Note 8 vs Note 10 Plus: Which Samsung Galaxy Reigns?
Stuck between a rock and a hard place? Choosing a smartphone can be tough, especially when you’re considering two powerhouses like the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and the Note 10 Plus. Both devices boast impressive features and a legacy of innovation, but which one truly deserves a spot in your pocket?
The Note series has always been synonymous with productivity and premium design. The Note 8, a beloved classic, offers a familiar feel and a host of features that made it a fan favorite. On the other hand, the Note 10 Plus represents a leap forward, with cutting-edge technology and a refined aesthetic.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll dissect every aspect of these two Samsung titans. From the display and performance to the camera and battery life, we’ll leave no stone unturned. Get ready to discover which device comes out on top in this ultimate showdown between the Note 8 and the Note 10 Plus.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | note 8 | note 10 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Triple 12MP + DepthVision |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 3300 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| S Pen | Yes | Yes (with Air Actions) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 7.1.1 (Oreo update) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (up to 256GB) | Yes (up to 1TB) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Note 8: Features a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the bezels are noticeably larger compared to newer phones.
- Note 10 Plus: Boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. Provides a more immersive viewing experience with minimal bezels and HDR10+ support, but can be a bit more fragile.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Processor & Performance
- Note 8: Powered by either a Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 processor, depending on the region. Offers solid performance for everyday tasks, but can show its age when running demanding applications.
- Note 10 Plus: Equipped with a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9825 processor. Delivers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Camera
- Note 8: Includes a dual 12MP rear camera setup with optical image stabilization (OIS). Captures good quality photos in various lighting conditions, but struggles in low light compared to newer models.
- Note 10 Plus: Features a versatile quad-camera system with 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 16MP ultrawide, and a DepthVision sensor. Offers improved image quality, more shooting options, and better low-light performance.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Battery Life
- Note 8: Comes with a 3300mAh battery. Provides decent battery life for moderate usage, but may require charging before the end of the day with heavy use.
- Note 10 Plus: Packs a larger 4300mAh battery. Offers significantly improved battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy usage.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
S Pen
- Note 8: The S Pen offers basic functionalities for note-taking, drawing, and navigation.
- Note 10 Plus: Upgraded S Pen with Air Actions, enabling remote control via gestures.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Design & Build Quality
- Note 8: Features a glass and metal design with a fingerprint sensor on the back. While stylish, it has larger bezels and feels less modern compared to the Note 10 Plus.
- Note 10 Plus: Sports a sleek and modern design with a nearly bezel-less display and a punch-hole camera. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the display, offering a more premium feel.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Storage & RAM
- Note 8: Comes with 6GB of RAM and options for 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
- Note 10 Plus: Offers 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, also expandable via microSD card.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Software & Updates
- Note 8: Originally launched with Android 7.1.1 Nougat and received updates up to Android 9 Pie. Software support is limited.
- Note 10 Plus: Ships with Android 9 Pie, with updates to Android 12. Offers a more up-to-date and feature-rich software experience, with continued security updates.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | note 10 plus |
| Performance | note 10 plus |
| Camera | note 10 plus |
| Battery Life | note 10 plus |
| Design | note 10 plus |
| Value | note 8 |
What They Have in Common:
- S Pen: Both phones feature the S Pen stylus, offering a similar suite of features like note-taking, drawing, and screen writing. The core functionality remains consistent across both devices.
- Water Resistance: Both the Note 8 and Note 10 Plus are IP68-rated, providing protection against dust and water submersion up to a certain depth for a specific duration. This ensures durability against the elements.
- Expandable Storage: Both phones offer the option to expand storage via microSD card, allowing users to increase storage capacity beyond the base internal storage. This is useful for storing photos, videos, and other large files.
- Super Amoled Display: Both phones utilize AMOLED display technology, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. This results in an enjoyable visual experience.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to charge the device without the need for a cable. This offers added flexibility for charging.
Note 8 Vs Note 10 Plus Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Note 8 sports a familiar design with a glass back and metal frame, offering a comfortable grip. Its bezels are noticeable, and the fingerprint sensor is located on the rear. The Note 10 Plus, on the other hand, boasts a more modern aesthetic. It features a sleek, all-glass design with minimal bezels and a centered punch-hole camera. The in-display fingerprint sensor adds to the premium feel. The build quality of both phones is excellent, but the Note 10 Plus feels more refined and contemporary due to its design.
The Note 10 Plus offers better water resistance (IP68) compared to Note 8’s IP68 rating, ensuring added protection against the elements. The Note 10 Plus’s slimmer profile and larger screen-to-body ratio contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. Both phones are durable, but the Note 10 Plus’s design feels more futuristic.
Display Comparison
The Note 8 features a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. The display is vibrant and sharp, offering excellent color accuracy and viewing angles. The Note 10 Plus ups the ante with a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a similar resolution. The Note 10 Plus display is brighter, more energy-efficient, and offers even better color reproduction. It also supports HDR10+ for enhanced video playback.
The Note 10 Plus display also has a smaller bezel, which makes the screen appear larger. The Note 10 Plus’s display also has a higher peak brightness, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. Both phones have excellent displays, but the Note 10 Plus offers a more advanced and immersive viewing experience. The Note 10 Plus provides a significantly improved display quality.
Performance and Software
The Note 8 is powered by either a Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 processor, depending on the region, coupled with 6GB of RAM. It handles everyday tasks and multitasking with ease. The Note 10 Plus, equipped with a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9825 processor and 12GB of RAM, delivers significantly improved performance. Apps launch faster, and demanding games run smoothly with higher frame rates.
The software experience also differs. The Note 8 runs on Android Oreo, which can be upgraded to Android Pie, while the Note 10 Plus ships with Android 9 or 10. The Note 10 Plus benefits from Samsung’s One UI, which is a more streamlined and user-friendly interface. The Note 10 Plus generally offers a smoother experience and is more future-proof.
Camera Capabilities
The Note 8 features a dual 12MP rear camera setup with wide-angle and telephoto lenses, offering excellent image quality in various conditions. It provides a good dynamic range and accurate color reproduction. The Note 10 Plus boasts a versatile quad-camera system with a 12MP primary, a 12MP telephoto, a 16MP ultra-wide, and a depth vision sensor. This setup allows for more creative shooting options.
The Note 10 Plus’s camera delivers improved low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and more detailed images. The ultra-wide lens adds versatility, allowing you to capture more in each shot. The Note 10 Plus excels in video recording with enhanced stabilization and higher resolution options. The Note 10 Plus offers a superior and more flexible camera experience.
Battery Life and Charging
The Note 8 comes with a 3300mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for moderate use. However, the battery can drain quickly with heavy use. The Note 10 Plus has a larger 4300mAh battery, providing significantly longer battery life. It easily lasts a full day of heavy usage and often extends into the next day.
The Note 10 Plus supports faster charging speeds, both wired and wireless. It supports 45W wired charging (with a compatible charger), allowing for quick top-ups. The Note 10 Plus also offers reverse wireless charging, which lets you charge other devices wirelessly. The Note 10 Plus offers a more convenient charging experience and greater battery longevity.
S Pen Features
Both phones feature the S Pen, a stylus that enhances productivity and creativity. The Note 8’s S Pen offers basic functionalities like note-taking, drawing, and screen writing. The Note 10 Plus’s S Pen introduces several enhancements. It has improved latency, making it feel more responsive. It also includes air gestures, allowing you to control certain functions with the stylus without touching the screen.
The Note 10 Plus S Pen offers a more fluid and feature-rich experience. The addition of air actions adds a new dimension to how you can interact with your phone. The Note 10 Plus S Pen also includes a built-in battery for longer usage and remote control features. The Note 10 Plus S Pen provides an overall improved experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy note 8 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want a flagship experience at a lower price point.
- You prefer a more compact design.
- You don’t need the latest and greatest processor or camera technology.
- You prioritize the classic Note design.
Buy note 10 plus If…
- You want the latest and greatest features, including the most powerful processor and advanced camera capabilities.
- You prioritize a larger display for media consumption and productivity.
- You want the updated S Pen features, including Air Actions.
- You want the best possible performance and features the Note series has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in design?
The Note 10 Plus features a more modern and refined design with minimal bezels and a punch-hole camera. The Note 8 has a more traditional design with larger bezels and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The Note 10 Plus utilizes a glass sandwich design for a more premium look and feel, while the Note 8 has a glass back and metal frame.
How does the display quality compare?
The Note 10 Plus has a larger, brighter, and more vibrant Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, offering a superior viewing experience. The Note 8 has a Super AMOLED display that is still very good, but it is not as bright or efficient as the Note 10 Plus’s display. The Note 10 Plus has a more modern display.
Which phone has better performance?
The Note 10 Plus, with its more powerful processor and more RAM, offers significantly better performance. It handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps more smoothly and efficiently. The Note 8 is still capable, but the Note 10 Plus provides a noticeably faster and more responsive experience. The Note 10 Plus has enhanced processing power.
How does the camera differ?
The Note 10 Plus has a more versatile quad-camera system with an ultra-wide lens and improved low-light performance. The Note 8 has a dual-camera setup that is still capable, but the Note 10 Plus offers more creative shooting options and better image quality in various conditions. The Note 10 Plus has greater camera flexibility.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Note 10 Plus, with its larger battery and more efficient components, offers significantly better battery life. It can easily last a full day of heavy use, while the Note 8 may require charging before the end of the day. The Note 10 Plus also supports faster charging. The Note 10 Plus provides longer usage.
What are the S Pen improvements?
The Note 10 Plus’s S Pen has improved latency, making it more responsive. It also includes air gestures, allowing for more intuitive control. The Note 10 Plus S Pen also has a built-in battery and remote control features, providing a more feature-rich experience. The Note 10 Plus S Pen is enhanced.
Is the Note 10 Plus worth the upgrade?
Yes, the Note 10 Plus offers significant improvements in design, display, performance, camera, and battery life. It’s a worthy upgrade if you’re looking for a more modern, powerful, and feature-rich smartphone experience. The Note 10 Plus is a significant upgrade from the Note 8. The Note 10 Plus provides a more advanced experience.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus offers a superior experience across the board. From its modern design and stunning display to its powerful performance and versatile camera system, the Note 10 Plus is a clear winner. While the Note 8 remains a capable device, the Note 10 Plus provides significant upgrades that justify its higher price and make it the better choice for most users.
Winner: Note 10 Plus