Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile

Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked
Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$165.00

Versus $719.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$344.23

Versus $699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, represent distinct generations and operating systems within the smartphone market. While both devices offer large displays and capable camera systems, the iPhone 14 Plus introduces more recent advancements in processing power, camera features, and safety capabilities. The Galaxy S10 Plus operates on Android, offering a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined user interface.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release dates play a significant role in expected software support and overall practical lifespan.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which launched in October 2022. This age difference directly impacts how long each device will continue to receive official software updates.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10 Plus launched with Android 9.0 Pie and received updates up to Android 11, meaning its official software support cycle has concluded. The iPhone 14 Plus launched with iOS 16 and is expected to receive several more years of major iOS updates, extending its software longevity significantly.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The iPhone 14 Plus incorporates Ceramic Shield on its front display for enhanced drop protection, while the Galaxy S10 Plus uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S10 Plus received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating it is challenging to repair due to components like the glued-in battery and fused screen sensor. Information on the iPhone 14 Plus's repairability suggests a similar level of complexity for modern smartphones.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for handling daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications. The significant difference in release dates between these two models naturally leads to variations in their processing capabilities and overall responsiveness.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 14 Plus features a powerful processor that handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S10 Plus, while equipped with a capable processor for its time, may show signs of slower performance with newer, more resource-intensive applications due to its older architecture.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 14 Plus generally report a fluid and quick interface, with apps launching rapidly and smooth transitions. The Galaxy S10 Plus, while still performing adequately for many, might exhibit occasional delays or less immediate responses compared to more recent devices.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus is noted for its extended battery life, often lasting a full day or more even with heavy use, making it suitable for users who need prolonged power. The Galaxy S10 Plus, with its 4100 mAh battery, provided solid all-day endurance at its release, but its performance may vary with age and usage patterns.
  • Storage and RAM: The iPhone 14 Plus comes with fixed storage options and 6GB of RAM, optimized for iOS. The Galaxy S10 Plus offered more flexible storage, including expandable storage via microSD, and up to 12GB of RAM in some configurations, which was ample for its operating system.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer large, vibrant displays, but there are differences in their underlying technology and characteristics that affect the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a high resolution of 3040x1440 pixels, providing sharp images and vibrant colors. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2778x1284 pixels, known for its deep blacks and accurate color reproduction.
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S10 Plus can reach up to 1200 nits peak brightness, offering good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good outdoor visibility and an impactful HDR viewing experience.
  • Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for most content. Devices with higher refresh rates offer smoother scrolling, but for typical video consumption and general use, 60Hz is sufficient.
  • Screen Size and Viewing: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen compared to the Galaxy S10 Plus's 6.4-inch display, providing a more expansive viewing area for media and browsing.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the iPhone 14 Plus are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they approach this with different configurations and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup with a 12 MP wide, 12 MP telephoto, and 16 MP ultrawide lens, offering flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system, including a 12 MP main camera with a larger sensor for improved low-light performance and a 12 MP ultrawide camera.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The iPhone 14 Plus's main camera, with its larger sensor and faster aperture, is designed for better performance in low-light conditions and faster action shots. The Galaxy S10 Plus was praised for its excellent color and exposure in bright light, though some users noted that low-light performance could be less consistent.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The iPhone 14 Plus supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, including cinematic mode features. The Galaxy S10 Plus also offers 4K video recording and features like super slow-motion.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a dual front camera (10 MP wide and 8 MP depth sensor) for enhanced selfies and portrait effects. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and a faster aperture, designed for clear selfies and improved low-light performance.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity Options: The iPhone 14 Plus supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S10 Plus supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable connectivity for its generation.
  • Port Types: The Galaxy S10 Plus includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and notably, a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S10 Plus features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 14 Plus relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 14 Plus is slightly larger and heavier than the Galaxy S10 Plus, with dimensions of 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm and a weight of 203g, compared to the S10 Plus's 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm and 175g. Both devices feature glass backs and aluminum frames.

Weight

6 oz

7 oz

Width

2.92 in

3.07 in

Height

6.20 in

6.33 in

Depth

0.31 in

0.31 in

Screen size (inches)

6.4

6.7

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

User feedback for the Galaxy S10 Plus often praises its vibrant display, versatile camera system, and the inclusion of features like a headphone jack and expandable storage. Some common criticisms, particularly in recent years, revolve around its aging software support and potentially diminished battery life compared to newer devices. Users have also noted that while performance was excellent at launch, it may feel less snappy with the most demanding modern applications.

The iPhone 14 Plus is frequently lauded for its exceptional battery life, large and bright display, and the consistent performance of its camera system. Some users have expressed that the 60Hz refresh rate feels less fluid compared to phones with higher refresh rates, and the lack of a telephoto lens is sometimes mentioned as a limitation. The transition experience from Android to iOS can also present a learning curve for some users.

Users prioritizing a long-lasting device with extended software support and robust performance for current applications may find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its strong battery life and integrated ecosystem are key advantages. Conversely, users who value a customizable Android experience, expandable storage, and the convenience of a headphone jack might still appreciate the Galaxy S10 Plus, especially if they are comfortable with an older software generation. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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