Galaxy S10 Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:£108.00

Versus £639.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£169.75

Versus £899.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, represent different generations of Android smartphones. While both devices offer a premium experience, the Pixel 7 Pro introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera technology, and software longevity due to its more recent release. Both run on the Android operating system, but with distinct user interfaces and update policies.

Scores

Durability

The age difference between these two devices significantly impacts their expected practical lifespan and software support.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 was released in March 2019, making it a considerably older device compared to the Pixel 7 Pro, which launched in October 2022.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S10 typically received three major Android OS updates, ending its official OS upgrade cycle around Android 12. The Pixel 7 Pro, however, is guaranteed to receive major Android OS updates for three years and security updates for five years from its release, extending its support well into the future.
  • Software Longevity: Users of the Pixel 7 Pro can expect a longer period of receiving the latest Android features and security patches, which is crucial for device security and compatibility with new applications. The Galaxy S10 has largely concluded its major software update cycle.
  • Repairability: Both devices offer moderate repairability. The Galaxy S10's curved display can make screen replacements more complex. Google has partnered with iFixit for parts for the Pixel 7 Pro, potentially aiding in its repairability.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect the advancements in mobile technology over several years.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S10, powered by its original processor, handles everyday tasks, web browsing, and social media applications smoothly. The Pixel 7 Pro, featuring a newer generation processor, offers a more responsive experience, excelling in demanding applications, advanced gaming, and complex multitasking due to its enhanced computational power and machine learning capabilities.
  • System Responsiveness: The Pixel 7 Pro provides a consistently fluid user experience, with faster app loading times and seamless transitions. While the Galaxy S10 was considered fast at its release, its older hardware may show occasional delays with more intensive modern applications.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S10 offered various internal storage options, including 128GB and 512GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card. The Pixel 7 Pro comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, but does not support expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 has a 3400 mAh battery, which for many users, particularly with an older device, may require more frequent charging throughout the day. The Pixel 7 Pro features a larger 5000 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for most users, though heavy usage can still lead to earlier depletion.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but the Pixel 7 Pro incorporates newer display technology for an enhanced visual experience.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S10 features a Dynamic AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7 Pro utilizes an LTPO AMOLED display, which offers similar visual benefits while also allowing for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer a high QHD+ resolution, providing sharp and detailed visuals for text and images.
  • Brightness Levels: The Pixel 7 Pro's display can achieve higher peak brightness levels, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Galaxy S10.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S10 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 7 Pro features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during gaming or navigating the interface.
  • Screen Size: The Galaxy S10 has a 6.1-inch display, offering a comfortable size for one-handed use. The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger 6.7-inch display, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both phones were considered excellent for their respective release periods, with the Pixel 7 Pro benefiting from more advanced computational photography.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S10 features a versatile triple-lens rear camera setup, including a main, ultrawide, and telephoto lens, providing flexibility for various shots. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple-lens system with a high-resolution main sensor, an ultrawide lens with autofocus for macro capabilities, and an improved telephoto lens with greater optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: In good lighting, both phones capture detailed and color-accurate photos. The Pixel 7 Pro, however, excels in low-light conditions and offers more advanced computational photography features like Photo Unblur and enhanced Super Res Zoom, leading to more consistent and often superior results across different scenarios.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The Pixel 7 Pro offers improved video stabilization and features like Cinematic Blur, though some users have noted occasional exposure shifts in its video performance.
  • Microphone Quality: Both phones provide clear audio recording for calls and videos.
  • Speaker Output: Both devices feature stereo speakers, offering a good audio experience for media consumption, with the Pixel 7 Pro noted for clear vocal reproduction.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S10 supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6. The Pixel 7 Pro offers more advanced connectivity with 5G capabilities and Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster mobile data speeds and improved wireless network performance where available.
  • Port Types: A notable difference is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Galaxy S10, a feature absent on the Pixel 7 Pro. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Useful Sensors: The Galaxy S10 features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition. The Pixel 7 Pro includes an optical under-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The Galaxy S10 is generally lighter and more compact with a 6.1-inch screen, making it easier for one-handed use. The Pixel 7 Pro, with its larger 6.7-inch display, is heavier and has a larger footprint, which might appeal to users who prefer a more expansive viewing experience.
  • Build Materials: Both phones feature a premium glass front and back with an aluminum frame, offering a durable and refined feel. The Pixel 7 Pro uses Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced scratch resistance.

Weight

175 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and Google Pixel 7 Pro cater to different user needs, largely due to their generational gap. Users often praise the Galaxy S10 for its compact design, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and expandable storage, features that have become less common in newer flagships. Its display was also highly regarded at its release for its vibrant colors and clarity.

Conversely, common criticisms of the S10 in the current landscape revolve around its aging software support and battery life, which may not consistently last a full day for heavy users without a replacement. The Pixel 7 Pro receives frequent praise for its exceptional camera system, particularly its computational photography capabilities, and its smooth software experience with timely updates. Users also appreciate its bright, high refresh rate display. Some common concerns for the Pixel 7 Pro include its battery life, which some users find to be below expectations for a modern flagship, and occasional reports of the fingerprint sensor not being the fastest.

Users prioritizing a more modern camera experience, longer software support, and a smoother, high refresh rate display will find the Pixel 7 Pro well-suited to their needs. Those who value a more compact form factor, the convenience of a headphone jack, and expandable storage might still find the Galaxy S10 appealing, especially if their usage is less demanding. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide a sustainable choice for acquiring these smartphones.

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