The Samsung Galaxy Note 10, launched in August 2019, brings the best of Samsung’s flagship lineup to users who demand cutting-edge performance, superior design, and unmatched productivity tools. As part of the prestigious Galaxy Note series, which has traditionally been geared toward power users, the Note 10 builds on Samsung’s reputation for delivering devices that excel in productivity, creativity, and media consumption.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, analyzing its design, display, performance, productivity features, camera system, software experience, battery life, and how it compares to its competition. Let’s see if the Galaxy Note 10 lives up to the expectations and meets the needs of demanding users.
Design and Build Quality: Slim, Sleek, and Elegant
Samsung has always been a leader in smartphone design, and the Galaxy Note 10 continues that tradition. From the moment you pick up the device, it’s clear that this is a premium smartphone. The sleek, slim profile of the phone, measuring just 7.9 mm thick, immediately grabs attention. The Note 10 offers a polished metal frame, sandwiched between glass panels, giving the device an elegant and sturdy feel.
The Note 10 comes in a variety of colors, including the stunning Aura Glow, which reflects different hues depending on the angle of light hitting it. This gives it a futuristic vibe that appeals to users who like their devices to make a visual statement.
Despite its large display, the Note 10 is surprisingly compact and lightweight (168g). Samsung has managed to shrink the bezels even further compared to its predecessors, providing a near edge-to-edge screen experience without making the device overly bulky.
Key Design Features:
- Compact size for a device with a large display (6.3 inches)
- Curved edges and slim bezels
- Premium materials (glass and metal)
- No 3.5mm headphone jack, signaling the shift toward wireless audio
- Available in striking color options like Aura Glow, Aura White, and Aura Black
Display: Stunning Visual Experience
One of the defining features of the Galaxy Note 10 is its 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. Known for producing some of the best smartphone displays in the market, Samsung doesn’t disappoint with the Note 10. The display offers vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios, making it a delight for multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity.
The resolution is Full HD+ (1080 x 2280 pixels), which, while not as high as the Quad HD resolution of previous Note models, still delivers excellent sharpness and clarity. The pixel density stands at 401 PPI, which provides a crisp viewing experience, and the HDR10+ support ensures that the phone can display HDR content with enhanced brightness and color.
Samsung’s Infinity-O display also incorporates a small punch-hole for the front camera, located in the center of the top edge. This design choice allows for an immersive screen-to-body ratio without intrusive notches.
Key Display Features:
- 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED display
- HDR10+ support for high dynamic range content
- Vivid colors and deep blacks
- Full HD+ resolution, 401 PPI
- Infinity-O punch-hole design for the front camera
Performance: Flagship-Level Speed and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or Samsung’s own Exynos 9825 (depending on the region). Both of these chips are high-performance processors built on a 7nm process, offering top-tier speed and efficiency.
Coupled with 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy Note 10 handles multitasking, gaming, and productivity tasks with ease. Whether you’re juggling multiple apps, playing graphics-intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Fortnite, or editing videos on the go, the Note 10 delivers snappy performance.
For storage, the base model comes with 256GB of internal storage, which should be more than enough for most users. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Note 10 doesn’t offer a microSD card slot, so you’re limited to the internal storage capacity. This might be a downside for users who require more storage flexibility.
Key Performance Features:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 (7nm) chipset
- 8GB RAM for efficient multitasking
- 256GB internal storage (no microSD expansion)
- Mali-G76 MP12 / Adreno 640 GPU for high-end gaming and media processing
S Pen: The Ultimate Productivity Tool
The S Pen has always been a hallmark of the Galaxy Note series, and the Galaxy Note 10 brings new features and improvements to enhance its functionality. This time, Samsung introduces Air Actions, which allows users to control certain aspects of the phone using gestures made with the S Pen.
For example, you can swipe through photos in your gallery, control media playback, or trigger the camera’s shutter remotely without physically touching the phone. These gestures add a new layer of convenience, especially when the phone is out of reach.
The S Pen also retains its classic note-taking functionality, which has been improved to offer more precise writing and drawing capabilities. Users can convert handwritten notes into digital text, making it easier to copy and share information. This feature is particularly useful for students, professionals, and creatives who need to capture and organize ideas quickly.
Key S Pen Features:
- Air Actions for remote control of apps using gestures
- Bluetooth-enabled S Pen with 10-hour battery life
- Handwriting-to-text conversion
- Improved precision for note-taking and drawing
Camera System: Versatile Photography and Video Capabilities
The Galaxy Note 10 comes equipped with a triple-camera setup on the back, featuring:
- A 12 MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.5-f/2.4) for low-light performance
- A 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom
- A 16 MP ultra-wide camera with a 123-degree field of view
This setup makes the Note 10 highly versatile in terms of photography, allowing users to capture a wide range of scenes from landscapes to portraits with great clarity and color accuracy. The variable aperture on the main camera ensures that the Note 10 performs well in both bright and low-light conditions, adapting automatically to optimize image quality.
The telephoto lens adds the ability to zoom in without losing detail, while the ultra-wide camera is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or fitting more people into group shots.
The Note 10 also excels in video recording, with the ability to capture 4K video at 60fps. The inclusion of Super Steady Mode helps stabilize videos, reducing shakiness for smooth, professional-looking footage.
Key Camera Features:
- Triple-camera system (12 MP main, 12 MP telephoto, 16 MP ultra-wide)
- Variable aperture on the main camera for superior low-light performance
- 4K video recording at 60fps
- Super Steady Mode for smooth video capture
- Live Focus for portrait photography with background blur
Software and Productivity Features: One UI and DeX Mode
Samsung’s One UI skin over Android 9 Pie (upgradable to later versions) provides a user-friendly experience designed to enhance productivity. Samsung has streamlined the interface to make it easier to navigate, even with one hand, and included several features to make multitasking more efficient.
The Note 10 also supports Samsung DeX, a desktop-like interface that can be accessed by connecting the phone to an external monitor or using the Link to Windows feature. This allows users to use their phone as a PC, making it easier to work on documents, presentations, or even light photo editing using desktop apps. The Link to Windows functionality makes syncing files between the phone and a Windows PC seamless, allowing users to reply to messages and receive notifications directly on their computer.
Key Software Features:
- One UI with a focus on ease of use and multitasking
- DeX Mode for desktop-like productivity
- Link to Windows for seamless phone-to-PC integration
- Bixby Voice assistant with improved voice recognition
- Regular software updates from Samsung
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Battery with Fast Charging
The Galaxy Note 10 features a 3,500 mAh battery, which may seem modest compared to some other flagship devices with larger capacities. However, thanks to Samsung’s optimization and the energy-efficient 7nm processor, the Note 10 manages to last a full day with moderate usage.
Samsung also includes 25W fast charging out of the box, allowing the Note 10 to be charged from 0 to 100% in just over an hour. Additionally, the device supports wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, allowing you to charge other devices wirelessly using the back of the Note 10.
Key Battery Features:
- 3,500 mAh battery
- 25W fast charging (wired)
- Wireless charging support
- Wireless PowerShare for charging other devices
Security and Biometrics: Facial Recognition and In-Display Fingerprint Sensor
Samsung has integrated both facial recognition and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor into the Note 10, offering users multiple options for unlocking their phone securely. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, embedded beneath the display, provides a fast and secure way to unlock the device by scanning the unique ridges of your fingerprint. Unlike traditional optical sensors, the ultrasonic technology works even when your fingers are wet or slightly dirty, offering greater reliability.
Facial recognition is also an option, utilizing the front camera to recognize your face and unlock the device. While it’s fast and convenient, the security of facial recognition on the Galaxy Note 10 is not as advanced as Apple’s Face ID, as it relies on 2D image processing rather than 3D scanning. This makes it more vulnerable to spoofing compared to Face ID, so users prioritizing security might prefer the fingerprint sensor.
Key Security Features:
- In-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
- Facial recognition using the front camera
- Secure Folder for private data
- Samsung Knox for enterprise-grade security
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and More
The Galaxy Note 10 comes equipped with a full suite of modern connectivity options, ensuring that users stay connected at all times. One of the highlights of the Note 10 lineup is the availability of a 5G variant (Galaxy Note 10+ 5G), which supports the latest generation of mobile networks. This makes it future-proof for users in areas where 5G networks are available, allowing for ultra-fast download and upload speeds.
Even in regions where 5G isn’t widely available yet, the Note 10’s Wi-Fi 6 support ensures that users can take advantage of faster and more reliable wireless internet connections on compatible networks. Samsung also includes Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and USB-C for fast wired connectivity and data transfers.
Key Connectivity Features:
- 5G (available on Galaxy Note 10+ 5G variant)
- Wi-Fi 6 support for faster internet connections
- Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless accessories
- NFC for mobile payments
- USB-C for fast charging and data transfer
Audio: Stereo Speakers and No Headphone Jack
Samsung made a significant change with the Galaxy Note 10 by removing the 3.5mm headphone jack, following the trend started by other manufacturers. This move pushed users toward wireless audio solutions or USB-C earphones (Samsung includes a pair of USB-C AKG-tuned earphones in the box).
Despite the lack of a headphone jack, the Galaxy Note 10 delivers excellent audio quality through its stereo speakers, which are tuned by AKG. The speakers provide a rich and immersive sound, making the Note 10 ideal for watching movies, playing games, or listening to music without headphones.
The absence of a headphone jack may be a downside for audiophiles who prefer wired audio, but with the increasing availability of high-quality Bluetooth headphones and true wireless earbuds, this change is becoming more acceptable.
Key Audio Features:
- AKG-tuned stereo speakers for rich sound
- Dolby Atmos support for enhanced surround sound experience
- No 3.5mm headphone jack (USB-C earphones included)
Comparing the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+
The Galaxy Note 10 has a bigger sibling, the Galaxy Note 10+, which comes with some additional features and improvements for those who demand even more power and functionality. While both models share many core features, there are some key differences that may influence a user’s choice between the two.
| Feature | Galaxy Note 10 | Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p | Quad HD+ |
| Battery | 3,500 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB (no microSD) | 256GB/512GB (with microSD support) |
| Camera Setup | Triple camera | Quad camera (with DepthVision sensor) |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 45W (Super Fast Charging) |
While the Note 10+ is larger, has a higher-resolution display, and includes more RAM, it’s also bulkier and more expensive. The choice between the two models will depend on whether users prioritize portability and price (Note 10) or maximum power and feature set (Note 10+).
Pros and Cons of the Galaxy Note 10
As we near the conclusion of this review, it’s important to highlight the key strengths and areas for improvement for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.
Pros:
- Compact and premium design: Despite having a large screen, the Note 10 is slim and easy to handle.
- Dynamic AMOLED display: Samsung’s display technology continues to impress with vivid colors, deep blacks, and HDR10+ support.
- S Pen: The improved S Pen offers a unique productivity tool, with Air Actions adding an extra layer of convenience.
- Excellent performance: The Snapdragon 855/Exynos 9825 and 8GB RAM ensure fast and efficient operation across all tasks.
- Versatile camera system: The triple-camera setup provides excellent photography and video capabilities.
- Fast charging and wireless PowerShare: 25W wired charging and the ability to wirelessly charge other devices are valuable features.
- One UI and DeX mode: Samsung’s software experience is polished and designed for productivity.
Cons:
- No microSD card slot: The lack of expandable storage may be a drawback for power users who need more space.
- No 3.5mm headphone jack: The absence of the headphone jack may be inconvenient for users who prefer wired audio.
- Lower resolution display than Note 10+: The Full HD+ resolution is lower than the Quad HD+ found on the Note 10+, though still excellent for most users.
- Small battery compared to competition: The 3,500 mAh battery is smaller than what some competing devices offer, though it still delivers decent battery life.
- Expensive: Even though it’s slightly more affordable than the Note 10+, it’s still a premium-priced device.
Conclusion: A Productivity Powerhouse with a Stunning Display
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is a standout device that combines cutting-edge design with top-tier performance and features, making it a perfect choice for users who demand productivity and creativity tools in a sleek and portable package. The S Pen continues to be a key differentiator, offering unique functionality that no other smartphone in the market provides.
While it does have a few drawbacks, such as the removal of the headphone jack and the lack of expandable storage, the overall package is still highly compelling. The Dynamic AMOLED display, triple-camera system, and powerful internals ensure that the Galaxy Note 10 is not just a great device for work, but also for media consumption, photography, and gaming.
If you’re a power user looking for a smartphone that can handle anything you throw at it—whether it’s productivity tasks, gaming, or multimedia—the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 should be at the top of your list. For users who prefer a larger screen and more power, the Galaxy Note 10+ is also worth considering, but the standard Note 10 offers an excellent balance of size, power, and features.