Galaxy S10+ Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£115.32

Versus £330.00 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 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, represent different eras in smartphone technology. While both operate on the Android platform, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their respective release timelines and design philosophies. The primary differentiators between these two devices lie in their camera capabilities, overall software longevity, and the evolution of core hardware components.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the duration of software support it receives.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus, introduced in March 2019, is an older device compared to the Google Pixel 7 Pro, which debuted in October 2022. This difference in release year directly impacts their expected software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10 Plus received its last major Android operating system update with Android 12 in December 2021, marking the end of its major OS upgrade cycle. It continues to receive security patches, but new feature updates are no longer provided. In contrast, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is expected to receive five years of software updates from its release, including major Android versions, offering a significantly longer period of up-to-date features and security.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. However, it is important to note that this resistance can diminish over time due to normal wear and tear. The Galaxy S10 Plus features Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, while the Pixel 7 Pro utilizes the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced screen protection.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two smartphones are notable, primarily due to the significant gap in their release dates and the advancements in mobile processing technology.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S10 Plus is powered by an older generation flagship processor, either the Snapdragon 855 or the Exynos 9820, depending on the region. While capable for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking, it may exhibit slower app loading times and less fluid performance with very demanding applications or graphically intensive games compared to newer devices. The Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, features Google's custom-designed Tensor G2 processor, which is optimized for artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks. This results in smoother overall system responsiveness, faster processing for complex computational photography, and more efficient handling of demanding applications and multitasking.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S10 Plus was available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, with microSD card support for further expansion. The Pixel 7 Pro typically comes with 12GB of RAM and internal storage options from 128GB to 512GB, but it does not offer expandable storage. For users who manage many applications simultaneously or frequently switch between tasks, the higher RAM configurations on both devices contribute to a responsive experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 Plus is equipped with a 4100 mAh battery. The Pixel 7 Pro features a larger 5000 mAh battery. In typical use cases, the Pixel 7 Pro's larger battery capacity, combined with the efficiency of its newer processor and adaptive refresh rate display, generally translates to longer usage times between charges for most users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both devices offers high quality, but the Pixel 7 Pro benefits from more recent advancements in screen technology.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution of 3040x1440 pixels. This screen provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, characteristic of AMOLED panels. The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a slightly larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display, also with a Quad HD+ resolution of 3120x1440 pixels. The LTPO technology allows for a more dynamic refresh rate, contributing to both smoothness and power efficiency.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S10 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth viewing experience for most content. The Pixel 7 Pro, however, features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz. This higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations, and gaming appear noticeably smoother and more fluid. Additionally, the Pixel 7 Pro generally offers higher peak brightness levels, which can improve visibility and readability in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: Both displays offer excellent clarity and color reproduction suitable for media consumption, browsing, and productivity. The Pixel 7 Pro's higher refresh rate and potentially greater brightness provide a more premium and comfortable viewing experience, especially for users who prioritize smooth interactions and outdoor usability.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S10 Plus and Pixel 7 Pro reflect different generations of mobile photography, with the Pixel 7 Pro showcasing significant advancements in computational imaging.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with a variable aperture (f/1.5-2.4), a 12MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. This system was highly regarded at its release for its flexibility. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple-camera system, but with higher resolution sensors and more advanced capabilities: a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 48MP telephoto lens with an impressive 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens with autofocus. The Pixel's telephoto lens allows for greater reach without significant loss of detail.
  • Photography Performance: In everyday lighting, both phones capture detailed and colorful images. However, the Pixel 7 Pro excels in challenging conditions, particularly low-light photography, due to its larger sensors and advanced computational photography algorithms like Night Sight. It also introduces features such as Photo Unblur and Cinematic Blur for video, enhancing overall image and video quality. The Galaxy S10 Plus, while still capable, may show more noise and less detail in very dim environments.
  • Front Cameras and Video: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a dual front camera setup with a 10MP wide lens and an 8MP depth sensor, enabling improved portrait selfies. The Pixel 7 Pro has a single 10.8MP ultrawide front camera. Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The Pixel 7 Pro further enhances video recording with 10-bit HDR support, offering a wider dynamic range and more accurate colors.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S10 Plus includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that has become less common in newer flagship smartphones. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Pixel 7 Pro, like many modern devices, omits the headphone jack, relying solely on its USB-C port for wired audio and charging. It supports newer connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds on compatible networks and Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S10 Plus features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Pixel 7 Pro also uses an under-display fingerprint sensor and adds the convenience of Face Unlock for quick access.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10 Plus weighs between 175g and 198g (for the ceramic model) and measures 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm. The Pixel 7 Pro is a slightly larger and heavier device, weighing 212g with dimensions of 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm. These differences in size and weight can impact one-handed usability and overall pocketability, with the S10 Plus being a more compact option.
  • Additional Features: The Galaxy S10 Plus offers expandable storage via a microSD card slot, a feature absent from the Pixel 7 Pro. Both devices support wireless charging.

Weight

175 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus often highlights its comprehensive feature set for its time, particularly the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage, which are valued by many. It is generally praised as a reliable daily driver for standard smartphone use. Common criticisms tend to focus on its aging software support, as it no longer receives major Android version updates, and the natural degradation of battery performance over several years of use.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is widely lauded for its exceptional camera capabilities, often considered among the best in mobile photography, especially for its computational imaging features and low-light performance. Users also appreciate its clean, bloatware-free Android experience and the promise of long-term software updates directly from Google. Its powerful processor ensures smooth performance across demanding applications. Some users might find its larger size and weight less convenient for one-handed use, but this is often a trade-off for its expansive display and battery.

Users prioritizing a compact design, the flexibility of a headphone jack, and expandable storage for media might find the Galaxy S10 Plus well-suited to their needs, especially if their usage is less demanding and they are comfortable with an older software version. Conversely, users who prioritize cutting-edge camera technology, the latest Android features, extended software support, and robust performance for demanding tasks will likely lean toward the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Both devices, particularly the Pixel 7 Pro, are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking high-performance smartphones.

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