Note 10 vs S10 Plus: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new phone can be a tough decision, especially when you’re considering top-tier devices from the same brand. Samsung offers a plethora of choices, but two stand out: the Note 10 and the S10 Plus. Both phones boast impressive features and performance, leaving many users wondering which one is the better investment.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 introduced a refined design and the iconic S Pen, while the Galaxy S10 Plus focused on delivering a powerful and feature-rich experience. This comparison delves deep into the key differences and similarities between these two popular smartphones. We’ll explore everything from their displays and cameras to their performance and battery life.
Ultimately, the goal is to help you determine which phone aligns best with your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize productivity with the S Pen or prefer a more compact design, this comparison of the note 10 vs s10 plus will provide valuable insights to guide your decision. Let’s find out which Samsung phone comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | note 10 | s10 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP + 8MP (depth) |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 4100 mAh |
| S Pen | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (MicroSD) | Yes (MicroSD) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Note 10: 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and excellent contrast. However, the lower resolution compared to the S10+ is a minor drawback.
- S10 Plus: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels. Provides a sharper and more detailed viewing experience. The dual-lens front camera cutout might be a visual preference issue for some.
- Winner: S10 Plus
Processor
- Note 10: Powered by either a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9825 processor (depending on the region), offering excellent performance for multitasking and gaming. Generally very smooth and responsive.
- S10 Plus: Also features a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor (region-dependent), delivering similar performance levels. Still a powerful phone, but slightly older processor.
- Winner: Note 10
S Pen Functionality
- Note 10: The S Pen is a key differentiator, with improved latency and air gestures for enhanced control and note-taking. Offers a significant advantage for productivity and creative tasks.
- S10 Plus: Lacks the S Pen, limiting its note-taking and creative capabilities. Relies on touch input.
- Winner: Note 10
Cameras
- Note 10: Features a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, delivering excellent image quality and video recording capabilities. Performance is very good, but not a massive leap.
- S10 Plus: Also has a triple-lens rear camera system, producing comparable image quality and video recording. Still offers a great camera experience.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Note 10: 3500mAh battery. Provides a solid day of use for moderate users, but can drain quickly with heavy use.
- S10 Plus: 4100mAh battery. Offers significantly better battery life, easily lasting a full day and often into the next.
- Winner: S10 Plus
Design and Build Quality
- Note 10: Sleek and modern design with a more compact form factor. Feels premium, but the glass back is prone to fingerprints.
- S10 Plus: Similar premium build with a glass back. Slightly larger and heavier, but still feels well-built.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- Note 10: Available with up to 256GB of internal storage. Does not have a microSD card slot.
- S10 Plus: Offers up to 1TB of internal storage with microSD card support for expandable storage. A significant advantage if you need a lot of space.
- Winner: S10 Plus
Price
- Note 10: Generally more expensive due to its newer release and S Pen features.
- S10 Plus: Usually available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: S10 Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | s10 plus |
| Battery Life | s10 plus |
| S Pen Functionality | note 10 |
| Portability | note 10 |
| Headphone Jack | s10 plus |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both phones feature vibrant and sharp AMOLED displays, providing excellent visual experiences for media consumption and everyday use.
- Performance: Both devices offer flagship-level performance, capable of handling demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking without significant lag.
- Camera Capabilities: Both phones boast versatile camera systems, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Water Resistance: Both the Note 10 and S10 Plus are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills or exposure to the elements.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Expandable Storage: Both devices offer microSD card slots for expanding storage capacity, allowing users to store more files, photos, and videos.
Note 10 Vs S10 Plus Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and S10 Plus both boast premium designs, but they differ in their approach. The Note 10 features a more refined, squarer aesthetic with thinner bezels, maximizing screen real estate. Its glass back is protected by Gorilla Glass, offering both beauty and durability. The S10 Plus retains the curved-edge design that Samsung is known for, with a more traditional feel. Both phones are water-resistant, adding to their resilience. The build quality on both devices is top-notch, reflecting their flagship status, but the Note 10 edges ahead with a more modern and streamlined look.
Display and Visual Experience
Both phones offer stunning displays, but with key differences. The Note 10 has a slightly smaller screen, but the AMOLED panel is vibrant and crisp, with excellent color accuracy. The S10 Plus boasts a larger display, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. Both screens support HDR10+ for enhanced dynamic range. The Note 10’s centered punch-hole camera is less distracting than the S10 Plus’s dual-camera cutout. Ultimately, both offer exceptional visual experiences, but the size preference will determine which is better for you.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, both phones pack powerful processors, delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The Note 10 usually features a newer processor, offering slightly improved performance and efficiency. Both phones offer ample RAM and storage options. Gaming and multitasking are handled with ease on both devices. The S10 Plus has a slightly larger battery, which can translate to longer battery life in some use cases. Note 10 also has S Pen functionality.
Camera Capabilities
Both the Note 10 and S10 Plus feature versatile camera systems capable of capturing stunning photos and videos. The S10 Plus offers a wider field of view with its triple-lens setup, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom. The Note 10’s camera is slightly more refined, with improved image processing and video stabilization. Both phones excel in various lighting conditions, producing detailed and vibrant images. The choice depends on specific needs like the S10 Plus’s ultrawide lens or Note 10’s newer software.
Software and User Interface
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, providing a user-friendly and feature-rich experience. One UI is known for its customization options and intuitive navigation. The Note 10 often receives software updates sooner than the S10 Plus. Both phones offer a wide range of features, including Samsung’s Bixby virtual assistant. The S Pen functionality on the Note 10 adds a layer of productivity features, setting it apart for users who value note-taking and creative tasks. The software experience is very similar.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life varies depending on usage, but both phones offer all-day performance for most users. The S10 Plus, with its larger battery capacity, may offer slightly better battery life in some scenarios. Both phones support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up your battery. The Note 10 supports faster wired charging and also includes wireless PowerShare, which allows you to charge other devices wirelessly. The difference in battery life is not significant. The charging experience is also great.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy note 10 If…
- You value the S Pen stylus and its productivity features.
- You prefer a more compact design.
- You want the latest Samsung features at the time of release.
- You prioritize a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Buy s10 plus If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You want longer battery life.
- You want a headphone jack.
- You prefer a slightly more affordable option (depending on current market prices).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Note 10 and S10 Plus?
The Note 10 features a more refined design with thinner bezels and a centered punch-hole camera. The Note 10 also has S Pen functionality, which the S10 Plus lacks. The S10 Plus has a slightly larger display and battery. Both phones offer similar performance, but with variations in camera setups and software updates. The key differences revolve around design, the S Pen, and display size.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. The S10 Plus has a larger display, making it better for media consumption and gaming. The Note 10’s display, while slightly smaller, offers excellent color accuracy and sharpness. The choice depends on personal preference; if you want a larger screen, go for the S10 Plus. If you prefer a more compact design, the Note 10 is the better choice.
How does the camera compare on the Note 10 and S10 Plus?
Both phones have very capable cameras. The S10 Plus has a wider field of view with its ultrawide lens. The Note 10’s camera has slightly improved image processing and video stabilization. Both cameras perform well in various lighting conditions, producing high-quality photos and videos. The best choice depends on your preferences. The S10 Plus has an ultrawide, the Note 10 has software improvements.
Is the S Pen worth it?
The S Pen is a significant differentiator. It provides note-taking, drawing, and remote control capabilities. If you frequently take notes, sketch, or need precise control, the S Pen is worth it. If you don’t anticipate using these features often, the S10 Plus might be a better choice. The S Pen significantly increases productivity and creativity.
Which phone has better battery life?
The S10 Plus generally has slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. However, the actual battery life will depend on your usage. Both phones offer all-day battery life for most users. If battery life is a top priority, the S10 Plus might be the slightly better choice, but the difference is small. The Note 10 also has fast charging.
How does the performance compare?
Both phones offer excellent performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The Note 10 may have a slightly newer processor. Both phones have ample RAM and storage options. Gaming and multitasking are handled smoothly on both devices. The performance difference is minimal, and both phones provide a lag-free experience. Both are great for day-to-day use.
Which phone should I buy?
It depends on your priorities. The Note 10 is better if you want the S Pen, a more modern design, and faster charging. The S10 Plus is better if you value a larger display and slightly longer battery life. Both are great phones, so consider what features are most important to you. Evaluate your needs and preferences, the S Pen is a key factor.
Final Verdict
Both the Note 10 and S10 Plus are excellent smartphones, each with its own strengths. The Note 10 offers a more refined design, the S Pen, and potentially faster performance. The S10 Plus boasts a larger display and a slightly longer battery life. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
Winner: [Samsung Galaxy Note 10]