Samsung Galaxy S10+

Samsung Galaxy S10+ Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED, HDR10+ certified, 1440 x 3040 resolution, 522 ppi, 1200 nits peak brightness, 19:9 aspect ratio, and Gorilla Glass 6 protection.
• Processor: Exynos 9820 (8 nm) Octa-core CPU, Mali-G76 MP12 GPU (EMEA/LATAM variants).
• RAM & Storage: Available in 8GB/128GB, 8GB/512GB, and 12GB/1TB configurations; UFS 2.1 storage.
• Cameras: Triple rear camera setup consisting of a 12MP standard lens (f/1.5, OIS), a 13MP telephoto lens (f/2.4, OIS), and a 16MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2). Front-facing dual camera setup with a 10MP main lens (f/1.9) and an 8MP secondary lens (f/2.2). 4K video recording at 60fps with HDR, OIS, and EIS.
• Battery: 4100 mAh Li-Polymer battery with 25W fast charging, 15W fast wireless charging, and Wireless PowerShare.
• Operating System: Android 9.0 (upgradable to Android 12).
• Connectivity: USB Type-C 3.1 with OTG and DisplayPort support, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, Dual SIM Dual Standby.
• Sensors: Fingerprint (under display), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2.
• Other: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, IP68 dust/water resistance.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stunning Dynamic AMOLED display with vibrant colors, high resolution, and HDR10+ support.
• Versatile triple-camera system producing excellent photos in various conditions, with 4K video recording capabilities.
• Powerful Exynos 9820 chipset, capable of handling demanding tasks and gaming.
• Good battery life with fast charging and wireless charging support.
• Premium build quality and design with a sleek, modern aesthetic.
• A wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6.
• Under-display fingerprint sensor.

Cons:

• No headphone jack.
• Exynos chipset performance can sometimes trail behind the Snapdragon variant available in some regions.
• No expandable storage via microSD card.
• Software updates are limited to Android 12, now several generations behind.
• Initial price was high; while the current price has decreased, it may still be more expensive than other used options.

User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ delivers a fluid and enjoyable user experience. The Dynamic AMOLED display is a visual treat, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent sharpness. The phone's performance is snappy, handling multitasking and gaming with ease, though some may notice the Exynos processor slightly lagging the Snapdragon version in demanding applications. The One UI software provides a user-friendly interface with many customization options. The in-display fingerprint sensor is convenient, though not as fast as traditional sensors. The camera system is versatile, producing high-quality photos with good dynamic range and detail. The battery life will easily get through a full day of typical use, with fast charging quickly topping up the battery. The inclusion of Wireless PowerShare is a useful bonus.

Hardware & Design

The Galaxy S10+ boasts a premium design, constructed from glass and aluminum. It features a curved "edge-to-edge" display with a small hole-punch cutout for the front-facing cameras. The device is comfortable to hold, despite its size. The build quality is robust and feels durable. The phone’s physical dimensions are 157.6mm in height, 74.1mm in width, and 7.8mm in depth, and it weighs 175g. The device includes stereo speakers tuned by AKG that provide loud and clear audio, enhanced by Dolby Atmos. The phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ remains a capable smartphone, even several years after its release. Its standout features include the vibrant Dynamic AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and solid overall performance. While it might not have the latest processor or software, the Galaxy S10+ still offers a premium experience for those who value a high-quality display, good camera, and a refined design, especially at its current used market price points. Potential buyers should be aware of its limitations, such as the absence of a headphone jack and microSD slot, and the limited software update life cycle. Its wide range of features, good performance, and attractive design make it a competitive option in the used smartphone market.