Upgrading From Note 9 To Note 10 Plus Is It Really Worth It In 2024

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was a flagship powerhouse when it launched in 2018. For years, it delivered smooth performance, excellent battery life, and one of the best stylus experiences on the market. Fast forward to 2024, and many long-time users are wondering: should they upgrade to the Galaxy Note 10 Plus? While both devices were once at the top of their class, time has shifted the landscape. With newer models dominating the market and software updates slowing down for older devices, the decision isn’t as straightforward as it once was.

This article examines whether making the jump from the Note 9 to the Note 10 Plus still holds tangible benefits in 2024. We’ll compare hardware, software longevity, camera capabilities, and overall user experience to help you determine if this upgrade delivers meaningful improvements or simply feels like a step sideways.

Performance and Hardware: A Noticeable Leap?

At first glance, the Galaxy Note 10 Plus brings several key hardware upgrades over the Note 9. The most significant change lies in the chipset. The Note 9 shipped with either the Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810, depending on region—both strong processors for their time. The Note 10 Plus, however, features the more advanced Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9825), offering around 15–20% better CPU performance and up to 30% improved GPU efficiency.

RAM and storage configurations also improved. The base Note 10 Plus starts at 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, compared to the Note 9’s 6GB/128GB standard. Higher-tier variants even offered 12GB RAM and 1TB storage—an appealing option for power users and creatives.

Battery capacity remains nearly identical: 4,000mAh in the Note 10 Plus versus 4,000mAh in the Note 9. However, the newer device supports faster charging (25W vs. 15W) and includes reverse wireless charging, allowing you to power accessories like earbuds or smartwatches directly from the phone.

Tip: If your Note 9 still runs smoothly and charges efficiently, the raw performance gains may not justify the upgrade unless you're hitting app or multitasking limits.

Display and Design: Modernization with Trade-offs

One of the most visible changes between the two phones is the design language. The Note 10 Plus adopts a more modern, minimal aesthetic with an edge-to-edge Dynamic AMOLED display, reduced bezels, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. In contrast, the Note 9 features thicker bezels and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner—a less convenient placement by today’s standards.

The screen size increased slightly from 6.4 inches (Note 9) to 6.8 inches (Note 10 Plus), with a higher resolution (3040x1440 vs. 2960x1440). Both displays are vibrant and accurate, but the Note 10 Plus benefits from HDR10+ certification and improved brightness, making it better suited for media consumption and outdoor visibility.

However, there are trade-offs. The Note 10 Plus removed the microSD card slot and the 3.5mm headphone jack—features that many professionals and audiophiles still value. If you rely on expandable storage or wired headphones, this could be a dealbreaker.

“Design evolution shouldn’t come at the cost of functionality. Removing the headphone jack alienated a segment of loyal Note users who used it for audio recording and music production.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Incremental Gains

On paper, the Note 10 Plus offers a more versatile camera system. It features a quad-camera setup:

• 12MP wide-angle (f/1.5–2.4 variable aperture)
• 12MP telephoto (f/2.1, 2x optical zoom)
• 16MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 123° field of view)
• VGA depth sensor

The Note 9, by comparison, has a dual-camera system: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto—both capable, but lacking ultra-wide capability.

In real-world use, the difference is noticeable but not transformative. The ultra-wide lens opens up creative possibilities for landscapes and group shots, while improved AI scene optimization enhances color accuracy and dynamic range. Video recording sees a bigger leap: the Note 10 Plus supports 4K at 60fps and stereo audio capture, whereas the Note 9 maxes out at 4K/30fps.

For casual photographers, these upgrades are nice. For content creators or those who regularly record video, they’re meaningful. But if you're already satisfied with your Note 9’s photos, don’t expect a night-and-day difference.

Software Support and Longevity in 2024

This is where the upgrade calculus becomes complicated. The Galaxy Note 9 received its final major Android update with Android 11 and security patches ended in 2022. As of 2024, it no longer receives official security updates, making it increasingly vulnerable to exploits and incompatible with newer apps that require updated APIs.

The Galaxy Note 10 Plus fared slightly better, receiving updates up to Android 12 and security support through early 2023. While neither device qualifies for current software support, the Note 10 Plus had a longer lifecycle and better compatibility with modern apps due to its newer architecture.

If you prioritize security, app compatibility, and access to Google services like Find My Device enhancements or Wallet integration, staying on the Note 9 in 2024 poses genuine risks. Upgrading—even to a discontinued model like the Note 10 Plus—can restore some peace of mind.

Feature	Note 9	Note 10 Plus
Final OS Version	Android 11	Android 12
Security Updates End	2022	Early 2023
App Compatibility (2024)	Limited	Moderate
Google Play Protect Status	Unsupported	Partially Supported

Real-World Example: A Designer’s Dilemma

Jamie, a freelance graphic designer based in Portland, relied on her Note 9 for sketching concepts using the S Pen and managing client communications. By late 2023, she noticed apps like Adobe Illustrator Draw began crashing frequently, and Zoom meetings suffered from audio lag. Her bank’s app stopped verifying her device, citing outdated security protocols.

She considered switching to a new S23 Ultra but found the price steep. Instead, she purchased a used Note 10 Plus for $220. The upgrade brought smoother app performance, reliable video conferencing, and restored compatibility with her workflow tools. While not future-proof, it extended her productivity by another 12–18 months at a fraction of the cost of a new flagship.

Her experience illustrates a growing trend: mid-tier upgrades from discontinued flagships can offer practical value when original devices become obsolete.

Upgrade Checklist: Is the Note 10 Plus Right for You?

Before deciding, ask yourself the following:

1. Is your Note 9 experiencing frequent crashes, slow app loading, or failed verifications?
2. Do you need ultra-wide photography or 4K/60fps video recording?
3. Are you affected by the lack of security updates or app incompatibility?
4. Can you accept the loss of the headphone jack and microSD support?
5. Have you explored newer alternatives within your budget?

Tip: Check refurbished marketplaces like Swappa or Samsung Renewed for tested Note 10 Plus units with warranties—often priced under $250.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a new Galaxy Note 10 Plus in 2024?

No, Samsung discontinued the entire Note series after 2020, replacing it with the Galaxy S Ultra line. The Note 10 Plus is only available through secondhand markets or refurbished retailers.

Does the S Pen work better on the Note 10 Plus?

Yes. The S Pen on the Note 10 Plus supports Bluetooth Low Energy, enabling air gestures (like controlling presentations or taking photos remotely). Latency is also slightly lower, improving responsiveness during writing or drawing.

Should I skip straight to a newer model like the S23 Ultra?

If your budget allows, yes. The S23 Ultra offers a superior camera system, longer software support (until at least 2027), a brighter display, and significantly faster performance. It's the true spiritual successor to the Note line.

Conclusion: Value Over Novelty

Upgrading from the Note 9 to the Note 10 Plus in 2024 isn’t about chasing the latest tech—it’s about extending usability. For users still dependent on the Note ecosystem, especially those leveraging the S Pen for work or creativity, the Note 10 Plus offers tangible improvements in display quality, camera versatility, and software compatibility.

However, it’s essential to recognize its limitations: no headphone jack, no SD card slot, and no further security updates. This upgrade makes the most sense as a stopgap solution, not a long-term investment.

If you're holding onto a Note 9 and struggling with app instability or security warnings, moving to a Note 10 Plus can breathe new life into your mobile experience—at a reasonable cost. But if you're planning to stay current beyond 2025, consider redirecting your budget toward a current-generation Galaxy S23 or S24 Ultra.

💬 Have you upgraded from a Note 9 recently? Share your experience—what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d recommend to others in your situation.