Samsung Galaxy Note10 5G vs. Huawei P30 Pro New Edition: A Detailed Comparison

Released in different eras, the Samsung Galaxy Note10 5G and Huawei P30 Pro New Edition represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The Note10 5G, with its 5G connectivity and S Pen, aimed for cutting-edge features, while the P30 Pro New Edition focused on refining a proven formula with a strong emphasis on camera capabilities and fast charging, particularly as it became available at a lower price point post-launch.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user in 2024, the Huawei P30 Pro New Edition offers a compelling package. Its 40W SuperCharge technology significantly outperforms the Note10 5G’s 25W charging, and the Kirin 980 provides sufficient performance for most tasks. While the Note10 5G boasts 5G connectivity and the S Pen, the P30 Pro’s value proposition is stronger.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Note10 5G Huawei P30 Pro New Edition
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USALTE
5G bands78 NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat21 1400/200 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - USA-
Launch
Announced2019, August. Released 2019, August2020, May 12. Released 2020, June 01
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Aluminosilicate glass), glass back (Aluminosilicate glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions151 x 71.8 x 7.9 mm (5.94 x 2.83 x 0.31 in)158 x 73.4 x 8.4 mm (6.22 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)192 g (6.77 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Stylus, 42ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 2m for 30 mins)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6-
Resolution1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDynamic AMOLED, HDR10+OLED, HDR10
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M4 & 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A75 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) - EMEA/LATAMOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) - USA/ChinaOcta-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetExynos 9825 (7 nm) - EMEA/LATAMQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) - USA/ChinaKirin 980 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MP12 - EMEA/LATAMAdreno 640 - USA/ChinaMali-G76 MP10
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4Android 10, EMUI 10.1, Google Play Services
Memory
Card slotNoNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panoramaLeica optics, color spectrum sensor, dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Triple12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.1, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, Super Steady video40 MP, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom 20 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.7", PDAF TOF 3D, (depth)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG32-bit/384kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioFM radio (USA & Canada only)No
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) ANT+ Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)-
Battery
Charging25W wired, PD3.0 12W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless40W wired, 70% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4200 mAh
Misc
ColorsAura Glow, Aura White, Aura Black, Aura Pink, Aura RedAurora, Black, Silver Frost
ModelsSM-N971U, SM-N971N-
PriceAbout 1100 EURAbout 820 EUR

Samsung Galaxy Note10 5G

  • 5G Connectivity (where available)
  • Integrated S Pen functionality
  • Snapdragon 855 variant offers better performance (USA/China)

  • Exynos 9825 prone to throttling
  • Slower 25W charging
  • Potentially higher price

Huawei P30 Pro New Edition

  • 40W SuperCharge – incredibly fast charging
  • Excellent camera system with zoom capabilities
  • Strong value proposition

  • No 5G connectivity
  • Kirin 980 slightly less powerful than Snapdragon 855
  • Huawei ecosystem concerns (depending on user)

Display Comparison

Both devices feature excellent displays, though specifics are limited in the provided data. The Note10 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly higher peak brightness and color accuracy. However, without knowing the P30 Pro’s panel type or nits, a definitive statement is difficult. The Note10 5G’s display is likely a Dynamic AMOLED panel, known for vibrant colors, while the P30 Pro likely uses an OLED panel. Bezels are comparable given the release timeframe, and neither phone features a high refresh rate display.

Camera Comparison

The Huawei P30 Pro New Edition is widely regarded for its camera prowess. While specific sensor sizes aren’t provided, the P30 Pro’s reputation stems from its innovative camera system, including a periscope telephoto lens for exceptional zoom capabilities. The Note10 5G’s camera is capable, but likely doesn’t match the P30 Pro’s low-light performance or zoom range. The P30 Pro’s image processing tends towards more saturated colors, while Samsung typically aims for a more natural look. Ignoring the likely low-resolution macro lenses on both devices, the main sensor and telephoto lens capabilities are the key differentiators, favoring the P30 Pro.

Performance

The performance landscape is nuanced. The Note10 5G’s chipset varies by region: the Exynos 9825 (EMEA/LATAM) versus the Snapdragon 855 (USA/China). The Snapdragon 855 generally offers better sustained performance and thermal management compared to the Exynos 9825, which is prone to throttling under heavy load. The Huawei P30 Pro’s Kirin 980, built on the same 7nm process, features a different CPU architecture (Cortex-A76) which, while competitive, generally falls slightly behind the Snapdragon 855 in raw CPU power. Both phones utilize octa-core CPUs, but the Snapdragon’s Kryo cores offer a performance edge. The Note10 5G’s potential for 5G connectivity is a significant advantage for users in supported areas.

Battery Life

The Huawei P30 Pro New Edition’s 40W SuperCharge technology is a clear winner. Achieving 70% charge in just 30 minutes is significantly faster than the Note10 5G’s 25W charging. While the Note10 5G offers 12W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless, the P30 Pro counters with 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless capabilities. The actual battery capacity isn’t specified, but the P30 Pro’s charging speed mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. Users prioritizing quick top-ups will overwhelmingly prefer the P30 Pro.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note10 5G if you absolutely require 5G connectivity and heavily utilize the S Pen for productivity or creative tasks. The Note10 5G is also the better choice for users in the US market due to the Snapdragon 855 variant. Buy the Huawei P30 Pro New Edition if you prioritize exceptional battery life, incredibly fast charging, and a versatile camera system, all at a potentially lower price point. It’s ideal for users who don’t need the latest cellular technology or the S Pen functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9825 in the Note10 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
Yes, the Exynos 9825 variant of the Note10 5G is known to throttle under sustained load, leading to reduced performance during extended gaming. The Snapdragon 855 version found in the USA/China models handles heat more effectively, offering a smoother gaming experience.
❓ How effective is the 40W SuperCharge on the P30 Pro with a depleted battery?
Huawei’s 40W SuperCharge is remarkably efficient. While it doesn’t reach 100% in 30 minutes, it consistently delivers approximately 70% charge within that timeframe, providing a substantial boost in battery life in a short period. The charging speed slows down as the battery nears full capacity to protect battery health.
❓ Is the S Pen on the Note10 5G worth the extra cost for a typical user?
For users who frequently take notes, sketch, or utilize the S Pen’s Air Actions, the S Pen is a valuable addition. However, for those who primarily use their phone for communication, browsing, and media consumption, the S Pen’s benefits may be limited, making the P30 Pro a more cost-effective option.
❓ Does the P30 Pro New Edition still receive software updates and security patches?
Software update support for the P30 Pro New Edition is limited due to ongoing geopolitical factors. While it initially received EMUI updates, future updates are uncertain. Users should be aware of this potential limitation before purchasing.