Google Pixel 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The Verdict
Pixel 5 delivers exceptional value with a compact 6.0-inch OLED display, capable Snapdragon 765G processor, and industry-leading computational photography through its dual camera setup featuring a 12.2MP main sensor with OIS and 16MP ultrawide. Its 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB RAM, and all-day 4080mAh battery with wireless charging make it a polished, practical flagship. Galaxy Note 10+, meanwhile, commands a premium at $1099 with a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display (3040x1440, 1200 nits), more RAM, more storage options, and a quad-camera array with telephoto zoom capabilities. However, its 60Hz refresh rate feels dated, heavier 196g build, and lack of 5G connectivity diminish appeal given the price premium. For most users, Pixel 5 offers superior real-world performance, smoother software experience with faster Android updates, and remarkable camera quality at 36% less cost. Note 10+ suits those needing larger displays and telephoto zoom specifically.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if…
- →Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- →90Hz smooth OLED display
- →Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
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 5
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- 90Hz smooth OLED display
- Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- IP68 water resistance
Cons
- Mid-range Snapdragon 765G in a $699 phone
- No telephoto camera
- 8 MP selfie camera is dated
- Only 128 GB storage option
- Bio-resin coating scratches easily
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 5 | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 151 g | 196 g |
| Material | Aluminum unibody, bio-resin coating | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 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@60fps | 4K@60fps, Super Steady |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Depth | — | VGA ToF 3D sensor |
| Telephoto | — | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4080 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 12W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.0 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | 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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