The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, marked a decade of Galaxy S series innovation. As a flagship device, it brought numerous advancements in technology, design, and functionality. This review will delve into every aspect of the Galaxy S10, from its design and display to its performance, camera capabilities, software, battery life, and additional features. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of what makes the Galaxy S10 a standout device in the competitive smartphone market.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S10 features a sleek and modern design, combining glass and metal to create a premium feel.
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm
- Weight: 157 grams
The Galaxy S10’s compact dimensions and lightweight build make it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. Its slim profile ensures it easily fits into pockets and bags.
Materials
- Front and Back: Corning Gorilla Glass 6
- Frame: Aluminum
The use of Gorilla Glass 6 on both the front and back adds durability and scratch resistance, while the aluminum frame enhances the device’s structural integrity.
Color Options
The Galaxy S10 is available in a range of vibrant colors, including:
- Prism White
- Prism Black
- Prism Green
- Prism Blue
- Canary Yellow
- Flamingo Pink
These color options allow users to choose a device that suits their personal style.
Display
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S10 is its display. Samsung is known for its high-quality screens, and the S10 is no exception.
Screen Specifications
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED
- Size: 6.1 inches
- Resolution: 1440 x 3040 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 19:9
- Pixel Density: ~550 ppi
- HDR10+: Yes
The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display offers stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. The high resolution and pixel density ensure sharp and clear images, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
Infinity-O Display
The Infinity-O display design incorporates a small cutout for the front camera, maximizing screen real estate without the need for a notch. This design choice provides an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re watching videos or playing games.
Performance
The Galaxy S10 is equipped with top-of-the-line hardware to deliver exceptional performance.
Processor
- Chipset: Exynos 9820 (EMEA) / Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (USA)
- CPU: Octa-core
- Exynos: 2×2.73 GHz Mongoose M4 & 2×2.31 GHz Cortex-A75 & 4×1.95 GHz Cortex-A55
- Snapdragon: 1×2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4×1.78 GHz Kryo 485
- GPU: Mali-G76 MP12 (Exynos) / Adreno 640 (Snapdragon)
The choice between the Exynos 9820 and Snapdragon 855 depends on the region, but both versions offer robust performance, capable of handling intensive tasks and high-end gaming with ease.
RAM and Storage
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage Options: 128 GB, 512 GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, via microSD up to 1 TB
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S10 ensures smooth multitasking and quick app switching. The base storage options of 128 GB and 512 GB provide ample space for apps, photos, and videos, and the option to expand storage via microSD card adds further flexibility.
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy S10 boasts a versatile camera setup, designed to cater to a wide range of photography needs.
Rear Camera System
- Triple Camera Setup:
- 12 MP (wide), f/1.5-2.4, 26mm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
- 12 MP (telephoto), f/2.4, 52mm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
- 16 MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, 12mm
The triple camera setup on the rear allows for a variety of shooting modes, including wide-angle, telephoto, and ultra-wide shots. This flexibility makes the S10 a powerful tool for both professional photographers and casual users.
Front Camera
- Resolution: 10 MP
- Aperture: f/1.9
- Features: Dual pixel PDAF
The 10 MP front camera provides high-quality selfies, with dual pixel PDAF ensuring quick and accurate focus. It also supports 4K video recording, a feature that was relatively rare for front-facing cameras at the time of its release.
Camera Features
- Super Steady Video: For smooth and stable video recording.
- HDR10+ Recording: For enhanced video quality with better contrast and colors.
- Scene Optimizer: Uses AI to recognize and optimize scenes for better photos.
- Pro Mode: Allows manual control over camera settings for advanced photography.
Software
The Galaxy S10 runs on Samsung’s One UI, based on Android 9.0 Pie at launch, with upgrades available to newer versions of Android.
One UI Features
- User-Friendly Design: One UI is designed to make large phones easier to use with one hand, with a focus on usability and minimalism.
- Night Mode: A system-wide dark mode that reduces eye strain and conserves battery life.
- Edge Screen: Provides quick access to apps, contacts, and tools by swiping in from the edge of the screen.
- Bixby: Samsung’s virtual assistant, integrated into the device for voice commands, reminders, and smart home controls.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a 3400 mAh battery, which provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate to heavy use.
Charging Capabilities
- Fast Charging: 15W wired charging.
- Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: 9W, allows the Galaxy S10 to charge other devices wirelessly.
The combination of fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging makes the Galaxy S10 a versatile device when it comes to power management.
Connectivity and Sensors
The Galaxy S10 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options and sensors.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
- Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
- GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
- NFC: Yes
- USB: Type-C 3.1, USB On-The-Go
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) ensures faster and more reliable internet connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 provides improved range and stability for wireless connections.
Sensors
- Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor: Under-display, providing secure and quick access.
- Face Recognition: For an alternative biometric security option.
- Accelerometer: For motion detection and orientation.
- Gyroscope: For enhanced motion sensing, useful in gaming and VR applications.
- Proximity Sensor: For detecting nearby objects to turn off the screen during calls.
- Compass: For navigation and orientation purposes.
- Barometer: For altitude measurement and weather-related apps.
Audio and Multimedia
Samsung has always prioritized audio quality, and the Galaxy S10 is no exception.
Speakers
- Stereo Speakers: Tuned by AKG, providing rich and immersive sound.
- Dolby Atmos: Support for 3D surround sound for an enhanced audio experience.
The stereo speakers offer a loud and clear sound, making the Galaxy S10 great for media consumption, whether it’s watching movies, listening to music, or playing games.
Headphone Jack
Despite the trend of removing the headphone jack, Samsung retained it in the Galaxy S10, catering to users who prefer wired headphones.
Security Features
The Galaxy S10 includes several security features to protect user data.
Knox Security
Samsung Knox provides a multi-layered security platform that protects the device from hardware to software, ensuring that data is secure from malicious threats.
Secure Folder
The Secure Folder allows users to keep sensitive information and apps protected by a separate PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication.
Additional Features
The Galaxy S10 is packed with extra features that enhance its functionality and user experience.
IP68 Water and Dust Resistance
The IP68 rating ensures that the Galaxy S10 is resistant to dust and can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Samsung DeX
Samsung DeX allows the Galaxy S10 to be used as a desktop-like computer by connecting it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This feature enhances productivity by enabling a full desktop experience from the phone.
Gaming Features
- Game Launcher: Centralizes all gaming apps and optimizes the device for gaming performance.
- Game Tools: Provides features like screen recording, do not disturb mode, and more, specifically for gaming.
User Experience and Feedback
The Galaxy S10 has received positive feedback from both critics and users, highlighting its design, display, performance, and feature set.
Positive Feedback
- Design and Build Quality: Users consistently praise the premium feel and aesthetics of the Galaxy S10. The sleek design, combined with the durable Gorilla Glass 6 and aluminum frame, creates a high-end look and feel. The various color options also allow users to personalize their device to match their style.
- Display: The Dynamic AMOLED display is one of the standout features, often cited as one of the best on the market. Users appreciate the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and overall clarity, making it ideal for watching videos, playing games, and everyday use.
- Camera System: The versatile camera setup is another highlight. The combination of wide, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses provides flexibility for different photography scenarios. Users enjoy the quality of the photos and videos, particularly praising the HDR10+ video recording and the Super Steady video mode.
- Performance: With powerful processors (Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855) and 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S10 delivers smooth and fast performance. Users report excellent multitasking capabilities and a lag-free experience, even with demanding applications and games.
- Battery Life and Charging: Despite the 3400 mAh battery seeming modest compared to some competitors, users find it sufficient for a full day of use. The various charging options, including fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, add to the device’s convenience.
- Software: One UI, with its user-friendly design and features like Night Mode and Edge Screen, is well-received. Users appreciate the clean and intuitive interface, which enhances usability and productivity.
Constructive Criticism
- Fingerprint Sensor: Some users have reported inconsistent performance with the under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. While it’s secure and innovative, it can sometimes be slower or less reliable than traditional capacitive sensors.
- Bixby: Samsung’s virtual assistant, Bixby, has received mixed reviews. While it offers useful features, some users prefer Google Assistant for its broader functionality and integration.
- Software Updates: As with many Android devices, timely software updates can be an issue. While Samsung has improved in this area, there can still be delays compared to Google’s Pixel devices.
- Price: At launch, the Galaxy S10 was priced at a premium level, which might be a deterrent for some budget-conscious consumers. However, its price has decreased over time, making it more accessible.
Long-Term Durability and User Experience
As with any smartphone, the long-term durability and user experience of the Galaxy S10 are important considerations.
Durability
- Build Quality: The use of Gorilla Glass 6 and an aluminum frame contributes to the Galaxy S10’s durability. However, like all glass-backed phones, it is prone to cracks and scratches if dropped, so using a protective case is advisable.
- Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing software updates for several years, which helps maintain security and functionality over time. Regular updates ensure that the Galaxy S10 remains relevant and secure.
User Experience Over Time
- Performance Degradation: As with most smartphones, performance can degrade over time due to software updates, app bloat, and hardware wear. However, the Galaxy S10’s robust hardware ensures that it remains capable for several years, handling everyday tasks and most modern apps without significant issues.
- Battery Health: Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, leading to reduced battery life. The Galaxy S10’s battery management features and Samsung’s optimization help mitigate this, but users may notice a decrease in battery life after a couple of years of use.
Market Position and Value
Understanding the market position and value proposition of the Galaxy S10 helps in assessing its overall appeal.
Initial Market Position
At launch, the Galaxy S10 was positioned as a premium flagship device, competing with other high-end smartphones like the iPhone XS, Google Pixel 3, and Huawei P30 Pro. Its advanced features, design, and performance justified its premium price.
Current Value
As of now, the Galaxy S10 has seen a significant reduction in price, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a high-quality smartphone. Its feature set remains competitive, even when compared to newer mid-range and some high-end devices.
Comparison with Successors
Newer models like the Galaxy S20 and S21 series offer improvements in areas such as processing power, camera capabilities, and display technology. However, the Galaxy S10 still holds its own, providing excellent value, especially for those who do not need the absolute latest features.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a well-rounded flagship smartphone that offers a premium experience across the board. Its design, display, performance, and camera system are standout features that make it a compelling choice for a wide range of users.
Pros
- Elegant Design: The Galaxy S10’s sleek and modern design, combined with its lightweight and compact form factor, makes it a joy to use and carry.
- Outstanding Display: The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display provides an immersive viewing experience with vibrant colors and high contrast.
- Versatile Camera: The triple camera setup offers flexibility and high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Strong Performance: Powered by either the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855, the Galaxy S10 delivers smooth and responsive performance.
- Comprehensive Features: Features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and IP68 water resistance add to the device’s versatility.
Cons
- Fingerprint Sensor Issues: The under-display fingerprint sensor can be inconsistent compared to traditional sensors.
- Bixby Limitations: Some users find Bixby less useful compared to other virtual assistants.
- Software Update Delays: While improved, Samsung’s update schedule can still lag behind Google’s Pixel devices.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S10 remains a strong contender in the smartphone market, even years after its release. It offers a premium experience with a comprehensive set of features that cater to both casual and power users. For those looking for a reliable, high-quality smartphone without the need for the latest and greatest, the Galaxy S10 provides excellent value and performance.