Samsung has just made the Galaxy Note 10 official, but doesn’t it fit too well with the Galaxy S10+? The latter hasn’t really lost any of its superb… To help you make the right choice, check out our comparison.
Samsung has a small problem in 2019: it has a lot of “spearhead” smartphones on its belt. While the new Galaxy Note 10’s have been launched, the Galaxy Fold is still awaited and the Galaxy S10s have not disappeared from the market.
In this context, is it really relevant to choose a freshly advertised Note 10 rather than a Galaxy S10+? At first glance, the two devices may appear quite similar. We take stock with you on the most notable differences between the two, to help you make your choice.
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Comparative data sheets for Galaxy Note 10 and S10+
Model | Samsung Galaxy Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus |
OS version | Android 9.0 | Android 9.0 |
Manufacturer Interface | Samsung One UI | Samsung One UI |
Screen size | 6.3 inches | 6.4 inches |
Definition | 2280 x 1080 pixels | 3040 x 1440 pixels |
Pixel density | 507 dpi | 526 dpi |
Technology | OLED | OLED |
SoC | Exynos 9825 | Exynos 9820 |
Graphics Chip (GPU) | Mali-G76 MP12 | ARM Mali G76 |
Random Access Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Internal memory (flash) | 256 GB | 128 GB, 512 GB, 1024 GB |
Camera (back) | Sensor 1 : 12 Mpx | Sensor 1 : 12 Mpx |
Camera (frontal) | 10 Mpx | Sensor 1 : 10 MPX |
Video recording | 4K | 4K |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (ad) | Wi-Fi 6 (ad) |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Networks | LTE, HSPA, GSM | LTE, HSPA, GSM |
Supported bands | 2100 MHz (B1), 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B3), 2600 MHz (B7), 700 MHz (B28) | 2100 MHz (B1), 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B3), 2600 MHz (B7), 700 MHz (B28) |
NFC | Yes | Yes |
Fingerprint sensor | Yes | Yes |
Ports (input/output) | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
Battery | 3500 mAh | 4100 mAh |
Dimensions | 71.8 x 151 x 7.9mm | 74.1 x 157.6 x 7.8mm |
Weight | 168 grams | 175 grams |
Colors | Black, Silver | Pink, Yellow, White, Blue, Black, Green |
Awards | 684€ | 703€ |
Product sheet See the test | Product sheet See the test |
8 /10
9 /10
Galaxy Note 10 and S10+, a similar format
The Galaxy S10+ is slightly wider, the Galaxy Note 10 is slightly larger, but the fact is that both Samsung devices have a very similar format. It is therefore natural that the comparison between the two should be made, and that consumers spot their similarities so easily. That is what justifies this comparison after all.
However, we also note that Samsung has finally abandoned its Bixby button more constraining than anything else on Note 10. The S10+ still has it on the left side of the unit.
The definition of Note 10+ on the Galaxy S10+
Samsung has made a special choice on the Galaxy Note 10: it is limited to 1080p, while the Note 10+ goes up to QHD+ at 1440p. Many people have pointed this out as a disappointment, although, let’s not hide it: on a 6.3 inch diagonal, it doesn’t make much difference to usage.
But if this is really important to you, especially for virtual reality that the Galaxy Note 10 doesn’t enjoy, then the Galaxy S10+ might be much more satisfying for you. It is well in 1440p, on a screen with similar quality, Samsung obliges.
Storage changes the game
Exynos 9220 for Galaxy S10+, Exynos 9225 for Galaxy Note 10. 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM on both. On paper, the two smartphones look very similar in terms of performance… and that’s not surprising. The big difference between the two chips is to be seen in the fineness of the etching, which goes from 8 to 7 nm EUV. But this will primarily concern the autonomy, the performances at stake and in everyday life should be inseparable between the two devices.
On the other hand, it should be noted that the storage space of the Galaxy S10+ uses UFS 2.1 technology as opposed to the new UFS 3.0 standard on the Galaxy Note 10. This will have a strong impact on the speed of file transfers and uploads on the latter. Conversely, the Galaxy S10+ has a microSD port, which is not the case for the Galaxy Note 10.
Duel on the selfie
If we still have to test the Galaxy Note 10 in real conditions to determine it, Samsung’s photo formula should remain intact this year and be somewhat improved on the algorithm side first. On paper, the configurations of the three photo sensors of the Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy Note 10 are quite similar, but we suspect that the latest top-of-the-line will be a bit better.
The big difference, especially in the absence of a TOF sensor for Galaxy Note 10 compared to Note 10+, is at the front. The front photo sensor of Note 10 is unique, located in a punch in the middle of the top of the screen. In contrast, the Galaxy S10+ has two sensors at the front, one of which is dedicated to depth, on the upper right-hand side.
Also, while the rear end should be a little better on the Galaxy Note 10, the Galaxy S10+ is by definition more versatile on selfies, especially in portrait mode.
Numbers count
Again, we’ll have to test all this, but with its large 4,100 mAh battery compared to 3,500 mAh on the Galaxy Note 10, the Galaxy S10+ seems to offer a better longevity. This being the case, you will also have to pay attention to the optimizations made by Samsung.
On the Galaxy Note 10, it is naturally the 7nm to 8nm engraving of the new Exynos 9225 that will play. And the difference can be drastic, but 500 mAh of difference is no small matter. A tie is not to be ruled out in this context.
Galaxy Note 10 leads to the wand
And of course, there is also the big annual difference between the S and Note ranges: the presence of the S Pen. The Galaxy S10+ of course does not benefit from this, unlike the Galaxy Note 10.
This year, after good developments last year, the Galaxy Note 10 S Pen has truly become a little magic wand. From a distance, and thanks to the presence of an accelerometer, he can really remotely control many aspects of the smartphone and especially the camera where it is possible to change mode by a few glides in the air.
Nice, yes, but still a bit of a gimmick. In absolute terms, even on Note 9, few people use these features more than ten times before the S Pen stays in its compartment forever. It can therefore be considered dispensable.
Two hundred euros difference
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 in its unique 256GB version will be sold at the recommended retail price of 959 euros. On the other hand, the Galaxy S10+ is now available for around 750 euros.
It’s up to you to see whether the few differences between the two models justify paying 200 euros more, but the fact is that the similarities between the two devices are there. Perhaps the little sacrifice required in between would have to be made in order to save a substantial amount of money.
