The Samsung Galaxy S10 marked a significant milestone in Samsung's flagship lineup, blending cutting-edge technology with refined design. As a device that aimed to push boundaries while maintaining user-friendly features, it stood out in a crowded market. From its stunning display to its versatile camera system, the Galaxy S10 was a phone that catered to both power users and everyday consumers. Let’s dive into what made this device special and how it holds up in today’s context.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S10 introduced a sleek, premium design that felt both modern and functional. Samsung opted for a glass sandwich construction with an aluminum frame, giving it a solid yet elegant feel. The device was available in several colors, including Prism White, Prism Black, Prism Green, and Flamingo Pink, each offering a unique shimmer under light. One of the standout design elements was the near bezel-less Infinity-O display, which minimized distractions while maximizing screen real estate. The hole-punch cutout for the front camera was a bold move at the time, and it allowed Samsung to avoid the notch trend that dominated other flagship phones.

The phone was also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in various environments. At just 7.8mm thick and weighing 157 grams, the Galaxy S10 struck a perfect balance between portability and screen size. The inclusion of an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner was another forward-thinking feature, though it wasn’t without its quirks. While it provided a seamless look, some users found it slightly less reliable than traditional capacitive sensors.

Display

Samsung has long been a leader in display technology, and the Galaxy S10 was no exception. It featured a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 550 PPI. The display supported HDR10+ and delivered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness levels, making it ideal for media consumption. The 19:9 aspect ratio provided an immersive experience whether watching movies or playing games.

One of the most impressive aspects of the display was its ability to dynamically adjust the refresh rate, though it capped at 60Hz—a limitation compared to today’s 120Hz or even 144Hz standards. Still, for its time, the Galaxy S10’s screen was among the best available, offering sharpness and color accuracy that few competitors could match. The inclusion of an always-on display feature was another nice touch, allowing users to check notifications and time without waking the device.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy S10 was powered by the Exynos 9820 in most regions, while the US and China variants featured the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. Both chipsets were top-of-the-line at the time, delivering snappy performance and efficient multitasking. The phone came with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 512GB, expandable via a microSD card—a feature increasingly rare in modern flagships.

Day-to-day performance was smooth, with apps launching quickly and games running without hiccups. The Adreno 640 GPU (for Snapdragon models) or Mali-G76 MP12 (for Exynos) handled graphics-intensive tasks with ease. However, as with any older device, the Galaxy S10 may show its age when running the latest apps or games at max settings. Thermal management was decent, though prolonged gaming sessions could lead to noticeable warmth.

The device also featured stereo speakers tuned by AKG, offering rich and loud audio output. While not quite matching dedicated external speakers, they were a significant step up from single-bottom-firing speakers found in many phones. The absence of a headphone jack was a point of contention for some, but Samsung included a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box, softening the blow for wired audio enthusiasts.

Camera System

The Galaxy S10 boasted a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens (f/1.5-2.4), a 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.4), and a 16MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2). This combination allowed for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from detailed close-ups to expansive landscapes. The variable aperture on the main sensor was a standout feature, automatically adjusting between f/1.5 and f/2.4 based on lighting conditions to optimize image quality.

In good lighting, the Galaxy S10 produced sharp, vibrant photos with excellent dynamic range. Low-light performance was also impressive, thanks to Samsung’s Night Mode, which brightened scenes without excessive noise. The ultra-wide lens was particularly useful for capturing group shots or scenic vistas, though it did exhibit some distortion at the edges. The telephoto lens offered 2x optical zoom, which was handy for portraits or distant subjects.

On the front, the 10MP selfie camera (f/1.9) delivered crisp and well-balanced shots. Samsung’s software enhancements, like Live Focus for bokeh effects, added creativity to self-portraits. Video recording capabilities were strong, with support for 4K at 60fps and HDR10+, making the Galaxy S10 a solid choice for content creators.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy S10 packed a 3,400mAh battery, which was adequate but not groundbreaking for its time. With moderate usage—including browsing, social media, and some video streaming—the phone could easily last a full day. However, heavy users might have needed a top-up before bedtime. The device supported 15W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare), allowing it to act as a power bank for other Qi-compatible devices.

While the charging speeds may seem slow compared to today’s 65W or 100W standards, they were competitive in 2019. The lack of a charger in recent Samsung boxes is worth noting for potential buyers, as they may need to purchase one separately if they don’t already own a compatible adapter.

Software and Features

The Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9 Pie and Samsung’s One UI, which brought a cleaner, more intuitive interface compared to previous iterations. One UI emphasized one-handed usability, with key elements placed within easy reach. The software included useful features like Bixby (Samsung’s virtual assistant), DeX mode for a desktop-like experience, and a robust suite of customization options.

Over the years, the device received updates up to Android 12, with Samsung committing to security patches for several years. While it may not receive major OS updates anymore, the Galaxy S10 remains a capable device for those who don’t need the latest software features. The inclusion of a microSD slot and headphone jack (via adapter) added to its longevity, giving users flexibility in storage and audio options.

Specifications at a Glance

Display: 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 3040 x 1440 resolution, HDR10+

Processor: Exynos 9820 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 855

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB / 512GB, expandable via microSD

Rear Cameras: 12MP wide (f/1.5-2.4), 12MP telephoto (f/2.4), 16MP ultra-wide (f/2.2)

Front Camera: 10MP (f/1.9)

Battery: 3,400mAh, 15W wired/wireless charging, Wireless PowerShare

OS: Android 9 Pie (upgradable to Android 12)

Other Features: IP68 rating, ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, no headphone jack

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S10 was a well-rounded flagship that excelled in display quality, camera versatility, and overall performance. While it may not compete with the latest devices in terms of raw power or high-refresh-rate screens, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank. Its design has aged gracefully, and features like the expandable storage and IP68 rating add to its appeal. If you’re in the market for a reliable, feature-packed phone and don’t need the absolute latest specs, the Galaxy S10 is still worth considering.