Samsung Galaxy S10 - Complete Review
Samsung Galaxy S10 - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy S10 represents a pivotal moment in smartphone history. As the 10th anniversary edition of the Galaxy S series, it introduced the "Infinity-O" display, the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and marked the end of an era for compact, feature-rich flagships that still retained the 3.5mm headphone jack. While newer models have since flooded the market, the S10 remains a topic of intense interest for budget-conscious buyers, audiophiles, and those seeking a premium experience without the premium price tag of current flagships. This comprehensive technical review dissects the Galaxy S10's long-term viability, performance metrics, and build quality to determine if it still holds its ground in the competitive smartphone landscape. We adhere strictly to technical analysis, stripping away marketing jargon to provide you with actionable data for your purchasing decision.
Expert Opinion Snapshot
Before diving into the granular specifications, here is the executive summary based on extensive testing and long-term usage analysis. The Galaxy S10 is best suited for users who prioritize display quality, form factor, and legacy features over raw battery endurance.
| The Pros (Why Buy It) | The Cons (Deal Breakers) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic AMOLED Display: Still one of the best 1440p panels with HDR10+ support. | Battery Life: The 3400 mAh cell struggles to last a full day under heavy load. |
| Legacy Features: Includes 3.5mm jack and MicroSD expansion slot. | Charging Speed: Capped at 15W wired, which is very slow by modern standards. |
| Premium Build: Gorilla Glass 6 front, aluminum frame, IP68 rating. | Software Updates: Official OS support ended with Android 12 (Security patches are limited). |
Full Technical Specifications
Understanding the hardware architecture is crucial for assessing performance longevity. The S10 was released with two chipset variants depending on the region, which significantly impacts gaming and battery efficiency.
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Display Technology | 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 1440 x 3040 pixels (~550 ppi), HDR10+, Always-on display |
| Processor (SoC) | USA/China: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) Global: Exynos 9820 (8 nm) |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 512GB (UFS 2.1) |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic Under-display Fingerprint, 2D Face Unlock |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1 |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers tuned by AKG, 3.5mm Jack, 32-bit/384kHz audio |
Ergonomics, Build & Materials
The Samsung Galaxy S10 is widely regarded as one of the most ergonomic smartphones ever made. Weighing only 157 grams, it is significantly lighter than modern flagships which often exceed 200 grams. The device features a "glass sandwich" design with a polished aluminum frame. The front glass is Corning Gorilla Glass 6, offering enhanced drop protection, while the back utilizes Gorilla Glass 5. The curved edges of the display—often a point of contention—are subtle enough on the S10 to minimize accidental touches while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the bezel-less look. The dedicated Bixby button remains on the left side, though it can be remapped in settings. Expert Insight: The IP68 water and dust resistance rating is a critical feature to check when buying used. Over time, the adhesive seals can degrade, especially if the phone has been opened for repairs.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming
Performance varies significantly between the two chipset variants. The Snapdragon 855 version (North America) generally offers better thermal management and sustained GPU performance compared to the Exynos 9820 global variant. In daily tasks (social media, web browsing, multitasking), the S10 remains incredibly snappy thanks to the 8GB of RAM. Apps stay in memory longer than on many mid-range phones released today. However, the UFS 2.1 storage is slower than the UFS 3.1 or 4.0 found in newer devices, meaning large file transfers or game load times will be noticeable slower. Gaming Analysis: For titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty, the S10 can still handle "High" settings, but frame rate stability drops after 30 minutes of play due to thermal throttling. The phone tends to get warm near the camera module during intensive tasks.
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy S10 was the first Samsung flagship to introduce the triple-camera setup that became the industry standard.
1. The Main Sensor (12MP): Features a unique Dual Aperture (f/1.5-2.4) mechanical lens. This allows the camera to physically widen the aperture in low light to let in more light, and close it in bright daylight for sharper focus. This is a premium hardware feature that Samsung eventually removed in later models to save costs. 2. The Telephoto (12MP): Offers 2x optical zoom. While limited compared to modern 10x periscopes, it provides excellent portrait shots with natural bokeh. 3. The Ultra-Wide (16MP): This was a game-changer at launch. It captures a 123-degree field of view, perfect for landscapes, though it lacks autofocus. Video Performance: The S10 supports 4K video recording at 60fps, and crucially, the front camera also supports 4K video, making it a surprisingly capable device for vloggers even today. The Super Steady video mode mimics the stabilization of an action camera but is limited to 1080p.
Battery Endurance & Charging Speeds
This is the Achilles' heel of the Galaxy S10. The 3400 mAh battery was average at launch and is considered small today. Real-World Usage: With the resolution set to 1440p (WQHD+), users can expect roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours of Screen-On Time (SOT). Reducing the resolution to 1080p can extend this slightly, but power users will likely need a midday top-up. Charging: The device supports 15W wired charging, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 100%. It also features 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare), allowing you to charge earbuds on the back of the phone.
Market Value Guide (New vs Used)
Pricing fluctuates based on condition and region, but here is a general value guide for the current market.
| Condition | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|
| New / Open Box | $280 - $350 | Poor (Better to buy S21 FE) |
| Refurbished (Excellent) | $180 - $220 | Good |
| Used (Fair/Good) | $130 - $160 | Excellent Value |
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
If you are purchasing a used Galaxy S10, you must perform these specific tests to avoid buying a defective unit. The AMOLED screens from this generation are prone to "burn-in."
| Component | Test Procedure |
| Screen Burn-in | Dial *#0*# in the phone app. Tap "Red", "Green", and "Blue". Look for faint shadows of icons (TikTok/Keyboard/Status bar). |
| Battery Health | Use the "Samsung Members" app -> Diagnostics -> Battery Status. It should say "Normal" or "Good". |
| Touch Screen | In the *#0*# menu, select "Touch". Draw lines across the entire grid. If any green box fails to fill, the digitizer is broken. |
Top Alternatives Comparison
Before pulling the trigger on the S10, consider these rivals: 1. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Often found for only $50 more than the S10. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate (vs 60Hz on S10), a larger 4500mAh battery, and newer software. However, it lacks the headphone jack and uses a plastic back. 2. Google Pixel 5: Similar compact size, better battery life, and superior still photography. However, it lacks the raw processing power and the telephoto lens of the S10. 3. LG V60 ThinQ: The ultimate audiophile alternative. It has a Quad DAC for superior wired audio and a massive 5000mAh battery, but the phone is physically huge compared to the sleek S10.
Critical Advice
Software Security Warning: The Galaxy S10 is no longer receiving major Android OS updates. While it may receive sporadic security patches, it is becoming more vulnerable over time. Do not use this device for highly sensitive corporate data or banking if you are extremely security-conscious, unless you are comfortable flashing custom ROMs (like LineageOS) which can extend the life of this device significantly. Case Selection: Due to the curved "Edge" display, the S10 is fragile on the corners. Invest in a case with raised lips on the top and bottom to prevent the screen from shattering if dropped face down.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a "Hall of Fame" smartphone. It perfectly balances premium build quality, a stunning display, and versatile cameras in a form factor that is disappearing from the modern world. It is an excellent buy for: - Students needing a cheap but premium-feeling phone. - Audiophiles who refuse to use dongles (thanks to the 3.5mm jack). - Users who need expandable storage via MicroSD. It is not recommended for: - Heavy mobile gamers (thermal throttling). - Users who are away from chargers for 12+ hours a day. - Those needing the latest Android features and security protocols. Despite its age, the S10's hardware quality surpasses many modern mid-range plastic phones, making it a timeless piece of technology that still offers tremendous value on the used market.