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Galaxy S10+ Vs iPhone 12
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Differences at a glance
The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent different approaches to flagship smartphone design from their respective manufacturers. While the Galaxy S10 Plus runs on the Android operating system, the iPhone 12 operates on iOS, offering distinct user experiences. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera systems, and overall design philosophies, catering to varying user preferences.
Available Models
Colour
Storage (GB)
Scores
Durability
The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical durability. These two devices, released about a year and a half apart, offer different expectations in these areas.
- Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, while the iPhone 12 followed in October 2020. This difference in launch dates means the iPhone 12 benefits from a longer period of anticipated software updates and security patches.
- Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10 Plus launched with Android 9.0 and received updates up to Android 12. The iPhone 12 launched with iOS 14 and continues to receive major iOS updates, extending its software relevance further into the future.
- Durability Features: The iPhone 12 introduced Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced drop performance and maintains an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy S10 Plus features Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, also with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Year of Release
2019
2020
Compatible with latest Update
No
Yes
OS
Android
iOS
Foldable
No
No
Performance
Performance in smartphones is about how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and how efficiently the device manages its power.
- System Responsiveness: The iPhone 12, with its newer internal components, generally offers a more fluid and responsive experience for demanding applications and multitasking. Users often report smooth transitions and quick app loading times.
- Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 Plus is equipped with a larger battery capacity (4100 mAh) compared to the iPhone 12 (2815 mAh). In real-world usage, the Galaxy S10 Plus often provides a full day of use for many users, with some reporting up to a day and a half with moderate usage. The iPhone 12's smaller battery capacity means that heavy users may find themselves needing to charge more frequently throughout the day.
- Storage Options: The Galaxy S10 Plus offered a wider range of storage options, including configurations up to 1TB, along with expandable storage via a microSD card. The iPhone 12 comes with fixed storage options of up to 256GB, without expandable storage.
Screen quality
The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.
- Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a high pixel density. The iPhone 12 sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Brightness and Clarity: Both phones provide excellent brightness levels for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S10 Plus's Dynamic AMOLED display supports HDR10+ and can reach up to 1200 nits peak brightness. The iPhone 12's Super Retina XDR display also supports HDR and can achieve a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content.
- Refresh Rate: Both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the iPhone 12 feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Resolution
1440 x 3040
1170 x 2532
Screen type
Dynamic AMOLED
Super Retina XDR OLED
Audiovisual
Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both the Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone 12 offer versatile systems for capturing photos and videos.
- Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with variable aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
- Photography Performance: The Galaxy S10 Plus is praised for its versatile camera array, offering good image quality and a strong auto mode. Its ultrawide lens provides a broad field of view, and the telephoto lens allows for optical zoom. The iPhone 12's camera system benefits from improved low-light performance across all its cameras, including Night Mode for both wide and ultrawide lenses.
- Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video. The Galaxy S10 Plus can record 4K at 30 and 60 frames per second, and also offers super slow-motion video. The iPhone 12 supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second, and standard 4K recording at up to 60 frames per second.
Main camera
12 megapixels
12 megapixels
Front camera
10 megapixels
12 megapixels
Miscellaneous
Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.
- Connectivity: The iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster cellular data speeds in compatible areas. The Galaxy S10 Plus supports 4G LTE. Both devices feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S10 Plus includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, along with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning port and relies on Face ID for biometric authentication.
- Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10 Plus has a height of 157.6 mm, a width of 74.1 mm, a depth of 7.8 mm, and weighs 175 grams. The iPhone 12 has a height of 146.7 mm, a width of 71.5 mm, a depth of 7.4 mm, and weighs 164 grams. The iPhone 12 features a flat-edged design, while the Galaxy S10 Plus has curved edges.
Weight
175 g
164 g
Screen size (in)
6.4
6.1
Network
4G
5G
SIM card
Physical SIM
Physical SIM + eSIM
Carrier compatibility
Unlocked
Unlocked
Connector
USB-C + Jack 3.5mm
Lightning
What the community thinks
The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone 12 cater to different user priorities, reflecting their respective ecosystems and design philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S10 Plus for its expansive and vibrant display, versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. Its battery life is generally considered solid, often lasting a full day for many users. Some criticisms have focused on the software update longevity compared to newer devices.
The iPhone 12 is frequently lauded for its strong overall performance, consistent camera quality with improved low-light capabilities, and the introduction of 5G connectivity. Its Ceramic Shield front cover offers enhanced durability. Common user feedback sometimes points to its battery life being less robust for heavy usage compared to some Android counterparts, and the reliance on the Lightning port rather than a more universal USB-C connection.
Users prioritizing a larger, high-resolution display with more camera versatility and the flexibility of expandable storage and a headphone jack may find the Galaxy S10 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a compact design, a longer software support window, robust performance for demanding tasks, and access to 5G connectivity will likely lean towards the iPhone 12. Both devices offer compelling features, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.








