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Samsung Galaxy Note 10: specs, prices and first impressions

Samsung galaxy note 10

Samsung Galaxy smartphones are among the most popular in the world, explains TechAdvisor, with the brand name just as recognisable as the Apple iPhone. These flagship handsets are slick, well built and come packed with market-leading features, hence why they’re a favourite among consumers.

If you’re due an upgrade, appreciate Samsung smartphones and like to own the latest handsets on the market, then Samsung’s latest release could be a good option for you.

The Galaxy Note 10 has been described as a ‘delightfully compact big-screen phone’ by Tom’s Guide. Just like its Note predecessors, the device features Samsung’s S Pen stylus – a feature you never knew you needed, until you have it!

Whether you end up purchasing the Note 10 after reading this review, or decide on another handset, you’ll want to make sure your tech investment is protected with mobile phone insurance. The latest devices on the market cost hundreds of pounds to buy outright, so you’ll want to cover them against things like theft, accidental damage and liquid damage.

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Features of the Note 10 – design and display

At TechRadar explains, this is the first time Samsung has announced the launch of two Galaxy Note devices at the same time – the Note 10 and Note 10 Plus (the Note 10’s bigger and slightly smarter brother).

There aren’t any revolutionary features on the Note 10, but the design has been tweaked with the introduction of a full-screen display, which has a cut-out for the front camera at the top middle of the screen.

The Note 10 boasts a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with full HD resolution – at 2280 x 1080 pixels and 401 pixels per inch. It features HDR 10+ technology, with TechRadar rating its display even though Samsung hasn’t opted for QHD.

Measuring at 72 x 151 x 7.9mm, the Note 10 is smaller than the Note 9. It’s also one of Samsung’s lightest smartphones, weighing just 168g. It’s still a pretty sizeable handset, though, but is one of the most compact stylus devices on the market.

Similar to the S10 and S10 Plus, the Note 10 features the fingerprint scanner beneath the screen. A USB-C connector, stylus port and speaker lie at the bottom of the device, while the top edge contains only the SIM slot.

The back of the Note 10 is made of glass and the frame of a high-quality metal. Colour options include Aura Black, Aura Pink and Aura Glow (a mix of white and blue). The Glow option changes colour depending on the type of light in which you’re using the device.

 

Performance and storage

The Note 10 comes with 8GB of RAM and is only available with 256GB of storage as there’s no microSD support. That’s plenty of space for the average smartphone owner, but if you’re not the average smartphone owner, you may be better off with the Note 10 Plus, which boasts 512GB of built-in storage and microSD support.

Samsung has said it removed microSD support to keep the Note 10 size down. It’s also got rid of the headphone jack for the same reason – a decision some people might not be very happy with. Still, certain headphones will work with the USB-C port at the bottom of the device.

The Note 10 is compatible for wireless charging and it has its Wireless PowerShare function. This allows users to boost compatible devices – like smartphones and headphones – using the battery of the Note 10.

 

Camera

The Note 10 features the same camera sensors than the S10, so there’s not a huge difference in terms of performance. There’s a triple camera setup on the rear of the device that features a wide-angle 12MP shooter, an ultra-wide camera that snaps 123-degree images and a 12MP telephoto lens with a 2 x optical zoom.

The device takes quality photos, especially now it’s got Night Mode, which should allow it to capture better shots in low lighting.

However, it’s the video functionality that really sets this device apart from the rest. Its Live Focus mode enables users to blur the background or incorporate special effects – such as turning the background black and white while the person in the foreground remains in full colour. The video editing app has received an upgrade and is optimised to be used with the S Pen.

 

Release date and price

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 was officially revealed during Samsung’s Unpacked event in New York on 7th August, and it was released in the UK on 23rd August.

If you’re looking to purchase the handset outright, it’s going to set you back £869. Many people would agree that’s a pretty reasonable price for the features you get, seeing as the upcoming iPhone 11 is likely to start at £999.

If you’re looking to take out a contract, then you want to be sure you’re getting the best deal. Check out this TechRadar list for some recommendations.

 

Verdict

In a bid to make the Note 10 light and compact, it has lost some of its quality features, but it’s still one of Samsung’s best smartphones to date.

If you’re looking for a more compact stylus smartphone, then the Note 10 could be for you. But if smartphone performance and power are more important, then the Note 10 Plus could be a better option.

 

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