Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus in 2024: Is It Still Worth Buying? Features, Pros, and Cons

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus holds a special place in the realm of smartphones. With its stunning AMOLED display, impressive camera system, massive battery, and the S Pen stylus, it remains an iconic device. However, as newer models flood the market, such as the Galaxy 23 Ultra and the Pixel 7 Pro, a crucial question arises: Is the Note 10+ still worth considering in 2024? Let’s delve into its design, display, camera, performance, software, and price to find the answer.

Design and Display

The Galaxy Note 10 Plus flaunts a sleek and premium design, featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. The boxy design, reminiscent of the previous Notes, cleverly incorporates the S Pen into the body. Boasting four striking colors—Aura Glow, Aura Black, Aura Blue, and Aura White—the phone exudes elegance. When the phone was initially released, its unique color gradient, which emitted a different aura as light hit the back, left enthusiasts captivated. Undeniably, it remains one of Samsung’s finest-looking devices.

The Note 10 Plus boasts a vibrant and sharp 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels. Even by today’s standards, it continues to offer an amazing visual experience. However, it’s worth noting that the display only has a 60 Hz refresh rate.

With an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, the Note 10 Plus ensures durability, adding to its appeal.

Camera

Equipped with a quad-camera setup on the back, comprising a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, a 16-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a depth-sensing camera, the Note 10 Plus captures impressive photos. Also, the front-facing camera features a 10 megapixels selfie camera. While it excels in capturing high-quality photos, particularly in bright conditions, it may not match the capabilities of newer smartphones. Therefore, those prioritizing camera performance might want to explore other options.

Performance

Powered by a Snapdragon 855 chipset and 12GB of RAM, the Note 10 Plus delivers smooth and efficient performance, even in 2024. It proves to be an ideal choice for those seeking a productive phone. Furthermore, when combined with Samsung Dex, it can transform into a full desktop replacement. The built-in S Pen adds to its versatility and productivity.

However, for avid gamers, the Note 10 Plus may struggle to keep up with newer releases. While it can handle most modern games, compromising on graphics and quality may be necessary.

Battery

The phone houses a sizable 4,300mAh battery, providing ample power throughout the day. Additionally, it supports Samsung’s wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

Software

Initially launched with Android 9, the Note 10 Plus has received an update to Android 12. Samsung’s user-friendly One UI skin enhances the operating system, offering a range of useful features. Regrettably, Android 12 will be the last major update for the phone, but it will continue to receive security updates for a few more years. Individuals prioritizing software updates may find the Note 10 Plus lacking in this aspect.

Additionally, those who are tech-savvy can install custom ROMs to breathe new life into their device.

Price

Since its release in 2019, the Galaxy Note 10 Plus has witnessed a significant price drop, making it a more affordable choice compared to newer models. Currently priced around $150-400, depending on the seller and condition, it represents excellent value for those seeking a high-end device without straining their budget.

Pros

• Premium design: The sleek and elegant design, coupled with IP68 water and dust resistance, showcases the Note 10 Plus as a premium device that can withstand accidental splashes or drops.
• Large, high-quality display: The phone’s gorgeous display, covering almost the entire front, boasts a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 498 ppi. Supporting HDR10+ and featuring a 60 Hz refresh rate, the display impresses with vibrant colors, high contrast, and sufficient brightness for outdoor usage. Additionally, the inclusion of an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the screen adds convenience and security.
• Versatile camera: The Note 10 Plus’s camera system, consisting of four lenses, including wide-angle, telephoto, ultrawide, and a depth-sensing camera, offers versatility in capturing stunning photos and videos across various lighting conditions. The camera supports features such as Live Focus Video, Super Steady Video, Night Mode, and Pro Mode, enabling users to explore their creativity. The front-facing camera also performs well for selfies and supports face unlock.
• Good performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 855 processor or the Exynos 9825 in some regions, coupled with 12 GB of RAM and generous internal storage options (256 GB or 512 GB, expandable up to 1 TB), the Note 10 Plus handles multitasking, gaming, and productivity tasks with ease.
• Long battery life: With its substantial 4,300 mAh battery capacity, the Note 10 Plus ensures reliable power throughout a full day of moderate to heavy use. The device also supports fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, providing convenient options for recharging.
• Stylus for productivity and creativity: The S Pen, a hallmark feature of the Note series, serves as a Bluetooth-enabled tool for enhanced productivity and creative expression. It can be used for note-taking, sketching, camera control, media playback, and more. The S Pen seamlessly integrates into the phone, and its wireless charging capabilities eliminate the need for a separate charging port.
• Water resistance and wireless charging: The Note 10 Plus’s IP68 rating ensures protection against water and dust, making it suitable for various environments. Additionally, the device supports wireless charging, adding convenience to the charging experience. Moreover, the ability to utilize reverse wireless charging allows users to charge other compatible devices wirelessly.

Cons

• Not all models have 5G connectivity: It’s important to note that not all versions of the Note 10 Plus support 5G connectivity, which may be a disadvantage for those seeking the fastest network speeds.
• Camera may not match newer models: While the Note 10 Plus offers a capable camera system, it may not deliver the same level of performance as some of the latest smartphones on the market. Individuals who prioritize photography might consider exploring newer alternatives.
• Aging hardware: As technology advances at a rapid pace, the Note 10 Plus’s hardware may appear outdated compared to the latest releases. Users accustomed to using recent devices might notice the difference in performance and features.
• No further software updates: While the Note 10 Plus has received updates to Android 12, it will not receive any major updates beyond that. This means that users may miss out on future software enhancements and features.

So, is the Note 10 Plus worth it?

The Galaxy Note 10 Plus remains a compelling choice in today’s smartphone market. Its impressive features, such as the premium design, high-quality display, versatile camera system, strong performance, long battery life, and productivity-focused S Pen, make it a worthwhile investment, particularly for those seeking a large screen and top-notch productivity capabilities. Furthermore, its reduced price compared to newer models adds to its appeal. However, for individuals who always desire the latest technology and prioritize software updates, the Note 10 Plus may not meet their expectations. It is important to consider these factors before making a decision.

That being said, for those transitioning from older Android devices, the Galaxy Note 10 Plus remains a fantastic smartphone that can hold its own in today’s market. Its impressive performance, coupled with the convenience of the S Pen and the attractive price point, make it a compelling option.

Note 10 Plus alternatives

If you are still uncertain about the Galaxy Note 10 Plus, there are alternative options to consider. For those looking for premium phones on a budget, we recommend checking out our article on the best phones under $500. Additionally, you can explore newer models such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 7 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 13 Pro. These devices offer newer features and technologies; however, they also come with a higher price tag. Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

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Disclosure: Vividbay is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. 

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