular spreads to 20 months for both the 32GB and 64GB variants of the Galaxy Note 5.
Verizon
Verizon offers the Note 5 in both 32GB and 64GB configurations and the payment terms extend to 24 months. The basic 32GB model will require total cash setback of $696 while the 64GB will result to total payment of $792. To lure in buyers, Verizon waives off any initial cash out.
Sprint
Over at Sprint, Note 5 buyers are welcomed with two options - get the device on contract or via installment plan. With contract, the Samsung phablet is up for grabs starting at $250 for the 32GB flavor while the 64GB edition is ready to unpack for starting price of $350.
The Sprint Easy Pay is tempting with its $0 down offer and the monthly dues translate to $25 for the 32GB and $34 for the 64GB build.
T-Mobile
As part of its Uncarrier program, T-Mobile will issue the 32GB Galaxy Note 5 to subscribers willing to pay the device $700 that is actually divided in 24 months with no down payment. And if the buy takes place before September 30, Note 5 users will get to enjoy free Netfix access for the next 12 months.
It is unclear if T-Mobile will carry the 64GB model and if so, it is unknown for now when it will become available.
AT&T
AT&T offers the best Galaxy Note 5 deal as the company encourages trade-ins that could give buyers savings of up to $300. But buyers unable to take advantage of the swapping deal will find that AT&T's Note 5 packages are the priciest in town.
Though dangled with $0 down and spread out for 20 months, the Note 5 cash damage over at AT&T amounts to $740 for the 32GB and $840 for the 64GB.