By
Chris Holmes Staff Writer
Updated

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Since their release dates in 2018 and 2019, the iPhone XR and Samsung Galaxy Note10 have been replaced by newer iPhone and Galaxy models, though the Note series has been discontinued completely. The iPhone XR is obsolete and no longer receices or supports the latest iOS version, and as of 2024, the Galaxy Note10 no longer receives or supports the latest Android software updates.

The information below reflects the data and pricing at the time of the devices' releases, and availability will differ from when we first reviewed them. You can upgrade to a newer iPhone or new Galaxy phone, or you may still be able to find refurbished models of these devices through retailers such as Amazon or eBay.


If you're trying to pick between the Samsung Galaxy Note10 and the iPhone XR, then this is the guide for you. We'll give you all the information you need to help you make up your mind.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR
Feature Galaxy Note10 iPhone XR
Cameras Winner
Two more cameras, three have higher megapixels

Only has two cameras total, one front and one back
Speed Winner
Handles more processes with more working memory
While its 8 core processor is fast, its RAM and operations/second are lower than the Note10's
Battery Life Winner
Up to 10 more hours of talk time
The stock 5W charger will take 2.5 hours longer to charge than the Note10's 15W stock charger
Affordability

Even between both devices' 256GB models, the iPhone is still $50 cheaper
Winner
Starting price is $200 less than the Note10

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR: Specs


The iPhone XR is about a year older than the Samsung Galaxy Note10, but does that mean it's a better phone? Take a look below to find out. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR: Cameras


The Galaxy Note10 comes equipped with four high-end cameras, whereas the iPhone XR comes with two. Take a look below to find out what else is different about the phones' imaging capabilities. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR: Cameras
Feature Galaxy Note10 iPhone XR
Rear Cameras  16MP ultra-wide,
12MP wide-angle, and 12MP telephoto
12MP wide-angle,
Front Camera 10MP wide-angle 7MP wide-angle
Video up to 4K@60fps up to 4K@60fps 
S Pen Switch between front and back cameras, snap photos, zoom, switch angles, change filter  n/a
Key Features Audio-zoom to silence background noise, bokeh photo-effect (pictured below), super steady action video capture, up to 123 degree field of vision, and full editing studio  Bokeh photo-effect (pictured below), image stabilization, dual aperture, HDR for low light shots, and TrueDepth front camera for enhanced selfies
Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note10

The audio and image capabilities that Samsung added to the Galaxy Note10 are very impressive. But, as seen in the examples above, unless the Galaxy Note10 has a stand-out feature you can't live without, the iPhone XR also takes incredible photos.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR: Speed


Many factors can affect the speed of your device. However, there are three main specs you need to pay attention to when it comes to picking a fast phone:

  • Processor, which handles your requests (such as opening an app)
  • Cores, which split up your requests among processes to ensure that each one runs as fast and efficiently as possible
  • RAM, which cues your requests to ensure that they're handled quickly and efficiently

Let's see how the Samsung Galaxy Note10 and the iPhone XR stack up. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR

Galaxy Note10 iPhone XR
Processor Snapdragon 855
7 trillion operations/sec
A12 Bionic
5 trillion operations/sec
Cores 8 8
RAM 8GB 3GB

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note10

The Samsung Galaxy Note10 has the brand new Snapdragon 855 chipset, which can handle about 2 trillion more operations per second than the iPhone XR's chipset. More, the Galaxy Note10 has an additional 5GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR: Battery


The Samsung Galaxy Note10 comes with a 3,500mAh battery and the iPhone XR comes with a 2,942mAh battery—but take a look below to find out what these battery capacities mean in the real world.

Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR: Battery Life

Galaxy Note10 iPhone XR
Talk time up to 35 hours up to 25 hours
Standby time up to 12.6 days up to 10 days
Wireless audio playback up to 60 hours up to 65 hours
Time to charge 0-50%
with fast charge (15/18W)
30 minutes 30 minutes

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note10

The Samsung Galaxy Note10 wins this one, too. It's also important to note here that the 15W fast charge brick comes in the Note10's box, whereas the stock charging block that comes with the iPhone XR is only 5W.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs iPhone XR: Conclusion and Pricing


Overall Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note10

When put head-to-head, the Samsung Galaxy Note10's specs are just too good to ignore. However, even though we've pointed out which phone has the better features, it's up to you to decide if you want to pay more for the Galaxy Note10 to get them. When you compare each device's 256GB option, the iPhone XR is still about $50 cheaper. 

Regardless of which smartphone you choose, we're here to support your decision by helping you find a great deal on your next device and plan. To find them, check out our list of BOGO deals, trade-in deals, and carrier deals below or head over to our state-of-the-art comparison engine.

Compare the Galaxy Note10 to other devices: 

Chris Holmes

Staff Writer

Chris Holmes
Chris Holmes is a Contributing Writer for WhistleOut, where he covers the cell phone and internet industries. His work has been cited in publications like The Verge, The New York Times, and WIRED.

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