Galaxy S10 Vs iPhone 8

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:114.00

Versus €549.00 new

See options
iPhone 8
iPhone 8
Starting at

Refurbished price:88.00

Versus €299.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the Apple iPhone 8, launched in September 2017, represent different approaches to smartphone design and functionality from their respective release eras. While the Galaxy S10 operates on Android, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 8 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key distinctions between these two devices include their display technologies, camera systems, and overall design philosophies.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its initial release date, ongoing software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 was released in March 2019, making it approximately two years newer than the iPhone 8, which debuted in September 2017. This difference in launch dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9 and received major OS updates up to Android 12, with security updates extending for a total of four years from its release. The iPhone 8, starting with iOS 11, has received updates up to iOS 16.7.15 as of March 2026, demonstrating a longer period of major operating system support from Apple. Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for the longest possible duration may find the iPhone 8's extended update history appealing.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature glass front and back panels with aluminum frames. The Galaxy S10 incorporates Gorilla Glass 6 for its display and has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 8 uses durable glass and has an IP67 rating, meaning it can handle submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2019

2017

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is a blend of processing power, memory, and how efficiently the software utilizes these resources for daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S10 is powered by a current-generation processor for its time (Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855), offering smooth navigation, quick app launches, and efficient multitasking. The iPhone 8 features Apple's A11 Bionic chip, which was noted for its strong performance upon release, providing a fluid user experience across iOS applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S10 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, allowing for numerous applications to run simultaneously without significant slowdowns, and offers storage options up to 512GB, expandable via microSD. The iPhone 8 includes 2GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, without expandable storage. Users who frequently switch between many apps or require extensive local storage for media and files might find the Galaxy S10's specifications more accommodating.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a 3400 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of moderate use. The iPhone 8 has an 1821 mAh battery, which for many users, particularly those with heavy usage patterns, may require more frequent charging throughout the day. Both devices support wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

2 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, with technology, resolution, and size significantly impacting the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in sharp images, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, offering accurate color reproduction and good viewing angles.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S10's AMOLED panel generally provides excellent brightness and contrast, making it suitable for outdoor viewing even in bright conditions. The iPhone 8's LCD screen offers a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match ambient light, enhancing viewing comfort.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S10 offers a larger, more immersive viewing area with its 6.1-inch edge-to-edge display, which is beneficial for media consumption and productivity. The iPhone 8's 4.7-inch screen provides a more compact form factor, making it easier for one-handed use.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

750 x 1334

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, with differences in hardware and software impacting photo and video quality.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 boasts a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with dual aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. This configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups. The iPhone 8 features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with optical image stabilization.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S10's multiple lenses provide flexibility for various shooting scenarios, with its ultrawide lens being a notable advantage for capturing broader scenes. The iPhone 8's single camera is known for its consistent image quality in good lighting, producing natural-looking photos. Both offer optical image stabilization on their main wide lenses, aiding in sharper photos and smoother videos.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S10 offers features like Super Steady video for smoother footage. The iPhone 8's video capabilities are enhanced by its image signal processor, contributing to clear and stable recordings. For audio, the Galaxy S10 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the iPhone 8 relies on its Lightning port for wired audio or wireless solutions.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to physical design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S10 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, offering faster wireless internet speeds and efficient connections to accessories. It also includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, alongside a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone 8 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0, and uses Apple's proprietary Lightning connector for charging and accessories.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S10 features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing for convenient and secure unlocking by touching the screen. The iPhone 8 utilizes a physical home button with Touch ID, a capacitive fingerprint sensor, for secure authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10, with its 6.1-inch display, measures 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm and weighs 157g, offering a modern, nearly bezel-less design. The iPhone 8 is more compact at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighs 148g, featuring a more traditional design with bezels above and below the screen. Both devices feature glass backs, enabling wireless charging.

Weight

158 g

148 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and iPhone 8 cater to different user preferences, largely due to their distinct operating systems and design philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S10 for its vibrant AMOLED display, versatile multi-camera system, and the flexibility offered by the Android operating system, including expandable storage and a headphone jack. Some common feedback points for the S10 include its battery life, which is generally considered adequate for a full day, and its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which some users find responsive.

Conversely, the iPhone 8 is frequently lauded for its consistent performance, the intuitive nature of iOS, and its compact, manageable size. Its camera is often noted for producing reliable and natural-looking photos. However, some users have expressed that its battery capacity can be a limiting factor for heavy use, and its design, while classic, might feel less modern compared to newer devices.

Users prioritizing a larger, more immersive display, a highly versatile camera system with an ultrawide lens, and the customization options of Android may find the Galaxy S10 well-suited to their needs. This device is also a good fit for those who value expandable storage and the continued presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the other hand, users who prefer a more compact device, a streamlined user experience with long-term software support, and a reliable single-lens camera system may lean towards the iPhone 8. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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