The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is proof that good things come in small packages. Released in August 2019, this phone became the brand’s smaller flagship, offering high-end performance without the bulkiness of its bigger sibling, the Galaxy Note 10 Plus. If you’re searching for a sleek, easy-to-hold phone with the famous S Pen, the Galaxy Note 10 might be the perfect fit. It offers all the core features of the Note series in a more compact size, making it easier to use than previous models while still packing a punch.
A Design Built for Comfort
One of the most striking features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is its design. Measuring 72 x 151 x 7.9mm and weighing just 168 grams, this phone feels lighter and thinner compared to its predecessors. The Note 10 is noticeably more comfortable to hold than the older Galaxy Note 9 or even the larger Note 10 Plus. While it’s still a big phone by many standards, those with smaller hands will appreciate its manageable size. However, don’t expect it to be as tiny as some other compact models like the iPhone SE.
Samsung did a great job creating a full-screen display with minimal bezels, giving the phone an elegant, modern look. The 6.3-inch AMOLED display comes with a Full HD resolution (2280 x 1080 pixels) and HDR10+ technology, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Though it lacks the QHD display you might find on more premium models, the Full HD screen is still bright, easy to read, and looks great for everyday use.
In terms of design changes, the punch-hole cut-out for the front-facing camera is placed centrally at the top of the screen, giving it a balanced, cyclops-like appearance. This design feature has become common in Samsung’s recent devices and feels much less intrusive than the notches seen on other smartphones.
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Performance in a Smaller Package
The Galaxy Note 10 may be smaller, but it doesn’t compromise on performance. Powered by an octa-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage, the phone offers smooth and fast performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or just streaming your favorite shows. One downside is that the phone lacks expandable storage, but for most users, the internal 256GB should be more than enough.
As with all Note phones, the S Pen is a key feature. It slides neatly into the bottom of the phone and provides all the functionality you’d expect, from drawing and note-taking to controlling presentations and videos with its remote features. The S Pen continues to be one of the most sophisticated stylus systems on the market, making the Note 10 a great choice for creative professionals or anyone who enjoys the precision of a stylus.
Downsides: No Headphone Jack and Mediocre Battery Life
While the Galaxy Note 10 has plenty of pros, there are a few notable drawbacks. The most significant is the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. This has become common in recent smartphones, but it might still be a disappointment for users who prefer wired headphones.
Another potential issue is the phone’s battery life. At 3,500mAh, the Note 10’s battery is smaller than what you’ll find in the larger Note 10 Plus or other competing devices. For everyday use, it will last through most of the day, but if you’re a power user who constantly streams videos, plays games, or runs multiple apps at once, you may need to carry a charger or power bank with you.
Camera and Display: All Eyes on the Central Cyclops
The Galaxy Note 10 offers a triple-camera system on the back, featuring a 12MP main sensor, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide lens. The camera delivers solid performance, capturing clear and colorful photos in most conditions. The 10MP front-facing camera is housed in the central punch-hole and is great for selfies, though the placement may take some getting used to.
The edge-to-edge display, combined with the central punch-hole design, gives the Note 10 a sleek, futuristic look. While some users may miss the sharper QHD resolution, the Full HD display is more than sufficient for most users. Plus, it helps conserve battery life, which is always a bonus when your phone is already leaning on the smaller side for power capacity.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is an impressive device that strikes a balance between performance and portability. It’s easier to hold than previous Note models, boasts a beautiful design, and offers great video recording and camera capabilities. While the absence of a headphone jack and the mediocre battery life might be deal-breakers for some, the overall experience of using this phone makes it a solid addition to Samsung’s Note lineup. For anyone who wants a flagship phone with the convenience of the S Pen, but doesn’t want the bulk of the Note 10 Plus, the Galaxy Note 10 is the ideal option. It’s the Note you go for when you want high-end features in a more compact, manageable package.