Galaxy S10+ Vs iPhone 7

Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£115.32

Versus £330.00 new

See options
iPhone 7
iPhone 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£63.00

Versus £179.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus (2019) and the Apple iPhone 7 (2016) represent two different generations of smartphone technology, each offering a distinct user experience. While the iPhone 7 is a compact device running the iOS platform, the Galaxy S10 Plus provides a much larger, modern interface on Android. These smartphones differ significantly in their physical design, screen technology, and camera versatility. This comparison explores how these age differences and design philosophies impact daily use for those considering these established models today.

Scores

Durability

The three-year release gap between these devices plays a significant role in their expected lifespan and software compatibility in the current year.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 7 has reached the end of its official software update cycle, meaning it no longer receives new features or security patches, whereas the Galaxy S10 Plus, being newer, supports more recent applications and security protocols.
  • Physical Construction: The iPhone 7 is built with a solid aluminium back that is highly resistant to cracks and impacts, while the Galaxy S10 Plus features a glass-heavy design that offers a modern look but requires more protection against drops.
  • Maintenance and Repair: The internal design of the iPhone 7 is relatively modular, making it easier to replace common parts like the battery, while the Galaxy S10 Plus uses strong adhesives and a curved screen that make repairs more complex. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can be a practical way to ensure these older devices have been properly inspected for longevity.

Year of Release

2019

2016

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

When it comes to daily tasks, the difference in internal hardware becomes apparent in how smoothly apps load and how well the devices handle multitasking.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S10 Plus features more modern internal components that allow it to run demanding apps and games with fewer slowdowns compared to the iPhone 7, which may struggle with the latest software updates.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: With a much larger amount of temporary memory, the Galaxy S10 Plus can keep many apps open in the background for quick switching, while the iPhone 7 often needs to reload apps when you move between them.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S10 Plus contains a high-capacity battery designed to last through a full day of typical use, whereas the smaller battery in the iPhone 7 often requires more frequent charging, especially for users who are active on social media or video apps.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

2 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is one of the most noticeable differences, as display technology evolved rapidly in the years between these two releases.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S10 Plus uses an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen that produces deep blacks and vibrant colors, providing a more immersive experience for movies than the standard liquid crystal display (LCD) found on the iPhone 7.
  • Viewing Area: The 6.4-inch screen of the Galaxy S10 Plus covers almost the entire front of the device, offering significantly more space for reading and browsing than the 4.7-inch screen of the iPhone 7, which has large borders at the top and bottom.
  • Clarity and Brightness: The Galaxy S10 Plus offers a much higher resolution, resulting in sharper text and images, and it can reach higher brightness levels, which makes it easier to see the screen when using the phone outdoors in bright light.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

750 x 1334

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

For those who enjoy taking photos or watching media, the Galaxy S10 Plus offers a more versatile set of tools compared to the straightforward approach of the iPhone 7.

  • Camera Versatility: The Galaxy S10 Plus features three distinct rear lenses, including an ultra-wide option for landscapes and a telephoto lens for zooming, while the iPhone 7 relies on a single lens for all photography.
  • Low-Light Photography: The Galaxy S10 Plus is better equipped to handle dim environments, producing clearer and more detailed photos at night, whereas the iPhone 7 often shows more grain and less detail in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Audio and Media: While both devices offer stereo sound, the Galaxy S10 Plus includes a traditional headphone jack for wired audio, whereas the iPhone 7 requires an adapter to use standard headphones through its charging port.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical considerations like how the phone feels in your hand and how you unlock it can greatly influence your daily satisfaction with the device.

  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 7 features a physical home button with a built-in fingerprint sensor that provides tactile feedback, while the Galaxy S10 Plus uses a sensor integrated directly into the display glass for a more seamless look.
  • Size and Portability: The iPhone 7 is notably light and compact, making it a great choice for one-handed use and small pockets, while the Galaxy S10 Plus is a larger device that offers more screen but is harder to manage with one hand.
  • Charging and Connectivity: The Galaxy S10 Plus uses the modern USB-C standard for charging, which is common across many modern electronics, while the iPhone 7 uses the proprietary Lightning connector and lacks the wireless charging capability found in the Samsung model.

Weight

175 g

138 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

4.7

Mobile network

4G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User discussions on platforms like Reddit often highlight the enduring appeal of the iPhone 7's compact size and the reliability of its physical home button. Many long-term users appreciate its simplicity, though there is a general consensus that its battery life and performance are starting to show their age in the face of modern app requirements. On the other hand, the Galaxy S10 Plus is frequently praised for its expansive, high-quality screen and the versatility of its triple-camera system. Some users do mention that the curved edges of the Samsung display can lead to accidental touches, but the overall sentiment remains positive regarding its media capabilities.

Users who prioritize a small, lightweight phone for basic communication and prefer the straightforward nature of the iOS ecosystem may find the iPhone 7 to be a suitable choice. Conversely, those who use their phone as a primary device for watching videos, taking a variety of photos, or multitasking between several apps will likely find the Galaxy S10 Plus more aligned with their needs. Both models are available as eco-friendly alternatives through refurbishment, allowing users to choose a functional device that fits their lifestyle while supporting sustainable technology practices.

Ultimately, the choice between these two smartphones depends on whether you value the portability and classic design of the iPhone 7 or the modern features and larger display of the Galaxy S10 Plus. Each device offers a reliable experience for different types of users, providing practical solutions for everyday mobile needs without the necessity of the most recent hardware releases.

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