If you prefer a larger screen and better battery life, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a good choice, as well as offering newer technology given its more recent release year. However, the Galaxy S10, while older, is much lighter, retains the headphone jack, and may provide most of the functionality you need at a lower price. The S21+ also supports 5G and has a higher refresh rate for smoother visuals, but has no headphone jack. Decide what matters more to you: modern features and performance in the S21+ or a lighter device with a headphone jack and lower cost with the S10. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S21+.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+
Good for taking photos
Fair for recording videos
Very good battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
5.4/10
7.2/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S10 has poor overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S10's cameras fall behind due to poorer selfie quality, less capable software, limited dynamic range, and weaker low light performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21+, which boasts higher versatility and superior overall photo-taking capabilities. The S21+ also brings a much-improved selfie experience, which is very important for many users, enhancing its standing over the S10.
Photo Quality
5.4/10
7.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S10 takes poor photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is recognized for taking better photos than the Galaxy S10 due to a combination of a higher selfie quality, improved photo software, enhanced dynamic range, and better low-light performance. While both phones share camera versatility characteristics, the S21+ has stronger overall capabilities in these critical aspects of photography.
Video Quality
5.5/10
6.6/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes only fair videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S10 takes poor videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S10's video capabilities are limited by poorer resolution/framerate, video software, stabilization, dynamic range, and low-light performance, although it has good microphone quality. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ offers superior video quality with the best resolution/framerate, alongside good software, stabilization, dynamic range, low-light performance, and microphone quality, leading to overall better video recording.
Battery
5.6 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has 5.6 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 8 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has a screen size of 6.1 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is 6.7 inches.
Cost
$145
$340
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has a price of $145 and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ costs $340.
"The Galaxy S10 offers superfast performance and a beautiful display, with a less distracting camera cutout than on the larger, pricier S10 Plus. If all you're looking for is a well-rounded, well-crafted Android flagship that can do it all — including work with a pair of good old-fashioned wired headphones — for a price you can sleep easy at night spending, the Galaxy S10 remains an unbeatable proposition."
"All told, Samsung nailed it with the Galaxy S21 Plus. It has most of the strengths of the smaller S21 in a bigger package. It’s got a lot going for it. If you’re coming from an older device, like the Galaxy S10 series, this is a solid upgrade."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S10 or the Samsung Galaxy S21+
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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