As 5G networks continue to roll out and expand, you may be hunting for a smartphone that’s capable of taking advantage. If you’ve decided you’re ready to snag a 5G phone, and if you’re happy looking at older generations, then you may be interested in checking out two supersized options from Samsung: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G.
While the S10
Specs
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G | Samsung Galaxy S10 5G | |
Size | 162.3 × 77.2 × 7.9mm (6.39 × 3.04 × 0.31 inches) | 162.6 × 77.1 × 7.9mm (6.4 × 3.04 × 0.31 inches) |
Weight | 198 grams (6.98 ounces) | 198 grams (6.98 oz) |
Screen size | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED |
Screen resolution | 3040 × 1440 pixels (498 pixels per inch) | 3040 × 1440 pixels (502 pixels per inch) |
Operating system | Android 11 (under One UI 3) | Android 11 (under One UI 3) |
Storage space | 256GB, 512GB | |
MicroSD card slot | Yes | No |
Tap-to-pay services | Google Pay, Samsung Pay | Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
Camera | Quad-lens 16-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, 12MP variable aperture wide-angle, 12MP telephoto, and DepthVision lens rear; 10MP front | Quad-lens 16-megapixel ultra wide-angle, 12MP standard, 12MP telephoto, and Time-of-Flight 3D camera rear; Dual-lens 10MP and Time-of-Flight camera front |
Video | 2160p at 60 frames per second, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps | 2160p at 60 frames per second, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps |
Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Ports | USB-C | USB-C port, 3.5mm audio jack |
Fingerprint sensor | Yes, ultrasonic in-display | Yes, ultrasonic in-display |
Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Battery | 4,300mAh
45W fast charging (25W charger included) 15W Qi Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 |
4,500mAh
Fast charging (25W charger included) 15W Qi Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 |
App marketplace | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
Network support | All major U.S. carriers | All major U.S. carriers |
Colors | Aura Glow, Aura White, Aura Black, Aura Blue | Crown Silver, Majestic Black, Royal Gold |
Price | $1,300 | $1,300 |
Buy from | Amazon | Amazon |
Review score | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Hands-on review |
Performance, battery life, and charging
It’s no surprise to find Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor inside both of these phones and it ensures fast performance. The
The S10
Winner: Samsung
Design and durability
There are clear similarities between these phones, with both sporting gorgeous curved screens and curved glass backs that melt into metal frames. They also both have fingerprint sensors in the display. The most immediately obvious difference is the camera suite on the back, which is horizontally stacked in the S10
We prefer the more rounded corners on the S10
Winner: Tie
Display
The Note boasts a 6.8-inch screen while the S10 has a 6.7-inch screen. Both are Dynamic AMOLED with the same resolution and both are HDR10+ certified. These are still two of the best and brightest screens you’ll find in a phone today. The Note is going to edge out a win here because of the slightly bigger screen, but also because it only has a single hole-punch
Winner: Samsung
Camera
With incredible quad-lens setups, the S10
Around the front, the S10 pulls ahead with a dual-lens setup that combines a 10-megapixel lens with an f/1.9 aperture and a second Time-of-Flight sensor. The Note just has a single 10-megapixel lens around front and it has a smaller f/2.2 aperture which means it won’t deal with low light situations as well. If you’re a big selfie fan, the S10
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S10
Software and updates
With Android 11 and Samsung’s excellent OneUI user interface on top, you’re going to have much the same software experience whichever of these phones you choose. The Note has a few extras related to the S Pen, but you aren’t going to miss them if you’re not a stylus user. Samsung is not the fastest to update
Winner: Tie
Special features
Samsung adds a lot of value with special features, but both these supersized smartphones boast a similar lineup. From
Winner: Samsung
Price and availability
The Samsung Galaxy S10
The Samsung
We believe it’s definitely worth mentioning that each of these devices will likely only work with 5G on the network of the carrier you buy through due to the fact that their 5G networks depend on distinct technology and innovation.
Overall winner: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G
It is an incredibly difficult decision because there isn’t a considerable amount to separate these devices. The S10
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