The Most Interesting Features in Samsung's New Galaxy Note 10+ Flagship Smartphone

[Justanotherfanboy]

When did you use Android last? Ever?

I haven’t had an Android as my daily driver since the Nexus days, but I still see in literally almost every single flagship Android review (even in 2018 & 2019) phrases like “barely any noticeable lag switching from home screen to home screen!”...
As long as that is something that hugely pro Android sites still feel is worth bragging about- a BRAND NEW device having “barely any lag” while literally doing nothing but looking at the screen... I don’t think your snarky comment has even the teeniest bit of bite.

 

[Ubuntu]

It's still android at the end of the day and you can put a lamborgini frame on the ground but a pinto motor inside of it and you ultimately still have a pinto on the road.

Why are you guys even reviewing this on an Apple site?

Don't you know we are diehard apple fanbois who know Apple will never do anything wrong?! LOL

Not quite true. There are numerous issues with Android but it's come a long way. I'd recommend trying it on a Pixel to get a good impression of how good it can be. I used my Pixel 3a test device for a couple of months and while I still prefer iOS (for its security, mainly) there were numerous parts of Android that were much better.

 

[Rafterman]

I have been in the smartphone world since the late 90s with Palm Pilots, then 2000s with PocketPCs. Then finally iPhones in the late 2000s. Then I tried Android in the 2010s, alongside iPhones, often owning both at the same time.

The truth is, both platforms are good. Samsung's flagships are just as good an Apple's and both iOS and Android are good operating systems. Android had a rough beginning, but so did Apple when they first started (the first iPhone couldn't even run apps).

In th end, it comes to preference and feaures. iOS has some great features you may prefer and Android has its own set of good features. But to say that Android or Samsung is junk is just plain false.

 

[pika2000]

That makes sense, but you never hear anything about the M or A series. Maybe just poor marketing? Either way, their mobile division has been tanking so maybe they need to change their strategy.

Not poor marketing. Samsung even used Blackpink to market the A series.
As for the mobile division is tanking, it’s because of the same reason Apple is seeing a decline as well. People are simply keeping their phones longer, and it’s going to be worse if your ASP is already low.

 

[Baymowe335]

Not poor marketing. Samsung even used Blackpink to market the A series.
As for the mobile division is tanking, it’s because of the same reason Apple is seeing a decline as well. People are simply keeping their phones longer, and it’s going to be worse if your ASP is already low.

Samsung’s has been far worse than AAPL’s mobile decline.

 

[pika2000]

Samsung’s has been far worse than AAPL’s mobile decline.

True.
But of course, here you’ll see people praising Samsung as if it’s the only Android choice.

 

[Scream And Fly]

Android OS? hard no.

Oh my. Not just a no, but a hard no. You’re really getting serious now.

I use iPad Pros for work and my phone is a Pixel 3XL. I bet most of you making similar comments have nearly no experience with the current version of Android. That Apple Kool Aid is strong stuff. It’s hard strong.

 

[mikegoldnj]

I wish Apple would take some design cues from Samsung. These devices are so much nicer than the current iPhone hardware.

If only I could get this Samsung hardware running iOS.

 

[ErikGrim]

That Aura Glow looks like the ugliest phone case a teen girl can buy.

 

[Gaprofitt]

Fine phone, but overall pretty mediocre. Nothing different than the rest of the Android manufacturers. I’m not sure how Samsung can really differentiate themselves and charge what they do. They need to really give up on the high end and work to combat the rest of the lower cost options that are available.

Lol. Ever heard of Samsung Pay? It has zero competition and works everywhere. Screen is as good as it gets. Amazing battery, lightweight and just an engineering marvel. The quality is off the charts.

 

[DNichter]

Not poor marketing. Samsung even used Blackpink to market the A series.
As for the mobile division is tanking, it’s because of the same reason Apple is seeing a decline as well. People are simply keeping their phones longer, and it’s going to be worse if your ASP is already low.

Maybe not, but I’ve never heard of an M series. I think the mid range should be their focus and leave the high end to Apple. They’ll continue to lose against cheaper phones that are essentially the same. While I agree with keeping their phones longer, Apple seems to have made the right decision to move into wearables and services. I’m not sure if Samsung has that same ability. Even their largest business unit, memory, was down. We’ll see what happens. I’m not seeing a huge smartphone rebound anytime soon.
[doublepost=1566812761][/doublepost]

Lol. Ever heard of Samsung Pay? It has zero competition and works everywhere. Screen is as good as it gets. Amazing battery, lightweight and just an engineering marvel. The quality is off the charts.

I’ve never seen anyone mention Samsung Pay, but I’m sure it works fine. Just not a differentiator at all, a ripoff of Apple Pay. Yes, it’s good hardware, like I said - just the same as every other Android, for a lot more money. Again, no differentiation. They aren’t going to do well with this strategy.

 

[pika2000]

Maybe not, but I’ve never heard of an M series. I think the mid range should be their focus and leave the high end to Apple. They’ll continue to lose against cheaper phones that are essentially the same. While I agree with keeping their phones longer, Apple seems to have made a good decision to go into wearables and services. I’m not sure if Samsung has that same ability. Even their largest business unit, memory, was down. We’ll see what happens. I’m not seeing a huge smartphone rebound anytime soon.

Samsung won't do well if they only do the mid to low end. The Chinese will eat Samsung alive. Samsung is already having a hard time in many emerging markets against the likes of Huawei, Realme, Oppo, xiaomi, etc. Samsung has to maintain their brand value, and the way to do it is to keep making an ultra expensive flagships that only few will buy. At least that will put into the mindset of people that Samsung is a premium brand, and justify their slightly pricier mid/low end offerings vs the Chinese. Heck, look at people here, and many prefers Samsung only because of the brand. If they want to compete with just spec, any Chinese phone is better anytime anyday. Many people buy stuff based on brands.

 

[torana355]

Maybe not, but I’ve never heard of an M series. I think the mid range should be their focus and leave the high end to Apple. They’ll continue to lose against cheaper phones that are essentially the same. While I agree with keeping their phones longer, Apple seems to have made the right decision to move into wearables and services. I’m not sure if Samsung has that same ability. Even their largest business unit, memory, was down. We’ll see what happens. I’m not seeing a huge smartphone rebound anytime soon.
[doublepost=1566812761][/doublepost]

I’ve never seen anyone mention Samsung Pay, but I’m sure it works fine. Just not a differentiator at all, a ripoff of Apple Pay. Yes, it’s good hardware, like I said - just the same as every other Android, for a lot more money. Again, no differentiation. They aren’t going to do well with this strategy.

You should probably do your research on Samsung pay before making such comments. Its superior to Apple Pay in every way, but anyway let's not let facts get in the way of some good old fashion Samsung bashing.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Maybe not, but I’ve never heard of an M series. I think the mid range should be their focus and leave the high end to Apple. They’ll continue to lose against cheaper phones that are essentially the same. While I agree with keeping their phones longer, Apple seems to have made the right decision to move into wearables and services. I’m not sure if Samsung has that same ability. Even their largest business unit, memory, was down. We’ll see what happens. I’m not seeing a huge smartphone rebound anytime soon.
[doublepost=1566812761][/doublepost]

I’ve never seen anyone mention Samsung Pay, but I’m sure it works fine. Just not a differentiator at all, a ripoff of Apple Pay. Yes, it’s good hardware, like I said - just the same as every other Android, for a lot more money. Again, no differentiation. They aren’t going to do well with this strategy.

I use the iPhone but I think there should be an alternative high end smartphone for people that want a top of the range phone but don’t want an iPhone. However I agree I think they need to put more focus on their midrange phones.

I think Samsung Pay only has an advantage in the US because it can use the old magnetic strip technology for payments so can be accepted at more merchants. In the UK it only uses NFC, as we only have chip and pin readers. So Samsung Pay is exactly the same as Apple Pay or google pay. There is no advantage here.
[doublepost=1566814502][/doublepost]

You should probably do your research on Samsung pay before making such comments. Its superior to Apple Pay in every way, but anyway let's not let facts get in the way.

Actually I read an article a few weeks ago that said Samsung Pay can be used as a terminal to accept payments, say if you are a business trader. Not available in the UK yet but this would be extremely useful for many as it requires no extra equipment, just your phone.

https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-pay-touch-app-galaxy-smartphone-pos-terminal/

 

[Gutwrench]

Why are you guys even reviewing this on an Apple site?

Because the Galaxy features are the next Apple rumor?

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

I think Samsung Pay only has an advantage in the US because it can use the old magnetic strip technology for payments so can be accepted at more merchants. In the UK it only uses NFC, as we only have chip and pin readers. So Samsung Pay is exactly the same as Apple Pay or google pay. There is no advantage here.

Contactless/chip and pin payment terminals have a mag stripe reader on the side.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Contactless/chip and pin payment terminals have a mag stripe reader on the side.

Oh I didn’t know that!

 

[The Game 161]

Samsung pay sucks here for me as Natwest don’t support it

 

[Mike_Trivisonno]

I have a friend who just got one of these. It's pretty dang cool. Makes my iPhone Xs feel like an old candlestick phone. I will still not get a Note 10 because iOS is better. But it really feels like Apple is not doing enough to advance the iPhone. All they do is keep making the camera better while the rest of the subsystems languish. Apple should have already addressed the crappy battery life...which is why my friend got a Note 10+.

 

[H3LL5P4WN]

iPhone users who always feel like their devices die quickly might be jealous of the battery in the Note 10+ - it's 4,300mAh, which is massive. It can also take advantage of a 45W charger that can fast charge it from zero to full in just about an hour.

I've never felt like any of my iPhones, aside from the 5S, died quickly. In fact, it's always the Samedung users I see that are huddling around the open wall outlets and charging kiosks.

The Essential PH-1 was the first and only android phone that I've used that actually would make it through the day on a single charge. Prior to that phone, I've done everything from rooting, Greenifying, and installing custom ROMs in order to tweak schedulers, voltages, max frequencies, etc, just to last a single day (guess what... it wasn't successful).

Frankly, I wouldn't believe that any android phone with less than a 3500mah battery would last all day... if it's screen was 5" or less. The Note 10+ with only 4300mah? Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it (and since I have no intention of buying one... well I guess I'll never believe it).

Samsung's not including a 45W charger in the box, but since it charges over USB-C, you might already have one laying around.

One last time for the people in the back.

USB-C. IS. NOT. A. CHARGING. STANDARD. IT. IS. A. PORT.

We are in this never-ending trainwreck because android OEMs made up their own BS fast charging methods instead of sticking to the USB-PD standard. Because of that, we have uneducated users and now Apple news sites using USB-C interchangeably with the USB Power Delivery when it is in fact not. This is why I only buy USB-C cables from Apple, Anker, Nimble, and Google because they're the only ones that I know without having to deep-dive into spec sheets and comment sections are in spec.

Not only that, but Samedung's 45w charger is not USB-PD but instead their own BS, made-up "Adaptive Fast Charging." So no, your 60w Apple or Anker USB-PD charger will not charge this phone quickly.

 

[CrazyDaveinNeb]

The only thing I'd take is the under screen finger print sensor.

well, and the USC-C and battery life..

I want USB-C because I have an iPad Pro and want to use the same cables. My lightning cables are about to the point they need to be replaced anyways.

 

[MKevin3]

I have a Note 9. I get a surprising amount of use out of DeX. Walk into a meeting at work, grab the standard USB-C to HDMI connector for the presentation TV and my phone is running on the TV. I can use the Note 9 screen as a touch pad or I can plug in a USB mouse and keyboard.

Use multi-tasking to show both the current app version from the store and the latest debug build running side by side on the TV. Might also bring up a web page as well or notes on what I am covering in the meeting or even competing apps.

Need to code? I can run IntelliJ IDE on my phone in DeX mode. Apple? iPad Pro replacement for MacBook? Can't run Xcode on an iPad Pro. IntelliJ supports Java, Kotlin, JS, Ruby, HTML, piles of languages and is a full featured IDE. Not saying I would do this on the phones screen but hook it up to a monitor and away you go. I carry one USB-C to HDMI with multiple USB ports on it. Same one I use on my MacBook for work.

I use the stylus to draw out designs during hallway meetings. I also use it to take notes no matter where I am, grocery store, home, daily stand-up - yep pull out stylus and take a note without even unlocking the device.

Android Auto in the car is nice. Just tap microphone and say address or name of place to go. Send text, have it read incoming texts to you, make calls, play music.

The phone has 8g of RAM + 512g storage and SD card support, fast USB-C charging, headphone jack, wireless charging. I got it on sale from B&H video for $750 USD.

It happens to do a number of things, currently, that an Apple phone does not do that makes my job and life much easier. It is the right solution for me.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Samsung pay sucks here for me as Natwest don’t support it

It isn’t supported by many of the major banks in the UK, but one of the banks I use (nationwide) supports Samsung Pay, Apple Pay abc google pay but my other bank (Halifax) only supports Apple and Google Pay.

I've never felt like any of my iPhones, aside from the 5S, died quickly. In fact, it's always the Samedung users I see that are huddling around the open wall outlets and charging kiosks.

The Essential PH-1 was the first and only android phone that I've used that actually would make it through the day on a single charge. Prior to that phone, I've done everything from rooting, Greenifying, and installing custom ROMs in order to tweak schedulers, voltages, max frequencies, etc, just to last a single day (guess what... it wasn't successful).

Frankly, I wouldn't believe that any android phone with less than a 3500mah battery would last all day... if it's screen was 5" or less. The Note 10+ with only 4300mah? Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it (and since I have no intention of buying one... well I guess I'll never believe it).



One last time for the people in the back.

USB-C. IS. NOT. A. CHARGING. STANDARD. IT. IS. A. PORT.

We are in this never-ending trainwreck because android OEMs made up their own BS fast charging methods instead of sticking to the USB-PD standard. Because of that, we have uneducated users and now Apple news sites using USB-C interchangeably with the USB Power Delivery when it is in fact not. This is why I only buy USB-C cables from Apple, Anker, Nimble, and Google because they're the only ones that I know without having to deep-dive into spec sheets and comment sections are in spec.

Not only that, but Samedung's 45w charger is not USB-PD but instead their own BS, made-up "Adaptive Fast Charging." So no, your 60w Apple or Anker USB-PD charger will not charge this phone quickly.

No both note 10’s do support USB power delivery.


https://www.androidcentral.com/does-galaxy-note-10-support-usb-power-delivery

 

[DNichter]

I use the iPhone but I think there should be an alternative high end smartphone for people that want a top of the range phone but don’t want an iPhone. However I agree I think they need to put more focus on their midrange phones.

I think Samsung Pay only has an advantage in the US because it can use the old magnetic strip technology for payments so can be accepted at more merchants. In the UK it only uses NFC, as we only have chip and pin readers. So Samsung Pay is exactly the same as Apple Pay or google pay. There is no advantage here.
[doublepost=1566814502][/doublepost]
Actually I read an article a few weeks ago that said Samsung Pay can be used as a terminal to accept payments, say if you are a business trader. Not available in the UK yet but this would be extremely useful for many as it requires no extra equipment, just your phone.

https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-pay-touch-app-galaxy-smartphone-pos-terminal/

I guess I just don't see a ton of difference in some of the Android phones for $500-$600 and the Samsung ones that go for $1,000. Its generally the same hardware and software.
[doublepost=1566829521][/doublepost]

You should probably do your research on Samsung pay before making such comments. Its superior to Apple Pay in every way, but anyway let's not let facts get in the way of some good old fashion Samsung bashing.

I get that it can used in more places because it relies on older technology and is less secure, but it's still just another mobile payment option. I don't see it as a major feature when choosing a phone. Potentially a liability.
[doublepost=1566829654][/doublepost]

Samsung won't do well if they only do the mid to low end. The Chinese will eat Samsung alive. Samsung is already having a hard time in many emerging markets against the likes of Huawei, Realme, Oppo, xiaomi, etc. Samsung has to maintain their brand value, and the way to do it is to keep making an ultra expensive flagships that only few will buy. At least that will put into the mindset of people that Samsung is a premium brand, and justify their slightly pricier mid/low end offerings vs the Chinese. Heck, look at people here, and many prefers Samsung only because of the brand. If they want to compete with just spec, any Chinese phone is better anytime anyday. Many people buy stuff based on brands.

I think they already are eating Samsung alive. Many of the same hardware and software features can be had in the $500-$600 range, I am not seeing the appeal of the Samsung version for $1,000. I can definitely understand the brand value aspect you mention though, just not sure it is really doing them any good against the Chinese brands or Apple at this point.

 

[H3LL5P4WN]

You should probably do your research on Samsung pay before making such comments. Its superior to Apple Pay in every way, but anyway let's not let facts get in the way of some good old fashion Samsung bashing.

Except that it's not secure. I guess that minor detail doesn't matter as far as your financials are concerned.