iPhone 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S10: Which Phone Reigns?
Struggling to decide between two powerhouse smartphones? You’re not alone. The Apple iPhone 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S10 both made waves in the mobile world, and choosing between them can feel like a tough call. This comparison dives deep, helping you navigate the key differences and find the perfect fit for your needs.
Released around the same time, the iPhone 11 and Galaxy S10 represent top-tier options from their respective brands. Each boasts impressive features, from stunning displays and powerful processors to advanced camera systems and sleek designs. We’ll explore these aspects in detail, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of each device.
Whether you’re an iOS enthusiast or a loyal Android user, understanding the nuances of the iPhone 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S10 is crucial. We’ll cover everything from performance and battery life to camera capabilities and overall value. Get ready to discover which phone emerges as the ultimate champion in this head-to-head battle.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 | Samsung Galaxy S10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels | 3040 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 512GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Triple 12MP + 12MP + 16MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 10MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | iOS 13 (upgradable) | Android 9.0 Pie (upgradable) |
| Battery | 3110 mAh | 3400 mAh |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 828 x 1792 pixels. While it offers good color accuracy and brightness, it lacks the sharpness and contrast of OLED displays. The lower resolution can be noticeable.
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Boasts a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. This provides a significantly sharper image with vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and deep blacks. The display also supports HDR10+.
- Winner: S10
Processor
- iPhone 11: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, known for its exceptional performance and efficiency. It handles demanding tasks and games with ease and offers excellent battery life optimization.
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Equipped with either the Snapdragon 855 (US) or Exynos 9820 (International) processor. Both offer flagship-level performance, though the A13 Bionic generally edges out in benchmarks and sustained performance.
- Winner: 11
Camera
- iPhone 11: Features a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses. Delivers excellent image quality with accurate colors and good low-light performance. Night mode is a significant improvement over previous iPhones.
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Includes a triple 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultrawide camera system. Offers versatile shooting options and generally produces good images, but can sometimes oversaturate colors.
- Winner: 11
Battery Life
- iPhone 11: Offers impressive battery life, often lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The efficient processor and software optimization contribute to its longevity.
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Battery life is decent, but generally not as impressive as the iPhone 11. It may require charging before the end of a busy day, especially with heavy usage.
- Winner: 11
Design
- iPhone 11: Features a familiar design with a glass back and aluminum frame. It’s available in a range of colors and has a durable build. The camera bump is a notable design element.
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Showcases a sleek design with a curved glass back and metal frame. It has a more premium feel, with a smaller bezel and a punch-hole camera design.
- Winner: S10
Software
- iPhone 11: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendly interface, smooth performance, and strong ecosystem integration. Offers regular software updates and a focus on privacy.
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, which offers a customizable interface and a wide range of features. Android provides greater flexibility and open-source options, but updates may not be as prompt.
- Winner: 11
Price
- iPhone 11: Typically available at a slightly lower price point compared to the Galaxy S10 at launch, making it a more accessible option for some consumers.
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Generally launched at a higher price, reflecting its premium features and design. The price has likely decreased since its initial release.
- Winner: 11
Water Resistance
- iPhone 11: Offers IP68 water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Also has IP68 water resistance, providing similar protection against water and dust.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Samsung Galaxy S10 |
| Camera Versatility | Samsung Galaxy S10 |
| Performance | iPhone 11 |
| User Experience | iPhone 11 |
| Software Updates | iPhone 11 |
| Value | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68, offering excellent protection against water and dust.
- Display Size: Both devices feature a 6.1-inch display, providing a similar viewing experience for users.
- Fast Performance: Both phones offer fast and responsive performance, suitable for everyday tasks and gaming.
- 4K Video Recording: Both the iPhone 11 and Galaxy S10 are capable of recording videos in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
Iphone 11 Vs Samsung Galaxy S10 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 11, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, consistently delivers smooth and responsive performance. Apps launch quickly, and multitasking is a breeze. The Samsung Galaxy S10, with its Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, offers impressive speed, but may experience occasional lag compared to the iPhone 11. Gaming is excellent on both devices, but the iPhone 11 often provides slightly better frame rates and stability. Ultimately, both phones are powerful enough for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
Camera
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system, excelling in ease of use and consistent image quality. Its Night mode is a significant improvement over previous iPhones. The Galaxy S10 boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, offering more shooting options, including an ultra-wide lens. Samsung’s image processing often produces more vibrant and saturated colors. Both phones capture excellent photos in good lighting, but the Galaxy S10 provides more creative flexibility.
Display
The iPhone 11 has a vibrant LCD display that offers accurate color reproduction and good brightness. The Galaxy S10 showcases a stunning AMOLED display with richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast. The S10’s display also incorporates an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a feature absent on the iPhone 11. While the iPhone 11’s display is excellent, the S10’s AMOLED panel provides a more immersive viewing experience for movies and games.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 generally offers superior battery life compared to the Galaxy S10. Users can expect a full day of use with moderate to heavy usage. The Galaxy S10’s battery performance can vary depending on usage patterns and display settings. While both phones support fast charging, the iPhone 11 does not include a fast charger in the box. The S10 provides wireless charging capabilities, adding to its convenience.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 sports a sleek design with a glass back and an aluminum frame. It’s available in a range of colors. The Galaxy S10 has a premium design with a glass back and an aluminum frame, featuring a more curved screen. Both phones are well-built and feel premium in hand. The iPhone 11’s design is more straightforward, while the Galaxy S10’s offers a more modern aesthetic with its edge-to-edge display and punch-hole camera.
Price and Value
At launch, the iPhone 11 offered a slightly lower price point than the Galaxy S10. However, the Galaxy S10’s price has since decreased in the used market. Considering the features and performance, both phones offer good value. The iPhone 11 focuses on ease of use and a streamlined experience. The Galaxy S10 provides a more feature-rich experience, including expandable storage and a headphone jack, offering more customization options.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You prefer a user-friendly and intuitive iOS experience.
- You value a simple and reliable camera system.
- You prioritize long-term software support and updates.
- You’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S10 If…
- You prefer a more customizable Android experience.
- You want a phone with a versatile triple-lens camera system.
- You desire a higher resolution display with more vibrant colors.
- You want features like expandable storage via microSD card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S10 offers more versatility with its triple-camera system, including an ultra-wide lens. It also has features like a telephoto lens for zoom shots. The iPhone 11 excels in ease of use and delivers consistently great photos with its dual-camera setup. It’s a matter of preference for features. Both produce great images.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 generally has better battery life, allowing for a full day of usage with moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy S10’s battery life is still good but can vary depending on usage and settings. Users often report the iPhone 11 lasts longer on a single charge. Consider your usage patterns when making a choice.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone 11, with its A13 Bionic chip, typically provides slightly snappier performance and smoother multitasking. While the Galaxy S10, with its Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, is still very fast, the iPhone 11 often feels a bit more responsive in day-to-day tasks. Both are very powerful smartphones.
Does the Galaxy S10 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S10 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that the iPhone 11 lacks. This allows users to connect wired headphones without needing an adapter. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer wired headphones or don’t want to use Bluetooth.
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung Galaxy S10 features a stunning AMOLED display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and higher contrast, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 11 has a great LCD display. While both are great, the S10’s display is generally considered superior, especially for watching videos and playing games.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones are excellent for gaming. The iPhone 11 often delivers slightly better frame rates and more stable performance in graphically demanding games. The Galaxy S10 is still very powerful and offers a great gaming experience. The choice may depend on the specific games you play and your preference for display technology.
Which phone is more expensive?
At launch, the Samsung Galaxy S10 was slightly more expensive than the iPhone 11. However, the price of the Galaxy S10 has decreased in the used market. Both phones offer good value for their features and performance, but the specific pricing can vary depending on the retailer and current deals.
Final Verdict
Both the iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S10 are excellent smartphones. The iPhone 11 excels in ease of use, performance, and battery life. The Galaxy S10 offers a more feature-rich experience with a superior display and versatile camera system. The choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Winner: iPhone 11