Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The Verdict
Comparing these phones reveals a significant generational gap. Google Pixel 8 arrives with modern flagship specifications: Google Tensor G3 processor, 120Hz Actua OLED display at 2400x1080 with 2000 nits brightness, and Android 14 with guaranteed updates. Its 50MP main camera with f/1.68 aperture and advanced computational photography dominates the aging 12MP setup found in Galaxy Note 10+. Battery capacity favors Pixel 8 at 4575mAh with faster 27W charging versus Note 10+'s 4300mAh and 45W charging. Galaxy Note 10+ compensates with a larger 6.8-inch QHD display, stylus functionality, and telephoto lens option, though it runs outdated Android 9 and lacks 5G connectivity. At nearly $400 cheaper, Pixel 8 delivers superior processing power, modern software, better display technology, and camera prowess. Galaxy Note 10+ appeals only to stylus enthusiasts seeking legacy functionality. Pixel 8 is the clear choice for contemporary users.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8 if…
- →Compact and comfortable design
- →Seven years of updates
- →Excellent main camera
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 8
Pros
- Compact and comfortable design
- Seven years of updates
- Excellent main camera
- Bright Actua OLED display
- On-device AI features
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Tensor G3 thermals can be inconsistent
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow charging vs rivals
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 8 | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 187 g | 196 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps, Super Steady |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8-degree | 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 | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4575 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 18W (Pixel Stand) | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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.
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Google Pixel 8 or the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.