By
Chris Holmes Staff Writer
Updated

galaxy-note10-versus-galaxy-s10

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Since their release in 2019, the Galaxy S10 and Note10 have been replaced by newer Samsung Galaxy models, and the Galaxy Note series has been discontinued. The information below reflects the data and pricing at the time of the devices' releases, and availability will differ from when we first reviewed these devices.

You can upgrade to a newer Galaxy phone, or you may still be able to find refurbished models of this device through retailers such as Amazon or eBay.


The Galaxy Note10 is Samsung's latest and greatest, but does that mean that it'll give you more for your money than the Galaxy S10? 

The Samsung Galaxy S10 might be a little older, but it offers more memory options and a better display. However, the Galaxy Note10 offers a bigger battery, faster charging, and the S Pen. Take a look at the full comparison between both devices below.

In this guide, you'll see a spec-to-spec comparison for the Samsung Galaxy Note10 and the Samsung Galaxy S10. It's everything you need to help you choose between the two phones.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Samsung Galaxy S10
Feature Galaxy Note10 Galaxy S10
Cameras Winner
New camera arrangement, S Pen features, and audio-zoom

Captures stunning images, but lacks some of the Note10's latest upgrades
Speed Tie
The Galaxy Note10 and the Galaxy S10 have the same RAM, number of cores, and chipset
Tie
Note that the expandable memory won't initially impact your phone's speed, but the S10's added memory might give it a boost in the long run
Battery Life Winner
Offers up to 38 hours of talk time

Offers up to 34 hours of talk time
Affordability

You're paying more here, so if you go for the Note10, make sure you're getting what you want
Winner
Starts at about $50 less

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S10: Specs


Take a look below for a quick comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Note10's and Samsung Galaxy S10's specs. Even though the Galaxy Note10 was made for power-users, it doesn't have an expandable storage, unlike the Galaxy S10. However, it does have a bunch of cool new features like the bokeh effect for video and gesture control with its S Pen. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Samsung Galaxy S10

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S10: Cameras


The Samsung Galaxy Note10 and the Samsung Galaxy S10 have the same cameras, front and back. However, the Galaxy S10 kept the traditional horizontal camera alignment on the back, while the Galaxy Note10 switched things up with a vertical rear camera alignment. The new camera setup will help you get the perfect vertical images when you hold your camera vertically and the perfect landscape shots when you hold it horizontally—genius, right? Take a look below for more key differences. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Samsung Galaxy S10: Cameras
Feature Galaxy Note10 Galaxy S10
Rear Cameras  16MP ultra-wide,
12MP wide-angle, and 12MP telephoto
16MP ultra-wide,
12MP wide-angle, and 12MP telephoto
Front Camera 10MP wide-angle 10MP 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, super steady action video capture, up to 123 degree field of vision, and full editing studio  Bokeh photo-effect (pictured below), super steady action videos, dual aperture, up to 123 degree field of vision, and full editing studio
The Samsung Galaxy Note10

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note10

The audio zoom and the new camera arrangement sets the Galaxy Note10 apart from the Galaxy S10.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S10: Speed


For processing speed, you're getting exactly the same RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset in both the Samsung Galaxy Note10 and the Samsung Galaxy S10. Each device runs on the same Android 9.0 operating system, too. So in this category, the Galaxy Note10 and the Galaxy S10 are tied.  

Winner: Tie

Both the Samsung Galaxy Note10 and the Samsung Galaxy S10 have the same internal specs. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S10: Battery


The Samsung Galaxy Note10 offers a 3,500mAh battery to the Samsung Galaxy S10's 3,400mAh. Check out some real-world examples of those battery capacities below. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Samsung Galaxy S10: Battery Life

Galaxy Note10 Galaxy S10
Standby Time 12.6 days 13 days
Talk Time 38 hours 34 hours
Audio Playback Time 50 hours 47 hours
Fast charge from 0-100% 95 minutes 90 minutes

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note10

The Samsung Galaxy Note10 won here, but not by much. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S10: Conclusion and Pricing


Overall Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note10

For some, the Samsung Galaxy S10 is just right. You pay a (slightly) lower price for a smaller phone with an expandable memory.

For others, the Samsung Galaxy Note10 is more suitable, giving you: 

  • More talk time
  • A faster charge
  • More audio, video, and camera features
  • And a multi-functional S Pen

It's truly just a matter of picking the phone that offers you everything you need. 

We picked the Samsung Galaxy Note10 simply because purchasing a flagship phone should mean that you're getting all the latest features and upgrades in your device—and that's exactly what it offers. On top of that, it's just $50 more than the Samsung Galaxy S10. 

Regardless of the device you choose, we're confident that you'll be able to find a great deal on your next Android smartphone. Many carriers offer great BOGO deals, trade-in deals, and more on a regular basis. To find those deals, either take a look below or head over to our state-of-the-art comparison engine

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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