Galaxy S10 • Unlocked vs Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked

Galaxy S10 • Unlocked
Galaxy S10 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$148.00

Versus $669.00 new

See options
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$159.99

Versus $999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in February 2022, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone series. While both devices operate on the Android platform, the S22 Plus introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera technology, and extended software support, reflecting the three-year gap in their development.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10 concluded its major operating system updates with Android 12 (One UI 4) in early 2022, and security updates for most models ended in April 2023. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Plus, launched with Android 12, was guaranteed four major OS updates, reaching Android 16 (One UI 8) in October 2025, and is expected to receive security patches until early 2027. This means the S22 Plus offers a considerably longer period of official software and security support.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and water immersion. The S22 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced screen protection, a step up from the S10's Gorilla Glass 6.
  • Practical Lifespan: For users prioritizing the latest features and security, the S22 Plus offers a more extended practical lifespan due to its newer release and longer update commitment. The S10, while still functional, will not receive further official software enhancements or regular security patches.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The generational difference between the Galaxy S10 and S22 Plus 5G is particularly evident in their internal components and overall performance.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a significantly more advanced processor, enabling smoother operation for demanding applications, faster app loading times, and more efficient multitasking compared to the S10's older generation chipset. This translates to a more responsive and fluid user experience, especially with current software and complex tasks.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a 3400 mAh battery, while the S22 Plus houses a larger 4500 mAh battery. In real-world usage, the S22 Plus generally offers better battery endurance, often lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use, and sometimes extending into the next morning before requiring a recharge.
  • Memory and Storage: Both devices typically come with 8GB of RAM, though some S10 variants offered up to 12GB. For internal storage, the S10 was available in 128GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations, while the S22 Plus offers 128GB and 256GB options.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both devices offers high quality, but with distinct differences in technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, while the S22 Plus comes with a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. The '2X' designation on the S22 Plus indicates enhanced color accuracy and brightness capabilities.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: The S10 boasts a higher QHD+ resolution (3040x1440 pixels), resulting in a sharper pixel density. The S22 Plus, on the other hand, has an FHD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels) but compensates with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing noticeably smoother scrolling and animations compared to the S10's standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness: The S22 Plus offers higher peak brightness levels, which improves visibility in bright outdoor conditions. Users on forums have noted that while the S10's display is excellent, the S22 Plus offers a more vibrant and fluid viewing experience.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S10 and S22 Plus 5G feature versatile camera systems, but the newer model benefits from advancements in sensor technology and image processing.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 includes a triple-lens setup with a 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto (2x optical zoom), and 16MP ultrawide lens. The S22 Plus also has a triple-lens system, but with a higher-resolution 50MP wide sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens (3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This allows the S22 Plus to capture more detail and offer greater zoom capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Plus shows notable improvements in low-light photography, producing brighter and clearer images with less noise compared to the S10. Both devices offer strong performance in well-lit conditions, but the S22 Plus generally delivers more consistent and refined results across various scenarios.
  • Video and Audio: The S22 Plus supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, a feature not available on the S10, which maxes out at 4K resolution. Both phones feature stereo speakers, providing a rich audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate the Galaxy S10 and S22 Plus 5G.

  • Connectivity: The S22 Plus supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, along with newer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 standards. The S10 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, and is limited to 4G LTE networks.
  • Ports and Sensors: A notable difference is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Galaxy S10, a feature absent on the S22 Plus. Both devices utilize in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. The S10 also included a heart rate sensor, which is not present on the S22 Plus.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10 is a more compact device, weighing 157 grams with dimensions of 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm. The S22 Plus is larger and heavier at 195 grams and measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm, offering a larger screen but a less compact feel. Both feature a premium build with glass front and back panels and an aluminum frame.

Weight

6 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

6.6

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback on platforms like Reddit often highlights specific aspects of both the Galaxy S10 and S22 Plus 5G. Many S10 users appreciate its more compact size, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and its once-leading display resolution. However, common criticisms for the S10 revolve around its aging battery life and the cessation of software updates, which can be a concern for security and access to new features.

For the S22 Plus, users frequently praise its significantly improved performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and the smoother experience provided by the 120Hz display. Some users, however, note the absence of the headphone jack and the slightly lower display resolution compared to older flagships like the S10, though the practical impact of the resolution difference is often debated.

Users prioritizing a more compact device, the convenience of a headphone jack, or a slightly sharper display resolution may find the Galaxy S10 still meets their needs, especially for everyday tasks. However, those who require modern processing power for demanding applications, superior camera performance, extended software support for security and new features, and a larger, smoother display will find the Galaxy S22 Plus to be a more suitable option. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new, allowing consumers to make informed and sustainable choices.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons