Galaxy Note10 Vs Galaxy Note10+

Galaxy Note10
Galaxy Note10
Starting at

Refurbished price:£185.00

Versus £1,229.00 new

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Galaxy Note10+
Galaxy Note10+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£302.00

Versus £999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Note10 and Galaxy Note10 Plus, both released in August 2019, represent Samsung's flagship smartphone offerings from that year. While sharing the core Note experience, including the signature S Pen, the Plus model distinguishes itself with a larger display, enhanced camera capabilities, and a more substantial battery, catering to users with varying preferences for screen size and advanced features. Both devices launched with Android 9 Pie and received subsequent updates to Android 12.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timeline and software support are key factors. Both the Galaxy Note10 and Note10 Plus were launched in August 2019, meaning they have a similar age.

  • Software Updates: Samsung officially ended major Android OS updates for both models with Android 12, and security updates concluded around August/September 2023. This means users should not expect further official software support.
  • Practical Lifespan: While official software support has ceased, both devices are built with durable materials, including Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and back, and feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Their physical construction suggests they can continue to function reliably for daily tasks, though the lack of ongoing security updates is a consideration for some users.
  • Repairability: Both models share a similar internal design, and while specific repairability scores can vary, they generally offer a comparable experience for professional repairs.

Year of Release

2019

2019

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of the Galaxy Note10 and Note10 Plus is driven by capable internal components, offering a smooth experience for everyday applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: Both devices are equipped with a powerful processor from their generation, allowing them to handle demanding applications, graphic-intensive games, and seamless multitasking. Users can expect responsive navigation and quick app loading times.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy Note10 typically comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy Note10 Plus, however, features a more generous 12GB of RAM, which can provide a slight edge in managing numerous open applications simultaneously. It also offers storage options of 256GB or 512GB, and uniquely, includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent on the standard Note10.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Note10 houses a 3500mAh battery, while the Note10 Plus features a larger 4300mAh battery. User experiences suggest the Note10 Plus generally offers more extended battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use, whereas the standard Note10 may require more frequent charging for power users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy Note10 and Note10 Plus feature Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED display technology, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing an immersive viewing experience.

  • Display Size and Resolution: The primary difference lies in screen size and resolution. The Galaxy Note10 has a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels (Full HD+), resulting in a pixel density of approximately 401 pixels per inch (PPI). The Note10 Plus boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a higher resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels (Quad HD+), achieving a sharper 498 PPI.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer excellent brightness levels, reaching up to 1200 nits peak brightness, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. They are HDR10+ certified, providing enhanced contrast and color accuracy for compatible content.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which was common for flagship smartphones at their release.

Resolution

1080 x 2280

1440 x 3040

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy Note10 and Note10 Plus offer versatile photography and videography capabilities, though the Plus model includes an additional sensor.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens with a variable aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The Note10 Plus adds a DepthVision (ToF) sensor, which assists in more accurate depth perception for portrait modes and augmented reality applications.
  • Photography Performance: In well-lit conditions, both devices capture sharp photos with good detail and vibrant colors. User feedback indicates that while daylight performance is strong, low-light photography can be mixed, with some users noting a tendency for over-processing or noise in very dark scenes, despite a dedicated Night mode.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both models support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second and offer features like Live Focus Video, which applies background blur to video. They also include stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience during media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core specifications, the Galaxy Note10 and Note10 Plus offer several practical features that enhance their overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support modern connectivity standards, including 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, with 5G variants also available for the Note10 Plus in some regions. A notable change from previous Note models is the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on both the Note10 and Note10 Plus. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both phones feature an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, providing a convenient and integrated biometric solution.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy Note10 is the more compact of the two, weighing 168g and measuring 151 x 71.8 x 7.9mm. The Note10 Plus is larger and heavier at 196g (or 198g for the 5G variant) and measures 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9mm. This size difference impacts one-handed usability, with the standard Note10 being more manageable for some users. Both feature a premium glass and metal construction.

Weight

168 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.3

6.8

Mobile network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Note10 and Note10 Plus, while sharing the iconic S Pen and a premium build, cater to slightly different user needs. Users frequently praise the Note10 Plus for its expansive and vibrant display, robust battery life, and the versatility offered by its additional depth-sensing camera. Common criticisms for the standard Note10 often revolve around its comparatively shorter battery life for heavy users and the lack of expandable storage. For both models, some users have noted that low-light camera performance, while capable, might not always match the best in class from their era, and some find Samsung's image processing can be overly aggressive.

Users prioritizing a more compact device that is easier for one-handed use, while still offering a premium experience and the S Pen, may find the Galaxy Note10 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a larger, higher-resolution display for media consumption and productivity, require longer battery endurance, or benefit from expandable storage and slightly more advanced camera features, will likely lean towards the Galaxy Note10 Plus. Both devices remain viable options for those seeking a quality-assured refurbished smartphone, offering a sustainable choice for accessing premium features from their generation.

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