Samsung Galaxy Note10+

Revisiting a Titan: My Experience with the Samsung Galaxy Note10+

I've spent some considerable time recently revisiting the Samsung Galaxy Note10+, a phone that once sat at the very peak of the Android world. Even now, years after its release, picking it up again brings a certain sense of premium nostalgia. For a good stretch, this was my daily driver, and putting it through its paces again has been a fascinating exercise in seeing how well it holds up. At its launch price, it was clearly targeting power users and professionals, and after immersing myself back into its ecosystem, I have some distinct thoughts on whether it still deserves a second look in today's market.

A Flagship Statement of Its Time

The Galaxy Note10+ arrived at a pivotal moment for Samsung. It was a clear statement of intent, solidifying their position as a leader in innovation and pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone could be. Samsung has always been a brand that isn't afraid to throw everything at the wall, and the Note10+ was a prime example. Its initial price point placed it firmly in the premium category, competing directly with other top-tier flagships. From my perspective, Samsung was aiming to capture users who demanded the absolute best in performance, display technology, and, of course, the unique S Pen experience.

Still a Looker: Design and Hardware

Picking up the Note10+ again, the immediate impression is its sheer size. That expansive 6.8-inch display dominates the front, a hallmark of the Note series. The build still feels incredibly premium. The glass sandwich design, while a fingerprint magnet, exudes quality, and the polished aluminum frame adds a touch of elegance. Holding it, you can tell this was a meticulously crafted device. While undeniably a two-handed phone for most tasks, the curved edges make it surprisingly comfortable to hold, despite its heft. The materials feel robust, and knowing it has Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and back offered peace of mind back then, and still does now regarding its inherent durability. Of course, everyday wear and tear are inevitable, but the fundamental build quality here is undeniable.

The Star of the Show: Display Performance

The "Dynamic AMOLED" branding wasn't just marketing fluff. Firing up the Note10+ even today reveals a stunning display. In my testing, the colors are vibrant and punchy without being overly saturated, and the blacks are incredibly deep, as you'd expect from an AMOLED panel. That HDR10+ certification truly shines when consuming media. Watching videos is still a very immersive experience, with excellent contrast and dynamic range. Gaming on this screen is equally enjoyable; the colors pop, and motion is smooth. Even under bright sunlight, the display holds up remarkably well, offering good visibility, although peak brightness has certainly been surpassed by newer generations. For daily use, browsing, reading, and watching content, this display remains a strong contender. Its 1440 x 3040 resolution translates to a sharp and detailed picture, making everything from text to images look crisp.

Performance That Endures

Under the hood, the Exynos 9825 chipset (in the EMEA/LATAM version I tested) still packs a punch. During my time with it, I didn't encounter any significant slowdowns or stutters, even when pushing it with demanding tasks. Gaming sessions were smooth, with the Mali-G76 MP12 GPU handling graphically intensive titles admirably. Multitasking, thanks to the ample 12GB of RAM, remains fluid, allowing for seamless switching between apps. Temperature management is generally good; the phone can get warm under heavy load, but I didn't experience any concerning overheating. While it might not blaze through benchmarks like the latest flagships, for everyday tasks and even more demanding applications, the Note10+ still offers a very capable and responsive experience.

Capturing Moments: The Camera System

The camera system on the Note10+ was a highlight at its release, and it continues to impress. My real-world testing involved a variety of scenarios, and the results are generally excellent. That sunset shot I attempted truly showcased the phone's ability to capture a wide range of colors and detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. The 12MP main sensor with its variable aperture, along with the 12MP telephoto and 16MP ultrawide lenses, offer versatility for different shooting situations. The 2x optical zoom of the telephoto lens is genuinely useful for getting closer to your subject without significant loss of detail. Video recording is also a strong point, with smooth 4K capture at up to 60fps, complete with optical image stabilization (OIS) for steady shots. Comparing it to more recent offerings, computational photography has advanced significantly, but the Note10+'s raw image quality and versatility still hold up well for everyday use. The 10.8MP front-facing camera also delivers excellent selfies, even in less-than-ideal lighting.

Powering Through (Mostly): Battery and Charging

The 4300mAh battery is generally sufficient for a full day of moderate usage. In my testing, I found that on typical days involving browsing, social media, and some media consumption, I could make it to bedtime without needing to reach for the charger. However, on days with heavier usage, like extended gaming or video editing, I did find myself needing a top-up in the late afternoon. The inclusion of fast charging is a boon, though it's worth remembering that the 45W charger needed to achieve the advertised speeds was sold separately, a point of contention for some at the time. The convenience of reverse wireless charging for accessories like earbuds is a nice touch, even if the charging speed is relatively slow. Power management on the Note10+ is reasonably effective, but like any older device, battery longevity can degrade over time depending on usage patterns.

A Familiar Landscape: Software Experience

The Note10+ launched with Android 9.0, and while it has received updates since, the core software experience remains familiar to anyone who has used a Samsung phone. One UI is generally well-regarded for its user-friendliness and feature set. The interface is clean and intuitive, and Samsung has packed in a wealth of customization options. Features like split-screen multitasking work well on the large display, enhancing productivity. While the update policy for this phone has concluded (officially topping out at Android 12), the software remains functional and stable for daily use.

Assessing the Value Proposition: Then and Now

At its original price, the Galaxy Note10+ was a significant investment, justified by its cutting-edge features and performance. Today, in the used and refurbished market, its value proposition has shifted. For those seeking a powerful phone with a stunning display and the unique S Pen experience at a more accessible price point, the Note10+ still holds appeal. However, potential buyers should consider factors like battery life degradation and the lack of the latest software updates. Compared to newer mid-range devices, the Note10+ might still offer a more premium feel and certain flagship-level features, but it won't have the latest camera technology or processor advancements.

Final Thoughts: Still a Compelling Option?

The Samsung Galaxy Note10+ remains a remarkable piece of technology. My time revisiting it has reinforced its strengths: a breathtaking display, capable performance, a versatile camera system, and the unique S Pen functionality. While it's no longer the cutting-edge powerhouse it once was, it still offers a compelling package, particularly for those who value the S Pen and a large, immersive screen. If you're looking for a premium smartphone experience on a budget and don't necessarily need the absolute latest features or software updates, the Galaxy Note10+ is definitely worth considering. It stands as a testament to Samsung's engineering prowess and continues to offer a taste of flagship excellence even years after its initial release.