Best Cheap Mobile Phones and Budget Smartphones 2016

If you're looking for a cheap mobile phone or the best budget smartphone, you've come to the right place. Our round-up features only the top examples, so you can choose in confidence.

Over the last four months we’ve seen all manner of awesome, but bank-balance-busting smartphones hit the market.

These have ranged from superb all-rounders like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and HTC 10, to interesting beasts, like the modular LG G5 and Leica camera-equippedHuawei P9.

Given how great these top end smartphone are, it’s easy to forget you don’t have turn your wallet into a barren wasteland to get a decent smartphone anymore. In store there are a variety of great value for money smartphones that will meet 99% of people’s needs.

Here to help buyers on a budget pick which is best for them and created the definitive list detailing the best value for money smartphones currently available.

Hit the 'Next' arrow or use the dropdown to start viewing the list, or read on for more buying advice.

WATCH: What's the difference between a cheap phone and a flagship phone?

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Related: Best Android Apps

CHEAP SMARTPHONES VS FLAGSHIP PHONES

Flagship smartphones are becoming more expensive by the year, but finding a good mobile is actually cheaper than ever. What’s more, cheap phones aren’t anywhere near as basic as they used to be. That said, what are the real differences?

Related: Best Mobile Deals: Top Smartphone offers this month

Design isn't necessarily one of them. Thanks to design and build quality improvements, you won’t feel like you’re carrying a brick around with you. Manufacturers such as Huawei, Motorola, Asus and ZTE have really raised the bar in this regard. What’s more, you don’t have to sacrifice features like 4G and NFC if you don’t want to.

There’s a lot to smile about in the photography department, too. Several of the smartphones in this list are equipped with HDR-enabled cameras, which could previously only be found on more expensive models. Cheap mobile phones tend to struggle more in challenging conditions, such as low light and in action scenes, but the ones in our round-up are all good general-purpose camera phones.

However, there are certain things you'll have to make do without, like a QHD display, for instance. Instead, 720p or 480p screens are the order of the day. They're not as sharp as what you’ll find on the LG G3 or similar, but they’re still clearer than most laptop screens and more than good enough for basic smartphone duties.

Processing power is another department that usually takes a hit, but several of the smartphones in this round-up are still great for playing high-end games on.

Read more: Mobile Phone Buyer's Guide

Crucially, cheap smartphones get access to the same app stores as their more expensive counterparts, so you can download as many apps and games as your hardware can handle. If you do plan to download lots of apps, though, make sure you get a phone with a microSD card slot as many cheap phones have limited built-in storage.

The one thing you won't find, however, is a cheap iPhone – not unless you buy second-hand. If you must have an iPhone, we'd recommend getting an iPhone 5S at a minimum.

SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S2 REVIEW

Most Android tablets play second fiddle to the iPad. They’re often cheaper, weaker, and less attractive that Apple’s famous tablet, but occasionally, one comes along that actually challenges Apple. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S line started in 2014 with one purpose: to offer Android users a high-end tablet that doesn’t run iOS.

This year’s follow up to the gorgeous Tab S, the Tab S2, is just as powerful, slender, and appealing as the original, but without that weird Band-Aid texture on the back. It’s also thinner, lighter, and cheaper than the iPad Air 2, though it does have some competition from the all-metal Dell Venue 8 7000.

It’s absurdly thin and light

When you first pick up the Galaxy Tab S2, its weight will surprise you. It’s so light that it’s almost like holding a thin plastic cutting board in your hands. At 5.6mm thick, both the 9.7-inch and 8-inch slates are thinner than the iPad Air 2, and they weigh significantly less, too. The 9.7-inch Tab S2 weighs a mere 0.86lbs, while the 8-incher comes in at 0.58lbs. For comparison, the iPad Air 2 weighs 0.96lbs, which is already really light for a 10-inch tablet in a metal casing.

Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends

Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends

Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends

Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends

Samsung’s tablets are real featherweights, and if you equate ‘premium’ with heft, then you’ll be disappointed. Even the bigger 9.7-inch tablet is incredibly lightweight, and it would be effortless to hold with one hand on the train, or propped up in bed. Of course, the incredible lightness of the Tab S2 comes at a price: Both models are made out of plastic, not metal, like Dell’s premium Venue 8 7000 or Apple’s iPad Air 2.

Related: Barnes & Noble introduce Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Nook

Given the high quality of the tablet overall and its premium price tag of $350 and $400, it’s surprising that the Tab S2 isn’t made of metal. Dell’s Venue 8 costs $350, but its all-metal construction adds style and durability to the tablet. Instead, Samsung opted for simple matte plastic. Luckily, it feels sturdy and smooth to the touch. There’s no flex to the Tab S2, which is a problem plastic Android tablets often have. It’s a very sturdy tablet, and the chamfered metal edges add flair to the otherwise minimalist design. Unless you’re hell bent on having a metal tablet, you won’t be disappointed by the look or feel of Samsung’s slate.

Both sizes are very comfortable to hold, due in part to the iPad-like 4:3 aspect ratio and the curved corners, which don’t taper off into a sharp edge. This is important for such a big device, particularly if you read while supporting the tablet in your palm or rest it on your chest. The Tab S2 won’t dig into your skin uncomfortably. The lightness is a little disconcerting, though, and it almost feels delicate, something that’s accentuated by the incredible thinness.

Samsung offers three colors: the standard black and white, as well as gold. The gold color is gorgeous. It’s like the S6 Edge Plus’s gold hue — subtle, and not too bright. It’s more visually exciting than the white version, and certainly the one to choose.

• Read more : emadth3professional.blogspt.com 

Samsung Galaxy S review

KEY FEATURES

• Super AMOLED display
• Android
• Manufacturer: Samsung
• Review Price: free/subscription

BEST SMARTPHONE

There's been a lot of talk recently about Samsung's latest smartphones thanks to some fairly impressive specs and their supposedly superior Super AMOLED displays. We just looked at the Wave, which also adds a new operating system into the mix, making for a particularly intriguing option. Today, though, it's the turn of Samsung's current flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S.

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This phone really is all about its screen. At four inches from corner to corner, with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and with that all important Super AMOLED tech, it's supposed to be one of the best out there. Inevitably, though, it makes the phone rather large.

With dimensions of 122.4mm x 64.2 x 9.9 mm it's a good 5mm taller than many rivals and about the same amount wider. This doesn't make it completely unmanageable and it certainly isn't on the same level as the Dell Streak, but it is pushing the limits of what we'd call a sensible size for everyday use. At 9.9mm thin, it should at least have minimal impact on the line of your trousers or jacket.

That sleekness also comes across in the phone's design. Aside from its Samsung logo, the front of the phone is very clean and simple, and the pattern of little dots on the back of the phone does retain this sleekness - albeit less effectively. Obviously there's the general feeling of homage to the iPhone, but when it's as nicely done as the Galaxy S we certainly aren't complaining too much.

However, it's a different story when it comes to build quality. Again, the front is doing okay. Its single piece of glass that covers the screen and bezel feels tough and should resist scratches well, as should the metallic rim around the edge. However, the back is finished in glossy plastic that scratches easily and flexes slightly, just taking the edge off any feeling of quality. Also adding to this general impression is the lightness of the device. Although a weight of 121g isn't considerably lower than many smartphones, on such a large device it makes it seem a bit flimsy.

Other initial complaints include the lack of a flash for the camera and the three buttons on the front. For a start, we're not fans of touch sensitive buttons – they're too easy to press accidentally and because they lack visual feedback, like on a touchscreen, you're sometimes left wondering if you've actually pressed them. Also having two buttons be touch sensitive and one a physical button just seems a bit odd.

There are plenty of other positives to the Galaxy S design, though. The microUSB socket for charging and data transfer is hidden behind a sliding door, rather than a cumbersome plastic flap or just being left exposed. All the other buttons and the 3.5mm headphone jack are also conveniently positioned, though the volume rocker is a tad difficult to operate.

Read more at emadprofessional.blogspot.com

iPad Air review

KEY FEATURES

• 9.7-inch Retina screen; A7 64-bit processor; 469g; 5MP rear camera; Free iWork and iLife apps
• Manufacturer: Apple
• Review Price: £399.00

WHAT IS THE IPAD AIR?

The iPad Air is a totally redesigned tablet. Apple has decided to rebuild the world's most famous tablet to try to keep it well ahead of the competition. In many ways it has succeeded. The iPad Air is slim, light and superbly crafted. A turbo-charged version of the the brilliant 64-bit Apple A7 processor found on theiPhone 5S provides the grunt and, even though the screen is the same resolution as on previous models it is better than ever before. It's the weight and lack thereof that's the real star here, though.

iPad Air - Video Review

Check out the iPad Air video review

IPAD AIR DESIGN – THE POWER OF LIGHTNESS

Lame as Apple's "Power of lightness is" tagline is it does seem apt. The iPad Air is much lighter than the iPad 4, in fact it’s lighter than most other tablets in its class at 469g. It has shed almost 200g, or 29%, of the weight that the iPad 4 carried. That's a massive generational leap.

iPad 3 on the left next to the iPad Air

Unsuprisingly the weight is the first thing you’ll notice when picking it up. It really makes a big difference when using the iPad Air for long periods of time. The iPad Air is perfectly balanced which means you can hold it to read or watch a movie for hours simply by cupping a corner in your palm. Attempt the same with an iPad 4 and you’ll quickly succumb to shaky arm fatigue.

The look and design are taken straight from the iPad mini 2’s drawer. A tough aluminium shell encases the entire back and sides of the iPad Air, unless you opt for a 4G model which has a small plastic panel at the top to house the antennas. The edges where the screen meets the aluminium are diamond cut, providing a sleek, shiny surface.

While the iPad 4 also has an aluminium shell, the iPad Air’s is grippier and the sides rounder – both useful for keeping a comfortable hold of it.

The plastic buttons on the previous iPads were slightly at odds with the otherwise high-quality design aesthetic. Thankfully, Apple has replaced them with the metal equivalents found on the iPad mini 2. It’s a small touch, but the metal buttons add to the premium feel of the Air.

SEE ALSO: 10 best tablets you can buy

The metal buttons on the iPad Air are well positioned and feel premium

It’s not just the weight that has been reduced. The iPad Air is also much thinner and narrower than the iPad 4, while keeping the same screen size. At just 7.5mm thin it really shouldn’t feel as solid as it does, only the Sony Xperia Tablet Z is thinner at this screen size, but that tablet suffers from it by feeling a little flexible.

The screen bezels have also slimmed down significantly, which makes the iPad Air 16mm narrower than before. Slim bezels are sometimes a mixed blessing. Yes, they make the tablet more compact, but an accidental thumb on a corner of the screen can hit a link or cause the screen to be inoperable. We’ve experienced it plenty of times on other tablets and phones, but the iPad Air’s screen is designed to ignore an errant thumb and we haven't experienced a single issue with it.

SEE ALSO: 10 best Windows 8 laptops and tablets

The iPad Air's bezels are much thinner than the iPads before it

IPAD AIR SCREEN – RETINA DISPLAY

The iPad Air is one of the most comfortable and premium 10-inch tablets we’ve ever used, but a great screen is just as important for a good user experience.

On paper the iPad Air’s Retina screen is the same as the one on the iPad 4. It has a 2,048 x 1,536 IPS panel offering 264 PPI (pixels per inch) with scratch-proof and oleophobic protective glass that's resistant, though not impervious, to greasy fingerprints.

If there was one thing the iPad Air could take from the previous versions without getting too much stick it’s the screen, but Apple has made some subtle improvements to it nonetheless.

Look at the screen straight on and the colours on the iPad 4 and iPad Air match almost exactly. Tilt the screen, however, and you’ll notice that the Air maintains its excellent colour accuracy at impressive angles. Text is also more legible from acute angles.

The screen on the iPad 4 is good, but we did find that it have a slight pinkish tinge to white backgrounds, particularly noticeable when browsing the net. The iPad Air has clearly been given a dose of Vanish and manages to provide cleaner whites. Turn the brightness up to eleven and the screen is noticeably brighter, too.

The 4:3 aspect ratio on the iPad Air is one we prefer on a tablet this size. It makes it easier to browse the internet, but you do get bigger black bars when watching a film than you would on a 16:9 or 16:10 tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5. It's one of those trade-offs you just have to live with, but we can't think of a good reason for Apple to change this aspect.

It’s the best screen on a 10-inch tablet, only the Nexus 10 even comes close, but if there’s one thing we’d like Apple to improve it is the reflectiveness. Use it outdoors on a sunny day and you’ll find yourself looking for the best angle to minimise the mirror effect. The brightness means you can still see what’s happening on-screen but an anti-reflective coating would improve matters.

SEE ALSO: 10 best Android tablets you can buy

IPAD AIR: SOUND QUALITY

Stereo speakers come as standard on the iPad Air. It’s a step up from the mono speaker on the iPad 4 and brings it in line with the iPad mini. Unfortunately the stereo effect isn’t that impressive, primarily because both drivers are located next to each other at the bottom of the tablet, something the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 avoid by placing speakers at either end when held in landscape.

The compact size of the iPad Air means we shouldn’t expect greatness from the speakers, but they are very good for a tablet. Audio is crisp and clear and doesn’t suffer from the tinny treble that affected dialogue on previous iPads. The speakers also offer a mite more bass, which means voices are deeper and more accurately portrayed.

They're acceptably loud too, enough so that you can happily watch a film in quiet company, although, as with any tablet, you’ll want a separate speaker set-up to listen to music. One issue is the fact that the speakers face backwards, directing sound away from your ears. Cup a palm behind the speakers and the sound bouces back loud and clear. We're sure the speakers face backwards for aesthetic reasons but HTC managed to integrate good-looking forward facing speakers onto the HTC One M8 and we'd like to see a similar set up on the iPad Air.

So it looks great, sounds good and the display is solid, but how does it perform day to day?

Samsung Galaxy S3 review

The Samsung Galaxy S3 has become the most successful Android phone of all time. More than 50 million units have shipped but now it's been supersceded by the Samsung Galaxy S4, one of the most hotly anticipated phones ever. The success of the Galaxy S3 has helped make Samsung the biggest smartphone maker in the world, but it hasn't been without its fair share of controversy.

First was the news that the Galaxy S3 didn't fare too well in drop tests and there are complaints that the build quality is not the best. This was particularly exacerbated by the numerous Galaxy S3 vs iPhone 5 comparisons which split the Android and iOS camps even further apart. The iPhone 5 has superior build quality and styling, but the Galaxy S3 scores highly on features and value for money.

With more than 4,000 user responses the Galaxy S3 generally scores well one ease of use, features, design and value for money but there have been complaints that the battery life could be better. This is despite a Which? report that highlighted the S3 as one of the better performing smartphones in terms of battery life.

Read on to find out exactly what we think of the Galaxy S3 in our Galaxy S3 review or, if you've already decided go to our Galaxy S3 deals page to find the best deals on the market.

SEE ALSO: All the latest on the Samsung Galaxy S5

Short attention span? Watch our Galaxy S3 video review:

Introduction

If you ignore Apple, very few electronic productshave garnered as much attention as the Galaxy S3 in recent years. After the huge success of the Galaxy S2 this is a follow up that many people have expected to again be the flag bearer for Android smartphones. But has Samsung succeeded? Is the Samsung Galaxy S3 the pinnacle of Android smartphones, and indeed of mobile phones in general? Lets find out.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S4 VS S5 VS S6: Which is the right upgrade for you?

SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 - DESIGN AND BUILD

Anyone that's already familiar with the Galaxy S3 will know that its design and build has courted controversy. Eschewing the premium feeling materials of the iPhone 4S or HTC One X, it uses a glossy plastic back which, although by no means inherently budget, is a finish more associated with cheaper handsets.

Does this make the Galaxy S3 undesirable? No, it certainly doesn't go that far, and indeed if you put it next to the Sony Xperia S it really shows just how much Sony slipped up on that design, but next to an iPhone 4S or HTC One X it's these two that give off the stronger whiff of craftsmanship.

In practical terms there are a few genuine issues with the Galaxy S3 too. While the polycarbonate that the backplate is made from is very tough due to its pliability, it isn't very scratch resistant, even with an extra scratch resistant coating – either the matt finish of the HTC One X of Xperia S, or glass of the iPhone 4S will standup to more punishment. That said, it should be relatively inexpensive to get replacement backs for the Galaxy, and given that it's a single piece that covers the entire back, this will make your phone scratch-free in one fell swoop.

We've lived with the S3 for a few months now and haven't noticed too many scratches on the back, which is impressive considering we haven't been using a case. Indeed, as predicted Samsung's choice of finishes – glossy white (Marble White) and faux brushed metallic blue (Pebble Blue) wear what scratches they do have reasonably well. A new glossy black version is soon to become available too, though, so we'll have to wait and see how that one holds up.

Speaking of the new black Samsung Galaxy S3, we're certainly glad of its arrival because while both the blue and white versions aren't awful by any means, nothing beats good old black.

The other potential issue is that, particularly given the Galaxy S3 is such a large and thin phone, it could succumb to being crushed. Particularly we're thinking in comparison to the iPhone 4S and its tough steel sides here. That phone can take a right squishing and squashing when in a pocket whereas we'd be a little more wary of cracking this phone's screen if crouching down or bending over. Then again, this could equally apply to many other large, thin phones and we pretty sure you'd have to be rather unlucky for it to actually happen. In our few months of use we've not had any issues yet.

Moving on from the Galaxy's plastic back, we have few complaints about the rest of the design. The smooth glass face with its tapered edges, the tidy silver plastic trim (real metal would again have been nice) and single central home button combine to create a tidy, premium look and feel. The screen is also Gorilla Glass 2 so should be very scratch and impact resistant.

That said, in numerous drop test videos we've seen comparing the S3 to arch-rival the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5, it's the S3 hasn't fared well, its screen tending to shatter more often.

Pop that battery cover off and you're into a whole world of goodness. There's a microSD slot that'll take cards up to 64GB in size, potentially giving you up to 128GB of storage if you opt for the S3 with 64GB of built in memory. You also get a large 2100mAh battery that not only can you swap out for a spare when needed but also in the future you may be able to replace it and the backplate with extended batteries that last longer on a single charge (not that we've seen any yet, several months after launch). While the SIM slot on the Galaxy may look large it actually houses a microSIM, like the iPhone 4S and HTC One X. One counterpoint to the removable battery is that you can't hot-swap SIM cards like on the One X.

Also under here, to the left of the battery, are two gold contacts. These are for a future wireless charging backplate and dock that will allow you to simply place your Galaxy S3 on its dock to charge it, without the need to plug in. Its technology we first saw built into a phone on the Palm Pre, and we think it's downright brilliant. Sadly the required accessories are still not available.

Read more at     emadth3professional.blogspot.com

Samsung Galaxy S5 review

HOW DOES THE GALAXY S5 COMPARE TO THE LATEST PHONES?

When’s the best time to buy a flagship phone? When it gets replaced by a new flagship phone, of course. Following on from the announcement of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, the Samsung Galaxy S5 has been given a second wind, courtesy of an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop. Does this update give the Galaxy S5 a new lease of life? Let’s take a look at what improvements have been added with the Android 5.0 update.

Android 5.0 Lollipop on the Galaxy S5

Aesthetically, the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop with its TouchWiz twist is a sophisticated and modern affair, with bold colours and cleaner fonts, icons and menus. Some may feel that this simplification has dumbed down the Galaxy S5, though. We definitely agree that the phone doesn’t quite feel as ‘classy’ or business-like since it received the Lollipop update.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S4 VS S5 VS S6: Which is the right upgrade for you?

image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000322bd/2302/Screenshot-2015-04-13-13-28-30.jpg

Samsung has reined in some of Lollipop’s flavour though, such as toning down some of the new ‘cartoony’ menu animations and avoiding the big bright tiles that dominate the dial screen of pure Lollipop devices. These changes may have been a step too far for some of the Galaxy S5’s devout crowd, but the Galaxy S5’s menus are noticeably snappier following from the update.

Notifications and settings receive the most obvious changes. Notifications now appear as white tabs that can be accessed in a drop down menu and cleared if needed. If you delve into notifications settings you can now activate/deactivate the notifications of apps on an individual basis, which is handy.

image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000322bc/c370/Screenshot-2015-04-13-13-27-52.jpg

Quick settings and Samsung Smart Remote are also available with the screen locked, giving easy access to useful functions such as quick connect, brightness control and wireless connectivity. Other applications, such as playing media and the camera, can still be used with the screen locked as well. None of this is a great departure from the features we had with Android 4.4 KitKat, but the tweaks seem to make for a smoother experience.

The home screen is rendered with five boxy apps along the bottom rather than the playful rounded ones that cleaner Android Lollipop installs have. Instead of a rounded central applications launcher, the S5 has a square one that’s fixed in the bottom right corner. It’s another example of where the Galaxy S5’s Lollipop has been altered by TouchWiz.

image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000322be/0a28/Screenshot-2015-04-13-13-30-27.jpg

Samsung has ditched its recent apps view for the Lollipop Rolodex style. We’ve seen some negative comments about this move, but it was one of the Android 5.0 features that we liked and we feel it works well on the Galaxy S5. It’s good to see that the TouchWiz Multi Window is still on the S5, though.

Fingerprint scanner improved

The fingerprint scanner is the most improved aspect of the Galaxy S5 following the Android 5.0 update. Pre-Lollipop, the scanner was an utter hinderance that required multiple attempts to unlock your phone. Failing it three times forced you to enter a backup pin to unlock the screen and this occurred all too often.

Post-update, the scanner is significantly more responsive and doesn’t require such a rigid swipe to unlock your phone. Now a natural thumb swipe across the home button opens the phone – it’s almost as slick as the TouchID scanner in the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6, or the new scanner on the Galaxy S6. Almost.

The Galaxy S5 now features Smart Lock, which can keep your device unlocked under certain circumstances, such as your location, when approved devices are connected or while it’s being carried. A great use of this feature is you don’t have to turn off your security when you’re at home, if you set home as a Trusted Location, you won’t have to unlock your phone within 100 metres of where you live.

We have noticed some users experiencing a reduction in phone performance speed and stability since updating the Galaxy S5 to Android 5.0 Lollipop, but those early teething issues seem to be getting resolved with subsequent patches – ours works great.

Should you buy a Galaxy S5 now?

Overall, we still think the S5 measures up well compared to some of the latest phones. Its screen and camera are still very good and have en edge over some of the pricier mid-range alternatives, like the Samsung Galaxy A5. And, of course, unlike the Galaxy S6, the S5 is water resistant and has a microSD card slot.

The Sony Xperia Z3 is the only other top-end water resistant phone worth considering, and the S5 remains the better of the two. If that's a feature you really care about, the S5 still deserves serious consideration.

One major phone we would consider, however, is the LG G3. It's generally available for slightly less than the S5 SIM-free, and edges it in some departments. It has a larger 5.5-inch screen, though, which is either a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. The G3 has a faster processor, too, but the S5 is still capable enough.

If you’re interested in whether to upgrade to the Galaxy S6, read our Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S5 comparison.

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Original Review: 11 April 2014

WHAT IS THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S5?

Barring the iPhone, there's no other range of phones that arrive on the scene with as much bluster as the Samsung Galaxy S5. It's the biggest rival to the iPhone 6 and is the Android flagship of the year, at the very least in terms of hype.

In some ways the Galaxy S5 lives up to it. It is a very good phone, particularly when you look at all of its parts separately. It's a big step up from the Galaxy S4, offering a number of key improvements over its predecessor. There's a better camera, a greatly improved AMOLED screen and a fingerprint scanner. The latter is finicky, it's no-where near as slick as Touch ID on the iPhone.

The headline-grabbing feature of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is that it is water resistant. You don't have to worry about it falling in the bath or an errant wave soaking it on the beach. It's a great feature, but does come at a cost. The Samsung Galaxy S5 doesn't have the same slick design as the other top-of-the-range Android phones like the HTC One M8 or LG G3.

In the time that the S5 has been on sale we've also seen some significant price drops, with a brand new SIM-free Samsung Galaxy S5 available for less than £360 if you look around a bit. That's a lot less than the £600 it first retailed for. However, it’s facing increasing competition from it's peers, not to mention the fashionable phablet brigade led by the iPhone 6 Plus and metal rimmed Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

There are a few niggles, but the Galaxy S5 is still one of the best phones around. The Android 5.0 Lollipop update has give it an extra boost to compete with the iPhone 6, at least until the Samsung Galaxy S6 arrives

Read more at  emad th3professional.com

Read more

samsung galaxy note 5 review

The good The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 has an eye-catching design, high-end hardware and takes great outdoor photos. Using the stylus has never felt better, and battery life is terrific.

The bad With a nonremovable battery and no external storage option, the Note 5 strips away some of last year's features. It's pricey compared to large-screen competitors like Motorola's Moto X Pure.

The bottom line Samsung's Galaxy Note 5 is excellent overall, and the only phone to buy if you want to write by hand. However, you'll pay a huge premium for a modest upgrade from last year's model, and less pricey competitors will satisfy many.

CNET REVIEW
Editors' note: This review has been updated to include information about Samsung's newest Galaxy models, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, which were introduced at Mobile World Congress in March 2016.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 5 is the smoothest, sleekest stylus-equipped jumbo-screen smartphone that the company has ever made. On the plus side: a slim, shiny, large-screened luster; strong camera; retooled stylus; and killer battery life. But these assets are subverted by two key omissions; the Note 5's battery is not swappable and there is no expandable storage slot (though there is free cloud storage).

The Note 5 is the least distinctive of the Note line. It's Samsung's only 2015 model to come equipped with a stylus -- and a good one at that -- but it otherwise looks pretty much the same as the Galaxy S6 Edge+, featuring the same dual curved-edge screen and nearly identical specs. And the Note 5 and S6 Edge+ are basically supersized versions of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge models that Samsung debuted in March 2015.

In fact, the stylus (Samsung calls it the "S Pen") is about the only thing that makes the Note 5 truly distinctive. As such, it's a bit underwhelming compared with 2014's Note 4, which leap-frogged its peer, the Galaxy S5, in the hardware department, even without its S Pen. Nevertheless, the Note 5's flaws are few and far between, and its stylus gives it a functional edge over all other large-screen devices.


 28 Photos
Samsung's gleaming Galaxy S7 is all win (pictures)
With the introduction of the current generation of Galaxy phones in March 2016, Samsung fans would do well to take a close look at the new lineup. A CNET Editor's Choice, the Galaxy S7 delivers the goods in spades with a polished design, awesome camera, long battery life, microSD slot, and water resistance (though no stylus). And the supersized Galaxy S7 Edge, an Editor's Choice in its own right, comes equipped with an even bigger battery and screen, a curved screen with "edge" software navigation, and a sky high price tag (but, again, no stylus).

Editors' note: What follows is the original review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5.


 38 Photos
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 goes luxe (photos)
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)
Premium phone, premium price

The Galaxy Note 5 is available in gold, silver, white and sapphire black (which looks blue in the light), though not every region carries every color. Prices vary by retailer and country; be sure to check current promotions before you buy.

There's no denying that the Note 5 costs a lot, though it varies depending on where you live and where you buy it. That noted, as of October 2015, the 64GB version costs roughly $800 and the 32GB model costs about $700, making the Note 5 more expensive than the $649 64GB iPhone 6 Plus and the $749 64GB 6S Plus. The Note 5 is cheaper than the S6 Edge+, however; you'll pay even more for that curved display.

Compared to other large-screen models, like the 5.5-inch LG G4 or 5.7-inch Moto X Pure, the Note 5 is straight up pricey.


Behold, a Note evolution! (Top, from left to right: Note, Note 2, Note 3; bottom, from left to right: Note 4, Note Edge, Note 5).
Josh Miller/CNET
In the US, the Note 5 comes in black and white (but not gold or silver) for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon.

AT&T: Full retail: $740 (32GB) or $840 (64GB). Next 24 (30 monthl