Galaxy S10+ Vs iPhone 14

Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10+
Starting at

Refurbished price:135.00

Versus €1,009.00 new

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iPhone 14
iPhone 14
Starting at

Refurbished price:287.25

Versus €759.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, represent different eras in smartphone technology. While both are premium devices from their respective manufacturers, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their operating systems and design philosophies. The primary differentiators lie in their camera capabilities, overall performance, and the longevity of software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines play a significant role in expected software support and overall durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus, introduced in early 2019, has already received several major Android updates, typically reaching Android 11 or 12 depending on the region and carrier. The iPhone 14, released in late 2022, benefits from a more recent launch, ensuring a longer period of active iOS updates from Apple, which generally extends for five to six years from the device's release.
  • Software Longevity: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for the longest possible duration will find the iPhone 14 offers a more extended support window. While the Galaxy S10 Plus still functions well, its major Android update cycle has largely concluded, meaning future feature enhancements will be limited.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S10 Plus incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, along with an aluminum frame and IP68 dust and water resistance. The iPhone 14 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple states is more durable than typical smartphone glass, a glass back, and an aluminum design, also with IP68 dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone impacts everything from app responsiveness to multitasking and gaming. The significant age difference between these two models leads to notable distinctions in their processing power and overall user experience.

  • Processing Capabilities: The iPhone 14 features a more recent and powerful processor, allowing it to handle demanding applications, complex games, and intensive multitasking with greater ease and efficiency. The Galaxy S10 Plus, while a flagship in its time, relies on a processor from 2019, which may show limitations with the most current and graphically intensive tasks.
  • System Responsiveness: For everyday use, both devices offer a smooth experience. However, the iPhone 14 provides a more consistently fluid interface, faster app loading times, and more seamless transitions, particularly when switching between multiple open applications. Users engaging in heavy photo or video editing on-device will likely notice the iPhone 14's superior processing speed.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both models offer various internal storage options, typically ranging from 128GB to 512GB, with the Galaxy S10 Plus also having a 1TB option and the unique advantage of expandable storage via a microSD card. The iPhone 14 generally comes with 6GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S10 Plus offered 8GB or 12GB RAM configurations. Despite the RAM difference, the iPhone 14's optimized software and newer processor often result in efficient multitasking.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone 14 offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with some key differences.

  • 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 pixel density of 522 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, offering 460 ppi. Both displays deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, characteristic of OLED technology. The S10 Plus offers a slightly larger screen and higher pixel density, which can result in marginally sharper text and images.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 14 offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, providing strong visibility in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. The Galaxy S10 Plus also boasts a high maximum brightness, reaching up to 1200 nits, ensuring good outdoor readability.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPhone 14 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for most daily tasks. The Galaxy S10 Plus also launched with a 60Hz refresh rate, though some later software updates or replacement screens might support higher rates. For typical scrolling and video playback, both offer a consistent visual flow.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera performance is a crucial factor for many users, and both devices provide capable systems for capturing photos and videos, albeit with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP main lens with variable aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 14 comes with a dual-camera system, featuring an improved 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The S10 Plus offers more focal length flexibility with its dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Performance: In good lighting, both phones capture detailed images with accurate colors. The iPhone 14 benefits from Apple's Photonic Engine, which enhances low-light performance and overall image quality through advanced computational photography. The Galaxy S10 Plus, while capable, may show more noise and less detail in challenging low-light scenarios compared to the iPhone 14.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video. The iPhone 14 introduces features like Cinematic Mode for shallow depth-of-field video and Action Mode for enhanced video stabilization, making it particularly strong for dynamic video capture. The Galaxy S10 Plus can also record 4K video and uniquely offers 4K video recording from its dual front-facing cameras (10MP main and 8MP depth sensor), while the iPhone 14 has an improved 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus.

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 differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 14 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy S10 Plus supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth, and notably includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone 14. It uses a USB-C port for charging.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The iPhone 14 relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy S10 Plus features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, alongside traditional facial recognition. The iPhone 14 also includes advanced safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite, which are not present on the older Galaxy S10 Plus.
  • Design and Handling: Both phones have a premium feel. The iPhone 14 measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm and weighs 172 grams. The Galaxy S10 Plus is slightly larger and heavier at 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm and 175 grams (glass model). The S10 Plus also features a curved display, while the iPhone 14 has a flat-edged design.

Weight

175 g

172 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

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone 14 cater to different user preferences and priorities, largely due to their generational gap and distinct operating systems. User feedback for the Galaxy S10 Plus often praises its vibrant display, versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. Some common criticisms noted its low-light camera performance compared to contemporaries and the eventual end of major software updates.

The iPhone 14 is frequently lauded for its robust performance, excellent camera capabilities with advanced video features like Action Mode, and its long-term software support. Users appreciate its consistent reliability and the integration of new safety features. However, some users have noted that its 60Hz display might feel less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates, and its design was largely similar to its immediate predecessor.

Users who prioritize a larger, high-resolution display with the flexibility of expandable storage and a traditional headphone jack may find the Galaxy S10 Plus appealing. It remains a capable device for everyday tasks and offers a comprehensive camera setup. Conversely, individuals seeking the latest software experience, superior processing power for demanding applications, advanced video features, and a longer period of software updates will likely find the iPhone 14 better suited to their needs. Its enhanced durability features and emergency capabilities also add significant value for those prioritizing safety and longevity.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life of these capable smartphones and offering a sustainable choice for consumers.

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