Google Pixel 4 XL vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The Verdict
Both flagship devices from 2019 deliver premium experiences with identical Snapdragon 855 processors and 3040x1440 displays, but serve different priorities. Google Pixel 4 XL excels with its superior 90Hz refresh rate, computational photography prowess through Night Sight and sophisticated AI algorithms, and a more refined 6.3-inch form factor. Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ counters with a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen reaching 1200 nits brightness, quad camera system including ultrawide capability, substantially larger 4300mAh battery, and faster 45W charging. Memory configurations heavily favor Samsung with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage versus Pixel's 6GB and 128GB maximum. For camera enthusiasts prioritizing processing power and night photography, the Pixel edges ahead. For users wanting versatility, screen real estate, S Pen functionality, and battery longevity, Note 10+ justifies its $200 premium. At current pricing, Galaxy Note 10+ offers superior value despite the Pixel 4 XL's photography advantages.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 4 XL if…
- →Astrophotography mode was groundbreaking
- →90Hz smooth display
- →Soli radar for Motion Sense gestures
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ if…
- →S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- →Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- →45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 4 XL
Pros
- Astrophotography mode was groundbreaking
- 90Hz smooth display
- Soli radar for Motion Sense gestures
- Excellent telephoto camera for portraits
- Face unlock with 3D face recognition
Cons
- No ultrawide camera
- Large forehead bezel for Soli radar
- No fingerprint scanner at all
- Motion Sense was gimmicky and limited
- Battery life was mediocre
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Pros
- S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- 45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
- 12 GB RAM handles multitasking effortlessly
- Versatile quad-camera system with ToF depth sensor
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors were moving to high refresh rates
- No headphone jack — a first for the Note series
- Exynos variant has weaker GPU performance than Snapdragon
- Glass back is slippery and fragile without a case
- Samsung software updates have ended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 4 XL | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10 | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 193 g | 196 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 160.4 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps, Super Steady |
| Telephoto | 16 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom |
| Depth | — | VGA ToF 3D sensor |
| Ultrawide | — | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3700 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 11W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.3 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | P-OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 3040 x 1440 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 600 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.78 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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