Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked vs iPhone 12 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer premium experiences, they differ significantly in their operating systems, design philosophies, and core features. The Galaxy S10 Plus runs on Android, providing a customizable user experience, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and long-term software support. These differences cater to distinct user preferences, particularly concerning software longevity and hardware design.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, making it older than the iPhone 12 Pro, which debuted in October 2020. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S10 Plus typically received major Android updates for about three to four years, with some sources indicating support up to Android 12. In contrast, Apple generally provides iOS updates for five to six years, meaning the iPhone 12 Pro is expected to receive software support for a few more years. This extended support can be a significant factor for users prioritizing long-term software features and security.
• Repairability and Build: The Galaxy S10 Plus features Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. However, its repairability score from iFixit is 3 out of 10, indicating a more challenging repair process. The iPhone 12 Pro introduced a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for enhanced drop performance, and also carries an IP68 rating. It received a higher iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, suggesting that some components are more modular and accessible for repair.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding multimedia. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective generations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S10 Plus is powered by either a Snapdragon 855 or an Exynos 9820 processor, depending on the region, and comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. This configuration allows for smooth multitasking and efficient handling of most applications. The iPhone 12 Pro features the A14 Bionic chip and 6GB of RAM. This processor is known for its strong performance in demanding applications and graphics-intensive tasks, contributing to a fluid user experience.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S10 Plus offers internal storage options of 128GB, 512GB, or 1TB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card. The iPhone 12 Pro provides internal storage choices of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, but does not support expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 Plus is equipped with a 4100 mAh battery. Users generally report that it can last a full day for moderate usage, though heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge before the day ends. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery. User experiences suggest it can provide a full day of power with lighter use, but intensive activities like video calls can deplete the battery more quickly.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone 12 Pro offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution of 3040x1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 522 ppi. This display technology is known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 ppi. Both devices utilize OLED technology, providing excellent contrast and color reproduction.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits, with a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content, contributing to clear viewing in various lighting environments. Both displays support HDR content, enhancing the visual experience for compatible media.
• Design and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S10 Plus features curved display edges, contributing to an immersive feel. The iPhone 12 Pro has a flat-edged design. Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for general use.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones offer versatile systems for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S10 Plus is equipped with a triple rear camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with variable aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. This combination provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone 12 Pro also features a triple 12MP camera system, comprising Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S10 Plus is praised for its versatile camera array, good dynamic range in well-lit conditions, and improved low-light performance with software updates. Its dual front cameras also offer strong selfie capabilities. The iPhone 12 Pro is recognized for its consistent image quality, strong low-light performance across its lenses, and the inclusion of a LiDAR scanner that enhances autofocus in dim environments and enables Night mode portraits.
• Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video. The Galaxy S10 Plus offers 4K video recording. The iPhone 12 Pro stands out with its ability to record Dolby Vision HDR video at up to 60 frames per second, providing enhanced color and contrast for video content. It also supports Apple ProRAW for more advanced photo editing.