In a world where smartphones are constantly evolving, the allure of the latest flagship devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can be hard to resist. However, what happens when you decide to hold on to a device that was released five years ago? For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, which debuted in 2019, was once Samsung’s crown jewel. Does it still hold up in 2025?
As a tech enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of using the latest flagships, but the question I wanted to explore was: can older devices, like the Galaxy Note 10+, still offer a satisfying smartphone experience in 2025? Let’s dive into the key aspects that make the Galaxy Note 10+ surprisingly good in today’s landscape and see why you might not need to rush to upgrade just yet.
The Galaxy Note 10+: Still a Premium Build
Five years after its release, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ continues to hold its own in terms of design. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED QHD display is still gorgeous by today’s standards, offering sharp resolution and vibrant colors that make videos, games, and photos look fantastic. Despite being limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, the experience is still enjoyable unless you directly compare it to today’s flagships with 120Hz or 144Hz displays.
If you were fond of the curved display trend, the Note 10+ still sports a moderately curved screen, which some users miss on newer models. Its build quality also remains top-notch, featuring Gorilla Glass 6 and a sleek, lightweight design at 196 grams, which makes it feel premium and comfortable in hand. In comparison to today’s heavier phones, the Note 10+ is refreshingly light.
Performance: Good Enough for Most Tasks
Despite being powered by the Snapdragon 855 chipset, the Galaxy Note 10+ is still perfectly capable of handling everyday tasks. Yes, opening apps is slightly slower compared to modern flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but it remains smooth and responsive for web browsing, streaming, and multitasking. With 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.0 storage, it ensures adequate performance for most users.
The Note 10+ was ahead of its time in 2019, and even today, it demonstrates that raw processing power isn’t everything. For users who aren’t chasing the cutting edge of mobile gaming or heavy multitasking, the performance is still reliable.
Cameras: Still Delivering Solid Results
You might think that the Galaxy Note 10+ camera system, featuring a 12MP primary sensor, 12MP telephoto lens (2x optical zoom), and 16MP ultra-wide camera, would be severely outdated in 2025. Surprisingly, this setup still performs well under good lighting conditions. Photos are sharp, detailed, and vibrant. In 2019, it won multiple blind camera tests, and it’s easy to see why.
However, as expected, the Note 10+ does struggle in low-light situations compared to today’s phones, which benefit from larger sensors and advanced AI-enhanced computational photography. Nighttime shots tend to be noisier and less detailed, and while they won’t match the clarity of a Google Pixel 9 or iPhone 16, they’re still more than satisfactory for most everyday needs.
Legacy Features: The Benefits of an Older Phone
Owning a Galaxy Note 10+ in 2025 means you get to enjoy some legacy features that have since been phased out of newer models. One major feature is the MicroSD card slot, allowing for expandable storage — a rarity in today’s flagships. This flexibility can be incredibly useful for those who want to store large amounts of media or files without relying solely on cloud storage.
Additionally, the Note 10+ supports Samsung Pay with MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), a feature that enables payments on older card machines by replicating a credit card’s magnetic strip. Newer devices no longer offer this capability, which can still be useful in certain situations where NFC payments aren’t supported.
What You’ll Notice with an Upgrade
Battery Life and Efficiency
One area where newer devices clearly outshine the Galaxy Note 10+ is battery life. The Note 10+ packs a 4,300mAh battery, which was solid at the time, but chipset efficiency has drastically improved in the last five years. Modern flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can easily offer 8+ hours of screen-on time, while the Note 10+ manages around 5 hours.
That said, the Note 10+ supports 45W wired fast charging, which is on par with today’s flagships, allowing it to charge fairly quickly. However, this is another area where an upgrade might make a noticeable difference for power users who demand longer battery life.
Gaming Performance
For light to moderate gaming, the Snapdragon 855 still holds up. However, for more graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, frame rates drop significantly. The latest flagships, equipped with cutting-edge chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offer a much smoother gaming experience. If you’re a dedicated mobile gamer, upgrading might be worth considering.
Software Support: A Potential Concern
Another downside to using the Galaxy Note 10+ in 2025 is the lack of software updates. While Android 12 with One UI 4 still provides a clean and functional user experience, it’s missing out on the security updates and features present in One UI 6 or Android 14. Although the Play Store and most apps continue to work fine, there’s a growing risk of vulnerabilities over time. For those who prioritize security and long-term software support, a newer device is definitely a safer bet.
The Verdict: Why Stick with the Galaxy Note 10+?
Despite these drawbacks, using a Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ in 2025 is far from a bad experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of the latest and greatest tech, but in reality, most of us don’t need the extra power that newer devices offer. The Note 10+ still delivers on core smartphone functions — stunning display, solid performance, and decent cameras — making it more than capable for daily use.
Before you rush to upgrade, take a moment to appreciate what’s already in your pocket. You might find that your Galaxy Note 10+ is still up to the task, delivering a premium smartphone experience that’s perfectly suited for most people, even in 2025.
Comparison Table: Galaxy Note 10+ vs. Modern Flagship
| Feature | Galaxy Note 10+ (2019) | Galaxy S24 Ultra (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED, QHD, 60Hz | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED, QHD, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB |
| Primary Camera | 12MP + 12MP Telephoto + 16MP Ultra-wide | 200MP + 10MP Telephoto + 12MP Ultra-wide |
| Battery | 4,300mAh, 45W charging | 5,000mAh, 45W charging |
| Software Support | Android 12 (No longer supported) | Android 14 (Supported until 2031) |
In conclusion, while newer phones offer obvious improvements in performance, camera technology, and battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is still a competent device in 2025. Its premium build, legacy features, and solid performance make it a great option for users who don’t need the latest flagship but still want a reliable, high-quality smartphone.