Note 8 Vs Note 10 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It 2

For users still relying on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, the idea of upgrading to the Note 10 Plus might feel like a leap into modern smartphone territory. Released in 2017, the Note 8 was a flagship powerhouse in its time—featuring a dual-camera setup, iris scanner, and that iconic S Pen. Fast forward to 2019’s Note 10 Plus, and Samsung had redefined what a phablet could be: slimmer design, improved stylus functionality, and top-tier specs across the board. But nearly five years apart, is the jump from Note 8 to Note 10 Plus still meaningful today? For many, the answer depends not just on hardware, but on real-world usability, software support, and personal needs.

Design and Build: From Sturdy to Sleek

The Note 8 featured a premium glass-and-metal build with a traditional front layout: thick bezels, a physical home button, and a fingerprint sensor awkwardly placed next to the rear camera. While durable, the design felt increasingly outdated as bezel-less phones became standard. The Note 10 Plus marked a dramatic shift—nearly edge-to-edge Dynamic AMOLED display, no home button, and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. It was lighter, more balanced, and better suited for one-handed use despite its larger 6.8-inch screen.

Samsung also removed the headphone jack in the Note 10 Plus, a controversial move at the time. If you rely on wired headphones, this may require an adapter or a switch to Bluetooth audio. However, the stereo speakers were upgraded significantly, offering richer sound quality ideal for media consumption.

Tip: If you're upgrading after years on the Note 8, invest in a protective case early—glass backs are more prone to cracking than the Note 8’s sturdier frame.

Display and Visual Experience

The visual leap between these two devices is substantial. The Note 8’s 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel was excellent for its era, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Note 10 Plus introduced a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ certification, higher brightness (up to 1200 nits), and a 19:9 aspect ratio for better multitasking and video viewing.

More importantly, the Note 10 Plus supports HDR streaming on platforms like Netflix and YouTube, while the Note 8 does not. For anyone who watches a lot of video content or uses their phone for photo editing, this is a tangible improvement in daily use.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, the difference is stark. The Note 8 shipped with either the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 835 (depending on region), both paired with 6GB of RAM. By 2024 standards, these chips struggle with heavier apps and multitasking. The Note 10 Plus, meanwhile, came with the Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9825) and 12GB of RAM—double the memory, enabling smoother performance in gaming, AR applications, and split-screen workflows.

Software support is another key factor. The Note 8 received updates up to Android 9 (Pie), with security patches ending in 2021. The Note 10 Plus launched on Android 9 but was updated to Android 12 and received security patches into 2023. While neither device will get further updates, the Note 10 Plus remains more compatible with current apps and services.

“Even if your old phone still powers on, outdated software can expose you to security risks and limit app compatibility.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst

Camera Comparison: Evolution in Detail

The Note 8 was among the first Samsung phones with a dual rear camera: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto lenses. It delivered solid low-light shots and 2x optical zoom, but lacked advanced scene optimization or AI enhancements. The front-facing 8MP camera supported facial recognition and iris scanning.

The Note 10 Plus expanded this dramatically: a triple rear system including a 12MP wide (with variable aperture f/1.5–f/2.4), 12MP telephoto, and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. The addition of the ultra-wide lens opened creative possibilities for landscapes and group shots. Video recording jumped from 4K@30fps to 4K@60fps with enhanced stabilization and built-in microphone filters for cleaner audio.

The front camera also saw a major upgrade: a 10MP sensor with depth-vision capabilities for better portrait selfies and augmented reality effects. Features like Live Focus video and Director’s View gave users professional-grade control over their content creation.

Feature	Galaxy Note 8	Galaxy Note 10 Plus
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Triple 12MP+12MP+16MP (Wide, Telephoto, Ultra-Wide)
Front Camera	8MP	10MP + Depth Sensor
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps, HDR10+
Zoom	2x Optical, 10x Digital	2x Optical, Up to 20x Digital
Special Features	Iris Scan, Dual Capture	Live Focus Video, Director’s View, AR Doodles

Battery and Charging: Power That Keeps Up

The Note 8 packed a 3,300mAh battery—modest by today’s standards. With moderate use, it lasted a full day, but power users often needed a midday charge. It supported fast charging (wired only) and wireless charging, but lacked reverse wireless charging.

The Note 10 Plus addressed this with a massive 4,300mAh battery, supporting 45W super-fast charging (though the included charger was only 25W). More notably, it introduced Wireless PowerShare—allowing you to charge other Qi-compatible devices like earbuds or smartwatches simply by placing them on the back of the phone.

Tip: Enable adaptive battery settings on the Note 10 Plus to extend charge cycles and reduce wear over time.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used her Note 8 since 2018. By 2023, she noticed frequent app crashes, sluggish camera response, and difficulty joining video calls due to outdated Zoom compatibility. After switching to a used Note 10 Plus, she immediately benefited from smoother navigation, clearer video calls via the upgraded front camera, and faster email syncing. Most impactful was the ability to use Samsung DeX wirelessly—turning her TV into a desktop workspace without cables. Though the phone was three years newer, the experience felt like stepping into a new generation of mobile productivity.

S-Pen: More Than Just a Stylus

Both models include the S Pen, but the Note 10 Plus transformed it into a smarter tool. While the Note 8’s S Pen offered basic air commands (like scrolling and taking photos), the Note 10 Plus added gesture-based controls using motion sensors in the pen. You could now pause videos, change camera modes, or advance slides with a flick of the wrist.

It also introduced handwriting-to-text conversion with real-time translation and improved latency (42ms down to 26ms), making note-taking far more natural. For students, professionals, or creatives, this evolution makes a significant difference in workflow efficiency.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

If you’re still using a Note 8, the upgrade to the Note 10 Plus isn’t just worthwhile—it’s practically necessary for staying current. Here’s a checklist to help decide:

• Are you experiencing slow app launches or frequent freezes?
• Do websites fail to load properly or crash in Chrome?
• Have you stopped receiving software updates or security patches?
• Is your battery life below 5 hours of screen-on time?
• Do you create content or rely on multitasking features?

If you answered yes to two or more, the Note 10 Plus (or even a newer model) should be a priority. Even in 2024, the Note 10 Plus holds up remarkably well for everyday tasks, media, and light productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Note 10 Plus still receive apps from the Google Play Store?

Yes. Although it no longer receives OS updates, most major apps—including banking, social media, and productivity tools—still support Android 12, which the Note 10 Plus runs.

Is the S Pen from the Note 8 compatible with the Note 10 Plus?

No. The S Pens are not interchangeable between models due to internal hardware and antenna differences. Each phone requires its original stylus.

Should I consider a newer phone instead?

If budget allows, newer models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 5 offer better longevity, 5G connectivity, and ongoing software support. However, the Note 10 Plus remains a cost-effective middle ground for those wanting a large screen and S Pen without paying flagship prices.

Conclusion

Moving from the Galaxy Note 8 to the Note 10 Plus is more than an upgrade—it's a transformation in how you interact with your phone. The improvements in display, performance, camera, and S Pen functionality deliver a noticeably modern experience. While both devices carry the legacy of Samsung’s innovation, only the Note 10 Plus aligns with today’s expectations for speed, versatility, and multimedia capability.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your current usage, consider refurbished options, and take advantage of trade-in programs to bring your tech up to date—your future self will thank you.