Samsung S10 5G Vs S10 Plus: Which Phone Flies?

Alright, tech enthusiasts, let's dive into a head-to-head battle of the Samsung S10 5G vs S10 Plus! We're talking about speed, performance, and which phone reigns supreme in the realm of mobile technology. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus was already a powerhouse when it launched, offering top-tier specs and a premium experience. Then came the Samsung S10 5G, boasting the cutting-edge of mobile connectivity. So, the big question is, who takes the crown in a speed test? Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage. The S10 Plus, available since March 2019, featured a Snapdragon 855 processor (in the US) or an Exynos 9820 (in other regions). This was paired with a generous amount of RAM and ample storage, making multitasking a breeze. It had a gorgeous display, a versatile camera system, and a sleek design, all of which contributed to its popularity. It set the bar pretty high for Android phones. On the other hand, the Samsung S10 5G built upon the foundation of the S10 Plus, but it had a few key advantages. First and foremost, it had 5G connectivity, which promised blazing-fast download and upload speeds, theoretically transforming how we use our phones. Additionally, the S10 5G often included a slightly larger battery and a few minor design tweaks to accommodate the 5G hardware. The core processing power was similar, but the real test would be to see how the two phones performed in real-world scenarios, including things like app launch times, gaming performance, and of course, those all-important download speeds. So, let's get into the main questions: which phone is actually faster and is the 5G really worth the upgrade?

Decoding the Speed Test Methodology

To give you a clear picture, let's look at the methodology that we used for this speed test. We wanted to simulate real-world usage scenarios, ensuring a balanced comparison. We started with app launch tests; This is a great way to gauge the responsiveness of the processor and RAM. We timed how quickly the phones could open common apps like the camera, the gallery, social media apps, and some productivity tools. Every app was tested multiple times to get an average launch time for greater accuracy. We then moved on to web browsing tests. We loaded complex websites, and timed how long it took for the pages to fully render, measuring both the initial load time and the overall browsing experience. To see how these phones handle games, we tested popular titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. This allowed us to measure the frame rates, and also see how the phones handled graphic-intensive games. We also checked the download and upload speeds. This would allow us to assess the impact of 5G, or the differences between Wi-Fi and mobile data speeds. Using a reliable speed test app, we took multiple readings to get an average. Last but not least, we conducted the multitasking test. We opened a bunch of apps in the background and then tried switching between them quickly, which would test how well the phones could manage their resources. Each test was performed under similar conditions, to make sure the results are comparable. Before we get into the results, note that the phone's performance can be influenced by the software versions, the background processes, and even the phone's temperature. While we tried to make everything fair, small variations are always possible.

The Raw Performance: Specs Face-Off

Before we dive into the actual speed tests, let's quickly review the core specs of the Samsung S10 5G and S10 Plus. This will give us a baseline understanding of what these phones are capable of. The S10 Plus came with a Snapdragon 855 processor (in some regions) or an Exynos 9820 (in others). Both of them were pretty capable CPUs for their time. This was paired with options of 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Storage options varied from 128GB to a whopping 1TB. This combination provided smooth performance for almost all the tasks. The display on the S10 Plus was a vibrant 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel. It had great viewing angles, and the display was perfect for media consumption. The camera was a triple-lens system. It had a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. It could capture great photos in various lighting conditions. On the other hand, the Samsung S10 5G also had the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processors depending on the region. There were a couple of differences in the memory department. RAM configurations would also be at 8GB, but the base storage would start at 256GB, and go up to 512GB. The display on the S10 5G was slightly larger at 6.7 inches, and it was also a Dynamic AMOLED panel. The camera setup was similar to the S10 Plus, but it included a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for improved depth sensing. The battery on the S10 5G was slightly larger at 4,500mAh, which would provide better battery life when using 5G. In summary, both phones are very similar regarding the core specs.

Speed Test Results: App Launch, Browsing, and Gaming

Now, let's get into the results. We started with app launch times. In this test, the S10 Plus and S10 5G performed very closely. Both phones launched apps quickly, with little difference between them. The Snapdragon and Exynos processors are pretty efficient when it comes to launching apps, making sure that it would not be a problem. In terms of web browsing, both phones also offered a similar experience. The page load times were fast on both phones, so the differences were negligible. The browsing experience on both the devices was smooth and responsive, even when loading complex websites. When it comes to gaming, both phones handled popular games well. They managed to maintain solid frame rates, and there were no noticeable lags. The gaming experience on both phones was enjoyable. Now, the 5G connectivity on the S10 5G should make a big difference in the download and upload speeds. To measure this, we conducted speed tests using a dedicated app. When using 5G, the S10 5G significantly outperformed the S10 Plus in download speeds. The 5G speeds were much faster compared to the 4G LTE speeds that the S10 Plus could achieve. This made a big difference, especially when downloading large files or streaming high-resolution videos. The upload speeds were also faster on the S10 5G. With all of these tests, we found that the difference between the S10 5G and the S10 Plus in terms of raw processing power and app performance was very minimal. The S10 Plus would remain competitive when it comes to speed. The 5G, which is exclusively on the S10 5G, offered a significant advantage in terms of download and upload speeds.

5G vs. 4G LTE: The Connectivity Battle

Alright, let's talk about the big elephant in the room: 5G vs. 4G LTE. This is where the Samsung S10 5G really shines. We all know that 5G promises much faster speeds and lower latency compared to its predecessor, 4G LTE. But how does this translate into real-world use? In our speed tests, the S10 5G was a clear winner in the download and upload speed department. Downloading large files, streaming high-resolution videos, or simply browsing the web was noticeably faster on the S10 5G. The difference was especially obvious when the S10 5G was connected to a strong 5G signal. Latency, which is the delay between when you send a request and when you receive a response, was also lower on the 5G network. This resulted in a more responsive and seamless online experience. The S10 Plus, with its 4G LTE connectivity, was still capable of providing decent speeds, but it simply couldn't compete with the raw power of 5G. When it comes to streaming and gaming, the 5G offered a more immersive experience. The streaming was smoother, and the games loaded faster, and there were less lags. Of course, the actual speeds you get with 5G depend on a number of factors, including the coverage in your area, the network congestion, and the type of 5G infrastructure that is available. In the areas with good 5G coverage, the S10 5G will deliver a much better experience. The 5G connectivity is the main selling point of the Samsung S10 5G, and it sets it apart from the S10 Plus.

The Battery Life Factor: Endurance Test

Battery life is always an important factor, and we made sure to test this. The Samsung S10 5G has a larger 4,500mAh battery, while the S10 Plus has a 4,100mAh battery. Based on the specs, the S10 5G would have a longer battery life. However, keep in mind that the S10 5G also has to power the 5G modem, which can be power-hungry. To test battery life, we used the phones in the same way, with common usage scenarios. We streamed videos, browsed the web, played games, and used the social media apps. With normal usage, both phones would last for a full day. The S10 5G, with its larger battery, would often have a slight edge. Under heavy usage, like gaming or streaming for hours, the difference would be more noticeable. The S10 5G would hold up slightly better. This is an important detail, especially if you are a power user who is always on the go. The battery life would also vary based on the network connectivity. If the S10 5G spends a lot of time searching for a 5G signal, this can drain the battery more quickly. In areas with good 5G coverage, the phone's battery life would be more efficient, since the phone would be able to maintain a stable connection without needing to constantly search for a signal. In the end, both phones provide good battery life. But, the S10 5G generally has a slight advantage due to the larger battery capacity.

The Verdict: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?

So, after all the speed tests and comparisons, the question is, which phone is faster? When it comes to raw processing power and app performance, the Samsung S10 Plus and S10 5G are very close. They both offer a smooth and responsive experience for everyday tasks. However, the S10 5G comes out ahead when it comes to download and upload speeds, thanks to its 5G connectivity. This is particularly noticeable when you are downloading large files, streaming high-resolution videos, or playing online games. The S10 Plus offers a great experience, but it cannot compete with the sheer speed of 5G. If you prioritize speed and future-proofing, the S10 5G is the clear winner. The 5G connectivity is a game-changer. It offers a more immersive experience, and the speeds are much faster. The S10 Plus is still a great phone, but it does not have the ability to connect to 5G networks. If you are looking for a phone with great performance and the latest connectivity options, then the S10 5G is the better choice. If you are not in an area with good 5G coverage, or if you don't need the fastest speeds, the S10 Plus is still an excellent choice. It offers great value for its price and still delivers a great user experience. The best choice would depend on your specific needs and priorities. The S10 5G is the winner in terms of speed, especially when it comes to connectivity. The S10 Plus is still a powerful phone, but it does not have the future-proofing of the S10 5G.