Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs LG V50 ThinQ 5G: A Deep Dive Comparison

Launched within months of each other in 2019, the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G and LG V50 ThinQ 5G represented early forays into the 5G smartphone space. While both aimed for the premium segment, they took different approaches. The Note10+ 5G prioritized productivity and S Pen integration, while the V50 ThinQ 5G focused on multimedia and a more streamlined software experience. Today, with prices significantly reduced, these phones offer compelling value, but which one delivers the best experience?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its faster 45W charging and the versatility of the S Pen outweigh the LG V50 ThinQ 5G’s excellent battery endurance. However, users prioritizing a neutral color profile and potentially better thermal performance might lean towards the LG.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G LG V50 ThinQ 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA
5G bands5, 71, 260, 261 NSA/Sub641, 260, 261 NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USACDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2019, August. Released 2019, August2019, February 24. Released 2019, April 19
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.31 in)159.2 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.27 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)183 g (6.46 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 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~498 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~538 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 114.0 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDynamic AMOLED, HDR10+P-OLED, HDR10
 Always-on displayAlways-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 (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetExynos 9825 (7 nm) - EMEA/LATAMQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) - USA/ChinaQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MP12 - EMEA/LATAMAdreno 640 - USA/ChinaAdreno 640
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
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 video 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)12 MP, 27mm (wide), f/1.5, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3-axis OIS 12 MP, 52mm (telephoto), f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, 16mm (ultrawide), f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, no AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., HDR10 video, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP, 21mm (wide), f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF-
Video4K@30/60fps1080p@60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned with Meridian Audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radio (USA & Canada only)FM radio
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, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) ANT+ Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)-
Battery
Charging45W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min 10W wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Ion 4300 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsAura Glow, Aura White, Aura BlackNew Aurora Black
ModelsSM-N976F, SM-N976U, SM-N976, SM-N976B, SM-N976N, SM-N976V, SM-N9760, SM-N976QLM-V500, LM-V500N, LM-V500EM, LM-V500XM, LM-V450PM, LM-V450
PriceAbout 700 EURAbout 550 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -92.5dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 96h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 194000:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 343758 (v7), 421934 (v8) GeekBench: 10928 (v4.4), 2672 (v5.1) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G

  • 45W Super Fast Charging
  • Integrated S Pen for Productivity
  • Vibrant and Color-Accurate Display

  • Potential for Exynos Throttling (EMEA/LATAM)
  • No Headphone Jack

LG V50 ThinQ 5G

  • Exceptional Battery Endurance (96h)
  • High Contrast Ratio Display
  • More Neutral Color Profile

  • Slower 18W Charging
  • Less Versatile Camera Software

Display Comparison

The LG V50 ThinQ 5G boasts a higher measured peak brightness of 533 nits, suggesting better outdoor visibility compared to the Note10+ 5G (brightness not specified). However, the Note10+ 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s superior color science and potentially a higher PWM dimming rate, making it more comfortable for users sensitive to flicker. The V50’s impressive 194000:1 contrast ratio indicates deeper blacks and a more immersive viewing experience, while the Note10+ 5G’s display technology is not specified, but Samsung typically employs high-quality OLED panels. Both devices offer a large screen real estate suitable for multitasking and media consumption.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited. The Note10+ 5G’s camera is known for its vibrant image processing and versatile features, while the V50 ThinQ 5G aims for a more natural look. Without specific sensor size details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on both devices is crucial for stable video recording and low-light photography. The Note10+ 5G’s camera suite likely offers more software features and shooting modes, leveraging Samsung’s extensive image processing algorithms. The V50’s video capabilities are also strong, but the Note10+ 5G’s Super Steady video mode provides an edge.

Performance

Both the Note10+ 5G (depending on region, either Exynos 9825 or Snapdragon 855) and the V50 ThinQ 5G utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm). The USA/China variant of the Note10+ 5G, equipped with the Snapdragon 855, will offer comparable CPU performance to the V50. However, the EMEA/LATAM Note10+ 5G with the Exynos 9825 may exhibit slightly lower sustained performance due to potential thermal throttling, as Exynos chips historically haven’t matched the efficiency of their Snapdragon counterparts. Both phones feature an octa-core CPU configuration, but the Note10+ 5G’s Mongoose M4 cores aim for higher peak performance, while the V50’s Kryo 485 cores prioritize efficiency. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, impacting multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

The LG V50 ThinQ 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 96 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. While the Note10+ 5G’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the V50’s endurance suggests a significant advantage in longevity. However, the Note10+ 5G compensates with significantly faster 45W wired charging (PD3.0), allowing for a quicker top-up compared to the V50’s 18W charging (PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min). The Note10+ 5G also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, features absent or less powerful on the V50 (10W wireless). The Note10+ 5G’s faster charging mitigates the potential battery life disadvantage, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to recharge.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G if you need a powerful productivity tool with a built-in stylus, fast charging, and a vibrant display. Buy the LG V50 ThinQ 5G if you prefer a more understated design, prioritize long battery life, and appreciate a display with exceptional contrast and color accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9825 chip in the Note10+ 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9825 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 855. While not catastrophic, users in EMEA/LATAM regions may experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming, leading to slightly reduced performance. The Snapdragon variant of the Note10+ 5G does not suffer from this issue to the same degree.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones in this era are limited in quality. While they can capture close-up images, the low resolution results in a lack of detail and often soft images. They are more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful tool for serious macro photography.
❓ Can the Note10+ 5G or V50 ThinQ 5G reliably run PUBG Mobile at 90fps?
While both phones are capable of running PUBG Mobile, achieving a consistent 90fps frame rate depends on the graphics settings and the specific region/chipset. The Snapdragon 855 variants are more likely to maintain 90fps with high settings, while the Exynos 9825 may require lower settings to avoid frame drops.
❓ How does the reverse wireless charging on the Note10+ 5G compare to the wireless charging speed of the V50 ThinQ 5G?
The Note10+ 5G’s 4.5W reverse wireless charging is primarily for topping up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. The V50 ThinQ 5G’s 10W wireless charging is faster, but still significantly slower than either phone’s wired charging capabilities. Neither is intended for fully charging another phone.