Galaxy S10+ Vs iPhone 11

Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10+
Starting at

Refurbished price:143.00

Versus €1,009.00 new

See options
iPhone 11
iPhone 11
Starting at

Refurbished price:150.08

Versus €589.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, launched in March 2019, and the Apple iPhone 11, released in September 2019, represent flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer a premium smartphone experience, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technology, and camera configurations. The Galaxy S10 Plus runs on Android, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 11 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined user experience. These differences cater to distinct user preferences, influencing everything from daily interactions to long-term usability.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and repairability. The Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone 11, while both released in 2019, have different trajectories for their practical lifespans.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, originally ran Android 9 Pie and received major Android updates up to Android 12. Its official software and security updates concluded around March 2023, with the exception of the S10 5G and S10 Lite which received slightly longer support. In contrast, the iPhone 11, launched in September 2019, shipped with iOS 13 and is expected to receive major iOS updates until at least fall 2026, likely ending with iOS 26. This suggests a longer period of feature updates and security patches for the iPhone 11.
  • Software Longevity Expectations: Users of the iPhone 11 can anticipate a few more years of new iOS features and security updates, extending its functional life. For the Galaxy S10 Plus, while major OS updates have ceased, it may still receive critical security fixes if severe vulnerabilities are discovered. However, the absence of regular updates means a gradual decline in compatibility with newer applications and features.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 11 has an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, indicating that some repairs, such as display and battery replacements, are relatively manageable. The Galaxy S10 Plus received a lower iFixit repairability score of 3 out of 10, primarily due to the extensive use of adhesive and the difficulty in replacing components like the glued-in battery and the in-display fingerprint sensor without damage. This difference suggests that the iPhone 11 may be more straightforward to maintain and repair over its lifespan.

Year of Release

2019

2019

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the iPhone 11 were equipped with high-end processors for their respective launch years, delivering robust performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.

  • Everyday Task Handling: The iPhone 11, with its efficient processor, handles daily operations, app loading, and multitasking with notable fluidity. Users generally experience smooth navigation and quick responses across the iOS ecosystem. The Galaxy S10 Plus also provides a responsive experience for general use, capable of managing multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
  • Demanding Applications and Gaming: For graphically intensive games and demanding applications, the iPhone 11's processing capabilities offer sustained performance, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience. The Galaxy S10 Plus is also well-suited for gaming, with its powerful processor and ample RAM contributing to high frame rates and detailed graphics in most titles.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S10 Plus typically features more RAM options, which can be beneficial for keeping a larger number of applications open in the background and switching between them quickly. The iPhone 11, despite having less RAM, benefits from iOS's efficient memory management, providing a consistently responsive multitasking experience.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display, and the Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone 11 offer distinct approaches to screen technology and overall viewing quality.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a sharp and vibrant image with deep blacks and excellent contrast. The iPhone 11 utilizes a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. While the iPhone 11's LCD is known for accurate color reproduction, the AMOLED technology in the S10 Plus generally offers a more striking visual experience, particularly for media consumption.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both devices offer sufficient brightness for typical indoor use. The iPhone 11 has a maximum typical brightness of 625 nits. The Galaxy S10 Plus's AMOLED display can achieve high brightness levels, which, combined with its superior contrast, contributes to good readability in various lighting conditions, including outdoors.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the iPhone 11 feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This means that scrolling and animations appear smooth, but neither device offers the higher refresh rates found in some newer smartphones that provide an even more fluid visual experience.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

828 x 1792

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the iPhone 11 offer capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different hardware configurations and software philosophies.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP main lens, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP ultrawide lens, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone 11 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The S10 Plus's telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, a feature not present on the standard iPhone 11.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 11 is recognized for its strong computational photography, including an effective Night mode for low-light conditions and Deep Fusion for enhanced detail in various lighting. The Galaxy S10 Plus also performs well in everyday photography, offering good dynamic range and color accuracy. In low-light, while capable, it may not always match the iPhone 11's dedicated Night mode performance.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, offering good detail and stabilization. The iPhone 11 is particularly noted for its video stabilization and extended dynamic range in video. The Galaxy S10 Plus also delivers high-quality video, suitable for capturing memorable moments.
  • Audio Quality: Both phones feature stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience. The Galaxy S10 Plus retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering a traditional wired audio option, which the iPhone 11 does not include.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate the Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone 11, impacting daily usability and user convenience.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S10 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, with a 5G variant also available. The iPhone 11 also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, but it does not offer 5G connectivity. Both devices include NFC for mobile payments and other short-range communications.
  • Port Types: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone 11 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port and does not include a headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S10 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded under the display, offering a modern and convenient unlocking method. The iPhone 11 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for secure unlocking and authentication.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S10 Plus generally has a slightly larger footprint and is marginally heavier than the iPhone 11. The S10 Plus features a punch-hole cutout for its front cameras, while the iPhone 11 has a notch at the top of its display. Both devices utilize glass backs and aluminum frames, contributing to a premium feel.

Weight

175 g

194 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

User sentiment for the Galaxy S10 Plus often highlights its vibrant AMOLED display, versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, and the inclusion of a headphone jack as significant advantages. Many users appreciate the customization options offered by the Android operating system. Common criticisms sometimes revolve around the battery life, which some users find to be average, and the slower software update cycle compared to iOS devices. The in-display fingerprint sensor, while innovative, occasionally receives mixed feedback regarding its speed and reliability.

For the iPhone 11, users frequently praise its consistent performance, excellent camera capabilities, particularly in low light, and the long-term software support from Apple. The intuitive and secure iOS ecosystem is also a strong point for many. Some common concerns include the LCD display, which, while good, doesn't offer the same contrast as OLED panels, and the presence of a display notch. The absence of a headphone jack is also a point of contention for some users.

Users prioritizing a highly customizable Android experience, a vibrant AMOLED display, and the flexibility of a telephoto camera and headphone jack may find the Galaxy S10 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value long-term software support, a streamlined user interface, and consistent camera performance, especially in challenging lighting conditions, may lean toward the iPhone 11. Both devices offer a solid smartphone experience, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference for operating system and specific feature priorities. For those seeking a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, extending their lifespan and reducing electronic waste.

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