Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
| Error creating thumbnail: Logo of Samsung Electronics | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | March 1, 1938 in Daegu, Korea |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
Key people | Han Jong-hee (Vice Chairman and CEO) |
| Products | Smartphones, semiconductors, home appliances, consumer electronics |
| Owner | Samsung Group |
Number of employees | 287,439 (2023) |
| Website | www |
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S10 series represents a collection of Android smartphones developed, released, and promoted by Samsung Electronics as part of their flagship Galaxy S series. Marking the tenth iteration of the Galaxy S lineup, the S10 series commemorates a decade since the original Samsung Galaxy smartphone launch. This lineup was officially introduced at the Galaxy Unpacked event on 20 February 2019, with global availability commencing in March 2019.
Continuing the approach established since the Galaxy S6, Samsung presented flagship models: the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+, distinguished mainly by display dimensions and an extra front camera on the S10+. Additionally, the company launched a more compact version called the Galaxy S10e, alongside a larger variant equipped with 5G connectivity, known as the Galaxy S10 5G. Notably, this was the first smartphone to enter the market featuring an integrated 5G modem. In early 2020, Samsung expanded the lineup with a mid-tier option labeled the Galaxy S10 Lite.
On 6 March 2020, Samsung introduced successors to the S10 and S10+ models: the Galaxy S20 and S20+. The Galaxy S10 5G was succeeded indirectly by both the Galaxy S20 and S20+, and directly replaced by the Galaxy S20 Ultra, which was also available in a 4G LTE-only version in certain markets. Meanwhile, the more affordable S10e and S10 Lite models were eventually followed by the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition.
Models and Design
The Galaxy S10 series includes multiple variants: S10e, S10, S10+, S10 5G, and S10 Lite. Each model carries distinct codenames—Beyond0 for the S10e, Beyond1 for the S10, Beyond2 for the S10+, and BeyondX for the 5G version. The design philosophy emphasizes innovation and radical aesthetics, with slogans such as Innovation Perfected and Radical, Magical reflecting Samsung’s focus on cutting-edge technology paired with sleek styling.
Availability and Discontinuation
Initial sales began on 20 February 2019 in South Korea, followed by releases in the United States and Australia on 6 March 2019, with a wider global rollout on 8 March 2019. Production for these models ceased on 6 March 2020.
Technical Specifications
The devices operate on Android with Samsung’s One UI overlay—originally shipping with Android Pie (Android 9) for most models and Android 10 for the S10 Lite. Current software updates have reached Android 12 with One UI 4.1 for earlier models and Android 13 with One UI 5.1 for the Lite variant.
Processor configurations differ regionally: worldwide versions (excluding Lite) utilize Samsung’s Exynos 9 Series 9820 chipset, while units sold in markets including the US, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Latin America (except Brazil), and all S10 Lite devices employ Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor.
Memory options range from 6 GB to 12 GB of LPDDR4X RAM depending on model, paired with UFS storage capacities varying between 128 GB up to one terabyte. Expandable storage via microSD cards up to 512 GB is supported on all models except for the S10 5G.
Battery capacities span from 3100 mAh in smaller variants to up to 4500 mAh in larger devices like the S10 Lite and S10 5G. Charging capabilities include USB Power Delivery and Qualcomm Quick Charge support, with wireless charging available across most models except for some differences in charging wattage between versions.
Display Features
Display technology employs Dynamic AMOLED panels with HDR10+ support across all models except where noted. Screen sizes vary from a compact 5.8 inches on the S10e to a substantial 6.7 inches on both the S10 5G and Lite editions. Resolution ranges from Full HD+ on smaller models to Quad HD+ on flagship variants.
Camera Systems
Rear camera setups differ among models: dual cameras are standard on the smaller S10e; triple cameras are featured on both standard and Plus versions; while the S10 5G adds a Time-of-Flight depth sensor for enhanced depth mapping. The Lite model offers a distinct triple-camera array emphasizing high-resolution wide-angle photography alongside ultrawide and macro lenses.
Front-facing cameras also vary: single lens configurations are found on most models except for dual-camera systems on larger versions such as the S10+ and inclusion of ToF depth sensing on the S10 5G. The Lite model boasts a high-resolution single front camera optimized for selfies.
Additional Features
Audio output is delivered through stereo speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support, excluding the Lite model which lacks this feature. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi standards up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), USB-C ports, and traditional headphone jacks present on all but the Lite version.
All models except for the Lite possess IP68-rated water resistance allowing submersion up to approximately 1.5 meters for half an hour.
Network Compatibility
Network support encompasses standard cellular technologies including GSM (2G), UMTS (3G), LTE (4G), with exclusive availability of NR (5G) networks limited to the Galaxy S10 5G variant.
Physical Dimensions
Device dimensions range from compact sizes suitable for one-handed use to larger phablet-style form factors designed for immersive media consumption. Weight varies accordingly from approximately 150 grams for smaller models up to nearly 200 grams for ceramic-finished or larger devices.
Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S10 series delivers a comprehensive suite of smartphones tailored to diverse user preferences—from compact designs through premium large-screen experiences—while incorporating pioneering features such as first-to-market commercialized 5G connectivity. This lineup solidified Samsung’s position in flagship Android smartphones during its release period before transitioning into its subsequent generation with the Galaxy S20 family.
Display
The S10 series consists of five variants, each with distinct hardware features. The standard S10 and S10+ models are equipped with 6.1-inch and 6.4-inch 1440p "Dynamic AMOLED" screens, respectively, both supporting HDR10+ and incorporating "dynamic tone mapping" technology. These displays curve gently along the horizontal edges of the phones. Diverging from earlier Samsung designs, the front cameras are housed within a circular cutout positioned near the upper-right corner of the screen. Both models utilize an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, which offers improved accuracy compared to the optical sensors found on other recent smartphones. However, this ultrasonic sensor is incompatible with certain screen protectors; consequently, both the S10 and S10+ come with a plastic screen protector already applied.
Chipsets
The international editions of the S10 series are powered by the Exynos 9820 chipset, whereas versions sold in the United States, Canada, and China use the Qualcomm Snapdragon Snapdragon 855. Storage options include 128 GB or 512 GB of internal memory paired with 8 GB of RAM for both models. Additionally, the S10+ is available in a premium configuration offering 1 terabyte of storage alongside 12 GB of RAM. Battery capacities differ between models, with the standard S10 housing a 3400 mAh cell and the S10+ containing a larger 4100 mAh battery. Both support Qi wireless charging and feature reverse wireless charging capabilities to power other Qi-enabled devices using their own battery reserve.
Cameras
The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a rear camera array consisting of three lenses. It preserves the dual-aperture 12-megapixel main sensor and the 12-megapixel telephoto lens found on the Galaxy S9+, but incorporates a camera module first introduced with the Note 9. Additionally, it introduces a 16-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The front camera on the S10+ is paired with an extra RGB depth sensor, which Samsung claims enhances the quality of portrait effects and augmented reality filters. Both front and rear cameras are capable of recording video in 4K and support HDR10+. The camera software offers new features such as "Shot Suggestion" to guide users, "Artistic Live Filters," and direct posting options to Instagram stories and posts. The S10+ front camera utilizes a dual hole-punch design, whereas the S10 features a single hole-punch cutout. Cooling solutions differ between models: the Galaxy S10e and S10 incorporate "advanced heat-pipe" systems, while the premium S10+ employs a vapor chamber cooling mechanism.
In manual shooting mode, exposure times can be extended up to ten seconds.
Models
In addition to the flagship S10 and S10+, Samsung introduced two other variants. The S10e is a more compact alternative, sporting a smaller, flat 5.8-inch 1080p display without curved edges. Its fingerprint sensor is embedded in the power button on the right side rather than under the display. This model omits the 12-megapixel telephoto lens found on the standard S10, but retains both the dual-aperture 12-megapixel main camera and the 16-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. The battery capacity is also reduced compared to its larger siblings.
Samsung also launched a larger, premium phablet-sized version called the S10 5G. This model supports 5G connectivity and offers a 6.7-inch screen with storage options of 256 or 512 GB that cannot be expanded. It includes additional 3D time-of-flight camera sensors on both front and rear sides and houses a non-removable 4,500 mAh battery. Initially, this variant was exclusive to Verizon Wireless at launch in 2019 before becoming available through other carriers shortly afterward.
Charging capabilities vary across models: the S10 Lite supports up to 45 Watts, the S10 5G up to 25 Watts, and the S10e up to 15 Watts. The first two represent an increase in charging speed not seen since the releases of the 2014 Galaxy Note 4 and 2015 Galaxy S6.
Except for the S10 Lite, all phones in the S10 lineup retain a 3.5 mm headphone jack—the last in the Galaxy S series to do so before it was removed in subsequent models like the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra.
In January 2020, Samsung released the S10 Lite, which targets the midrange segment while sharing camera hardware with the main S10 model. It features a 6.7-inch 1080p display framed by aluminum, offers 128 GB of expandable storage, and includes a sizable 4,500 mAh battery. Unlike earlier models from 2019, this variant lacks both wireless charging and a 3.5 mm headphone port but supports 25-watt Super Fast Charging technology introduced with the Note 10. The S10 Lite is powered exclusively by the Snapdragon 855 chipset.
Colors
The Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+ come in a variety of hues including Prism White, Prism Black, Prism Green, Prism Blue, Prism Silver, Cardinal Red, Flamingo Pink, and Smoke Blue. Additionally, the Galaxy S10e is offered in Canary Yellow. The Galaxy S10 5G model is available in Crown Silver, Majestic Black, and Royal Gold. For the Galaxy S10+ and its Performance Edition variant, two extra color options are provided: Ceramic Black and Ceramic White. Notably, the Performance Edition ceramic versions feature 12 GB of RAM alongside 1 TB of internal storage.
Software
The Galaxy S10 lineup was launched running Android 9.0 "Pie", marking Samsung's initial deployment of a significant redesign of their Android interface known as One UI. A key aspect of One UI involves the deliberate rearrangement of core interface components within standard applications to enhance ease of use on larger displays. This includes prominent headers that shift content starting points toward the screen center, while navigation elements and other interactive controls are positioned near the lower part of the display.
On 28 November 2019, Samsung rolled out the Android 10 update for the Galaxy S10 series, which incorporated One UI version 2.0. Later, on 18 August 2020, Samsung declared that all S10 variants would receive support for three major Android OS upgrades along with four years of security patches.
An official announcement from Samsung on 2 December 2020 confirmed that every model in the S10 range would be upgraded to Android 11 paired with One UI 3.0. Subsequently, in January 2022, the series was updated to Android 12 with One UI 4; this update represented the final major operating system upgrade for these devices. The Galaxy S10 series reached its official end-of-life status in April 2023 following the release of the March 2023 security update.
Regarding the Galaxy S10 Lite, it obtained the Android 13 update featuring One UI 5 in January 2023. This marked its last significant OS upgrade before being discontinued in March 2024.
Release
At launch, the Galaxy S10e was priced starting at $749/£669, the S10 at $899/£799, and the S10+ began at $999/£899. The S10 5G model debuted with a price tag of $1299/£1099.
Known issues
A security vulnerability was discovered in the fingerprint sensor that allowed unauthorized access when using a silicone screen protector; this issue also impacted the Note 10. Samsung addressed this flaw by releasing a software update on 23 October 2019. Additionally, some users experienced software glitches on the Galaxy S10 Plus and Note 10 Plus, where navigation buttons overlapped with recent app shortcuts. Samsung resolved these problems in a subsequent update.
Reception
Dan Seifert from The Verge awarded the S10 an 8.5 out of 10, highlighting its impressive display quality, strong performance, battery endurance, versatile camera setup, and retention of the headphone jack. Nevertheless, he pointed out that the in-display fingerprint sensor was less responsive and slower, and that the camera's low-light capabilities lagged behind those of the Google Pixel 3.
Andrei Frumusanu of AnandTech noted a substantial performance improvement with the Exynos 9820 compared to its predecessor, the Exynos 9810; however, he observed that it still could not match the Snapdragon 855's performance. While the Exynos chip was generally less power-efficient than the Snapdragon, it outperformed it by approximately 0.33 hours in web browsing tests but fell short by around 0.55 hours in PCMark battery life assessments.
Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee praised Samsung’s One UI for enhancing usability with one hand and regarded the S10+ as one of the few smartphones priced around $1000 that justify their cost.
Jeffrey Van Camp from Wired gave the S10 a score of 9 out of 10, commending its full-screen design, innovative features like the ultrasonic fingerprint reader, wireless charging with power-sharing capabilities, and inclusion of a headphone jack. His critiques included camera performance that did not surpass the Pixel 3’s night photography, difficulty navigating settings menus, slow wireless power sharing speeds, and a need for improved palm rejection on screen edges.
The S10+ earned an overall rating of 109 from DXOMARK, with individual scores of 114 for photos, 97 for video recording, and 96 for selfies. The S10 5G achieved an overall score of 112, tying it with the Huawei P30 Pro as DXOMARK’s highest-ranked phone at that time; its photo score was 117, video scored 100, and selfie performance rated at 97.
Sales figures for the Galaxy S10 series surpassed those of its predecessor, the S9, with the S10+ being the best-selling variant, followed by the standard S10 and then the S10e.
Gallery
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Rear view of the Prism Blue S10+ -
Packaging of the S10+
See also
References
External links
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