In the smartphone major league, there are a few standout players. Often in this category, users have two options - either an iPhone or a top device from Samsung. The products of these two companies are constantly compared. They are often accused of various transgressions, but in any case, quality and innovation prevail.
The Galaxy S series models were some of the first to get curved screens - the Edge. For a long time they were bought, even though they didn't have those attractive notches that many rushed after. This year, they made an appearance. But not in the usual "eyebrow" or "drop" shape, but as a small dot in the corner of the screen. The innovations didn't end there. Let us tell you all about it, but in order.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Specifications
- Release date: 2019, February
- Colors: Prism White, Prism Black, Prism Green, Prism Blue, Canary Yellow, Flamingo Pink
- Dimensions: 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm.
- Weight: 157 g.
- Screen: 6.1" in, 1440 x 3040, Dynamic AMOLED
- Camera : Triple, 12MP
- Chipset: Exynos 9820 Octa (8 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M4 & 2x2.31 GHz Cortex-A75 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) - EMEA
Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.41 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) - USA/LATAM, China - Memory: 128/512 GB, 8 GB RAM
- Battery: 3400, Non-removable Li-Ion
- Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
- Operating system: Android 9.0 (Pie)
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Samsung Galaxy S10 Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.
Design
The anniversary model visually differs from previous devices. The Gorilla Glass 6 display occupies much more space on the front panel of the smartphone. The top and bottom edges have become even thinner. The front camera is in a small hole at the top of the display. The fingerprint sensor - under the screen.
Samsung calls its new display Infinity-O - a similar solution we've seen before. For example, in the Galaxy A8s and Honor View 20 models.
The Galaxy S10 is also made on the Edge technology, which we have already mentioned. The edges of the display are slightly curved. Thanks to this construction and the aluminum bezels, the smartphone looks modern and reminiscent of well-known models of the past. Traditions must be kept, though.
Unlike many flagships that came to market in 2018 and 2019, the Galaxy S10 retains its compactness - even with its 6.1-inch screen! Its back panel is made of glass and looks super sturdy. Yes, it collects fingerprints quickly, but a case will solve the problem in a flash.
This eye-catching Samsung phone comes in the classic white and black, and also in blue and green.
Display
The Galaxy S10 pleases the eye with its 6.1-inch display, which is in 19:9 format. Extremely comfortable to use, even if you don't have large hands.
The screen has been given a great resolution - 3040×1440 pixels (QHD+) with a high density of 552 ppi.
To date, the S10 is recognized as one of the best on the market. Not only does it deliver a high sharpness picture, but also, something that is typical of OLED displays, excellent color rendering and contrast. Blacks here appear deep and saturated. And watching video on the Galaxy S10 is a real treat. The smartphone covers the DCI-P3 colour space, typical of HDR movies.
In-display fingerprint scanner
The time of fingerprint scanners located below the rear panel camera is past. The Galaxy S10, like its Plus-specified relative, is the first smartphone from a South Korean company whose fingerprint sensor is located below the display. This technology has already been shown to us by other manufacturers. In this plan, Samsung is catching up.
However, we must emphasize that the company does not use an optical sensor, but makes an emphasis on the safer ultrasonic technology. Even if your hands are wet or in cream, unlocking the device will not be a problem. An important point is the limited sensor area. At first you will have to get used to your finger automatically falling in the right place.
Of course, you also have an alternative way to unlock - facial recognition, which is not at all secure and we do not recommend using it.
Performance
The performance of the processor is in a word "excellent". Samsung uses the latest Android chips. Depending on the market, these are Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820. The manufacturer explains the need to use different processors with many reasons, including licensing costs, differences in regulations and patent rights.
The Galaxy S10 comes with 8 GB of RAM and is 33% more powerful than the S9. There is a 37% improvement in graphics. In tests, the device is incredibly responsive to everything. Including labor-intensive tasks.
As for graphics performance, there are many changes here as well. The smartphone is the best among Androids, but it still can't outperform the results of iPhones.
The Galaxy S10 runs on Android 9 Pie operating system and Samsung OneUI 1.1 interface. User interaction with the smartphone is now done in the bottom 2/3 of the screen. This makes control even more convenient.
Cameras
The Galaxy S10 is equipped with three main cameras, including a 12 MP wide-angle lens, a 16 MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 12 MP telephoto lens. Photography fans don't have to give up either the optical double zoom or the wide-angle group or landscape shots. The bokeh effect remains relevant.
The wide-angle and telephoto lenses support optical stabilization. This is quite good as less "flicker" effects occur when shooting.
On the front panel, a selfie camera with a 10 MP matrix is provided. The selfies look extremely good. A serious trump card is the fact that when shooting video, not only the main but also the front camera shoots at 4K resolution.
In the flagship, the scene modes have also been increased. Now you can choose between 30 different scenes, and the camera itself adjusts the color perception. Among the added modes we read "Cat", "Dog", "Child" and more. Artificial intelligence will suggest the perfect place to capture exciting footage, warn you about closed eyes or an unfortunate light source.
Everything that can make night mode shooting perfect is there. When shooting in the dark, multiple images are generated and combined into one for optimal results.
Users also get new Live Focus effects that help "place" people in the foreground. AR-Emojis, a face-tracking technology, allows the user's movements to be registered and copied onto a 3D avatar.
Autonomous operation
Samsung's new flagship offers good autonomous run time, but does not set records. Its battery capacity is 3400 mAh. Thanks to the energy-efficient processor, the smartphone runs almost 10 hours in browsing mode - 80 minutes longer than the achievement of the Galaxy S9.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S10 is one of the best phones of 2019, and there's no arguing that. The device offers excellent display and performance, advanced cameras that make everyday life even more colorful and exciting. Not to forget the reverse charging - it can save the charge of other devices when needed.
Conclusion: the only deterrent to the Galaxy S10 is its price.
Pros:
- Excellent design, convenient format;
- Superb OLED display with built-in fingerprint sensor;
- Triple camera with a great amount of features;
- Can charge other devices wirelessly.
Cons:
- High price;
- Autonomous operation could be better.
Samsung Galaxy S10 video review
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Samsung Galaxy S10 and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Samsung.