Galaxy S10 Vs Galaxy Z Flip4

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:114.00

Versus €549.00 new

See options
Galaxy Z Flip4
Galaxy Z Flip4
Starting at

Refurbished price:264.00

Versus €1,159.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, a traditional slab smartphone, was released in March 2019, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, a foldable clamshell device, launched in August 2022. These two devices represent distinct eras and form factors in smartphone design. The primary differentiators lie in their physical design, with the Z Flip4 offering a compact, foldable experience, and their respective release timelines, which impact software support and internal components. Both run on the Android operating system, but the Z Flip4 benefits from a significantly longer period of guaranteed software updates.

Scores

Durability

The longevity and expected support for these devices vary considerably due to their different release years and designs.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S10, launched in March 2019, received its last major Android OS upgrade with Android 12 and has since concluded regular security updates. The Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022 with Android 12, is guaranteed four major Android OS updates (up to Android 16) and five years of security patches, extending support until 2027.
  • Physical Build and Water Resistance: The Galaxy S10 features a traditional glass and aluminum construction with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy Z Flip4, a foldable device, uses a plastic main display and a glass back, with an aluminum frame. It offers IPX8 water resistance, protecting against submersion, but lacks official dust resistance due to its hinge design.
  • Software Longevity: The Z Flip4 offers significantly longer software relevance for users prioritizing new Android features and security updates, while the S10 has reached its end-of-life for official software support.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Z Flip4 reflect their respective hardware generations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S10, with its 2019-era flagship processor, handles daily tasks and most applications smoothly. The Galaxy Z Flip4, featuring a more recent and efficient 2022 processor, offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive experience, especially with graphically intensive games.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices include 8GB of RAM, suitable for managing multiple applications. The Z Flip4's newer processor architecture allows for more efficient background process handling, contributing to a consistently snappier overall user experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10's 3400 mAh battery typically provides a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a 3700 mAh battery, which, combined with its more power-efficient processor, offers improved battery life, often lasting a full day for typical usage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display technologies and user experience differ significantly between the traditional slab design of the S10 and the foldable form factor of the Z Flip4.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy Z Flip4 boasts a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, which folds in half, and a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick interactions when closed.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: The S10 offers a high resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Z Flip4's main display has a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels and features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both devices offer excellent brightness for outdoor use. The S10 provides a consistent, flat viewing surface, while the Z Flip4's foldable screen, while innovative, features a visible crease in the middle that some users may notice.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1080 x 2640

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems and audio experiences reflect the different generations of these smartphones.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S10 features a triple-camera setup: a 12 MP wide, a 12 MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a dual-camera system with a 12 MP wide and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, lacking a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Performance: The S10 captures good photos in bright conditions, with optical zoom. The Z Flip4, with a newer main sensor, offers improved low-light performance and vibrant images. Its foldable design allows for unique shooting angles and high-quality selfies using the main cameras.
  • Video and Audio Experience: Both devices record high-quality video, with the S10 supporting 4K at 60fps. The S10 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Z Flip4. Both offer stereo speaker output.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two devices.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S10 supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy Z Flip4 offers 5G support and Wi-Fi 6, ensuring faster mobile data and improved wireless performance.
  • Port Types and Sensors: The Galaxy S10 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, absent on the Galaxy Z Flip4. Both use a USB-C port. The S10 features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, while the Z Flip4 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Both support face recognition.
  • Weight, Dimensions, and Build Materials: The Galaxy S10 is a traditional slab phone, weighing 157 grams (149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm) with a glass and aluminum build. The Galaxy Z Flip4, at 187 grams, is heavier but offers a compact folded form factor (84.9 x 71.9 x 15.9-17.1 mm), making it highly pocketable.

Weight

158 g

183 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the Galaxy S10 often praises its balanced performance, excellent display, and the inclusion of features like the headphone jack and expandable storage. Criticisms frequently centered on its battery life, which some users found acceptable but not exceptional for heavy use.

The Galaxy Z Flip4 is widely praised for its unique foldable design, offering a compact and pocketable form factor with a large unfolded screen. Users appreciate its improved battery life and enhanced performance from its newer processor. Common concerns include the durability of the foldable screen, the visible crease, and the absence of a telephoto camera and dust resistance.

Users prioritizing a traditional smartphone experience with a high-resolution display, a dedicated telephoto camera, and legacy features like a headphone jack and expandable storage may find the Galaxy S10 well-suited. Conversely, those seeking a modern, compact, and distinctive device with a longer software support window, improved performance, 5G connectivity, and the novelty of a foldable screen will likely lean towards the Galaxy Z Flip4. Both devices, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options, offer distinct advantages depending on individual user priorities.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons