Note 9 vs Note 10 Plus: Which Samsung Galaxy Reigns?
Struggling to decide between the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the newer Note 10 Plus? You’re not alone. Both phones offer premium features, stunning displays, and the iconic S Pen, making the choice a tough one.
This in-depth comparison dives into the core differences and similarities between these two powerhouses. We’ll explore everything from design and display quality to performance, camera capabilities, and battery life.
Whether you’re a long-time Note user looking to upgrade or considering your first foray into the world of Samsung’s phablet lineup, this guide will help you determine which device best suits your needs and budget. Get ready to discover which Note reigns supreme!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | note 9 | note 10 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.4 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2960 pixels | 1440 x 3040 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP + TOF |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| S Pen | Yes | Yes (with Air Actions) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes (Super Fast Charging) |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Note 9: Features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, but has thicker bezels compared to newer models.
- Note 10 Plus: Boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. It provides a more immersive viewing experience with its nearly bezel-less design and is brighter than the Note 9.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Design and Build Quality
- Note 9: Features a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a premium feel. It’s slightly thicker and heavier than the Note 10 Plus, with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Note 10 Plus: Showcases a sleek design with a glass back and metal frame. It’s slimmer and lighter, with a more modern design and an in-display fingerprint sensor.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Processor and Performance
- Note 9: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 processor, depending on the region. It provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming, though it’s now a few generations old.
- Note 10 Plus: Powered by a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9825 processor, offering significantly improved performance and efficiency. It handles demanding tasks and multitasking with ease.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Camera
- Note 9: Has a dual-aperture 12MP primary camera and a 12MP telephoto lens. It takes excellent photos in various conditions, but it lacks some of the advanced features of the Note 10 Plus.
- Note 10 Plus: Features a versatile quad-camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, 16MP ultrawide, and a DepthVision camera. It offers superior image quality, more shooting modes, and better video capabilities.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Battery Life
- Note 9: Comes with a 4,000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for most users. Charging is via USB-C or wireless charging.
- Note 10 Plus: Houses a 4,300mAh battery, offering slightly better battery life than the Note 9. It also supports faster charging speeds.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
S Pen
- Note 9: The S Pen offers basic functionality like note-taking and screen writing.
- Note 10 Plus: The S Pen has been enhanced with air gestures and other new features, improving the user experience and increasing productivity.
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Storage
- Note 9: Comes with up to 512GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
- Note 10 Plus: Offers up to 512GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Base storage is higher than Note 9
- Winner: Note 10 Plus
Price and Availability
- Note 9: Generally available at a lower price point now due to its age.
- Note 10 Plus: Typically more expensive.
- Winner: Note 9
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | note 10 plus |
| Performance | note 10 plus |
| Camera | note 10 plus |
| Battery Life | note 10 plus |
| Design | Tie |
| S Pen Features | note 10 plus |
What They Have in Common:
- S Pen: Both phones feature the iconic S Pen, allowing for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
- Water Resistance: Both the Note 9 and Note 10 Plus are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills and exposure.
- Expandable Storage: Both devices offer microSD card slots, allowing users to expand their storage capacity and store more photos, videos, and files.
- Premium Design: Both phones boast a premium design with glass and metal construction, providing a sleek and sophisticated look and feel.
- Fast Wireless Charging: Both support fast wireless charging, allowing you to easily and quickly top up your battery.
Note 9 Vs Note 10 Plus Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Note 9 boasts a familiar design with a glass back and metal frame, offering a premium feel. It’s slightly thicker and heavier than the Note 10 Plus. The Note 10 Plus, however, introduces a more modern aesthetic with a sleek, all-screen front and a centered punch-hole camera. The build quality is exceptional on both, with both phones featuring Gorilla Glass for durability. The Note 10 Plus features a thinner bezel and a more streamlined appearance, making it appear more modern and elegant. This provides a more comfortable experience in the hand.
Display Quality
Both devices showcase stunning AMOLED displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Note 9 features a 6.4-inch display, while the Note 10 Plus boasts a larger 6.8-inch screen. The Note 10 Plus’s display offers a higher resolution and is slightly brighter, providing a better viewing experience, especially in direct sunlight. Both screens are HDR10+ certified, ensuring excellent dynamic range. The Note 10 Plus’s Infinity-O display also contributes to a more immersive experience due to its minimal bezels.
Performance and Processor
The Note 9, powered by either a Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 (depending on the region), still provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The Note 10 Plus, equipped with a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820/9825, offers a significant performance boost. This results in faster app loading times, improved multitasking capabilities, and enhanced gaming performance. The Note 10 Plus handles demanding applications and games with ease, making it a more future-proof option.
Camera Capabilities
The Note 9’s dual-camera system, with its variable aperture, still captures impressive photos and videos. The Note 10 Plus significantly upgrades the camera experience with a triple-lens system, including an ultrawide lens and a depth vision sensor. This allows for more versatile shooting options, including wider shots and improved portrait mode effects. The Note 10 Plus also offers better low-light performance and enhanced video stabilization compared to the Note 9.
Battery Life and Charging
The Note 9 comes with a 4,000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for most users. The Note 10 Plus features a larger 4,300mAh battery, further extending the battery life. Both devices support fast charging and wireless charging. The Note 10 Plus also supports faster wired charging (45W) compared to the Note 9’s charging speed. This allows for quicker top-ups. The Note 10 Plus’s battery also tends to last longer under heavy use.
S Pen Features
The S Pen is a signature feature of the Note series, and both devices include this stylus. The Note 9’s S Pen offers Bluetooth connectivity for remote control functions. The Note 10 Plus’s S Pen introduces even more advanced features, including air gestures, allowing you to control the device with hand movements. The Note 10 Plus’s S Pen also has improved latency, providing a more natural writing experience. Both S Pens provide convenient note-taking and drawing capabilities.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy note 9 If…
- You’re looking for a flagship phone at a lower price point.
- You prefer a more compact design.
- You don’t need the latest processor or camera technology.
- You are happy with the standard features.
Buy note 10 plus If…
- You want the biggest and best display available on a Samsung phone.
- You prioritize the latest processor and performance.
- You want the most advanced camera system with more versatility.
- You desire the additional features of the S Pen with Air Actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in design?
The Note 10 Plus features a more modern design with a centered punch-hole camera and thinner bezels, giving it a sleeker look. The Note 9 has a more traditional design with a slightly thicker profile. The Note 10 Plus’s design is more refined, and the screen-to-body ratio is significantly improved, resulting in a more immersive experience. The Note 10 Plus feels more modern.
How does the display quality compare?
Both phones have excellent AMOLED displays, but the Note 10 Plus has a slightly larger 6.8-inch screen with a higher resolution and is brighter. This results in a more vibrant and detailed viewing experience, especially in sunlight. Both displays are HDR10+ certified. The Note 10 Plus’s display is generally considered superior due to its size and resolution.
Is the performance significantly different?
Yes, the Note 10 Plus, with its newer processor, offers a noticeable performance boost in app loading, multitasking, and gaming. While the Note 9 is still capable, the Note 10 Plus provides a smoother and faster experience overall. The Note 10 Plus is more future-proof due to its more powerful processor. It handles demanding tasks with ease.
What about the camera capabilities?
The Note 10 Plus has a more advanced camera system with an ultrawide lens and a depth vision sensor, offering more versatile shooting options and improved image quality. The Note 9’s camera is still capable, but the Note 10 Plus excels in low-light performance and video stabilization. The Note 10 Plus provides a more comprehensive photography experience.
How does battery life compare?
The Note 10 Plus typically offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery and more efficient processor. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging. The Note 10 Plus also has faster wired charging. However, battery life will vary based on usage. The Note 10 Plus provides a comfortable battery life for a full day of usage.
What are the key S Pen upgrades?
The Note 10 Plus’s S Pen introduces air gestures, allowing for remote control of the device with hand movements. It also has improved latency for a more natural writing experience. The Note 9’s S Pen offers Bluetooth connectivity for remote control. The Note 10 Plus S Pen offers more functionality and improved responsiveness. The Note 10 Plus S Pen is a significant upgrade.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The Note 10 Plus is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor and improved graphics capabilities. This translates to smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and a more enjoyable experience overall. While the Note 9 is still capable of playing games, the Note 10 Plus offers a superior gaming experience. The Note 10 Plus is more future-proof for gaming.
Final Verdict
The Note 10 Plus surpasses the Note 9 in nearly every aspect. It offers a more modern design, superior display, significantly improved performance, and a more advanced camera system. While the Note 9 remains a capable device, the Note 10 Plus provides a more refined and feature-rich experience, especially if you want a phone that is more future-proof. The enhancements and upgrades make the Note 10 Plus the clear winner.
Winner: Note 10 Plus