Galaxy S10 Vs iPhone X

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:147.00

Versus €459.00 new

See options
iPhone X
iPhone X
Starting at

Refurbished price:136.00

Versus €439.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the Apple iPhone X, launched in November 2017, represent flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offered premium experiences at their release, they differ in their operating systems, design philosophies, and specific hardware capabilities. The Galaxy S10 runs on Android, offering more customization, while the iPhone X operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Both are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

Scores

Durability

The iPhone X, released in November 2017, predates the Samsung Galaxy S10, which launched in March 2019. This difference in release timeline impacts their expected software longevity.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone X received major iOS updates up to iOS 16, released in 2022, while the Galaxy S10 received major Android updates up to Android 12. The iPhone X's software support has concluded, whereas the Galaxy S10's major OS updates have also ended, though security updates might continue for a period.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature glass backs and metal frames. The iPhone X uses a stainless steel frame and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S10 features an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 6 on the front, with an IP68 rating, offering slightly better water resistance at depths greater than 1 meter.
  • Repairability: Repairability scores can vary, but both devices, due to their glass sandwich designs, present challenges for repairs, particularly screen and back glass replacements.

Year of Release

2019

2017

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these devices is influenced by their internal components and software optimization.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone X is equipped with a processor designed to handle demanding tasks and graphics smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for everyday applications and gaming. The Galaxy S10, with its newer generation processor, offers a similar capability for running multiple applications and graphically intensive games.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S10 typically comes with more RAM, which can benefit heavy multitasking, allowing more applications to remain active in the background. It also offers expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present in the iPhone X, which relies solely on its internal storage options.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 has a larger battery capacity (3400 mAh) compared to the iPhone X (2716 mAh), which generally translates to longer usage times for the Galaxy S10 under typical conditions. Both support wireless charging.

Memory

8 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature high-quality OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone X introduced Apple's Super Retina OLED display, known for its high contrast and color accuracy. The Galaxy S10 features a Dynamic AMOLED display, which also provides excellent color reproduction and brightness.
  • Resolution and Size: The Galaxy S10 has a larger 6.1-inch display with a higher resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a higher pixel density. The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels.
  • Brightness and Features: The Galaxy S10's display can reach higher peak brightness levels, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions. Both displays support HDR content for an enhanced viewing experience. The iPhone X features 3D Touch, providing pressure-sensitive interactions, while the Galaxy S10 offers an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems for photography and videography, though with different configurations.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone X features a dual 12MP rear camera system with a wide-angle and a telephoto lens, both with optical image stabilization, capable of 2x optical zoom. The Galaxy S10 boasts a triple rear camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens, offering more versatility in framing shots.
  • Photography Features: Both phones support Portrait Mode for depth-of-field effects. The Galaxy S10's ultrawide lens allows for expansive landscape shots. The iPhone X introduced Portrait Lighting for studio-like effects.
  • Video Recording: Both devices can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and offer slow-motion capabilities. The Galaxy S10 also features "Super Steady" video stabilization for smoother footage.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone X has a 7MP TrueDepth front camera that enables Face ID and Portrait Mode selfies. The Galaxy S10 has a 10MP front camera with dual pixel autofocus.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several other aspects differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Biometric Security: The iPhone X relies exclusively on Face ID for biometric authentication, using its TrueDepth camera system. The Galaxy S10 introduced an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded under the display, alongside traditional facial recognition.
  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S10 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone X. The iPhone X uses a Lightning port, while the Galaxy S10 uses a USB-C port.
  • Design and Build: The iPhone X features a glass and stainless steel construction, giving it a substantial feel. The Galaxy S10 uses a glass and aluminum frame, making it slightly lighter. The Galaxy S10 also features a "hole-punch" cutout for its front camera, while the iPhone X has a notch at the top of its display.
  • Dimensions and Weight: The iPhone X is slightly more compact and heavier than the Galaxy S10. The iPhone X measures 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm and weighs 174 grams. The Galaxy S10 measures 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm and weighs 157 grams.

Weight

157 g

174 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

5.8

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Users often praise the iPhone X for its pioneering Face ID technology and the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Its OLED display was a significant upgrade at the time, and its dual cameras deliver consistent image quality. Some common criticisms include its relatively smaller battery life compared to contemporary Android flagships and the reliance on the Lightning port.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is frequently lauded for its versatile triple camera system, vibrant Dynamic AMOLED display, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. Its ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor was also a notable innovation. Some users have noted that its software updates concluded earlier than some might prefer for a flagship device.

For users prioritizing a compact device with a highly secure facial recognition system and deep integration with Apple services, the iPhone X remains a viable choice. Those who value a larger, brighter display, a more versatile camera setup with an ultrawide lens, expandable storage, and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem may find the Galaxy S10 more appealing. Both devices, available as refurbished options, offer an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking premium smartphone features.

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