Samsung Galaxy Note 10 debuts in Dubai: here's what to expect from the device

The Note 10 series will be available from retailers and Samsung stores from Friday for between Dh3,499 and Dh4,499

The much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is here. Rolled out in Dubai on Tuesday, the Note 10 has been described as one of the best Android phones by technology commentators, who predict its sales will boost the company’s bottom line.

The National takes a look at the Note 10.

What’s new with the Note10?

For the first time, the Galaxy Note offers two variants - Note 10 and Note 10+. Note 10 comes with a 16-centimetre screen, while the Note 10+ has a massive 17.3cm display (the biggest Note display yet).

Note 10+ has a 512GB storage capacity that can be expanded by up to an additional 1TB. It is equipped with a battery that can run for a full day with uninterrupted use.

Both phones have a range of camera functions, from a dual aperture lens to an ultra-wide camera and improved focus.

Using the S Pen, users can now jot down notes, instantly convert their handwriting to digital text and export it to a variety of different formats, including Microsoft Word. In a major update, S Pen now also supports gesture recognition, letting users take pictures, zoom in and out and switch camera modes with a simple hand gesture.

Is it time to upgrade?

Industry analysts say someone with a Note 9 or even a Note 8 should not be itching to upgrade. "The Note 10 is the finest phone Samsung has made but it's also mighty expensive," said Abbas Ali, managing editor of TechRadar Middle East.

Is S Pen still the key?

Industry experts say the S Pen will continue to be a key differentiation for the world’s biggest smartphone seller, attracting new customers to Note 10 phones. Consumers buy the Note mainly because of the S Pen, said Mr Ali, adding: “If you don’t need that, the Galaxy S series has almost everything else”.

Why is Note 10 partnering with Microsoft?

With the Note 10 series, Samsung is joining forces with Microsoft to bridge the gap between smartphones and personal computers. The partnership will allow Note 10 users to access some of the Microsoft’s most popular apps, such as OneDrive and Your Phone.

Users can instantly access their phone content – such as messages, images, videos, notifications and even their entire screen – on their PC by using Microsoft’s Your Phone app. Note 10 users will also be able to manage their phone’s entire multimedia content using access Microsoft’s OneDrive.

The partnership will help Samsung to compete more effectively with Apple - maker of the iPhone – which already offers similar options.

How much does the Note 10 cost?

Note 10+, with 256GB of memory, is priced at Dh3,999, while the 512GB memory variant will cost Dh4,499. The smaller Note 10, with 256GB memory, will cost Dh3,499.

Market experts feel keeping the price high is an attempt to generate better returns, something its competitor Apple has been able to manage.