Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite Review: Good Value For A Lite
April 24, 2020The Note 10 Lite aims to offer the best of both worlds at a relatively affordable price, but is that enough?
Performance : Exynos 9810, 8GB RAM
Display : 6.7-inch, AMOLED (1080×2400)
Storage:128GB
Battery: 4500mAh (1.5 Days battery life)
Camera: 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide-angle,12MP Telephoto camera
Video Recording Resolution: UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)
Special features: S Pen Support, Remote Control
Price:RM2199
Rating: 8/10
Samsung‘s Galaxy Note line epitomizes the best that team Android has to offer. Each year, the respective Note device is as the poster child of the company’s line up. It has the best hardware, camera and screen that are commercially available. And as such, has the price tag to match.
The same can be said of the Note 10, it commands top dollar for the privilege of being able to crunch through tasks that would seem insurmountable to lesser equipped devices. Consequently, it is usually out of reach of the common man.
The Looks
That’s where the Note 10 Lite comes in. It’s the middle ground between a mid-range phone and a ‘balls to the wall’ flagship device. It’s a relatively slender device and in stark contrast to the Note 10, has curved edges not unlike that of the A71. Besides the presence of the S Pen, there’s little evidence to suggest it shares the same lineage with its bigger brother.
Odds are that Samsung did this intentionally to preserve the appeal of the Note 10. Admittedly, the Lite is easier on the hands as a result of its curved edges, and despite its fairly large dimensions, seems easy to hold one-handed. But though it doesn’t resemble the phone it is based on, it behaves just like it.
The Note 10 Lite’s appeal revolves around the use of the S Pen. Granted, it isn’t as feature rich as that of the Note 10, but it isn’t far behind. The pen can be used as the phone camera’s shutter button or to toggle between the front and rear cameras. Ejecting it from its slot activates Air Action, a feature reserved exclusively to the Note line.
This feature allows users to interact with the screen without touching it, which I didn’t find particularly useful. Then, there’s the more relevant stuff like selecting text and having the option of it being translated into 40 different languages. Also, the friction between the pen and screen feels well balanced, this evokes a sense of confidence when jotting down notes.
It gives you the option of saving your handwriting or transcribes it into printed text. The Note 10 Lite does a decent job of deciphering the most cryptic of handwriting. It isn’t perfect however, but said mistakes are few and far between. The S Pen allows for precise selection of items on the screen, especially when attempting to underline or select specific areas of interest.
Besides this, and just like its bigger brother, the Note 10 Lite supports Samsung’s DeX system. The idea of running an Android smartphone as a PC may seem exciting, but the actual experience doesn’t live up to expectations. It isn’t the phone’s fault, rather its the lack of support from the Android app ecosystem, the technology needs time to mature.
The Performance
The Lite’s hardware may not measure up to that of the Note 10, but its no slouch either. Apps open effortlessly and cooperate just as well. However, heat is a bit of an issue. The phone gets noticeably hot when tasked with heavy computational work, which includes video recording and gaming. It does border on the uncomfortable side at times.
Simply put, the Note 10 Lite may not have the same thermal solutions of its higher end brethren, hence the reason for the increase in temperature. That said, this only happens when it is pushed to its limits. Once it is allowed a little breathing room, the temperature begins to drop considerably within the first few minutes.
The Camera
What some may consider as a deal breaker, is the fact that the Note 10 Lite is only equipped with 12MP sensors. But they are more than capable of taking decent shots even in low light conditions. The details in each a shot are preserved well, however, the same can’t be said of the contrast, which is set a little too high, making many pictures look artificial.
Though it has the same size main sensor as the Note 10, the picture and video quality between the two differ greatly.That said, this isn’t a deal breaker considering how much cheaper it is compared to Samsung’s former flagship device. Think of it as the Coke Light to the regular Coke.
Should I Buy One?
If you’re in the market for a business oriented device and find that the S Pen improves your level of productivity, then the answer is, Yes. But, if you aren’t a fan of the stylus, then this phone isn’t for you. The Note 10 Lite is a mid-range phone with flagship aspirations, it offers good value for money, provided that you understand and accept its limitations.
