Unveiling the Truth: Is the Hype Around Samsung Galaxy S10 Worth It?
As a devoted OnePlus user, I've been keeping a close eye on the market for new smartphones. With the release of the Samsung Galaxy S10, many friends and colleagues have been raving about its features. But here’s my honest review based on nearly 3 months of continuous use, comparing it with my trusty OnePlus 5T.
Welcome to the Galaxy S10 Experience
Upon my transition from the OnePlus 5T (equipped with 6GB of RAM), a few key differences have emerged. Although the Galaxy S10 is advertised as fast, it falls short in terms of responsiveness compared to its predecessor. The OnePlus 5T, despite being 2 years old, still offers a smoother user experience. The switch between apps on the OnePlus was noticeably quicker, which reflects the overall speed of the device.
Speakers and Audio Quality
While the built-in speakers are a great feature on both devices, the OnePlus typically outshines in the audio department. The Samsung Galaxy S10, although not bad, could use some improvement in this area. The overall audio quality is decent, but it doesn’t match the premium experience offered by the OnePlus speakers.
Built Quality, Display, and Design
The construction of the Samsung Galaxy S10 is by no means shoddy, but it does lack a certain premium feel compared to my OnePlus 5T. The plastic rear panel can accumulate fingerprints easily, especially if you’re prone to sweating. This can be a bit of a hassle as every touch leaves marks on the screen.
Touch ID vs. Face ID
One of the most frustrating aspects of the Samsung Galaxy S10 is the fingerprint scanner. It’s notoriously slow and unreliable, with the scanner failing to unlock the device up to 3 out of 5 times. This has made me question whether the included face unlock technology will fare any better. The fact is, face unlock represents a significant security risk and is frustratingly slow, likely the slowest feature available on any smartphone today.
Positive Points
Despite the negatives, there are some strong points worth noting. The customizability of the Samsung Galaxy S10 is excellent, from icon settings to shortcuts and edge lighting. The display, with its primary display brightness, is a standout feature. The camera receives a solid score of 8 out of 10. The low-light photography could improve, but under proper lighting conditions, the images are natural and realistic with plenty of detail. The super steady mode works exceptionally well, which justifies the device's price.
Final Score: 3.5/5
I can confidently state that while the Samsung Galaxy S10 is not a disaster, it falls short of what I expected from a premium device. However, it doesn't disappoint entirely either. Overall, the phone provides a solid user experience, albeit with a mix of pros and cons.
Conclusion: Absolutely Not Worth It
Unfortunately, for those weighing the Samsung Galaxy S10 against the hype, my opinion remains a resounding no. No Samsung phone, including the Galaxy S10, is worth the price tag given its performance and longevity issues. The device looks dated after just 6 months, and the infamous Samsung performance slowdown isn't something anyone should expect.
Customer Service Woes
Another major disappointment is Samsung's customer service, which, in my experience, is abysmal. They prioritize profit over customer satisfaction, making the buying experience a letdown. For those who demand the very best, turning to alternative brands like Huawei is definitely a better choice.
Without further ado, the answer is a clear "no" – the Samsung Galaxy S10 is not worth its price, and my recommendation is to steer clear.