Samsung S10 Plus Vs Note 8 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

For loyal Samsung users who invested in the Galaxy Note 8 at its peak, the decision to upgrade to the S10 Plus isn’t just about new features—it’s about whether those improvements justify the cost. The Note 8 was a flagship powerhouse in 2017, praised for its stylus functionality, dual cameras, and solid build. Fast forward to 2019, and the S10 Plus arrived with bold redesigns and next-gen specs. But does the jump from Note 8 to S10 Plus deliver meaningful gains, or is it an incremental change masked as innovation?

This article breaks down every critical aspect—design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software—to help you decide if upgrading is truly worthwhile.

Design and Build: Refinement Meets Modernity

The Note 8 featured a premium glass-and-metal construction with slim bezels and a fingerprint sensor awkwardly placed beside the rear camera. While elegant, its design felt conservative compared to later models. The S10 Plus refined this aesthetic with a nearly bezel-less Infinity-O display, introducing a small punch-hole cutout for the front camera—a significant departure from the forehead-chin look of the Note 8.

Despite both phones using Gorilla Glass 5 and aluminum frames, the S10 Plus feels more contemporary. It’s slightly lighter and better balanced, though marginally thicker. One notable trade-off: the S10 Plus dropped the IP68-rated microSD slot cover design, opting for a flush tray that maintains water resistance without compromising expandable storage—a win for power users.

Tip: If you use a case, test fit and button responsiveness early—some third-party cases for the S10 Plus interfere with the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Display Quality: From Great to Exceptional

The Note 8’s 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel was among the best of its time, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S10 Plus improves on this with a larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, also Quad HD+, but now HDR10+ certified and brighter—up to 1215 nits peak brightness versus the Note 8’s ~800 nits.

More importantly, the S10 Plus introduced variable refresh rate support (adaptive up to 120Hz on some regions/models), smoother scrolling, and improved outdoor visibility. For media consumers and multitaskers, the upgrade is immediately noticeable.

“The shift from static to dynamic displays marks a generational leap in viewing comfort and efficiency.” — Dr. Lena Park, Display Technology Analyst at Mobile Insights Group

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the differences are stark. The Note 8 ran on either the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835 (depending on region), both 10nm chips that were top-tier in 2017. By 2019, the S10 Plus launched with the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855—7nm processors offering roughly 30–40% better CPU performance and up to 50% faster GPU speeds.

RAM options reflect changing user demands: the Note 8 maxed out at 6GB, while the S10 Plus offered configurations up to 12GB. Storage starts at 128GB and supports microSD expansion up to 512GB, same as the Note 8—but now paired with UFS 2.1 storage for faster read/write speeds.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Note 8	Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
Processor	Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835	Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855
RAM	6GB	8GB / 12GB
Storage	64/128/256GB + microSD	128/512GB/1TB + microSD
Battery	3300 mAh	4100 mAh
Fingerprint Sensor	Rear-mounted, capacitive	Ultrasonic under-display
Charging	Fast charging, wireless	Fast charging, wireless, reverse wireless

Camera Evolution: More Lenses, Smarter Processing

The Note 8 set a high bar with its dual 12MP rear cameras—one wide, one telephoto—featuring optical image stabilization on both lenses. It delivered excellent low-light photos and 2x optical zoom. However, the S10 Plus expanded the system with a third ultra-wide lens (16MP, f/2.2), enabling a 123-degree field of view ideal for landscapes and architecture.

In practice, the addition of the ultra-wide lens transforms photography flexibility. You can capture expansive scenes without stepping back, and AI scene optimization automatically detects environments like food, night, or portrait modes to adjust settings accordingly. Front-facing, the S10 Plus includes two cameras (10MP standard + 8MP RGB depth), enhancing bokeh effects in selfies.

Video recording remains capped at 4K@60fps on both devices, but the S10 Plus adds HDR10+ video recording and improved audio isolation. In side-by-side tests, the S10 Plus consistently produces sharper details, more natural color grading, and better dynamic range.

Real-World Example: Travel Photography Upgrade

Consider Sarah, a digital nomad who used her Note 8 for three years across Southeast Asia. When she upgraded to the S10 Plus before a trip to Iceland, she noticed immediate benefits. Inside narrow Viking museums, the improved low-light processing captured textures invisible on her old device. At Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the ultra-wide lens allowed her to frame icebergs against vast skies without losing detail. “I didn’t realize how much I was cropping my world until I got the wider lens,” she said. “It changed how I compose shots entirely.”

Battery Life and Charging Innovations

The Note 8’s 3300 mAh battery was modest even in 2017, requiring daily charging for most users. The S10 Plus addresses this with a 4100 mAh cell—nearly 25% larger—paired with more efficient hardware. Real-world usage shows a clear improvement: moderate users often stretch into a second day, while heavy users enjoy full-day endurance even with screen-on times exceeding five hours.

Charging tech also evolved. Beyond supporting fast charging (wired and wireless), the S10 Plus introduced **reverse wireless charging**, letting you power accessories like Galaxy Buds or even another phone by placing them on the back. This feature alone has proven useful during travel emergencies or when sharing power with friends.

• Up to 17 hours of video playback (S10 Plus) vs. ~12 hours (Note 8)
• Adaptive battery learning extends longevity over time
• Optimized Doze mode reduces background drain

Software and Long-Term Value

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade lies in software support. The Note 8 received three major Android updates (up to Android 10), while the S10 Plus was eligible for four (up to Android 13). With newer security patches released monthly, staying current matters for app compatibility, privacy, and performance.

Additionally, the S10 Plus debuted with One UI—a complete interface overhaul designed for easier one-handed use on large screens. Features like edge panels, enhanced dark mode, and improved gesture navigation make daily interactions smoother than TouchWiz-based Nougat on the Note 8.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up your notes via Samsung Notes sync—the Note 8’s handwritten content transfers seamlessly to any newer device.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?

Ask yourself these questions before making the move:

1. Is your Note 8 experiencing slowdowns or app crashes?
2. Do you want better photo quality, especially in low light or wide angles?
3. Are you frustrated by short battery life?
4. Do you value modern features like face unlock, reverse charging, or gesture navigation?
5. Have you maxed out your current storage despite using microSD?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the upgrade likely makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the S Pen on the S10 Plus?

No, the S10 Plus does not support the S Pen natively. That functionality is reserved for the Galaxy Note series and select foldables. However, some third-party styluses work for basic input, but lack pressure sensitivity and air commands.

Is the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor reliable?

Yes, but with caveats. It’s more secure than optical sensors and works well with dry fingers. However, wet or greasy fingers may cause recognition issues. Over time, the system learns your touch pattern and improves accuracy.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If you’re reading this today and considering a purchase, weigh the S10 Plus against newer flagships like the S23 or S24 series. While the S10 Plus was a major leap from the Note 8, current models offer far superior chipsets, longer software support, and better cameras. But if you're comparing legacy devices, the S10 Plus remains a worthy successor.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For Note 8 owners still clinging to their 2017 flagship, the jump to the S10 Plus represents more than cosmetic changes—it’s a holistic evolution. From a vastly improved display and dramatically better battery life to advanced camera capabilities and future-ready software, the upgrade delivers tangible benefits.

While losing the S Pen may be a drawback for productivity-focused users, the overall package compensates with broader innovation. If your phone struggles with modern apps, charging multiple times a day, or capturing memories clearly, then yes—the upgrade is absolutely worth it.

💬 Have you made the switch from Note 8 to S10 Plus? Share your experience below and help others decide whether to take the leap.