Samsung Galaxy Note 10 review

Samsung’s smaller, handier Note 10 flagship

Samsung Galaxy Note 10
Samsung Galaxy Note 10
(Image: © Future)

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10’s smaller size than its counterparts makes it feel like a more versatile device than some larger handsets on the market.

Along with the price, its smaller size is a major selling point and it’s a big reason why you may want to consider this for your next phone.

The specs are a little lacking when compared to the Galaxy Note 10 Plus, but it’s not a bad setup in the least.

Who’s it for?

This is the phone for you if you want top-end features, but you don’t want a gargantuan device.

If you’re desperate for a stylus and the extra functionality that it can offer your phone, this is also another big reason why you may want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.

Should you buy it? 

If that sounds like you, the answer is probably yes, you should buy it. The battery life can be disappointing on the Galaxy Note 10, and the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack may irritate some, but the phone is the full package for most people.

It also doesn’t sport a QHD display, which some may be desperate to get, but overall this is a solid device that offers some of the best power and most top-end features around.

First reviewed: September 2019

The competition

There are lots of alternatives to the Galaxy Note 10 available right now, and below we’ve collected a few other handsets you could consider.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus

(Image credit: Future)

It will cost you extra, but if you’re after an even bigger – and improved resolution – display you’ll want to opt for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus, as it comes with everything the Galaxy Note 10 has to offer and more.

The battery life is stronger on the larger phone, and the camera is even slightly better too, making this the option to go for if you’re determined you want the biggest and best from Samsung.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus review 

Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus

(Image credit: Future)

The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus are both a strong consideration if you’re not certain about the Galaxy Note 10, and the larger one of this pairing will offer you a bigger screen than the Galaxy Note 10 does.

You’ll lose access to the S Pen stylus, and the punch-hole camera sits on the right hand corner of the display rather than in the center. You’ll gain a 3.5mm headphone jack though, so you’ll be able to easily use wired headsets with your device.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus review 

Huawei Mate 20 Pro

Huawei Mate 20 Pro

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Huawei’s 2018 phablet is a strong competitor to the Galaxy Note 10, with a variety of similar specs and a large screen. The resolution is stronger on the Huawei phone, and battery life on this handset blew us away as well.

Opting for this will mean you don’t have an S Pen stylus though, and there’s also the issues of the Huawei ban to consider before you decide to spend a lot of money on one of these phones.

Read our full Huawei Mate 20 Pro review 

James Peckham

James is Managing Editor for Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.