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Samsung Galaxy Note10
Samsung Galaxy Note10
Samsung Galaxy Note10
Samsung Galaxy Note10
Samsung Galaxy Note10
Samsung Galaxy Note10
Samsung Galaxy Note10
...


8.7/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Note10 currently has an Informr score of 8.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 26 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

If you’re looking for the essentials of the Note experience in a portable package, the Galaxy Note 10 appears to check all the boxes with a sleek look, all-day battery, and performance near the best Android has to offer.

What's good

  • Great display
  • Fast performance
  • S-Pen
  • Good cameras
  • Fast storage

What's bad

  • No expandable storage
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack or adapter included

The Samsung Galaxy Note has always been a productivity powerhouse with it’s included S-Pen and a larger display than most top-tier phones. However, it hasn’t been the most portable phone around. The latest release from Samsung sees a phone closer to the size of Samsung’s popular Galaxy S-Series with the functions and features of the Note. Does this new approach result in a great phone? Reviewers are weighing in, let's look at what they have to say.

Design

Featuring a taller aspect ratio, the Galaxy Note 10 crams a lot more screen space into a phone nearly the same size as the earlier Galaxy Note 9.

The phone’s thin design and Gorilla Glass treatment impressed reviewers with an excellent combination of stylish looks and durability -- at least as much as a mostly glass phone can be. The dual-curved glass design also provides rounded edges that reviewers found very comfortable to hold.

Chassis also includes a holster for the Samsung S-Pen to prevent losing it and IP68 water-resistance to protect from splashes and brief submersions.

The Verge says, “... the fit and finish are at the top of what you can get from a smartphone in 2019. It’s just a really nice thing to hold in your hands.

Display

The phone features a nearly bezel-free edge-to-edge 6.3-inch display. Running at 1080-by-2280 pixels, the full-HD AMOLED+ display with HDR10+ support and a hole-punch for the front-facing camera impressed with its punchy colors, excellent contrast, and ample detail. Whether you’re reading emails or playing games, reviews indicate the screen should look great.

Gizmodo calls it “one of the most vibrant and best-looking smartphone screens on the market.

Performance

In terms of power, the phone includes a 2.73Ghz octa-core Exynos 9825 processor or 2.8Ghz octa-core Snapdragon 855 processor depending on the region. All regions include 8GB of RAM for snappy performance and all the multitasking you can handle.

Reviews show that both processors are excellent for gaming or multitasking and your daily tasks -- such as checking email, catching up on your social streams, or recording a quick clip while out with friends.

As expected by a phone using the top processor available, reviewers had no issues with performance. While the phone doesn’t quite beat the latest iPhone, it’s as close to Apple's performance as you can get in the Android market.

Software [H4]

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 ships with Android 9.0 running Samsung’s One UI. Reviewers found minimal bloat and liked the way the software works -- especially the optimizations made for S-Pen features and gestures.

While there is an updated slated for Android 10, official release dates are currently unavailable. However, most experts expect to see updates late in 2019 or early in 2020.

Storage

If you like to keep a ton of apps installed on your phone or keep a nice collection of music or video for offline viewing, the 256GB of storage is enough to keep things running. However, with no microSD slot, you’ll want to keep an eye on storage.

The good news is that Samsung opted for UFS 3.0 storage. This means that apps launch faster and downloads are potentially quicker.

Cameras

The Note 10 features a very similar camera to the Galaxy S10 -- a triple rear camera with a combination of 12MP wide-angle, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultrawide lenses with optical image stabilization. Around front, you’ll find a 10MP wide-angle selfie shooter.

Gizmodo praised the phone for its flexibility in capturing shots, calling results “top tier.” They also loved the smooth video shooting feature for keeping high-motion videos nice and smooth.

Battery Life

With a smaller chassis, Samsung had to reduce the battery size. The 3,500mAh battery worried some reviewers. However, these worries were unfounded with most hitting a full day on a single charge with ease. If you need a quick battery top-up, the included charger offers 25-watt USB Type-C fast charging capable of a 65% charge in around 30 minutes.

Audio

Like previous Samsung releases, the Note 10 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. As this is a trend, reviewers didn’t find that unreasonable. However, the phone does not include a USB Type-C to 3.5mm either. So you’ll need an adapter if you plan to use your favorite headphones.

On the speaker front, reviewers found the phone plenty loud and well-balanced -- at least as far as phones are concerned.

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The Takeaway

Overall, reviewers loved the Samsung Galaxy Note 10. A few questioned the price, but most felt that it was one of the strongest Note models to date.

Hitech Century says, “For mainstream users seeking the Galaxy Note experience... the Galaxy Note10 is an excellent proposition that offers superb imaging quality, performance and battery life.

CNet echoes this, saying, “Despite missing a few minor features, the Note 10's size, price and specs add up to the best all-around Samsung phone you can get right now.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.8 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.8 GHz
6.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6.3"
12+ MP, f/1.5 - 2.4
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/1.5 - 2.4
3500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechRadar
TechRadar

The Galaxy Note 10 is Samsung’s easiest to use S Pen-toting phone yet, and while there may not be any game-changing features to make this a must-buy handset, it’s a solid addition to the Note range. If you’re looking for Samsung’s ultimate top-end device you’ll want to opt for the Note 10 Plus, but...

- James Peckham, TechRadar
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

With so many phones being almost identical to the last model, we're impressed with what Samsung has done with the Galaxy Note 10. The 10+ model still provides the classic Note experience, with more impressive specs, but this regular one will finally appeal to those that want the S Pen on a much more...

- Chris Martin, Tech Advisor
Android Authority
Android Authority

The Galaxy Note 10 provides almost the same Note experience as the larger version, but in a smaller, more pocketable package. It misses out on some of the higher-end spec options, but it will rightfully appeal to a new kind of Note audience.

- Kris Carlon, Android Authority
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

Much like the Galaxy S10 lineup, Samsung took a cautious approach to the camera with the Note 10 duo, preferring to keep the two close together. The differences between them are about potential rather than actual output, as is the case with the DepthVision camera. Indeed, the new features were less...

- Ted Kritsonis, Mobile Syrup
Hitech Century
Hitech Century

Svelte, light and powerful, the Galaxy Note10 comes with the same top-shelf user experience as its larger sibling the Galaxy Note10+with a great set of cameras, a good display and the same unique S Pen stylus. If you can live with the lack of expandable storage, the Galaxy Note10 represents excellen...

- Hitech Century


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


The Galaxy Note10 price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Samsung Galaxy Note10 prices from around the web here on The Informr.


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy Note10 user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Galaxy Note10 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy Note10 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
6.3"

The Samsung Galaxy Note10's screen size is 6.3 inches with 1080 x 2280 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.8 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) Octa-core 2.8 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 9.0 Pie operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/1.5 - 2.4 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 10+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
256 GB

Internal memory is 256 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
3500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3500 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 2280 minutes, 709 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Note10 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 23, 2019
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 9.0 Pie

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) Octa-core 2.8 GHz
Internal Storage 256 GB
RAM 8/12 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.85 W/kg
Body: 1.08 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Headphones, Data Cable, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/1.5 - 2.4
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, Smile detection, 2nd camera feature (16 MP, F2.2, ultrawide), 3rd camera feature (12 MP, F2.1, telephoto, 2x optical zoom), HDR
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 60 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
10+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture F2.2, HDR
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 2280 pixels
Pixel Density 401 pixels
Size 6.3 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen, Corning Gorilla Glass 6, HDR10+, In-screen fingerprint
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3500 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 1085 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 709 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 2280 minutes
Standby Time Up to 12.6 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Aura White, Aura Black, Aura Glow, Aura Red, Aura Pink
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.1 x 7.18 x 0.79 cm (5.9 x 2.8 x 0.3 in)
Weight 168 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 68
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Note10 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Note10
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