Galaxy S10 vs iPhone 14 Plus

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$359.00

Versus A$849.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$480.00

Versus A$1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, represent different eras in smartphone development. While the Galaxy S10 runs on the Android operating system, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 14 Plus operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. The primary differentiators lie in their release timelines, impacting software longevity, and the evolution of core hardware components like processing power and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and subsequent software support.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 was released in March 2019, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which launched in October 2022.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S10 typically received three major Android OS updates, ending its official software upgrade cycle around Android 12/13, with security updates concluding around March 2023. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus, being a much newer device, is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer period, likely extending its software support for several more years.
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with a focus on durability, featuring glass and aluminum constructions. The availability of parts and repair services can vary, but generally, newer devices like the iPhone 14 Plus may have more readily available official repair options for a longer duration.

Release year

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two devices are notable, primarily due to the gap in their release years and advancements in mobile technology.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S10, powered by its original-generation processor, handles everyday tasks and moderate multitasking smoothly. However, the iPhone 14 Plus features a more recent and efficient processor, which provides a noticeable advantage in handling demanding applications, complex games, and intensive multitasking with greater responsiveness and speed.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 comes with a 3400 mAh battery, which for its time offered a full day of moderate use. The iPhone 14 Plus, with its larger 4325 mAh battery and optimized software, is designed to offer extended battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy usage for many users.
  • Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The iPhone 14 Plus typically includes 6GB of RAM, contributing to smooth multitasking. The Galaxy S10 was available with 8GB of RAM, which was substantial at its release.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is distinct, influenced by their display technologies and design philosophies.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, also known for its excellent color accuracy and contrast.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both screens provide clear visuals, but the iPhone 14 Plus offers higher peak brightness levels, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions and enhance HDR content viewing.
  • Refresh Rate: Both the Galaxy S10 and the iPhone 14 Plus feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a consistent visual experience for most daily interactions.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities have seen significant advancements, and this is reflected in the performance of these two smartphones.

  • Camera System: The Galaxy S10 features a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, including a 12MP main lens, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP ultrawide lens, offering flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone 14 Plus comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, both benefiting from Apple's image processing.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus incorporates features like Photonic Engine and improved low-light performance, which contribute to capturing more detail and better color in challenging lighting conditions. The Galaxy S10 also offers strong photography, particularly with its dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
  • Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The iPhone 14 Plus offers advanced video features such as Cinematic mode and Action mode, providing enhanced stabilization and creative options.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two devices in daily use.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S10 supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, and notably includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port. The iPhone 14 Plus offers more advanced connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, but relies on a Lightning port and does not feature a headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S10 features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for unlocking. The iPhone 14 Plus exclusively uses Face ID for secure authentication.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: Both phones feature a glass front and back with an aluminum frame and are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy S10 is more compact and lighter at 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm and 157g. The iPhone 14 Plus is larger and heavier, measuring 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm and weighing 203g, offering a more expansive screen experience.

Weight

157 oz

203 oz

Screen size (in)

6.1

6,7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and iPhone 14 Plus cater to different user preferences, largely due to their generational gap and operating system ecosystems. Users often praise the Galaxy S10 for its vibrant display, the inclusion of a headphone jack, and expandable storage, which offers flexibility. Some criticisms for the S10 have included its battery life compared to newer models and the eventual end of major software updates.

The iPhone 14 Plus is frequently lauded for its exceptional battery life, large and bright display, robust performance for demanding tasks, and Apple's commitment to long-term software support. Common feedback sometimes points to its 60Hz refresh rate as a potential area for improvement when compared to some Android counterparts, and the absence of a headphone jack.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with traditional features like a headphone jack and expandable storage might find the Galaxy S10 appealing, especially for everyday tasks and media consumption. Conversely, those who value a larger display, extended battery life, superior performance for intensive applications, and a longer software support window will likely find the iPhone 14 Plus better suited to their needs. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons