Galaxy S10 • Unlocked vs iPhone 8 Plus • Unlocked

Galaxy S10 • Unlocked
Galaxy S10 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$148.00

Versus $669.00 new

See options
iPhone 8 Plus • Unlocked
iPhone 8 Plus • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$118.00

Versus $239.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the iPhone 8 Plus, launched in September 2017, represent different approaches to smartphone design and functionality from their respective manufacturers. While the Galaxy S10 introduced a more modern, nearly bezel-less display and a versatile triple-camera system, the iPhone 8 Plus maintained a classic design with a focus on reliable performance and a dual-camera setup. These devices operate on distinct platforms, with the Galaxy S10 running Android and the iPhone 8 Plus utilizing iOS, offering users different software experiences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S10 was released in March 2019, making it approximately one and a half years newer than the iPhone 8 Plus, which launched in September 2017.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy S10 initially ran Android 9 and received major OS updates up to Android 12, with security updates potentially continuing for a period beyond that. The iPhone 8 Plus launched with iOS 11 and was upgradable to iOS 16.7.10, indicating a longer history of major OS updates.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature glass backs and aluminum frames. The Galaxy S10 offers IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 8 Plus has an IP67 rating, providing protection against dust and immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

Release Year

2019

2017

Last OS Compatibility

No

No

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, and these two models offer different capabilities.

  • Storage and Memory: The Galaxy S10 typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 512GB. The iPhone 8 Plus features 3GB of RAM and is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a 3400 mAh battery, which generally provides good battery life, though heavy usage can lead to more frequent charging. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 2691 mAh battery, and users often report it can last through a full day of typical use.
  • System Responsiveness: Both devices are powered by capable processors for their respective generations. The Galaxy S10's octa-core processor handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 8 Plus, with its hexa-core processor, delivers reliable and quick performance for everyday operations.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a significant differentiator between these two smartphones, primarily due to their display technologies and designs.

  • Display Technology: The Samsung Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and supports HDR10+ for an enhanced viewing experience. The iPhone 8 Plus utilizes a 5.5-inch IPS LCD Retina HD display with True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's white balance to match the ambient light.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 provides a sharper image with a resolution of 3040x1440 pixels and a pixel density of 550 ppi. The iPhone 8 Plus has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels at 401 ppi.
  • Brightness and Design: The iPhone 8 Plus offers a maximum brightness of 625 nits. The Galaxy S10's Infinity-O display design minimizes bezels and incorporates a punch-hole camera, offering a more expansive screen-to-body ratio. The iPhone 8 Plus retains a more traditional design with noticeable bezels at the top and bottom. Both devices have a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1080 x 1920

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they differ in their configurations and photographic strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S10 boasts a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with dual aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP ultrawide lens, providing versatility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual-camera system with two 12MP lenses: a wide-angle and a telephoto lens, which enables features like Portrait mode with various lighting effects.
  • Front Cameras: For selfies, the Galaxy S10 has a 10MP front-facing camera. The iPhone 8 Plus is equipped with a 7MP front camera.
  • Video Capabilities: Both smartphones are capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S10 also includes a Super Steady video feature for smoother footage. The iPhone 8 Plus offers optical image stabilization for video.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish the user experience of these two phones.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S10 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, with some variants offering 5G connectivity. The iPhone 8 Plus supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S10 includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and notably retains a 3.5mm headphone jack. It features an in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and face unlock for security. The iPhone 8 Plus uses a Lightning port and does not have a headphone jack. Its security relies on Touch ID, a front-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S10 is lighter and slightly more compact, measuring 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm and weighing 157 grams. The iPhone 8 Plus is larger and heavier at 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm and 202 grams.

Weight

6 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

5.5

Network

LTE

LTE

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S10 often praises its modern design, vibrant Dynamic AMOLED display, and the versatility offered by its triple-camera system, particularly the ultrawide lens. Some users, however, have noted that battery life can be inconsistent with heavy use. The iPhone 8 Plus is frequently lauded for its consistent and reliable performance, the long-term software support from Apple, and its capable dual-camera system, especially its Portrait mode. Common criticisms include its older design with larger bezels and the absence of a headphone jack.

Users prioritizing a more contemporary design, a highly vibrant display, and a versatile camera setup with an ultrawide lens may find the Samsung Galaxy S10 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value long-term software updates, a familiar iOS ecosystem, and a consistently performing camera for portraits might lean towards the iPhone 8 Plus. Both devices offer distinct advantages depending on user preferences. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, both the Galaxy S10 and iPhone 8 Plus are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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