Samsung Galaxy Note 10 renders leak revealing drastic redesign

Not one, not two, but three cameras on the rear

Representing a huge change in direction for Samsung’s Galaxy Note lineup, the renders of the upcoming flagship show that it ditches the horizontal camera setup found on previous devices in favor of an all-new vertical layout that’s positioned in the top corner. Unlike mid-range Galaxy A models that utilize a rectangular module, though, this particular setup is noticeably more rounded. 

The Galaxy Note 10, as can clearly be seen in the CAD-based renders, looks set to include a total of three cameras on the rear. According to rumors, the smartphone will borrow its camera technology from the Galaxy S10 series Samsung announced earlier this year. The news means that the flagship will arrive equipped with a primary 12-megapixel sensor paired with a variable aperture lens for improved low-light shots.

Accompanying the main camera should be a second 12-megapixel snapper that uses a 2x telephoto zoom lens. Additionally, for the first time on a Galaxy Note smartphone, Samsung is expected to include a super-wide-angle alternative that offers a 16-megapixel resolution. 

Completing the setup should be the usual LED flash which in this particular case is positioned towards the left of the cameras. Curiously, there appears to be no sign of a heart rate monitor, suggesting Samsung is ditching the feature which has been around since 2014’s Galaxy S5. 

Say goodbye to the headphone jack and Bixby button, hello to Infinity-O

Taking a look at the front of the rendered Galaxy Note 10, the most noticeable detail is perhaps the phone’s overall shape. Over the years, the Galaxy Note line has adopted a more rectangular look while the Galaxy S series has openly embraced curves. But with this year’s model, Samsung seems to be taking this to a whole new level with sharper edges and what appears to be a flat frame above and below, thus allowing the device to stand up by itself. 

Moving over to the display, the Galaxy Note 10 will apparently include a 6.3-inch curved AMOLED panel paired with an in-screen fingerprint scanner, razor-thin side bezels, and impressively small upper and lower bezels. Unsurprisingly, there’s no sign of a notch with Samsung instead opting for a punch hole design. But unlike the Galaxy S10, the single 10-megapixel selfie snapper has been positioned in the center rather than in the corner of the panel. Additionally, the size of the hole appears to be slightly smaller.

Circling back to the aluminum frame, along the bottom there’s a speaker which should form a stereo setup when paired with the in-ear alternative. Also present is a USB-C port and, of course, the all-important S Pen. But, corroborating previous rumors, there’s no sign of a headphone jack. Regarding the top of the phone, Samsung appears to have included an IR Blaster.

Separate reports claimed recently that Samsung would ditch all physical buttons on the Galaxy Note 10 lineup in favor of capacitive touch alternatives. However, today’s renders debunk those rumors by showing the presence of a standard volume rocker and power key. There isn't a Bixby button, though.

The Galaxy Note 10 is expected to go official at some point in early August alongside a larger and more expensive Galaxy Note 10 Pro, the latter of which is rumored to feature a 6.75-inch display and four cameras on the rear. 

Presumably, pre-orders for both Galaxy Note 10 devices will commence immediately after Samsung's introduction event. Then, around two weeks later, shipments of the smartphones should commence. As you'd expect, the flagships should be available internationally with the US receiving a Snapdragon 855-powered variant while Europe and other international markets will receive the Exynos 9825 variant.

Samsung is rumored to be developing 5G versions of both Galaxy Note 10 offerings, but details are relatively scarce at this point. Additionally, sales may start at a later date.