Galaxy Note10+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked

Galaxy Note10+ • Unlocked
Galaxy Note10+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$219.00

Versus $699.00 new

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Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked
Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$158.00

Versus $719.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus are both flagship smartphones released in 2019. While they share a similar foundation as premium Android devices, the Note10 Plus distinguishes itself with the inclusion of the S Pen stylus and a larger display, catering to users seeking enhanced productivity and a more expansive viewing experience. Both devices launched with Android 9 Pie and received updates up to Android 12, offering a consistent software experience for their generation.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy Note10 Plus and the Galaxy S10 Plus were released in 2019, placing them in the same generation of Samsung's smartphone lineup. This means their software longevity and expected practical lifespan are largely aligned.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, followed by the Galaxy Note10 Plus in August 2019.
  • OS Support: Both models received their final major operating system update to Android 12 with One UI 4. This indicates that neither device will receive further official Android version upgrades from the manufacturer.
  • Practical Lifespan: While major OS updates have concluded, both phones continue to receive security patches for a period, extending their usability for everyday tasks. Users can expect similar practical lifespans in terms of core functionality, though the absence of future OS updates means they will not benefit from new Android features.

Release Year

2019

2019

Last OS Compatibility

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of both the Galaxy Note10 Plus and the Galaxy S10 Plus is robust for their generation, handling daily tasks and demanding applications with efficiency. While both utilize powerful processors from the same era, there are subtle differences in their configurations.

  • Multitasking and App Handling: The Galaxy Note10 Plus typically comes with 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for seamless multitasking and keeping numerous applications open simultaneously. The Galaxy S10 Plus offers configurations with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, with the 8GB variant still providing smooth performance for most users.
  • Everyday Responsiveness: Both devices deliver a responsive user experience, with applications launching quickly and navigating the interface feeling fluid. The underlying processors in both phones are capable of handling graphically intensive games and productivity suites without significant slowdowns.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy Note10 Plus is available with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, both expandable via a microSD card. The Galaxy S10 Plus offers more varied storage options, including 128GB, 512GB, and 1TB, also with microSD expansion.

Memory

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy Note10 Plus and the Galaxy S10 Plus feature high-quality displays that offer vibrant visuals and excellent clarity, characteristic of Samsung's flagship devices.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones utilize Dynamic AMOLED displays with Quad HD+ resolution (3040 x 1440 pixels), providing sharp images and rich colors. They also support HDR10+, enhancing contrast and color accuracy for compatible content.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy Note10 Plus features a larger 6.8-inch display, offering a more expansive canvas for media consumption, productivity, and gaming. The Galaxy S10 Plus has a 6.4-inch display, which is still generous and provides an immersive viewing experience while being slightly more manageable for one-handed use.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both displays offer excellent brightness levels, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and animations for typical usage.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1440 x 3040

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy Note10 Plus and the Galaxy S10 Plus are versatile and capable, designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The Note10 Plus also includes a DepthVision (ToF) camera for enhanced depth sensing, which can improve portrait mode effects and augmented reality applications.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices excel in everyday photography, producing images with good detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Low-light performance is also strong for their generation, thanks to features like dual aperture on the main lens.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second and offer features like optical image stabilization for smoother footage. The Galaxy Note10 Plus has a 10MP front camera, while the Galaxy S10 Plus features a dual front camera setup with a 10MP main sensor and an 8MP depth sensor, which can enhance selfie portraits.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core functionalities, both the Galaxy Note10 Plus and the Galaxy S10 Plus offer a range of practical features and design elements that influence their overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support modern connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. While the Galaxy Note10 Plus had some variants supporting 5G, the Galaxy S10 Plus primarily supported 4G LTE. Both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. A notable difference is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Galaxy S10 Plus, which is absent on the Note10 Plus.
  • Unique Features: The most significant distinguishing feature of the Galaxy Note10 Plus is the integrated S Pen stylus, offering precise input for note-taking, drawing, and remote control functionalities. Both phones include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy Note10 Plus is larger and slightly heavier, measuring 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm and weighing 196-198 grams. The Galaxy S10 Plus is more compact at 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm and weighs 175-198 grams (depending on material), making it potentially easier to handle for some users. Both feature a premium build with Gorilla Glass on the front and back, and an aluminum frame.

Weight

7 oz

6 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.8

6.4

Network

LTE

LTE

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

User feedback for both the Galaxy Note10 Plus and the Galaxy S10 Plus generally highlights their strong performance and premium features for their release era. Users often praised the vibrant displays and capable camera systems on both devices. The Galaxy Note10 Plus frequently received acclaim for its S Pen functionality, which many found invaluable for productivity and creative tasks. Conversely, some users noted its larger size could be challenging for one-handed use. The Galaxy S10 Plus was often lauded for its balanced size and the inclusion of a headphone jack, a feature that its Note counterpart omitted. Criticisms for both, as with many older flagships, sometimes centered on battery degradation over time, though initial battery life was generally well-received.

Users prioritizing a larger screen and the unique functionality of a stylus for tasks like digital note-taking, precise editing, or creative expression will find the Galaxy Note10 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its expansive display also appeals to those who consume a lot of media. Conversely, users who prefer a slightly more compact device that is easier to manage with one hand, and for whom the presence of a traditional headphone jack is important, may lean towards the Galaxy S10 Plus. Both devices offer a robust smartphone experience, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking premium features from this generation.

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