All these years Samsung smartphones were immensely popular. The Galaxy S10 series was announced earlier this year, meaning one more high-end model is expected this year; the Galaxy Note 10. By the way, it looks like Samsung is choosing this year to release several new models within its premium smartphone series, including a Note 10e and a Note 10 (these names have not yet been confirmed). Both will of course have the famous S Pen.
Galaxy Note 10 models with and without 5G
Of both models, both 4G and 5G variants are likely to be released, bringing the total number of new Note devices to four. There are more differences between the S10 Plus and the S10 5G than just the addition of 5G network support. It is as yet unclear whether the 5G models of the Note 10 will also differ in specifications from the 4G devices, but that chance seems realistic. For example, there have been rumors about a Galaxy Note 10 Pro for a long time, possibly meaning the Note 10 5G model.
Incidentally, it is quite possible that Samsung chooses to introduce all models simultaneously, but only to launch the 5G models at a later time. This tactic was also applied to the S10 series. The Galaxy S10 5G model is not available in the Netherlands, it is said that you can buy the Galaxy Note 10 5G in our country.
The Note 10e will be the cheaper model. Just like the Galaxy S10e is also a cheap variant of the S10. For example, the S10e has a smaller screen, fewer cameras, less main memory, a lower capacity battery and no on-screen fingerprint scanner. In terms of design and processor, the two devices do match. Samsung is expected to make a similar differentiation between the Note 10 and the Note 10e.
Much has been said about the screen size of the new Note. Traditionally you will find the largest Samsung phones within this series. The Note 9 has a 6.4-inch screen. Since then, Samsung has also released various phone models with a 6.7-inch display, including the S10 5G. It is therefore obvious that at least a Note 10 model will be introduced with a screen that is at least 6.7 inch. A 6.75-inch display is mentioned.
In addition, there have been rumors that the new device is equipped with a 6.28-inch screen. Possibly this will be the screen size of the Note 10e. In terms of design, it is likely that Samsung opts for slightly less rounded corners. After all, the S-series has been rounder for years and years than the more business-like Note series. The screen edges will be further minimized and the curved display will fall seamlessly into the housing. For a 3D curved display, it seems unfortunately too early, it is possible that this design will be used with the Samsung Galaxy S11 .
The fingerprint scanner will probably be placed under the screen. Apart from the S10e, the S-series models will have an in-display fingerprint scanner this year. Several expert reviews have also shown that the sensor on the cheap S10 works just as well, so that Samsung may, therefore, implement a new on-screen fingerprint scanner in its new Note devices.
Samsung opts for new camera set-up
The punch-hole camera, which can also be found in the new S models, will also be implemented within the Note series. Steve McFly, better known as OnLeaks on Twitter, announced earlier this month that the front camera will most likely be placed centrally, with the S10 series the camera hole is placed in the right corner. In addition, all new Note models would have one selfie camera. And so not over two, as is the case with the S10 Plus and S10 5G.
Also, the cameras on the back will no longer be placed vertically apart, but in the upper left corner. It concerns a total of four cameras, one of which is ToF for 3D depth. This information is confirmed by MobileFun, which now has various covers and cases for the Galaxy Note 10 and the Note 10 Pro online. LetsGoDigital has had renders of the Note 10 Pro / Note 10 5G designed based on all recent information.
The cheaper Note will probably have one camera-less on the back. This device will probably not get a 3D depth camera. Last week the Korean manufacturer registered a trademark for Make & Play 3D, probably also meant for the Time-of-Flight camera.
According to Twitterer Ice Universe, who more often reveals news about Samsung Galaxy smartphones, the Note 10’s camera will be equipped with three variable aperture settings. With the S10 series, this is limited to two steps; f / 1.5 and f / 2.4. An extra step seems to be added, f / 1.8. Ideal for taking sharp portrait photos with a blurred background, but this extra step can also be useful in poor light conditions.
In terms of processor, you can assume that Samsung will apply the Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 to all models, depending on the region. Presumably up to 12 GB of RAM will be built in, although it is quite possible that the Note 10e will have less working memory. Naturally, the new Samsung smartphones run on the Android 9 Pie operating system.
Remarkable is also the rumor about the 3.5mm headphone connection, which Samsung would not do for the first time this time. This has often been the case, but for now the Korean manufacturer has still found a way to maintain the headphone connection. However, there are more and more signals that Samsung is saying goodbye to the 3.5mm connection this time. Also, the device will no longer have a physical Bixby button.
A new addition is probably the Sound-on-Display (SoD) technology, which turns the screen into a speaker. This feature was demonstrated earlier this year by LG with the G8 ThinQ. Samsung has now also equipped its budget Galaxy M40 with SoD technology.
Furthermore, the Note 10 is expected to be equipped with a 4,500 mAh battery, which is considerably more than its predecessor, which has a 4,000 mAh battery. In addition, a battery has emerged with a capacity of 3,400 mAh, it seems likely that it is used for the Note 10e.
Charging technology is also likely to vary per variant. The S10 series has 15W fast-charging technology, while the 5G variant has 25W Fast Charging. The Note is probably equipped with 25W Fast Charging as standard, in addition, the most advanced model appears to support even 45W Fast Charging, as well as UFS 3.0.
Earlier this year there was also a rumor that the Samsung Note 10 will no longer have physical buttons, the device would also be portless. More recent reporting shows that the company ultimately abandoned this.
Finally, the general expectation is that Samsung will improve its S Pen again. Last year Bluetooth connectivity was added to the stylus pen. It is possible that an S Pen with a camera will appear this year. Over time, the company has also filed several patents for a new S Pen operation.
Samsung Note 10 release and price
For a long time, the introduction of the new Note series seemed to be planned for August 10, 2019. However, earlier this week, CNET revealed that the Unpacked Event will take place on August 7 in New York. Immediately after the product presentation, the pre-order sale starts. The worldwide release date is planned for August 23, 2019. It is quite possible that some countries will have to wait a little longer for the new Galaxy smartphones.
It is as yet unclear what exactly the high-end devices from Samsung will cost. The Note 9 received a starting price of € 999 last year, for this you received the 128GB model. For 512GB of memory the price was set at € 1,250 for a separate device without a telephone subscription. Samsung also uses the same price for the S10 Plus. The cheap variant, the S10e, received a starting price of € 750, for which you also receive the 128GB model.
You can assume that Samsung has slightly increased the prices for the new Note smartphones compared to the S10 series. With the S10 series the price of all models was increased by € 50. If you want to buy the Note 10 5G, then the price will probably start at around € 1,300. The Note 10e will probably cost around € 800.
Samsung has still not announced a new release date for the Galaxy Fold. Some assumed that the introduction of the Note 10 and the launch of the Galaxy Fold would coincide. Since these are both devices for the high-end market, this does not seem likely to us.
Last week, the manufacturer announced during the Korean Information Display Society that most screen issues have since been resolved and the Galaxy Fold is ready for launch. It is possible that a separate event is planned for this in July. Although there is still a real chance that the Samsung foldable smartphone will only appear later in the year. Certainly, the release of the Huawei Mate X has also been postponed to September.