Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601 vs. Samsung Galaxy S10+: A Tale of Two Androids

The Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601 represents a segment of the market focused on extreme affordability, while the Samsung Galaxy S10+ was a flagship powerhouse in its time. This comparison isn't about a direct contest of specs, but rather understanding where each phone excels and who benefits from its strengths, especially considering the S10+'s current price point.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a modern smartphone experience on a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ remains the superior choice. Its vastly more powerful Exynos 9820 (or Snapdragon 855) chipset, coupled with a premium display and robust feature set, outweighs the Micromax's lower cost, even with its limited processing power.

PHONES
Phone Names Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601 Samsung Galaxy S10+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global, USA
4G bands3, 5, 401, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
Launch
Announced2017, September. Released 2017, September2019, February 20
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2019, March 08
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), ceramic back, ceramic frame
Dimensions153.5 x 77.5 x 8.5 mm (6.04 x 3.05 x 0.33 in)157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm (6.20 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)
SIMDual SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight167 g (5.89 oz)175 g / 198 g (ceramic) (6.17 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 103.8 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDDynamic AMOLED, HDR10+
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M4 & 2x2.31 GHz Cortex-A75 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) - EMEA/LATAMOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) - USA/China
ChipsetMediatek MT6737 (28 nm)Exynos 9820 (8 nm) - EMEA/LATAMQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) - USA/China
GPUMali-T720Mali-G76 MP12 - EMEA/LATAMAdreno 640 - USA/China
OSAndroid 7.0 (Nougat)Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal32GB 3GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 eMMC 5.0-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.0", AF-
Triple-12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, AF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, Super Steady video
Video1080p@30fps4K@60fps (no EIS), 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS
Selfie camera
Dual-10 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm, depth sensor
FeaturesLED flashDual video call, Auto-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0"-
Video-4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYes-
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio (USA & Canada only)
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Battery
Charging-15W wired, PD2.0 15W wireless (Qi/PMA) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removableLi-Ion 4100 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlackPrism White, Prism Black, Prism Green, Prism Blue, Canary Yellow, Flamingo Pink, Ceramic Black, Ceramic White, Cardinal Red, Smoke Blue
Models-SM-G975F, SM-G975U, SM-G975W, SM-G975U1, SM-G9750, SM-G975N, SM-G975X
Price-$ 199.00 / C$ 879.99 / £ 999.00 / € 299.00 / ₹ 39,940
SAR-1.06 W/kg (head)     1.03 W/kg (body)    
SAR EU-0.52 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)    
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -94.3dB
Battery life-Endurance rating 91h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.514 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- -24.7 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 333736 (v7), 399901 (v8) GeekBench: 10387 (v4.4), 2190 (v5.1) GFXBench: 23fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks
  • Potentially longer battery life due to lower power consumption

  • Significantly underpowered processor
  • Inferior display quality
  • Limited camera capabilities

Samsung Galaxy S10+

  • Powerful Exynos 9820/Snapdragon 855 processor
  • High-quality Dynamic AMOLED display
  • Versatile camera system with advanced features

  • Higher price point
  • Older model, may not receive future software updates
  • Battery life, while good, isn't exceptional compared to newer phones

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ boasts a significantly more advanced display. While the Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601's display specs are unavailable, it's safe to assume it lacks the S10+'s 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) and 4.514 contrast ratio in sunlight. The S10+'s panel technology, likely Dynamic AMOLED, delivers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, a stark contrast to the likely LCD panel on the Micromax. The S10+'s higher resolution and brightness also contribute to a superior visual experience, particularly outdoors.

Camera Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ offers a far more sophisticated camera system. While the Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601 likely features a camera for basic photography, the S10+'s multi-lens setup (specs not fully provided) offers features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and a wider range of shooting modes. The S10+'s image processing algorithms are also significantly more advanced, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The S10+'s video capabilities are also superior, likely supporting higher resolutions and frame rates.

Performance

The performance gap is immense. The Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601's Mediatek MT6737, a 28nm quad-core processor, is designed for basic functionality. The Samsung Galaxy S10+'s Exynos 9820 (8nm) or Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is an octa-core powerhouse. The smaller fabrication process (8nm vs 28nm) of the S10+'s chipsets translates to significantly better power efficiency and thermal management, preventing throttling during demanding tasks. The S10+'s CPU architecture – a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores (or Kryo 485) – is far more capable than the Cortex-A53 cores in the Micromax, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ has an endurance rating of 91 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601's battery capacity is unknown, its less powerful chipset likely results in comparable or slightly better endurance. However, the S10+ offers significantly faster charging with 15W wired charging, PD2.0 support, 15W wireless charging (Qi/PMA), and even 4.5W reverse wireless charging – features absent on the Micromax.

Buying Guide

Buy the Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601 if you need a functional Android device for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is under $100. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10+ if you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking, a high-quality display for media consumption, and a more versatile camera system, and are willing to spend a bit more for a refined user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9820 in the Galaxy S10+ suffer from overheating issues?
While early reports indicated potential thermal throttling under sustained heavy load, software updates from Samsung largely mitigated these issues. The S10+'s vapor chamber cooling system is effective at dissipating heat, allowing for consistent performance during most tasks. The 8nm process also helps with thermal efficiency compared to the Micromax's 28nm chip.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Micromax Selfie 2 Note Q4601 actually useful?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited image quality. The small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization result in soft, noisy images. It's a feature for casual use, but don't expect professional-level macro photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy S10+ still run demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 in the S10+ is more than capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with smooth frame rates. While it may not achieve the absolute highest frame rates of newer phones, the experience will be very enjoyable.
❓ What kind of software support can I expect for the Samsung Galaxy S10+ in 2024?
While the S10+ is no longer receiving major Android version updates, it still receives security patches from Samsung. However, the frequency of these updates is decreasing as the phone ages. Expect limited long-term software support.