Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 7 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, represent different generations of Android smartphones. While both offer premium experiences, the Pixel 7 Pro benefits from newer hardware and software advancements. Key differentiators include their respective release years, the longevity of software support, and significant advancements in camera technology and display refresh rates.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, making it a device from an earlier generation. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, is a significantly newer device.
• OS Support: The Galaxy S10 Plus launched with Android 9 and received its last major Android update with Android 12. This means it no longer receives new Android operating system versions, though it may still get security patches. The Pixel 7 Pro launched with Android 13 and is expected to receive major OS updates up to Android 17, with security updates extending for five years from its release.
• Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S10 Plus uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, while the Pixel 7 Pro utilizes the more advanced Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced scratch and drop protection on both its front and back.

Performance in smartphones is determined by the underlying hardware and how efficiently the software utilizes it for daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S10 Plus is powered by a processor from 2019, which handles everyday tasks and most applications smoothly. The Pixel 7 Pro features a newer, custom-designed processor that offers more advanced computational capabilities, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of graphically intensive games and AI-driven features.
• System Responsiveness: Users will find the Pixel 7 Pro to be more responsive overall, especially when navigating the interface, switching between numerous applications, or engaging in tasks that require significant processing power. The Galaxy S10 Plus still provides a capable experience for general use, but the difference in raw processing power and optimization is noticeable in more demanding scenarios.
• Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various storage configurations, with the Galaxy S10 Plus available up to 1TB and the Pixel 7 Pro up to 512GB. The Pixel 7 Pro typically comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, similar to the higher-end configurations of the S10 Plus, ensuring efficient multitasking on both, though the Pixel's newer RAM technology contributes to its overall snappiness.

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with distinct differences in technology and features.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. The Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels. Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED technology.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: A significant difference lies in the refresh rate; the Galaxy S10 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 7 Pro boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate on the Pixel 7 Pro results in noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Pixel 7 Pro also offers higher peak brightness, reaching up to 1500 nits, which improves visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S10 Plus.
• Viewing Experience: Both displays support HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color in compatible content. The Pixel 7 Pro's adaptive refresh rate not only provides a smoother experience but can also optimize battery consumption by adjusting the refresh rate based on the content being displayed.

Camera capabilities have seen substantial advancements between the release of these two smartphones, with the Pixel 7 Pro showcasing newer imaging technology and computational photography.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto (2x optical zoom), and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple-camera system, but with higher resolution sensors: a 50MP wide, a 48MP telephoto (5x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensors and advanced telephoto lens allow for greater detail and more versatile zoom capabilities.
• Photography Features: The Pixel 7 Pro excels in computational photography, offering features like Macro Focus, Photo Unblur, and improved Night Sight, which leverage its advanced processor to produce detailed and well-exposed images in various conditions, including low light. While the S10 Plus was a strong performer in its time, the Pixel 7 Pro's newer hardware and software processing provide a noticeable advantage in image quality, especially in challenging lighting or when using zoom.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video. The Pixel 7 Pro offers more advanced video features, including 10-bit HDR video and Cinematic Blur, providing more creative control and higher quality footage. For audio, both include stereo speakers, and the Galaxy S10 Plus notably retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Pixel 7 Pro.