Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Apple iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent distinct philosophies in smartphone design and user experience. While the Galaxy S10 Plus offers a larger display and a versatile multi-camera system running on Android, the iPhone SE 2020 provides a compact form factor with a focus on raw processing power and the iOS ecosystem.

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

• Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2020, released in April 2020, benefits from Apple's extended software support, with users reporting it still receives official iOS updates, including iOS 26 in 2026, suggesting a total of 5 to 7 years of major updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S10 Plus, launched in March 2019, concluded its major Android updates around Android 12 and received security updates for approximately four to five years.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 generally receives a moderate repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, with common components like the display and battery being relatively accessible for repair. The Galaxy S10 Plus, however, scored lower at 3 out of 10, primarily due to extensive use of adhesive and a complex internal structure that makes disassembly challenging, particularly for screen and battery replacements.
• Practical Lifespan: Users seeking the longest possible software update cycle and security patches may find the iPhone SE 2020 to be a more current option. The Galaxy S10 Plus, while still functional, has reached the end of its major software update cycle.

Performance varies significantly between these two devices, influenced by their internal components and operating system optimizations.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor from its release year, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications and efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S10 Plus features a high-end processor from its release year, which provides capable performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
• System Responsiveness: Users often report the iPhone SE 2020 offers a very fluid and responsive experience, particularly within the iOS ecosystem. The Galaxy S10 Plus also delivers a generally smooth experience, though some users noted occasional slowdowns with its in-display fingerprint scanner in early models.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S10 Plus offers more generous RAM options, up to 12GB, which can benefit extensive multitasking and keeping many applications open simultaneously. It also provides higher maximum internal storage capacities, up to 1TB. The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 3GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, which is sufficient for most users but offers less headroom for heavy multitasking or storing large media libraries.

The display experience on the Galaxy S10 Plus and iPhone SE 2020 presents a clear contrast in size, technology, and visual fidelity.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. The iPhone SE 2020 utilizes a smaller 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display, which offers accurate color reproduction but does not achieve the same level of contrast as an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 Plus boasts a significantly higher resolution of 3040x1440 pixels, resulting in a very sharp and detailed viewing experience. The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, which provides sufficient clarity for its size but is less pixel-dense than the S10 Plus.
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both devices offer good brightness levels for indoor use. The Galaxy S10 Plus's AMOLED panel generally performs well in bright outdoor conditions. The smaller screen size of the iPhone SE 2020 makes it more suitable for one-handed use, while the larger display of the S10 Plus enhances media consumption and productivity tasks.

The camera systems on these two smartphones cater to different photographic approaches and user expectations.

• Rear Camera Versatility: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide lens, offering a broad range of photographic options. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12-megapixel wide-angle rear camera.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S10 Plus provides flexibility for various scenarios, including wide landscape shots and zoomed-in subjects. Its low-light performance was considered good for its time, though some users noted it lagged behind competitors in very dark conditions. The iPhone SE 2020, despite its single lens, benefits from advanced image processing, producing sharp and natural-looking photos in good lighting. However, it lacks a dedicated night mode, which impacts its performance in very low-light environments.
• Video and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video. The Galaxy S10 Plus features a dual front camera (10MP wide and 8MP depth sensor), allowing for more detailed selfies and portrait effects. The iPhone SE 2020 has a 7-megapixel front camera, which performs well for video calls and standard selfies.