Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ delivers a premium flagship experience with its expansive 6.8-inch display, quad camera setup featuring a dedicated telephoto lens, and 12GB RAM, though the 60Hz refresh rate feels dated. Galaxy S21 FE counters with modern 120Hz display technology, faster Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G connectivity, and significantly lower pricing at $699.99 versus $1099. Battery capacities are comparable (4300mAh vs 4500mAh), but charging speeds favor the Note 10+ at 45W. Camera comparison shows the Note 10+ offers more versatility with its dedicated 2x telephoto and superior main sensor (f/1.5-2.4), while the S21 FE's 32MP front camera and improved night photography via newer sensor tech are notable. For consumers seeking cutting-edge performance and 5G at budget-friendly pricing, the S21 FE represents superior value. Those prioritizing stylus functionality and multiple camera lenses should consider the Note 10+ despite its age.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE if…
- →Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- →Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- →Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Wireless charging included
Cons
- Only 6 GB RAM in the base model
- Snapdragon 888 runs warmer than newer chips
- Slow 25W wired charging
- Main camera sensor is just 12 MP despite the price
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) | Android 12, One UI 4 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 196 g | 177 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back | Polycarbonate |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm | 155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Depth | VGA ToF 3D sensor | — |
| Front camera | 10 MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Super Steady | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom | 8 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4300 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W, Wireless PowerShare | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.8 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3040 x 1440 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 | Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | 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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