Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ Review

dennismoses

The review has been updated to reflect changes to the in-display fingerprint reader performance after a software update and to include comments regarding our experience with the Galaxy S10.

Review index

Design | In-display fingerprint scanner | Display and camera cutout | Software and interface | Bixby and Bixby Routines | Processor and memory |Camera | Sound quality and video playback | Battery life and charging | Conclusion

I still remember the day when I saw a Galaxy S phone for the first time. It was all the way back in 2010: when MP3 players were still a thing, 4G phones were a rarity, and I had just beaten Plants vs Zombies on my 9-inch netbook. As someone who wasn't as involved with mobile tech as I am now, I was blown away by the phone's slim, elegant design, and the large, vivid display was like nothing I had seen before. 

Since then, Samsung has been wowing the crowds with a new Galaxy S flagship every year, ultimately establishing itself as an innovator and a leader on the smartphone market. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ are the culmination of the company's efforts – packed with beautiful, edge-to-edge Infinity displays, versatile triple cameras, and a futuristic in-screen fingerprint scanner. Indeed, these are phones built for anyone who demands the very best – and doesn't mind spending at least $900 on getting it. But is one of these the right phone for you? I spent over two weeks with them to help answer that question. 

In the box:

• Samsung Galaxy S10 or S10+ phone
• Charging cable
• Fast wall charger
• In-ear headphones
• Small, medium, and large earphone tips
• USB-C to microUSB adapter
• USB-C to USB-A adapter
• SIM ejector tool
• Quick start guide and other papers

 

Design

While it is true that most modern smartphones look more or less identical, there's no denying that the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ are beautiful phones. Straight lines, gentle curves, and polished surfaces blend together in a device that's a pleasure to admire. The only "distraction" comes in the form of an array of sensors and cameras at the back, but it grew on me quickly.

All of the Galaxy S10 and S10+ colors look lovely in person. We have the Prism White Galaxy S10+ here for review, and light playfully bounces off of its shiny surface, reflected in a different hue when the phone is held at the right angle, reflecting a shade of fiery orange. Meanwhile, the Prism Green Galaxy S10 doesn't have the same light-bending effect, but the reflections have a striking depth to them. Seriously, it is sad to know that the glow of most Galaxy S10 phones would eventually end up obscured by a case.

S10+ (left) and S10 (right)

The Pearl White color in all its glory on the Galaxy S10+

But protecting your Galaxy in one way or another would be a good idea. As the case was with previous Galaxy models, the back and front sides of the S10 and S10+ are made of glass, and even though Samsung has made the jump to the tougher Gorilla Glass 6 on the front, we can't imagine it lasting forever, even when the phone is held together and protected by a sturdy metal frame. In fact, the screen on our unprotected S10+ is already scuffed up from daily use. On the other hand, all Galaxy S10 models are IP68 certified, meaning that they are highly resistant to dust and water ingress.

We must point out that all Galaxy S10 models come with a pre-applied screen protector – a thin film of plastic, basically. While it scratches easily, having some protection is always better than leaving your pricey new gadget exposed – especially during the first few days when you haven't bought a case for it yet. The protector is easy to peel off once you're ready to remove or replace it. That moment will come sooner if you don't have a case on your S10, judging by the way the protector on our naked S10 is already starting to peel off at the corners. 

On the topic of durability, Samsung is also offering a higher-end version of the Galaxy S10+ that swaps the glass back for one made of ceramic. This premium material may not feel any different to the touch but is more resistant to scratching.