Galaxy S10 Vs iPhone XS

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

£111.00

£459.00 new

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iPhone XS
iPhone XS
Starting at

£95.00

£399.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in early 2019, and the Apple iPhone Xs, launched in late 2018, represent flagship smartphones from their respective ecosystems. While both offer premium experiences, they differ significantly in their operating systems, camera configurations, and display approaches. The Galaxy S10 runs on Android, providing more customization, whereas the iPhone Xs operates on iOS, known for its streamlined user experience.

Scores

Durability

The iPhone Xs, released in late 2018, is slightly older than the Galaxy S10, which launched in early 2019. This age difference impacts their software support timelines. Both devices feature glass backs and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating similar physical durability against everyday elements.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone Xs typically received major iOS updates for around five years, likely concluding with iOS 17. The Galaxy S10 received three major Android OS updates, ending with Android 12, and continued security updates for a total of four years.
  • Repairability: Both models present challenges for repair due to their glass sandwich designs, requiring careful handling for component replacement.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features will find both devices have reached the end of their major OS update cycles. However, both continue to function reliably for daily tasks, with security updates potentially extending slightly longer for the iPhone Xs.

Year of Release

2019

2018

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

When comparing performance, both the Galaxy S10 and iPhone Xs were flagship devices, offering smooth operation for their respective ecosystems. The Galaxy S10 provides more RAM and expandable storage, while the iPhone Xs relies on its optimized software to manage tasks efficiently.

  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S10 offers 128GB or 512GB internal storage, with the added flexibility of a microSD card slot for expansion. The iPhone Xs comes in 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB configurations, without expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 features a larger battery capacity, which generally translates to longer usage times for average users compared to the iPhone Xs. Both devices will likely require daily charging with moderate to heavy use.
  • System Responsiveness: Both phones handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone Xs benefits from Apple's tightly integrated hardware and software, while the Galaxy S10's higher RAM count assists with keeping multiple Android apps open in the background.

Memory

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S10 and iPhone Xs feature high-quality OLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, there are notable differences in size, resolution, and brightness that impact the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S10 uses a Dynamic AMOLED panel, while the iPhone Xs features a Super Retina OLED. Both technologies deliver excellent contrast and color accuracy suitable for media consumption.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 offers a higher resolution display at 1440 x 3040 pixels on its 6.1-inch screen, resulting in a slightly sharper image compared to the iPhone Xs's 1125 x 2436 pixels on a 5.8-inch screen.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S10 can achieve higher peak brightness, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions. Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a consistent but not ultra-smooth scrolling experience.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S10 and iPhone Xs offer distinct approaches to photography and video, catering to different user preferences. Both are capable of capturing high-quality images and videos in various conditions.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S10 features a versatile triple-lens rear camera setup, including a main wide, a telephoto, and an ultrawide lens, offering more flexibility for different shot types. The iPhone Xs has a dual-lens system with a main wide and a telephoto lens, focusing on consistent image quality and computational photography.
  • Photography Performance: In everyday lighting, both phones produce detailed and color-accurate photos. The iPhone Xs is often noted for its consistent image processing and natural color reproduction, while the Galaxy S10 provides more options with its ultrawide lens and vibrant output.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both devices support 4K video recording, delivering clear and stable footage. The iPhone Xs is often praised for its video stabilization and overall video quality, while the Galaxy S10 offers competitive video performance with its broader lens selection.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical features differentiate the Galaxy S10 and iPhone Xs, influencing daily usability and connectivity options.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S10 supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster wireless speeds where available, while the iPhone Xs uses Wi-Fi 5. Both include Bluetooth 5.0 for accessory connections.
  • Port Types and Biometrics: The Galaxy S10 features a USB-C port and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, along with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for security. The iPhone Xs uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port, lacks a headphone jack, and relies solely on Face ID for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10 is slightly lighter and features a curved display, which can contribute to a comfortable in-hand feel. The iPhone Xs has a more compact form factor. Both devices utilize premium glass and metal construction.

Weight

157 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

5.8

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S10 often highlights its vibrant display, versatile camera system with an ultrawide lens, and the convenience of a headphone jack and expandable storage. Some users, however, noted that its battery life, while decent, could be improved for heavy usage. The iPhone Xs is frequently praised for its consistent performance, reliable camera, and the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, with Face ID being a key feature. Common criticisms include its smaller battery capacity and the absence of a headphone jack.

Users prioritizing a larger, higher-resolution display, a more versatile camera setup, and the flexibility of Android with expandable storage may find the Galaxy S10 a suitable choice. Conversely, those who value the streamlined iOS experience, consistent performance, and Face ID for security might lean towards the iPhone Xs. Both devices, though no longer receiving major OS updates, remain capable for everyday tasks. Opting for a quality-assured refurbished option for either model presents an eco-friendly alternative, allowing users to enjoy premium features while making a sustainable choice.