Galaxy S10 vs S10 Plus: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Choosing between flagship phones can be a tough decision, especially when both contenders are top-tier devices from the same manufacturer. The Samsung Galaxy S10 and the Galaxy S10 Plus are prime examples of this dilemma, offering impressive specs and features that cater to different user needs.
This in-depth comparison dives into the core differences between the S10 and S10 Plus, helping you determine which phone best aligns with your preferences and budget. We’ll explore everything from display quality and camera performance to battery life and overall design.
Get ready to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of each device. Whether you’re a power user craving the ultimate mobile experience or a more casual user seeking a premium smartphone, this comparison of the galaxy s10 vs s10 plus will guide you to the perfect choice.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Galaxy S10 | S10 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Resolution | 3040 x 1440 pixels | 3040 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 512GB | 128GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP + 12MP + 16MP | Triple 12MP + 12MP + 16MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP + 8MP (depth) |
| Battery | 3400 mAh | 4100 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Expandable Storage | MicroSD (up to 512GB) | MicroSD (up to 512GB) |
| Dimensions | 149.9 x 70.9 x 7.8 mm | 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Galaxy S10: 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ certification. Offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. However, the smaller size may feel cramped for some users.
- S10 Plus: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ certification. Provides a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger size, and delivers the same great image quality as the S10. Some users may find it less pocketable.
- Winner: S10 Plus
Battery
- Galaxy S10: 3400mAh battery. Offers all-day battery life for moderate usage, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day.
- S10 Plus: 4100mAh battery. Provides significantly better battery life, easily lasting a full day and often into the next, even with heavy use.
- Winner: S10 Plus
Size & Weight
- Galaxy S10: More compact and lighter design, making it easier to handle and more pocketable.
- S10 Plus: Larger and heavier, which can impact one-handed use and pocketability.
- Winner: S10
Front Camera
- Galaxy S10: Single 10MP front-facing camera. Delivers good quality selfies and video calls.
- S10 Plus: Dual 10MP + 8MP front-facing cameras. Offers slightly better selfie quality with a secondary depth sensor, and allows for wider angle shots.
- Winner: S10 Plus
Storage Options
- Galaxy S10: Available in 128GB and 512GB storage options. Offers plenty of space for most users.
- S10 Plus: Available in 128GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. Provides more storage choices, especially beneficial for users who need to store a lot of media.
- Winner: S10 Plus
RAM
- Galaxy S10: 8GB RAM. Offers smooth multitasking and performance for most applications and games.
- S10 Plus: 8GB or 12GB RAM depending on the storage configuration. The 12GB RAM option provides even better performance for demanding tasks.
- Winner: S10 Plus
Price
- Galaxy S10: Generally less expensive than the S10 Plus, making it a more affordable option.
- S10 Plus: Higher price point due to its larger size, enhanced features, and more storage options.
- Winner: S10
Overall Performance
- Galaxy S10: Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, depending on the region. Delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- S10 Plus: Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, depending on the region. Offers identical performance to the S10, with no significant difference in speed.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | S10 Plus |
| Battery Life | S10 Plus |
| Front Camera | S10 Plus |
| Portability | Galaxy S10 |
| Storage Options | S10 Plus |
What They Have in Common:
- Processor: Both phones are powered by either the Snapdragon 855 or the Exynos 9820 processor, offering similar performance and speed. This ensures a smooth and lag-free experience for users.
- Display Technology: Both the Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus feature Dynamic AMOLED displays with HDR10+ certification, providing vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The display technology delivers an immersive viewing experience.
- Camera System: Both phones share the same triple-lens rear camera setup, allowing for versatile photography with wide-angle, telephoto, and ultrawide lenses. This ensures high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, offering protection against accidental spills and submersion. This provides peace of mind in everyday use.
- Wireless Charging & Powershare: Both phones support wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, allowing users to charge other Qi-compatible devices. This is a convenient feature for charging accessories.
Galaxy S10 Vs S10 Plus Buying Guide
Display and Design
The Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus both boast stunning Dynamic AMOLED displays, but the S10 Plus offers a significantly larger screen, measuring 6.4 inches compared to the S10’s 6.1 inches. This difference impacts the overall feel and usability. The S10 Plus’s larger display is great for media consumption and gaming, providing a more immersive experience. Both phones feature a sleek design with Gorilla Glass front and back and aluminum frames, offering premium aesthetics, but the S10 Plus is slightly heavier due to its larger size and battery.
Performance and Processing Power
Both phones deliver exceptional performance thanks to their powerful processors. The S10 and S10 Plus utilize either the Snapdragon 855 (in the US) or the Exynos 9820 (in other regions), ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and app usage. The S10 Plus often comes with more RAM options, potentially offering a slight advantage in sustained performance under heavy workloads. However, the core processing power is largely the same, and both phones handle demanding tasks with ease, making the choice about RAM a critical decision.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems of the S10 and S10 Plus are largely identical, both featuring a triple-lens rear camera setup. This includes a standard lens, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. Both phones capture stunning photos in various conditions, with excellent detail and dynamic range. The main difference lies in the front-facing cameras. The S10 Plus has a dual-lens front camera, offering enhanced depth sensing and potentially better portrait mode capabilities. For selfie enthusiasts, the S10 Plus is the better option.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a key differentiator between the two phones. The S10 Plus houses a larger 4,100mAh battery compared to the S10’s 3,400mAh battery. This translates to significantly longer battery life for the S10 Plus, allowing it to easily last a full day of heavy usage. Both phones support fast wired and wireless charging, as well as Wireless PowerShare, which allows you to charge other devices wirelessly using your phone. Consider your typical usage and location, to determine the ideal battery life.
Storage and Memory Options
Both the S10 and S10 Plus offer a range of storage and RAM configurations. The S10 typically starts with 128GB of storage, while the S10 Plus offers options up to 1TB. The S10 Plus also often comes with more RAM in some configurations. Both phones support microSD card expansion, allowing you to further increase storage capacity. Consider your storage needs and budget when choosing between the two, as larger storage options come with a higher price tag. Consider your media consumption to make the correct decision.
Price and Value for Money
The S10 Plus typically launched at a higher price point than the S10 due to its larger size and increased features, particularly with higher storage and RAM configurations. However, the prices of both phones have decreased over time. When deciding which phone is right for you, compare the current prices and consider the features that are most important to you. If you need more battery life, a larger screen, and the best front camera experience, the S10 Plus is the better value. However, the S10 still delivers an excellent user experience at a lower cost.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Galaxy S10 If…
- You prefer a more compact and pocketable phone.
- You want a slightly more affordable option.
- You don’t need the extra battery life or larger display of the S10 Plus.
- You value a phone that’s easier to handle with one hand.
Buy S10 Plus If…
- You want a larger, more immersive display for media consumption and gaming.
- You need longer battery life for extended use.
- You want the option of more storage and RAM.
- You want the dual front-facing camera for improved selfie quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus?
The primary differences lie in the display size, battery capacity, and front-facing camera. The S10 Plus has a larger 6.4-inch display, a larger 4,100mAh battery, and a dual-lens front camera. The S10 features a 6.1-inch display, a 3,400mAh battery, and a single-lens front camera. The S10 Plus often offers more RAM and storage options. These differences impact the overall size, battery life, and photographic capabilities of the phones.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones share the same Dynamic AMOLED technology, offering vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. However, the S10 Plus’s larger 6.4-inch display provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially when consuming media or gaming. Both displays are excellent, but the S10 Plus provides a larger canvas. The difference is primarily in size, but the quality is the same.
Does the S10 Plus have a better camera than the S10?
The rear cameras are identical, featuring a triple-lens setup that delivers superb photos. The S10 Plus has a dual-lens front camera, which offers enhanced depth sensing for better portrait mode shots and selfies. While the rear cameras are the same, the S10 Plus front camera might be better for those who take many selfies.
How does the battery life compare?
The S10 Plus has a significantly larger battery (4,100mAh) compared to the S10 (3,400mAh). This results in noticeably longer battery life for the S10 Plus, allowing it to easily last a full day of heavy usage. The S10’s battery life is still good, but it won’t last as long as the S10 Plus. The difference is considerable for power users.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer excellent performance for gaming. The S10 Plus’s larger display provides a more immersive gaming experience, while the extra battery capacity ensures longer gaming sessions without needing to recharge. However, the core processing power is the same, so both can handle the latest games. The screen size and battery life are the key advantages for the S10 Plus.
Is the S10 Plus worth the extra money?
Whether the S10 Plus is worth the extra money depends on your priorities. If you value a larger display, longer battery life, and improved front camera capabilities, then the S10 Plus is worth the investment. If you prioritize a smaller size and a slightly lower price, the S10 is still an excellent choice. The value is dependent on your needs.
Can I expand the storage on both phones?
Yes, both the Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase the storage capacity. This is a convenient way to store more photos, videos, and other files without relying solely on the internal storage. You can easily add hundreds of gigabytes of extra storage space. This is a very useful feature.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus are both outstanding smartphones. The S10 offers a compact design and excellent performance, while the S10 Plus provides a larger screen, longer battery life, and a more immersive experience. The S10 Plus is the better choice for those who prioritize a larger display, extended battery life, and improved front-facing camera capabilities.
Winner: Galaxy S10 Plus