S10 Plus Vs Note 10 Which Samsung Flagship Still Holds Up In Current Year 2

Released just months apart in 2019, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy Note 10+ represented the pinnacle of Android innovation at the time. Fast forward to 2024, and both devices are well beyond their prime support window. Yet, thousands of users still rely on them daily. With newer models dominating headlines, it’s worth asking: which of these once-flagship phones still holds up in real-world use today?

This isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a practical evaluation for users considering budget-friendly alternatives or those holding onto aging devices. We’ll dissect build quality, performance, camera capabilities, software longevity, and overall usability to determine which model remains more viable in the current mobile landscape.

Design and Build: Premium Materials, Different Philosophies

The S10+ and Note 10+ both feature glass-and-metal construction with high-end finishes, but their design philosophies diverge significantly. The S10+ retains physical side keys and a more traditional layout, while the Note 10+ embraces minimalism with ultrasonic side fingerprint recognition and no Bixby or dedicated home button—controls are gesture-based.

The S10+ uses a curved edge display with a dual front camera cutout at the top right, giving it a slightly bulkier but familiar profile. In contrast, the Note 10+ introduces a centered single-hole punch display, offering a cleaner aesthetic and better symmetry. However, its slimmer frame makes one-handed use more challenging.

Tip: If you value tactile feedback and easier handling, the S10+’s design may feel more intuitive even years later.

Display and Usability: Curves vs Clean Lines

Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED panels with HDR10+ support, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S10+ sports a 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 3040x1440, while the Note 10+ ups the ante with a 6.8-inch 3040x1440 screen—ideal for media consumption and multitasking.

In practice, the larger display on the Note 10+ benefits productivity, especially when using the S Pen for note-taking or editing. However, the curvature on both screens can cause accidental touches, particularly on the Note 10+, where edge sensitivity is less forgiving without physical buttons to anchor your grip.

For long-term durability, the S10+ has a slight edge. Its Gorilla Glass 5 protection, while not the latest, has proven resilient over time. The Note 10+ also uses Gorilla Glass 5 but with a more exposed front due to its slim bezels, increasing vulnerability to drops.

Performance and Hardware: Still Capable, But Aging Gracefully

Under the hood, both devices launched with the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855 (depending on region), paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. In 2024, this hardware still handles basic tasks like web browsing, messaging, and streaming video reasonably well. However, heavier apps, multitasking, and modern games show clear limitations.

The S10+ tends to manage thermal throttling better due to slightly looser system demands and smaller UI elements. The Note 10+, despite its larger chassis, runs hotter under sustained load—particularly noticeable during extended video playback or GPS navigation.

“Flagship silicon from 2019 was built for three to four years of peak performance. By 2024, even powerful chips like the Snapdragon 855 struggle with background bloat and OS inefficiencies.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Real-World Example: Daily Use After Five Years

Consider Maria, a freelance writer who’s used her S10+ since 2019. She relies on it for email, cloud documents, audiobooks, and occasional photo editing. While app launches have slowed and the battery drains faster, she reports that the phone “still gets the job done” with minor compromises. She avoids heavy social media apps and keeps cached data cleared weekly.

In contrast, James, a field technician using a Note 10+, praises the S Pen for sketching diagrams and signing forms. However, he notes that recent updates to Google Docs and Adobe Scan have introduced lag, forcing him to restart the device multiple times a day. His experience highlights how specialized features can extend usability—but only up to a point.

Camera Comparison: Strengths and Limitations Today

Cameras were a major selling point for both models. The S10+ features a triple rear setup: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. The Note 10+ simplifies to a dual-camera system (12MP wide, 12MP telephoto) but adds an RGB depth sensor and omits the ultra-wide lens—later corrected in the Note 10+ 5G model.

Feature	S10+	Note 10+
Rear Cameras	Triple: Wide, Telephoto, Ultra-Wide	Dual + Depth Sensor (No Ultra-Wide)
Front Cameras	Dual: 10MP + 8MP RGB	Single: 10MP
Video Recording	4K@60fps, HDR10+	4K@60fps, HDR10+
Low-Light Performance	Solid Night Mode (via update)	Average; lacks advanced night processing

In everyday photography, the S10+ wins for versatility. The ultra-wide lens remains useful for landscapes and tight indoor shots. The Note 10+ compensates with superior autofocus and stabilization, making it better for vlogging or handheld video. However, neither matches modern computational photography standards seen in 2023–2024 flagships.

Tip: Disable AI Camera and auto-enhancements to reduce processing lag and preserve natural image tones.

Battery Life and Charging: Where Age Shows Most

The S10+ packs a 4,100mAh battery, while the Note 10+ includes a larger 4,300mAh unit. On paper, the Note should last longer—but real-world usage tells a different story. The larger, higher-resolution display and aggressive software optimizations drain power faster, especially with S Pen features enabled.

After five years, battery degradation affects both models significantly. Users commonly report needing midday charging even with light use. Neither phone supports newer fast-charging standards beyond 25W (with compatible chargers), and wireless power sharing (\"Wireless PowerShare\") is slow and inefficient by today’s standards.

• Original battery health rarely exceeds 70% in 2024 without replacement.
• Frequent fast charging accelerates wear on aging lithium-ion cells.
• Background app refresh and location services disproportionately impact endurance.

Step-by-Step: Extending Battery Longevity on Older Flagships

1. Replace the battery if health is below 80%. Genuine Samsung service ensures safety and calibration.
2. Limit screen brightness to 70% or use adaptive settings.
3. Disable always-on display and haptic feedback to reduce power draw.
4. Turn off Bluetooth, NFC, and location when not in use.
5. Use Dark Mode consistently—AMOLED screens save power with black pixels.

Software Support and Security: The End of the Line

Both devices received three major Android upgrades (up to Android 12) and four years of security patches. As of early 2023, official support ended. This means no further OS updates or monthly security fixes—a growing risk in an era of sophisticated mobile threats.

While third-party ROMs like LineageOS offer updated software options, they require technical know-how and void any remaining warranty or Knox security protections. For average users, staying on the stock Android 12 interface is safest—but increasingly outdated.

Checklist: Is Your S10+ or Note 10+ Still Secure?

• ✅ Installed all available security patches before support ended
• ✅ Avoid sideloading apps from unknown sources
• ✅ Use a trusted mobile antivirus with real-time scanning
• ✅ Enable two-factor authentication across accounts
• ✅ Regularly review app permissions (especially microphone and camera access)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy accessories for the S10+ or Note 10+?

Yes, but availability is shrinking. Cases, screen protectors, and wireless chargers remain accessible through third-party retailers. S Pen replacements for the Note 10+ are harder to find but still available from specialty electronics suppliers.

Is either phone suitable as a backup device in 2024?

Absolutely. Both make excellent secondary phones for travel, kids, or work-specific tasks. Their large screens and reliable call quality ensure core functionality remains intact, provided you accept slower performance and limited app compatibility.

Which holds better resale value today?

The S10+ generally commands slightly higher prices in the used market due to its broader appeal, ultra-wide camera, and wider global distribution. Fully functional units in good condition sell for $80–$130, depending on storage and region.

Final Verdict: Which Holds Up Better in 2024?

The Galaxy S10+ emerges as the more sustainable choice for continued use. Its balanced design, versatile triple-camera system, and slightly better thermal management contribute to a smoother experience in 2024. The inclusion of an ultra-wide lens and microSD card slot adds flexibility that the Note 10+ lacks.

The Note 10+ shines for niche users—artists, students, or professionals reliant on the S Pen. But its lack of an ultra-wide camera, shorter software optimization tail, and steeper learning curve limit broad appeal today.

If you’re still using either device, kudos—you’ve extracted exceptional value. But consider upgrading within the next year for improved security, performance, and camera quality. For those shopping secondhand, the S10+ offers the best blend of longevity and functionality at a bargain price.

🚀 Still rocking your 2019 flagship? Share your experience below—how has your S10+ or Note 10+ held up after five years? Join the conversation and help others decide whether to hold on or move on.