Galaxy S10 vs Galaxy S22 5G

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$359.00

Versus A$849.00 new

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Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$374.00

Versus A$1,149.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone series. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the Galaxy S22 5G introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and display technology, alongside enhanced software support. Both operate on the Android platform, but the newer model benefits from more recent software iterations and longer update commitments.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S22 5G offer differing expectations in these areas.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, received major Android updates up to Android 12 and approximately four years of security updates. The Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, benefits from Samsung's extended software commitment, promising four major OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning it will receive support for a significantly longer period.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S10 uses Gorilla Glass 6 for its front and back, while the Galaxy S22 5G upgrades to the more resilient Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, offering improved drop and scratch resistance.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S10 received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to extensive use of adhesive and a soldered charging port, making common repairs challenging. Information on the Galaxy S22 5G's repairability suggests a similar trend for modern, tightly integrated smartphones.

Release year

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S22 5G are notable, reflecting the advancements in mobile processing technology over several years. These differences impact how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the devices handle demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G features a significantly more advanced processor compared to the Galaxy S10. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and more responsive performance in graphically intensive games or complex productivity tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices come with 8 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical multitasking. However, the Galaxy S22 5G's newer processor architecture allows for more efficient management of background processes, contributing to a consistently fluid user experience even with multiple applications open.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S10 offered internal storage options of 128 GB or 512 GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card. The Galaxy S22 5G is available with 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 has a 3400 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery. Despite the S22 5G's slightly larger capacity, real-world battery life can vary based on usage patterns and the efficiency of the newer processor and display. Users of the Galaxy S10 generally reported satisfactory battery life for a full day of moderate use at its time of release.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and both the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S22 5G offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with distinct differences in technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, providing a very sharp and detailed image. The Galaxy S22 5G also has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, but with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. While the S10 has a higher pixel density, the S22 5G's display is still very clear and vibrant for everyday viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy S10 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 5G, however, boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid experience, particularly in compatible applications and games.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both displays support HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a higher peak brightness of up to 1300 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Galaxy S10.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S22 5G feature versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photographic and video content, with the newer model incorporating advancements in sensor technology and computational photography.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a triple-lens rear camera setup, including a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. The Galaxy S22 5G also features a triple-lens system, comprising a 50-megapixel wide-angle sensor, a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. The S22 5G's larger main sensor and improved telephoto capabilities generally result in more detailed images and better zoom performance.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G offers enhanced low-light photography capabilities due to its larger main sensor and more advanced image processing. For video, the S22 5G supports 8K recording at 24 frames per second, alongside improved 4K and slow-motion options. The Galaxy S10 supports 4K video recording.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature a 10-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. For audio, both offer stereo speakers. The Galaxy S10 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S22 5G.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S22 5G, impacting daily convenience and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Standards: The Galaxy S10 supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy S22 5G offers more advanced connectivity, including 5G network support for faster mobile data speeds and Wi-Fi 6E for improved wireless performance in compatible environments.
  • Ports and Biometrics: A notable difference is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Galaxy S10, a feature not present on the Galaxy S22 5G. Both devices utilize USB-C for charging and data transfer. For security, both feature an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10 measures 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm and weighs 157 grams. The Galaxy S22 5G is slightly more compact and heavier at 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and 167 grams. Both feature a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, contributing to a premium feel.

Weight

157 oz

340 oz

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.2

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S10 often praised its vibrant display, the inclusion of a headphone jack, and its overall performance at the time of its release. Some common criticisms included its battery life for heavy users and the initial challenges with the in-display fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S22 5G, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its significantly upgraded camera system, particularly in low light, its powerful processing capabilities, and the smooth experience provided by its high refresh rate display. Concerns sometimes revolve around its battery life, which, despite a larger capacity than its predecessor, can be impacted by the more demanding hardware and 5G connectivity.

Users prioritizing a traditional audio experience and expandable storage might find the Galaxy S10 better suited to their needs. Its still-capable performance makes it a viable option for everyday tasks. Conversely, those who value cutting-edge camera technology, faster performance for demanding applications, and a smoother visual experience will likely lean towards the Galaxy S22 5G. Its longer software support also makes it a more future-proof choice for users who keep their devices for several years. For individuals seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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