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Samsung Galaxy Note 10: Let’s talk about headphone jacks
August 03, 2025
We caught wind ofSamsung ditching the headphone jackin favor of a dongle, and now it’s confirmed: neither the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 nor the Galaxy Note 10 Plus include the headphone jack.
To Samsung’s credit, a dongle is included with the Note 10 and Note 10 Plus smartphones. However, I and many others would rather see our dear 3.5mm port back rather than receive a floppyUSB-C audioadapter. It looks similar to all other dongles but sports a more tapered design than the competition (e.g. Apple and Google). Regardless of who manufactures the dongle, the amount of joy it brings is the same: none.
This may work to Samsung’s benefit as more people will feel compelled to get theSamsung Galaxy Budsto couple with their Note 10 smartphones. While the headphone jack’s absence doesn’t degrade the Galaxy Buds’ performance, it’s frustrating to see the last of the big three smartphone manufacturers submit to Apple’s trendsetting.
It’s just a dongle. Stop getting worked up.
You’re right. On the surface, it is just a dongle. Carrying around another accessory isn’t the end of the world. Inconvenient, sure, but manageable. That said, think of when your partner randomly snaps at you about loading the dishwasher. Their aggravation likely focuses on a deep-seated issue, rather than your forgetfulness.
That’s exactly what’s happened withsmartphone audio. It’s not about the dongle. It’s about smartphone manufactures not listening to consumers. Taken a step further, it’s about their transgressions which are inclear oppositionto what users want.
It’s not just the headphone jack’s disappearance that’s upsetting Samsung fans, though. While the Note 10 Plus will offer expandable storage, the standard Galaxy Note 10 no longer includesmicroSD expansion. The specs this year are perplexing. Last year’s Galaxy Note 9, while a little heavier and thicker, included both a headphone jack and expandable storage. It also had a larger battery than the Galaxy Note 10 (4,000mAh vs. 3,500mAh).
Does this mean we’re experiencing a USB-C audio revival?
Perhaps if we were seeing a horde of new USB-C headphone and audio products that would be the case. Instead, companies are throwing us dongles the way I throw my dog a bone: to satiate and distract her, allowing me to do as I please.
Samsung’s design choices do show how companies are making a concerted effort to drum up sales for their wireless audio products. While theApple AirPodsstill reign as the most populartrue-wireless earbuds, theSamsung Galaxy Budsmay close the gap with the headphone jack’s omission.
No matter who’s king of the mobile audio hill, consumer preference goes unheard. Companies need to make money, and I’m not faulting them for that. It’s the blatant lack of attention to various fanbases that’s irritating. Until an influential smartphone manufacturer admits its follies and returns the headphone jack to its rightful place — in a phone, not a dongle — consumers lose out.
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