Samsung Galaxy Note 10 review

Added by on 08.08.19 | Last update 01.19.24
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 review

Samsung Galaxy Note smartphones have always been created in a similar way. Take a device from the S series, enlarge the screen, add a stylus and a few interesting features, a bunch of innovations and voila - the flagship is there. In keeping with tradition, the Galaxy Note 10 has so far been presented in two variants (with and without the "+"). Let's take a look at the compact Note 10.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Specifications

  • Release date: 2019, August
  • Colors: Aura Glow, Aura White, Aura Black, Aura Pink, Aura Red
  • Dimensions: 151 x 71.8 x 7.9 mm.
  • Weight: 168 g.
  • Screen: 6.3" in, 1080 x 2280, Dynamic AMOLED
  • Camera : Triple, 12MP
  • Chipset: Exynos 9825 (7 nm)
  • CPU: Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M4 & 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A75 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) - EMEA/LATAM
    Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) - USA/China
  • Memory: 256 GB, 8 GB RAM
  • Battery: 3500,  Non-removable Li-Ion
  • Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
  • Operating system: Android 9.0 (Pie); One UI
  • Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.

Design

It is noticeable at first glance that the design of the Galaxy Note has been seriously changed. Engineers from South Korea had the difficult task of creating a device that is different from all others on the market, including its "relatives" from the S series. The bezels around the camera have become thinner and this has definitely positively affected the look of the smartphone.

We take a second look and see that the Galaxy Note 10 has received thinner bezels on the sides. Even the "chin" is thinner. While the glass has remained curved, the radius of curvature has been reduced significantly. As a result, the risk of unwanted knocks when the user holds the phone in hand has been lowered.

Despite the changes, Galaxy Note 10 remains recognisable. It has retained its rectangular edges. Another important feature of the Note series is, of course, the S Pen stylus. Where to go without it! It is a key element of the model.

Display

For years, Samsung has been a recognized leader in the production of AMOLED panels. It can be said that on this indicator the company has no equal. That's why all its flagships always have the most up-to-date matrices. Suffice it to mention that the Galaxy Note 10 is equipped with Dynamic AMOLED Infinity-O Display and it is immediately understood that this is a serious innovation. Add to that support for the HDR10+ standard.

The Note 10 has received a 6.3-inch diagonal screen supporting 1080×2280 pixels resolution. The aspect ratio is 19:9 and the pixel density per inch is 401 ppi.

In comparison, the Note 10+ boasts a 6.8-inch diagonal and a higher resolution of 1440×3040 pixels. The aspect ratio remains the same, with the pixel density per inch increasing to 498 ppi.

In short: The Note 10's screen is quality, with wide viewing angles and good color rendering.

Performance

As it should, the flagship has a top processor. Depending on the market, it's a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or Exynos. It is complemented by 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Unlike the Note 10, in the Note 10+ model the user gets a hybrid microSD slot. Both the smartphones support 2 SIM cards.

The device runs on Android 9.0 operating system at the factory with a proprietary One UI interface, which looks quite cute.

S Pen

The stylus is a distinguishing feature of the Galaxy Note 10. One of its main trump cards. The S Pen is standard on the Galaxy Note 10 and 10+ and has the same size. For the second year in a row, a small battery is placed in the accessory, which allows you to work with it separately from a smartphone. Last year, the S Pen was equipped with a presentation button and a remote shooting feature. This year, the stylus' capabilities are even greater. Gesture control has appeared. You can switch between camera modes and even zoom in on an object with simple movements. The S Pen's main function remains note-taking and drawing.

The Galaxy Note continues to be the only series with its own accessory.

Cameras

Traditionally, the South Korean company also puts an emphasis on the camera in its devices. Although the cameras themselves as a design have not changed for years, engineers "squeeze" the most out of the software capabilities and processing power.

Some of the new features of Samsung's flagship are original and unusual. For example, the user has the opportunity to draw his ears, mustache and beard using the S Pen. They will be previewed in real time and can even move with it.

One of the most awaited things, the night mode, has also come to the Note 10. It initially appeared on the A series, but is now available on the flagships as well. Video stabilization has been improved. New effects have been added, such as background blur. The user also gets several special effects - highlighting the main character with color, etc.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and its bigger brother boasts of excellent camera configuration. It is one of the best on the market today. We are talking about three cameras:

  • 12-megapixel variable aperture 5/f2.4 with optical image stabilization and phase autofocus based on Dual Pixel technology. The equivalent focal length of the lens is 27 mm.
  • 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 1 (luminosity has increased compared to the S10 series). We see optical stabilization and Dual Pixel PDAF. The equivalent focal length is 52mm. It is this camera that is responsible for the 2x optical zoom.
  • A 16-megapixel wide-angle camera with an equivalent focal length of 12 mm and an aperture of 2. Here there is neither stabilization nor autofocus.

The front camera is based on a 10 MP module. A curious point, is that in the application can be switched between wide-angle and normal mode. In this way, the image is slightly scaled, but geometric distortion of the face is avoided. The aperture is f2.2. The engineers have also provided Dual Pixel PDAF.

Autonomous operation

The difference in display diagonals in Galaxy Note 10 and 10+ can be perceived in the battery capacity. The Note 10 has received 3500 mAh, while its bigger brother - 4300 mAh.

Both devices support fast wired and wireless charging technology. They also offer more reverse charging power. Recharging your headphones or a friend's phone won't be a problem at all. It will even get faster!

Conclusion

Samsung's new Note series device has gotten pretty good and interesting. This hardly surprises anyone. The reason is that the flagships of the South Koreans traditionally make serious efforts to create a product that will be a benchmark of high class.

Pros:

  • A gorgeous screen with different operating modes;
  • High level of moisture protection;
  • Wonderful cameras that can shoot in any conditions;
  • One of the most powerful devices on the market today.
  • Excellent autonomous operation;
  • Stylus!
  • Robust housing, resistant to bending.

Cons:

  • Gauges that may not be comfortable for everyone;
  • The most serious con is the high price.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 video review

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Samsung.

Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor

Hello, I am Richard Taylor, a technology expert and journalist from the UK. I have a degree in Computer Science from the University of Birmingham. My passion is the latest technology, especially smartphones. That's why I chose to test, analyze, and write expert reviews about them. My technical expertise, combined with a deep passion for technology and years of experience, has made me a trusted source of information. Over the years, I have written reviews for various sites, but for quite some time now, I have been writing exclusively for PhonesData. You can see more about me here or read all my smartphone reviews here.

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