iPhone Xs vs Samsung S10 5g: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield of specs and features. The market is saturated with amazing devices, each vying for your attention. Today, we’re putting two titans of the mobile world head-to-head: the iPhone XS and the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G.
These phones, released in the late 2010s, still hold their own in the current market, offering premium experiences. Both devices represent the pinnacle of their respective brands at the time of release, packed with cutting-edge technology. This comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and preferences.
We’ll delve into their key differences, including design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value. Get ready to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Apple iPhone XS and the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, so you can make an informed decision for your next phone purchase.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone XS | Samsung S10 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Technology | Super Retina OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Processor | Apple A12 Bionic | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 64/256/512GB | 256/512GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 10MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery Capacity | 2658 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Operating System | iOS | Android |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone Xs: Features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. It offers excellent color accuracy and HDR support, but the notch design can be divisive.
- Samsung S10 5g: Boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels. Provides vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and a more immersive viewing experience, but the curved edges might not be for everyone.
- Winner: S10 5G
Processor
- iPhone Xs: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, known for its fast performance and efficiency. Offers smooth multitasking and excellent gaming performance, but is now dated compared to newer chips.
- Samsung S10 5g: Uses either the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, depending on the region. Provides strong performance, but may not be quite as optimized as the A12 Bionic in some tasks.
- Winner: iPhone XS
Camera
- iPhone Xs: Equipped with a dual 12MP camera system, known for its excellent image quality, especially in portrait mode. It offers good video recording capabilities, but lacks some of the newer features found in more recent phones.
- Samsung S10 5g: Features a quad-camera setup with a 12MP main lens, 12MP telephoto lens, 16MP ultrawide lens, and a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor. Offers more versatility and features like ultrawide shots, but image processing may be more aggressive.
- Winner: S10 5G
Battery Life
- iPhone Xs: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, it may struggle with heavy use or extended gaming sessions.
- Samsung S10 5g: Has a larger battery compared to the iPhone XS, generally providing better battery life, allowing it to last a full day. Can handle more demanding tasks with more stamina.
- Winner: S10 5G
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Xs: Does not support 5G connectivity.
- Samsung S10 5g: Supports 5G connectivity, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds where available. Provides a future-proof advantage.
- Winner: S10 5G
Design
- iPhone Xs: Features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and glass back. Offers a sleek and familiar aesthetic, but the design is starting to show its age.
- Samsung S10 5g: Boasts a modern design with a glass back and a punch-hole camera. Provides a more contemporary look with a larger display, but the overall design is less iconic.
- Winner: Tie
Software
- iPhone Xs: Runs iOS, known for its user-friendly interface, seamless integration, and strong app ecosystem. Offers regular software updates, but customization options are limited.
- Samsung S10 5g: Runs Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering a highly customizable interface and a wide range of features. Offers more flexibility, but updates may not be as prompt as iOS.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone Xs: Originally a premium-priced phone, now available at a lower price point on the used market.
- Samsung S10 5g: Was a premium-priced phone.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 5G Connectivity | Samsung S10 5G |
| Display Size | Samsung S10 5G |
| Battery Life | Samsung S10 5G |
| Ecosystem | iPhone XS |
| Ease of Use | iPhone XS |
| Camera Versatility | Samsung S10 5G |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68, offering excellent protection against water and dust.
- Display Quality: Both devices boast vibrant and sharp displays, providing an immersive viewing experience.
- Fast Charging: Both support fast charging capabilities, allowing for quicker battery top-ups.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones are equipped with wireless charging, offering convenient charging options.
- High-Quality Cameras: Both phones feature high-quality camera systems capable of capturing stunning photos and videos.
Iphone Xs Vs Samsung S10 5G Buying Guide
Performance and Speed
Both the iPhone XS and the Samsung S10 5G offered top-tier performance at the time of their release. The iPhone XS, powered by the A12 Bionic chip, was known for its smooth performance and efficient power management. The Samsung S10 5G, depending on the region, utilized either a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, also delivering impressive speeds and multitasking capabilities. Consider daily usage; the iPhone excels in consistent performance, while the S10 5G might show slight variations depending on the processor variant.
Display Quality
The iPhone XS featured a vibrant Super Retina OLED display, known for its excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. The Samsung S10 5G boasted a Dynamic AMOLED display, offering even brighter visuals and HDR10+ certification. The S10 5G’s larger screen size also contributed to a more immersive viewing experience. Ultimately, both phones provided exceptional display quality, with the S10 5G having a slight edge in brightness and screen real estate for media consumption.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone XS’s dual 12MP camera system captured impressive photos and videos, with excellent image stabilization and portrait mode capabilities. The Samsung S10 5G, featuring a more versatile triple-lens setup, offered wider angles, enhanced zoom options, and improved low-light performance. Both phones produced high-quality images, but the S10 5G provided more flexibility for different shooting scenarios. Consider your photography needs; the S10 5G gives more options.
Battery Life
Battery life varied between the two devices. The iPhone XS offered respectable battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. The Samsung S10 5G, with its larger battery capacity, generally provided longer battery life, especially when utilizing its 5G capabilities. The specific usage patterns and network conditions affected the actual battery performance of both devices. For users prioritizing battery longevity, the S10 5G had an advantage.
5G Connectivity
The Samsung S10 5G was one of the first phones to support 5G connectivity, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds in compatible areas. The iPhone XS, released earlier, did not support 5G. The availability of 5G networks at the time was still limited. Consider your location and network availability to evaluate the importance of 5G capabilities. If you’re in an area with 5G coverage, the S10 5G provided a future-proof advantage.
Price and Value
The iPhone XS and the Samsung S10 5G both launched at premium price points. However, the S10 5G generally had a higher initial price due to its advanced 5G technology. The value proposition depended on individual needs and priorities. Considering the features, performance, and future-proofing offered by each device, the perceived value varied. Examine your budget and feature requirements to determine the best value for your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone XS If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone.
- You are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- You prioritize ease of use and a streamlined user experience.
- You value a consistent and reliable software update schedule.
Buy Samsung S10 5G If…
- You want the latest in mobile technology, including 5G connectivity.
- You desire a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You prefer more camera versatility with multiple lenses.
- You want a phone with a larger battery for extended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better display?
The Samsung S10 5G has a slightly superior display compared to the iPhone XS. The S10 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED display, which is known for its excellent brightness, vibrant colors, and HDR10+ certification, making it ideal for media consumption. The iPhone XS, while also having a high-quality OLED display, doesn’t quite match the S10 5G’s overall quality and screen size.
Which phone has better camera features?
The Samsung S10 5G generally offers more versatile camera features. It has a triple-lens system with options for wide-angle, telephoto, and ultra-wide shots, giving you more creative control. The iPhone XS’s dual-camera system is very capable, but the S10 5G offers more flexibility and enhanced features for various photography scenarios, including better low-light performance.
Which phone is faster?
Both phones were very fast at the time of their release. The iPhone XS with its A12 Bionic chip was known for its speed and efficient performance. The Samsung S10 5G, with its Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, also delivered impressive speeds. The actual speed difference in real-world use was often minimal, depending on the specific tasks and the processor variant.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Samsung S10 5G typically has better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. While the iPhone XS offers respectable battery life, the S10 5G, particularly with its power-efficient display and larger battery, usually lasts longer on a single charge. However, battery life is also dependent on usage habits and network conditions.
Does the iPhone XS support 5G?
No, the iPhone XS does not support 5G connectivity. It was released before 5G networks became widespread. The Samsung S10 5G, however, was one of the first smartphones to offer 5G support, allowing for significantly faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage, making it more future-proof.
Which phone is more expensive?
At launch, the Samsung S10 5G was generally more expensive than the iPhone XS. This was partly due to its advanced 5G technology and other premium features. The price difference varied depending on the storage configuration and the retailer. However, the current prices may vary depending on the condition and availability of the phones.
Which phone is better overall?
The “better” phone depends on individual needs and preferences. The Samsung S10 5G offers a more versatile camera, larger screen, and 5G support, making it suitable for users who prioritize these features. The iPhone XS provides excellent performance, a user-friendly interface, and a strong ecosystem. Consider your priorities to make the best choice.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S10 5G generally edges out the iPhone XS due to its more advanced features, including 5G connectivity, a more versatile camera system, and a larger, brighter display. While the iPhone XS offers excellent performance and a streamlined user experience, the S10 5G’s future-proofing and enhanced capabilities make it a more compelling choice for many users. The S10 5G is a strong contender.
Winner: Samsung S10 5G