Galaxy S10 vs iPhone 14 Pro

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$359.00

Versus A$849.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$622.00

Versus A$1,749.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 (released March 2019) and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro (released September 2022) represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone landscape. While the Galaxy S10 runs on Android, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 14 Pro operates on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators include the iPhone 14 Pro's significantly newer internal components, advanced camera system, and a more modern display design.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. The Galaxy S10, launched in March 2019, has received several major Android updates, but its official software support window has largely concluded for major OS upgrades, though security updates may continue for a period. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro, released in September 2022, benefits from Apple's typically longer software support, extending its expected period of receiving iOS updates for several more years.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 14 Pro is expected to receive major iOS updates for a longer duration compared to the Galaxy S10, which has reached the end of its major Android update cycle.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature IP68 water and dust resistance, indicating protection against submersion. The iPhone 14 Pro also incorporates Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced drop performance.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores vary, the older Galaxy S10 may present different challenges and opportunities for component replacement compared to the newer iPhone 14 Pro.

Release year

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the underlying processing power, memory, and battery optimization, impacting how smoothly applications run and how long the device lasts on a single charge. The iPhone 14 Pro, being a much newer device, features a more advanced processor designed for demanding tasks and efficient power management.

  • Application Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Pro handles demanding applications and multitasking with greater fluidity due to its newer generation processor and optimized software. The Galaxy S10, while capable for everyday use, may show signs of slower performance with newer, more resource-intensive applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 typically offers a full day of use for moderate users, with its 3400 mAh battery. The iPhone 14 Pro, with its approximately 3200 mAh battery, also generally provides a full day of power, though heavy use, especially with features like the Always-On Display, can impact endurance.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer various storage configurations. The iPhone 14 Pro's system architecture and 6GB of RAM contribute to efficient multitasking, while the Galaxy S10 typically came with 8GB of RAM, which was ample for its time.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display technology, resolution, and brightness capabilities, which affect clarity and usability in various lighting conditions. Both the Galaxy S10 and iPhone 14 Pro feature high-quality OLED displays, but with notable differences in their specifications and features.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 features a Dynamic AMOLED display with a QHD+ resolution (3040x1440 pixels) at approximately 550 ppi, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 Pro utilizes a Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels at 460 ppi, also delivering excellent color accuracy and contrast.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S10 can reach a peak brightness of over 1000 nits, ensuring good visibility outdoors. The iPhone 14 Pro offers higher peak brightness, reaching up to 2000 nits outdoors, which significantly enhances readability in bright sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S10 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 14 Pro features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, encompassing the quality of photos and videos in various scenarios, as well as the versatility of the camera system. The iPhone 14 Pro offers a more advanced and higher-resolution camera system compared to the Galaxy S10.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 features a triple-lens rear camera setup, including a 12MP main lens, a 16MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The iPhone 14 Pro boasts a more advanced triple camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The iPhone 14 Pro's larger sensors and advanced image processing, including the Photonic Engine, contribute to improved low-light performance and overall detail in everyday photos. The Galaxy S10 was praised for its balanced images and good dynamic range in its time, performing well in various lighting conditions.
  • Video Recording and Features: Both devices are capable of 4K video recording. The Galaxy S10 supports 4K at 60fps. The iPhone 14 Pro offers enhanced video features like Cinematic Mode and Action Mode, providing more creative control and stabilization.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, practical elements like connectivity, physical ports, and biometric security contribute to the overall user experience and convenience. There are notable differences in these aspects between the two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S10 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The iPhone 14 Pro uses a Lightning port for charging and data, and does not feature a headphone jack. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S10 features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader for secure unlocking. The iPhone 14 Pro relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10 has dimensions of 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm and weighs 157g, offering a relatively compact and lightweight design. The iPhone 14 Pro measures 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.9mm and weighs 206g, making it slightly heavier and thicker.

Weight

157 oz

206 oz

Screen size (in)

6.1

6,1

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S10 often highlights its vibrant Dynamic AMOLED display, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and its versatile camera system as strong points. Some users noted that while its battery life was generally good, it could be a concern for very heavy users, and software updates eventually ceased.

The iPhone 14 Pro receives praise for its exceptional camera capabilities, powerful performance, and the fluidity of its ProMotion display with the Dynamic Island feature. Criticisms sometimes point to its battery life not always matching the larger Pro Max model, and the continued use of the Lightning port.

Users prioritizing a device with a traditional headphone jack, expandable storage (on some S10 variants), and a highly customizable Android experience may find the Galaxy S10 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value cutting-edge camera technology, top-tier processing power for demanding applications, a high refresh rate display, and a longer period of software updates will likely lean towards the iPhone 14 Pro. For consumers considering either of these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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