If you’re wondering whether the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ is still worth your money in 2025, let me save you some research time. I’ve been using this device as my daily driver for over two years now—and no, I’m not exaggerating. While newer flagships have flooded the market, my Note10+ has stood the test of time, handling everything from heavy multitasking to spontaneous sketching sessions. In this long-term review, we’ll examine every key aspect: design, biometrics, software, display, battery life, camera performance, and real-world usability. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect from Samsung’s once-flagship phablet, and why it might still be a smart buy—or not—in today’s market.
Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics
From the moment you pick up the Samsung Galaxy Note10+, you’re greeted with a premium feel that few Android phones can match. The sleek fusion of Gorilla Glass (front and back) with metal framing screams quality. The device feels solid—no flex, no creaking when squeezed, and a satisfying heft that reassures you it wasn’t built on the cheap.
Dimensions and Grip
With a generous 6.8-inch screen, it’s not the lightest phone to carry, but its symmetrical curves and Infinity-O punch-hole design make it surprisingly manageable. Even with one hand, I’ve found it surprisingly practical, especially when paired with the S Pen—more on that later. Despite the large form factor, it nestles comfortably in the palm, and after two years, I can confidently say the ergonomics have aged better than most 2019 flagships.
Durability and IP68 Rating
Rain or shine, the Note10+ has proven itself. The IP68 rating means full protection against dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. While I’ve never intentionally submerged my phone, it’s survived splashes, accidental spills, and even a seaside vacation without a hitch. Just remember to clean out the ports after salt exposure, and it’ll keep ticking without issue.
Biometrics and the S Pen: A Power Duo
What sets the Note series apart has always been the S Pen. And yes, after years of use, it continues to impress—especially for productivity-focused users. But biometrics and security also deserve a mention, particularly how they’ve aged over time.
Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor: Pros and Cons
Samsung swapped the traditional capacitive reader for an in-display ultrasonic sensor, a move that looked promising on paper. In practice? Mixed results. It’s secure—yes—but inconsistent. Early on, thick screen protectors and silicone cases would mess with the accuracy. But after switching to Samsung’s official screen protector (~$15), reliability improved. Still, it’s not as fast as a good old-fashioned rear-mounted sensor or Face Unlock in low light.
The S Pen: More Than a Stylus
The S Pen isn’t just a glorified pen; it’s a productivity powerhouse. With a latency of only 42ms, it’s one of the most responsive styluses on the market. I’ve used it for everything from:
- Doodling in Adobe Illustrator Draw during meetings
- Quickly annotating documents and PDFs
- Control presentations remotely via Bluetooth
- Digital whiteboarding during remote Zoom sessions
After countless uses, the stylus remains sturdy, responsive, and never once disconnected mid-use. The magnetic attachment is secure—even after being shoved into a backpack, the S Pen stayed put. That magnetic snap is more reliable than you’d expect.
Software and Performance: Holding Up Well
The Samsung Galaxy Note10+ originally launched with Android 9 and has since received updates up to Android 13 and One UI 5. While it no longer receives major updates, it continues to perform exceptionally well under the hood. Samsung’s update support, especially in Europe, has been commendable. In comparison, only 27% of Android devices get consistent updates past 18 months, according to a 2024 Counterpoint report. For its generation, the Note10+ is still ahead of the curve.
One UI Experience
One UI has evolved significantly since launch. What once felt sluggish with excessive animations now runs smoother, especially after trimming background apps and customizing settings. Multitasking with up to six apps open simultaneously? No problem. While it doesn’t feel like a flagship from 2024, it’s still snappy enough for most modern tasks.
Hardware: Exynos 9825 vs. Snapdragon 855
Here’s where things get interesting. Depending on where you bought your phone, it could’ve come with an Exynos 9825 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. Both handle everything from YouTube 4K streaming to casual gaming with ease. My Exynos-powered version scores ~570,000 AnTuTu points, while Snapdragon-based units are often closer to 610,000. Real-life usage differences? Minimal—but Snapdragon does run slightly cooler under stress, an important detail for gamers or VR users.
Display and Battery Life: True Flagship Features
The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display remains one of the Note10+’s strongest assets. Crisp, bright, and incredibly color-accurate—this is the kind of screen you can enjoy for hours without eye strain. HDR10+ support makes Netflix and YouTube content pop with dynamic range, and even after daily abuse, the screen still looks fresh.
Outdoor Visibility and Brightness
At a peak brightness of 1200+ nits, visibility in direct sunlight is no issue. I’ve used it on beaches, construction sites, and even rooftops, and it’s never failed to deliver. The Infinity-O design also ensures you always catch incoming calls or alerts, without losing view of your content.
Battery Performance Over Time
The 4,300 mAh battery still holds up remarkably well. Even now, over two years in, it lasts around 15–18 hours with moderate to heavy use. Light users might stretch it to a full day and a half. Fast charging at 25W gets the phone from 0 to 50 in just 30 minutes, and wireless charging remains solid at 15W.
According to AccuBattery, my Note’s battery retains about 85% of its original capacity after 28 months—better than the industry average of ~78% at this stage. That’s a win in my book.
- Fast Charging: 0–50% in 30 minutes
- Wireless Charging: 15W
- Reverse Wireless Charging: 9W for accessories
- Battery Health: ~85% of original capacity
Camera Performance: Still Respectable
Two years on, and the triple rear camera cluster still manages to impress. Sure, it doesn’t match 2024’s computational photography standards, but for a phone from 2019, it’s more than capable. The 12MP main sensor delivers sharp results in good light, and the 16MP ultra-wide camera is solid for landscape shots and group photos.
Night Photography and Features
Though there’s no dedicated Night Mode on the base model, the Scene Optimizer and Pro Mode help you coax decent low-light shots. The 12MP telephoto lens with 2x zoom is still handy for portraits and distant subjects. Portrait Mode does a decent job of background separation, although modern phones have refined this process considerably more.
Front Camera
The 10MP selfie cam is crisp and well-tuned, with great skin tone rendering and a wide enough angle to capture groups. While it’s no longer the most advanced on the market, it’s still reliable for video calls, casual selfies, and even light vlogging.
The Verdict: Is the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ Still Worth It?
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ is no longer cutting-edge, but it remains a compelling choice for specific users:
- Productivity enthusiasts who still value the S Pen
- Budget-conscious consumers looking for flagship performance at a mid-range price
- Heavy media consumers who appreciate top-tier display quality and audio
- Longevity-focused users who want a phone that still runs smoothly after 2+ years
That said, it’s not without trade-offs. No more official Android updates, slightly dated camera tech, and a form factor that not everyone may appreciate. But if these aren’t dealbreakers for you, the Galaxy Note10+ is still a solid pick, especially in the secondhand market.
FAQ: Samsung Galaxy Note10+ Long-Term Use Questions
Does the Galaxy Note10+ still get Android updates?
No. Official OS support ended in 2023. However, security updates were consistent until late 2023, and many users still report stable performance with Android 13.
Is the S Pen still reliable after years of use?
Yes, the S Pen continues to work flawlessly. Just avoid dropping or mishandling it, and it should last the lifetime of your phone.
Is the battery still good in 2025?
Surprisingly, yes. While it doesn’t last as long as a brand-new phone, it can comfortably make it through a day of moderate use. For a 5+ year-old device, that’s impressive.
Does the Note10+ support 5G?
Only select 2019 LTE variants supported 5G. If yours was a standard LTE model, you’re limited to 4G networks.
Is the Note10+ waterproof?
Yes, it has an IP68 rating—dustproof and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Can it handle modern apps and games?
Most modern apps run smoothly, though very resource-heavy games may slow down on max settings. For social media, streaming, and casual gaming, it still performs well.
Is the Galaxy Note10+ better than the S21 or S22?
It depends. If you want the latest features and software, newer models are better. But if S Pen functionality, battery longevity, and premium build matter more, the Note10+ still holds its own.
Can I still buy accessories for it?
Yes, Samsung still offers parts and screen protectors for the Note10+. Third-party cases and docks are also widely available online.
In the end, the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ is more than just a phone—it’s a testament to thoughtful design and robust engineering. While the tech world continues to evolve at lightning speed, this model has aged gracefully, making it a worthy companion for users who value function over flash. Whether you’re buying one today or already own one, you’re in for a ride that’s proven to last.
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