The Galaxy Note 5 is arguably the best phablet currently available, and it’s one of the few smartphones to come with an accessory (the S Pen). But why let your accessory collection stop there? You could be streaming content from your smartphone or charging it more easily with the right set of add-ons. The perfect tool will even allow you mount your device on your car’s dash, or check your email and text messages directly from your wrist. Below are some of the best Galaxy Note 5 accessories around, whether you’re on a tight budget or have cash to spare.
Google Chromecast
With the new Chromecast, you can easily share everything on your Note 5 with the big screen. It plugs into any TV via HDMI and connects to your Wi-Fi network. As long as your Note 5 is connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can share your personal photos and videos, play games, and choose content from apps such as YouTube or Netflix. Moreover, it’s easy to set up and works flawlessly. You could also opt for Chromecast Audio, if you want to stream music from your Note 5 to your existing wired speaker system.
iOttie Wireless Charging Car Mount
Here’s a clever car mount that incorporates Qi wireless charging — just stick your Note 5 in the mount and allow the padded arms to securely hold your device in place. The iOttie Wireless Charging Car Mount is outfitted with a special mechanism that lets you remove your Note 5 when you press on both sides, giving you a quick way to grab your phone when you reach your destination. The telescopic arm is fully adjustable, too, so you can get the perfect angle. The mount features a classic suction cup and a dashboard pad for secure mounting. The back panel contains a Qi wireless charger, so you can charge up your Note 5 while you drive, using the provided cable.
iClever 3-Port Car Charger
If you do opt for the wireless charging mount above, you’ll still need a charger compatible with the power port in your car. The iClever 3-Port Car Charger fits the bill nicely, providing you with one port to plug your car mount into and two to spare, meaning your passenger can charge up their phone while you juice up a battery pack at the same time. You get 2.4A out of the top port, and the bottom two offer 2.1A apiece, which is enough to charge up your Note 5 in a hurry. It’s small, durable, and safe, with built-in protection from overheating and overcharging.
QiStone+ Wireless Portable Charging Battery
It’s always handy to have a spare battery pack on hand with the Note 5, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a better option than the QiStone. The beauty of this device is that it supports Qi wireless charging. This means you can charge the 4,000mAh battery inside it on a wireless charging pad and your Note 5 by placing it on top of the QiStone – no wires required. It also offers Micro USB and USB ports, in case you want to use a cable or charge devices without Qi support.
Samsung Gear S2
With the Gear S2, it looks as though Samsung has finally cracked smartwatch design. The stylish device comes with a smart rotating bezel, a svelte body, and support for Samsung Pay. You need a Samsung phone like the Note 5 to really get the most out of it, though, and the two make a great combination. The Gear S2 actually runs Tizen rather Android Wear, but it already supports more than a thousand apps and counting. It will send you notifications from your Note 5, share activity data, and even allow you to pay for stuff without getting the Note 5 out of your pocket. If you’re going to get a smartwatch to pair with your Note 5, this is the one to go for.
Micro USB to USB OTG Cable
Galaxy Note 5 accessories don’t have to be expensive. This cable could prove very useful, and it only costs a few dollars. With the USB OTG Cable, you can plug in flash drives and external hard drives. You can also transfer files directly to and from devices, or even use it to plug in a keyboard, a mouse, or a similar accessory.
Samsung Level Box Wireless Speaker
This is a compact wireless speaker that you carry around from room to room and pair with your Note 5 for great audio quality. It weighs less than 20 ounces and measures 6.5 x 2.7 x 2.4 inches. It supports Bluetooth and NFC for pairing, while providing you with 15 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. It also boasts an automatic equalizer function called SoundAlive, which helps optimize the sound for your music preference. The Level Box even works as a speakerphone for incoming and outgoing calls, or as a conference call device, if need be.
iClever Portable Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard
The Note 5 sports a magnificent 5.7-inch display, which is big enough to work on. If you’re on the go without a laptop, pairing the Note 5 with a wee Bluetooth keyboard could be enough to help you stay productive. This lightweight keyboard folds in two places, so you can stick it in your pocket. More importantly, though it’s not much bigger than the Note 5 itself when folded, it opens up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard with decent travel in the keys. The iClever Portable Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard’s aluminum alloy finish renders it fairly durable, too, and it has a range of 10 meters. It even automatically turns off when closed to save battery life, and it comes with a charging cable and a carrying pouch.
SanDisk 32GB Micro USB Flash Drive
You’ll be able to use most standard thumb drives if you opt for the Micro USB to USB OTG cable, but you could go for the SanDisk 32GB Micro USB Flash Drive instead, especially considering it offers a Micro USB connector on one end and a standard USB connector on the other. That means you can plug it directly into your Note 5 without any cables and use it to transfer files, back up photos, or just generally extend your storage space. You can also get a larger capacity 64GB drive for $27.
Samsung Level U Bluetooth In-ear Headphones
You’ll find that the Level U Bluetooth In-ear Headphones from Samsung feature a smart design that includes a comfortable, flexible neck piece and magnetic earbuds, so there’s no risk of tangling wires. The headphones quickly pair with your Note 5 via Bluetooth and allow for around 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. The Level U also features a dual-microphone system for noise and echo reduction when listening to music or during calls. There’s even a simple set of controls on the right-hand side, and it comes with spare ear gel buds for a comfortable fit.
