Choosing between flagship smartphones can be a daunting task, especially when two titans like the LG V50 ThinQ 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus are on the table. Both devices represent the pinnacle of mobile technology from their respective eras, offering a compelling blend of features and performance.
Are you weighing the innovative potential of LG’s 5G offering against the established excellence of Samsung’s premium device? This comparison dives deep into what each phone brings to the table, helping you decide which one truly aligns with your needs and preferences. Get ready to see how these two powerhouses stack up.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | LG V50 | Samsung S10 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.4-inch |
| Display Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 1440 x 3040 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB/12GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB/512GB/1TB |
| Rear Cameras | Triple (12MP + 12MP + 16MP) | Triple (12MP + 16MP + 12MP) |
| Front Camera | Dual (8MP + 5MP) | Dual (10MP + 8MP) |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4100 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint (in-display), Face Unlock | Fingerprint (in-display), Face Unlock |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No (5G variant available separately) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Lg V50: Features a 6.4-inch QHD+ OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, the standard refresh rate can feel less fluid compared to some competitors.
- S10 Plus: Boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and HDR10+ support, also with a 60Hz refresh rate. Its display is renowned for exceptional brightness, color accuracy, and contrast.
- Winner: s10 plus
Processor
- Lg V50: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, paired with 6GB of RAM. This chipset offers excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming, though it’s a generation older than the S10 Plus’s top-tier chip.
- S10 Plus: Equipped with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or Samsung’s Exynos 9820 (depending on region), paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. This flagship processor delivers top-tier speed and efficiency, handling demanding applications with ease.
- Winner: s10 plus
Camera System
- Lg V50: Features a versatile triple-lens rear camera setup: a 12MP main, a 16MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens. It’s capable of great shots, especially with its ultrawide perspective, but can sometimes lag behind in low-light performance.
- S10 Plus: Sports a highly acclaimed triple-lens rear camera: a 12MP wide, a 16MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. It excels in image quality, dynamic range, and low-light photography, offering a more consistent and refined experience.
- Winner: s10 plus
Battery Life
- Lg V50: Comes with a 4000mAh battery, supporting fast wired and wireless charging. Battery life is generally good, but can be stretched thin with heavy usage, especially with the dual-screen accessory.
- S10 Plus: Features a 4100mAh battery with support for fast wired and wireless charging, plus reverse wireless charging. It offers solid all-day battery performance for most users, though intensive use can drain it quicker.
- Winner: s10 plus
Durability and Build
- Lg V50: Constructed with a glass front and back, and an aluminum frame, it has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. The build feels premium, but the addition of the dual-screen can add bulk and potential points of failure.
- S10 Plus: Features a premium glass front (Gorilla Glass 6) and back, with an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating. Its design is sleek and robust, offering excellent durability for its class.
- Winner: s10 plus
Unique Features
- Lg V50: The standout feature is its optional dual-screen accessory, which effectively turns it into a foldable-like device for enhanced multitasking and gaming. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- S10 Plus: Offers Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience, an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and reverse wireless charging. It also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Winner: lg v50
Storage Options
- Lg V50: Typically comes with 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is a decent amount for most users, and the expandability is a plus.
- S10 Plus: Offered in 128GB, 512GB, and even 1TB variants, all expandable via microSD card. The sheer range of storage options, especially the higher capacities, is a significant advantage.
- Winner: s10 plus
Audio
- Lg V50: Features stereo speakers tuned by Meridian Audio and a Hi-Fi Quad DAC for superior audio playback, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack. It offers some of the best audio quality on a smartphone.
- S10 Plus: Equipped with stereo speakers tuned by AKG and Dolby Atmos support, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack. While its audio is good and immersive, the V50’s Quad DAC provides a more audiophile-grade experience.
- Winner: lg v50
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | Samsung S10 Plus |
| Display Quality | Samsung S10 Plus |
| Performance | Samsung S10 Plus (higher RAM/storage options) |
| Camera Versatility | Samsung S10 Plus |
| Battery Life | Samsung S10 Plus |
| 5G Connectivity | LG V50 |
| Unique Features | LG V50 (Dual Screen potential) |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices boast vibrant and sharp OLED displays, offering excellent color reproduction and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Premium Build Quality: Both the LG V50 and Samsung S10 Plus feature premium construction with glass fronts and backs, typically Gorilla Glass for durability, and metal frames.
- High-End Processors: They are powered by flagship processors of their respective release times, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall performance for demanding applications.
- Versatile Camera Systems: Both phones offer multi-lens rear camera setups, providing flexibility for wide-angle shots, telephoto zoom, and standard photography, capturing detailed images in various conditions.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Both devices carry an IP68 rating, meaning they are protected against dust ingress and can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth for a limited time.
- Wireless Charging Capabilities: Both the LG V50 and Samsung S10 Plus support wireless charging, allowing for convenient cable-free power-ups.
Lg V50 Vs S10 Plus Buying Guide
Performance and Gaming
For raw processing power and sustained gaming performance, the LG V50 ThinQ often edges out the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus. While both devices boast flagship Snapdragon processors for their time, the V50’s cooling system and optimization for demanding tasks, especially with its dual-screen accessory, can provide a smoother and more consistent gaming experience. If you’re a mobile gamer prioritizing frame rates and minimal throttling, the V50 might be your preferred choice.
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to photography, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus generally takes the lead. Its triple-lens system, featuring a versatile wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens, offers exceptional flexibility and image quality. Samsung’s image processing is renowned for producing vibrant and detailed shots in various conditions. While the LG V50’s cameras are competent, the S10 Plus often delivers more consistent results and superior low-light performance, making it the better option for photography enthusiasts. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Display and Multimedia
Both phones offer stunning displays, but the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus boasts a slightly more refined viewing experience. Its Dynamic AMOLED display provides incredible contrast, vibrant colors, and excellent HDR support, making it ideal for watching videos and browsing content. The LG V50’s OLED display is also impressive, but the S10 Plus often has a slight edge in brightness and color accuracy. For immersive multimedia consumption, the S10 Plus is the more compelling option.
Battery Life and Durability
Battery life can be a crucial factor, and here, the LG V50 ThinQ often performs admirably, especially considering its dual-screen capabilities which can be power-hungry. However, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, with its larger battery capacity, typically offers more consistent all-day usage for a single-screen experience. In terms of durability, both phones feature premium build materials. The S10 Plus’s IP68 water and dust resistance is standard, and the V50 also offers similar protection, making them relatively robust.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy LG V50 If…
- You are looking for a 5G-ready device for future-proofing your mobile experience.
- You appreciate LG’s focus on audio quality with features like Quad DAC.
- You are interested in the potential for a dual-screen experience with an optional accessory.
Buy Samsung S10 Plus If…
- You prioritize a larger display for media consumption and productivity.
- You want more storage options, including the possibility of a 1TB model.
- You are invested in the Samsung ecosystem and its associated software features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display for media consumption?
The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus generally offers a superior display for media consumption. Its Dynamic AMOLED panel is known for its exceptional brightness, vibrant color reproduction, and excellent contrast ratios, providing a more immersive viewing experience for videos and HDR content. While the LG V50’s display is also high-quality, the S10 Plus often has a slight edge in overall visual fidelity and color accuracy. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Is the LG V50 better for gaming than the S10 Plus?
For demanding mobile gaming, the LG V50 ThinQ can offer a more consistent experience. Its thermal management is often praised for reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. Coupled with the option of the dual-screen accessory for enhanced controls or multitasking, it provides a unique gaming advantage. While the S10 Plus is a powerful gaming device, the V50 might be preferred by hardcore mobile gamers seeking peak performance.
Which phone has a more versatile camera system?
The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus boasts a more versatile camera system. Its triple-lens setup includes a standard wide, an ultrawide, and a telephoto lens, offering a broader range of shooting capabilities. This allows for greater flexibility in capturing different perspectives and zooming in on subjects without significant loss of quality. The LG V50’s cameras are good, but the S10 Plus’s lens combination provides more options for creative photography.
How does battery life compare between the two?
Battery life can vary depending on usage, but generally, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus tends to offer more consistent all-day battery performance when used as a single device. The LG V50’s battery life is respectable, but its dual-screen accessory can significantly impact longevity. If you prioritize maximizing single-screen usage time without the dual-screen attachment, the S10 Plus might have a slight advantage in endurance. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which phone offers better value for money currently?
Determining current value depends heavily on the used market and available deals. Both phones are older flagships. The S10 Plus might offer better long-term software support and a more refined user experience, particularly in camera performance and display. The V50 could be a compelling choice if found at a significantly lower price, especially if the dual-screen functionality is a key interest for productivity or gaming.
Final Verdict
While both the LG V50 ThinQ and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus were excellent flagships in their time, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus generally holds up better as a complete package for most users. Its superior camera system, more refined display, and consistent performance make it a more well-rounded device for everyday use and multimedia. The V50’s dual-screen capability is innovative but niche. For a reliable and high-quality smartphone experience, the S10 Plus is the more compelling choice.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus