Samsung announce Galaxy Note 10 series

In the past the popular pen-equipped Note version of Samsung’s high end Galaxy S series of devices was only available in one size (think XL), however, with the introduction of the S10 Galaxy Note series, the electronics giant has unexpectedly offered two size options. The larger Galaxy Note 10+ has a 6.8 inch display – the largest of any Note to date, while the smaller of the two has a 6.2 inch screen and is more in line with larger version of the Galaxy S10 series.

For those in range of a 5G transmitter two further models, one in each size, will be available with 5G compatibility.

Both screen types feature Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED Infinity-O displays which are practically bezel-less thanks to a bevelled edge, and feature rounded corners and a small circular cut-out for the front camera. The displays also support HDR10+ with Dynamic Tone Mapping for a wide dynamic range and realistic-looking tonal range. However, besides the difference in size they also differ in resolution. While the larger Note 10+ supports a higher pixel density (498ppi) at 1440px (3040×1440), the standard Note 10 has 401ppi and 1080px (2280×1080) resolution.

Both display types feature a rear triple camera, with the S10+ adding a VGA-res time-of-flight (ToF) sensor for simulated depth-of-field blurring, including the popular faux bokeh effect.

The main camera has a 12MP 1/2.55-inch type sensor and a wide 27mm equivalent lens with a variable aperture (actually two settings of F1.5/2.4), dual pixel AF and optical image stabilisation (OIS). The ultra-wide angle camera features a higher 16MP resolution with a 12mm equivalent lens with a fixed F2.2 aperture. The third camera has 12MP 1/3.6-inch type sensor with a stabilised 52mm equivalent fixed F2.1 aperture.

Around the front, the single ’selfie’ camera is a 10MP sensor complete with dual pixel AF and a 26mm equivalent F2.2 lens. Both can capture 4K (UHD) video clips with a Live Focus mode for depth-of-field adjustments while a Zoom-in Mic option amplifies the audio up-close by lower the sound in the background. The included video editor app can be controlled using the Note’s S-Pen allowing precise edits, as can the optional Adobe Premiere Rush (though free to download only three exports are allowed before subscription applies).

Audio is provided via stereo speakers and USB-C earphones on both models. The standard S10 will be available in 256 and 512GB versions while the 10+ will only offer the latter. Both Note 10 LTE models feature Dual SIMs (Nano SIM), though the 10+ variant features a hybrid slot for one MicroSD (up to 1TB). The Note 10 5G model uses a single SIM but the 10+ variant features a MicroSD slot.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and 10+ will be available later in the month (August 23) with pricing starting at $949 USD / £869 GBP for the S10 256GB. The 10+ is $1099 USD / £999 GBP for the 256GB and $1,199 USD/£1,099 GBP the LTE (4G) 512GB or 5G 256GB model.