[Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Guides, News, & Discussion] BeckPC:
I just picked up the Note 10+ on Saturday, replacing my Note 8. It's not a bad device, but there are a lot of differences that I don't really care for.

1. Power button moved to where Bixby was. Why move it from right to left? Most users are right handed (excluding me), but I don't like it. I know I can double tap the screen to wake it up, but it's just not right.

2. To turn off the phone, you have to pull down the notifications to see the power off button. I can see this will be really useless when it become unresponsive. Not sure how to turn it off then.

3. The pen is nice, but waving it around like a Harry Potter wand makes me feel foolish.

4. I do like the stereo speakers. That was impressive and Dolby makes it even louder. HINT: set it Movie mode if you want it louder than normal.

5. Slightly wider than the Note 8, but not quite as wide as my Note 4 (which I really like for taking notes). Otherwise I feel like I'm writing on a tiny sticky note.

6. Not much longer (about 1/8") longer than the Note 8. Hopefully it will still work in my shirt pocket.

7. So far the battery seems better. I've charged it a couple times and will let it run down today, but it lasts all day plus some.

8. I got the unlocked 256GB version, even though I'm on Verizon. I was going to get the 512/5G model, but it will be 2 years or more before 5G is available here. As a previous owner of a WiMax device (that never came about), I decided to skip that. Would be nice, but why get it if you can't use it? Plus, I couldn't see paying an extra $350-400 for something like that.

9. The screen is crisp and bright. Very responsive and plays games nicely.

10. No real bloatware on the unlocked version, but had to search for Visual Voice Mail and got it working. Need to install VZW apps as well.

11. First time I ever let Google restore my device. It worked, about 80%. Some apps are missing because they are no longer on the store. Most settings are gone though.

12. It does seem fast, and 12GB of RAM plays well. Keeps more apps open in the background without having to reload them.

13. Watched a HD video. Very nice picture and sound. Mirroring to the TV worked flawlessly.

14. 256GB SD card worked great too. Got plenty of space now for music and movies.

15. My only real dislike is NO HOME BUTTON to call my Google Assistant. I know I can reprogram the power button for that, but it's on the wrong side for me. I use a flip leather case and have for the past several years. I'm too old to change. I have an icon on my screen to call that.

16. Samsung DEX. Never used it before, but it feels like it gives you a tablet type of experience on your PC. It worked, including watching TV shows. I can see some benefits in it, but not sure if I'll use it much.

Bottom line: $1000 device + $50 to get a VZW SIM + an activation charge from VZW for getting a new phone (they gotta get their money every time). I bought it outright at Best Buy, rather than paying for it over the next 2 years through Verizon. Is it worth it? Not really. I read that it was a drastic improvement over the Note 8. It's not, with the exception of the battery. I used the headphone jack a few times, but I have a few Note 4 devices around here I can use if I need that. I mainly use my BT speaker or ear piece. This is my work phone, so it's always with me. It feels good in my hand. Not too skinny like the Note 8. It's almost as wide as the N4 models. The curved edges are a little tough using the pen to cut images from the screen, but it's usable. The 'hole' in the screen is a little disconcerting at times, but most of the time I never notice it, but I'm also the type that doesn't take selfies. The camera does take nice photos, but I need to experiment with that more over the next week or so.

Am I satisfied? Well ... my Note 8 is working fine. I only got the 10 because I had a lot of Best Buy rewards and the phone costs me less than $100 out of pocket. I didn't need it, but it's nice to have. My Note 8 was running low on a charge before 5pm. Not sure what I'll do with the Note 8 yet. Since it can't be rooted and upgraded with a better ROM, I'll probably sell it. The trade in was only $300, and that wasn't enough for me to give it up. If I could trade it for a iPhone 8 or X (for the wife), I'd do that. Me? Personally... I'd never own an Apple product. I don't like them, or the company. I've owned a Note phone since the Note 2 was released. I've owned them all with the exception of Note 5 and Note 9. The Note 4 is still my favorite and always will be. I own several just to keep around as media devices and one spare phone. I prefer being able to root for backup and customization purposes, but I can live without it for now on this device. I've lived with the Note 8 for 2 years like that.