Samsung Galaxy S10+

Revisiting a Legend: My Time Reacquainting Myself with the Samsung Galaxy S10+

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks with the Samsung Galaxy S10+, a phone that, while not the newest kid on the block, still holds a certain allure. It’s interesting revisiting devices like this, especially in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. At its release, the S10+ was a flagship powerhouse, and after putting it through its paces in 2024, I have a clearer picture of where it stands now and who might still find value in it. Originally positioned at a premium price point, you can now find it on the used market for a significantly lower cost, making it an intriguing option for budget-conscious buyers.

From my perspective, the Galaxy S10+ represents a pivotal moment for Samsung. It was a culmination of years of refining their design language and pushing the boundaries of display technology. The brand was firmly cemented as a top-tier competitor, and the S10+ was their statement piece. In today's market, it occupies a unique space. It’s no longer competing for the top spot but serves as a compelling reminder of how far smartphone technology has come, and how good older flagships can still be. Considering its current price, it offers a lot of features for the money, particularly if you're willing to venture into the refurbished or used market.

Picking up the Galaxy S10+ again, my initial impression was one of familiarity mixed with a touch of nostalgia. The design, even by today's standards, feels refined. The curved glass on the front and back melts seamlessly into the aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel in the hand. It's not the most compact phone, and I have to admit, one-handed use can be a bit of a stretch at times. However, the weight feels balanced, and the overall build quality is undeniably solid. You can tell this was a meticulously crafted device. While it lacks the ultra-rugged feel of some modern phones, it still exudes a sense of durability that inspires confidence for everyday use.

The display on the S10+ is where it truly shines. Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED technology was a game-changer then, and honestly, it still impresses now. I've found that the colors are vibrant and punchy, yet still manage to look natural. Brightness is excellent; even under direct sunlight, I had no trouble seeing what was on the screen. Watching videos and browsing photos on this display is a genuinely enjoyable experience. The detail is crisp, the blacks are inky deep, and the HDR support adds an extra layer of richness to compatible content. Gaming on the S10+ also proved to be a pleasant surprise. While it might not have the super-smooth 120Hz refresh rates of newer panels, the responsiveness and clarity of this display still hold up well. For everyday tasks, from scrolling through social media to reading articles, the S10+’s display is a treat for the eyes.

Under the hood, the Exynos 9820 (in my testing unit) is showing its age, but it's far from a slouch. During my time with the phone, I haven't encountered any major performance hiccups. Basic tasks like browsing, social media, and email are handled with ease. Even when I pushed it with more demanding games, like Asphalt 9 and Call of Duty: Mobile, it managed to deliver a playable experience, though I did notice the occasional frame drop during intense moments. Multitasking is generally smooth, though rapidly switching between a large number of apps can sometimes lead to a slight pause. Temperature management is decent; the phone can get a little warm during extended gaming sessions, but it never felt alarmingly hot. One quirk I did notice is that certain newer apps and games might not be as optimized for this older chipset, resulting in slightly longer loading times compared to modern flagships.

The camera system on the Galaxy S10+ was a highlight back in 2019, and it remains surprisingly capable today. My experience taking photos has been largely positive. The main 12MP sensor captures images with good detail and accurate colors in daylight. I particularly enjoyed using the telephoto lens for getting closer to subjects without losing too much quality, and the ultra-wide lens is fantastic for capturing expansive landscapes. I put it to the test in various shooting scenarios – from bright daylight scenes to indoor shots and even some low-light situations. While it doesn't quite match the low-light prowess of newer phones with their advanced computational photography, the S10+ still manages to capture usable images in challenging conditions. Video recording is also solid, with the ability to shoot up to 4K resolution with effective stabilization. Compared to some of the newer mid-range phones I've tested, the S10+ still holds its own in terms of image quality and versatility. In real-world usage, I found myself confidently relying on its camera for capturing everyday moments.

Battery life is always a crucial factor, and the 4100mAh battery in the S10+ has proven to be adequate for my needs. With moderate usage, including browsing, social media, some video watching, and a bit of photography, I've found that it comfortably lasts a full day. However, if you're a heavy user who spends a lot of time gaming or streaming video, you might find yourself needing to top up before the end of the day. Charging speed, while not the fastest by today's standards, is still respectable. The 25W fast charging gets the phone from empty to a decent percentage fairly quickly. I also appreciate the inclusion of wireless charging, a feature that's still not standard on all mid-range devices. Power management seems effective, though I did notice that background activity can sometimes drain the battery more quickly than I'd like. Real-world endurance is generally good, but it's definitely an area where newer phones have made significant strides.

Software-wise, my Galaxy S10+ is running Android 12 with Samsung's One UI. The daily usage experience is generally smooth and intuitive. One UI is a mature and feature-rich interface, and I appreciate the level of customization it offers. While it doesn't have the absolute latest version of Android, it still feels modern and functional. The features are generally useful, and I haven't encountered any major software issues during my testing. However, it's worth noting that the Galaxy S10+ is unlikely to receive further major Android updates, which is something to consider if staying on the cutting edge of software is a priority for you.

Analyzing the value of the Samsung Galaxy S10+ in 2024 is interesting. Considering its current price on the used market, it offers a compelling price-to-feature ratio. You're getting a premium build, a fantastic display, a capable camera system, and solid performance for a fraction of the cost of a new flagship. I think this phone is ideal for someone who wants a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. It's a great option for students, budget-conscious users, or anyone who doesn't necessarily need the absolute latest and greatest technology. However, if you prioritize 5G connectivity, the absolute best low-light camera performance, or the latest software updates, you might want to look elsewhere. In the competitive landscape of used smartphones, the S10+ stands out as a well-rounded device that still has a lot to offer.

In conclusion, my time with the Samsung Galaxy S10+ has been a positive one. It's a testament to the quality of flagship phones from a few years ago that it still holds up so well today. While it's not perfect, and it lacks some of the newer features found in modern devices, the S10+ offers a premium experience at a more accessible price point. If you're in the market for a reliable, well-built smartphone with a stunning display and a capable camera, and you're comfortable buying used, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ is definitely worth considering. It's a phone that proves you don't always need the newest model to have a great mobile experience.