Switching From Samsung Note 8 To Huawei P10 Plus Worth The Downgrade Or A Big Mistake

Moving from one flagship smartphone to another should feel like progress. But what happens when you trade a device known for its innovation and ecosystem—like the Samsung Galaxy Note 8—for a phone that’s technically capable but operates outside the mainstream Android experience? That’s exactly the dilemma many users face when considering a switch to the Huawei P10 Plus. While both phones launched around the same era (2017), their long-term trajectories have diverged sharply. This isn’t just about specs on paper—it’s about usability, updates, app compatibility, and future-proofing.

The Samsung Note 8 brought S Pen functionality, a dual-camera system with optical zoom, expandable storage, and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem. The Huawei P10 Plus countered with a Leica-tuned camera, a sleek metal design, and strong battery life. On the surface, they seem comparable. But two years after release—and several Android generations later—the reality sets in: not all flagships age equally.

Hardware Comparison: Where Each Phone Excels

Let’s start with the hardware. Both devices were positioned as premium smartphones in 2017, but their design philosophies and component choices reveal key differences.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Note 8	Huawei P10 Plus
Display	6.3” Quad HD+ Super AMOLED	5.5” Full HD+ IPS LCD
Processor	Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835	Kirin 960
Ram / Storage	6GB / 64–256GB + microSD	6GB / 128GB (no expandable)
Camera (Rear)	Dual 12MP (f/1.7 + f/2.4) w/ OIS & 2x zoom	Dual 12MP (color + monochrome) co-developed with Leica
Battery	3300mAh	3750mAh
Premium Features	S Pen, IP68 water resistance, DeX support	Fingerprint sensor under front glass, DAC audio chip

The Note 8 wins on display quality and versatility. Its larger, vibrant AMOLED panel is ideal for media and productivity—especially with the S Pen. Meanwhile, the P10 Plus offers superior battery capacity and audiophiles appreciate its built-in Hi-Fi DAC, delivering richer sound through wired headphones.

However, hardware longevity depends on more than raw power. The Kirin 960, while competent at launch, struggled to keep pace with evolving app demands compared to the Snapdragon 835. And without microSD support, users are locked into their initial storage choice—a significant limitation over time.

Tip: If you rely on multitasking or stylus input, the Note 8's S Pen and multi-window features remain unmatched in this class.

Software and Ecosystem: The Hidden Cost of Leaving Samsung

One of the most overlooked aspects of switching brands is ecosystem lock-in. Samsung offers a tightly integrated experience across phones, tablets, watches, and cloud services. Features like Smart Switch, Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, and seamless DeX docking don’t exist on Huawei devices.

The P10 Plus runs EMUI, Huawei’s custom skin over Android. At the time, EMUI 5.1 offered smooth animations and useful customization options. But it lacked the polish and reliability of Samsung’s then-current Experience UI. More importantly, Huawei’s update policy has historically been inconsistent—especially for international models.

Critically, post-2019, Huawei lost access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) due to U.S. trade restrictions. While the P10 Plus predates this ban, its inability to receive future security patches or OS upgrades beyond Android 9 means diminishing trust in long-term support. In contrast, the Note 8 received three major Android updates and monthly security patches for nearly three years—a testament to Samsung’s commitment.

“Ecosystem continuity often matters more than isolated hardware improvements. Once you leave, reintegration becomes costly.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Asia

Camera Performance: Leica vs. Samsung’s Balanced Approach

The P10 Plus was marketed heavily on its partnership with Leica, promising DSLR-like photography. In daylight, the dual-lens setup delivers crisp detail and excellent dynamic range, particularly in black-and-white mode thanks to the monochrome sensor.

But real-world usage reveals limitations. Low-light performance lags behind the Note 8, which uses optical image stabilization on both rear cameras and aggressive noise reduction algorithms. Video recording is capped at 4K@30fps on both, but the Note 8 handles motion better with electronic stabilization and predictive frame adjustment.

Moreover, Samsung’s camera interface is intuitive and fast—launching in under a second via double-press of the power button. Huawei’s app, while feature-rich, feels cluttered and slower to focus in mixed lighting.

Real Example: A Photographer’s Dilemma

Take Mark, a travel blogger who switched from his Note 8 to a second-hand P10 Plus seeking better portrait aesthetics. He loved the bokeh effect and color grading in stills. But during a night market shoot in Bangkok, he found himself missing shots due to slow shutter response and poor preview brightness. After two weeks, he reverted to his old Note 8, citing reliability over niche appeal.

His takeaway? “The Leica magic exists, but only under ideal conditions. For spontaneous shooting, I need consistency—not just style.”

Upgrade Path and Long-Term Viability

Here’s where the decision turns critical. As of 2024, neither phone receives official software updates. However, the Note 8 benefits from an active modding community. Custom ROMs like LineageOS bring Android 11 and even 13 to the device, extending usability far beyond expectations.

The P10 Plus, despite having similar hardware, lacks robust third-party development. Limited bootloader unlock tools and scarce firmware documentation mean few developers maintain builds for it. This makes it far less viable as a daily driver today.

Additionally, app compatibility has become an issue. Banking apps, ride-sharing platforms, and streaming services increasingly require Google Play Services and SafetyNet certification—something Huawei devices struggle with, even if rooted.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Switch

1. Assess your current needs: Do you use S Pen notes, Samsung DeX, or Dex-to-Monitor workflows?
2. Check app dependencies: List essential apps and verify they function without Google Services.
3. Test used units: Try both devices side-by-side, focusing on camera speed, screen clarity, and responsiveness.
4. Review long-term plans: Will you keep the phone for over a year? If yes, prioritize update history and mod support.
5. Factor in resale value: Note 8 retains higher value among collectors and modders than the P10 Plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Google Apps on the Huawei P10 Plus?

Yes, manually—but it’s not officially supported. Users can sideload GApps using tools like Googlefier or LZPlay, though functionality may break after reboots or app updates. Many modern apps will still fail SafetyNet checks.

Is the S Pen really that important?

For casual users, maybe not. But for students, professionals, or creatives, the ability to jot quick notes, annotate PDFs, or use Air Commands adds tangible productivity value the P10 Plus cannot replicate.

Which phone lasts longer on a charge?

Despite its smaller battery, the Note 8’s optimized software and adaptive battery management often match the P10 Plus in real-world use. However, the P10 Plus does edge ahead in standby efficiency thanks to its lower-resolution display and aggressive doze modes.

Final Verdict: A Downgrade in Practice

On paper, the Huawei P10 Plus presents a compelling alternative: elegant design, strong audio, and standout still photography. But practical ownership tells a different story. Moving from the Note 8 to the P10 Plus sacrifices ecosystem integration, upgrade longevity, consistent software support, and functional versatility.

Unless you’re specifically drawn to Leica-style imaging or high-fidelity audio and plan to use the phone casually for less than six months, this switch leans toward being a step backward. The Note 8 wasn't perfect—it had a smaller battery and eventually faced screen burn-in rumors—but its holistic package and extended support make it the more sustainable choice.

In the world of aging flagships, staying within a well-supported ecosystem often trumps isolated hardware strengths. The P10 Plus may look good in a spec sheet, but the Note 8 continues to deliver where it counts: daily usability, reliability, and adaptability.

🚀 Still using a legacy flagship? Share your experience below—what kept you loyal, or what finally made you upgrade? Your insights could help others navigate these tough transitions.