Samsung's Unpacked 2019 event was one of the most hyped events in recent months and well, they did not fail to match expectations. The first flagship unveiling of the year, Samsung, through its latest Galaxy S series offerings have certainly raised the bar for its rivals. The Korean tech giant launched three new phones - S10e, S10 and the S10+. Here is a quick look at the specifications for the three models:
Samsung Galaxy S10e
Display: 5.8” flat screen with a resolution of 2280x1080px with 438ppi
Chipset: Snapdragon 855/Exynos 9820
OS: Android 9.0 Pie, One UI
RAM: 6/8 GB
Storage: 128/256 GB, micro SD slot
Rear Camera (Main): 12MP, dual pixel, f/1.5-2.4, 26mm OIS; (Ultra wide): 16MP, f/2.2, 12mm OIS
Selfie Camera: 10MP, f/1.9, dual pixel
Battery: 3,100 mAh, Wireless PowerShare
Price: $749.99 (est)
Expected release: March 8
The S10e is the budget version of the flagship offerings, although at a price tag of USD749.99, it may not add up to the definition of what ‘budget’ means to most people. There have been some compromises made with the S10e as compared to its more premium counterparts. This is primarily to keep the cost down. But the S10e does offer all the basic amenities. The S10e is powered by the same chipset that the S10 and S10+ uses and also has 6GB and 8GB RAM options with a 128/256 GB storage options. The S10e is shorter and lighter than the S9 and is smaller marginally compared to the Pixel 3. It is indeed meant for the more moderate single-handed user. Samsung has lost on a bit of screen space considering the S10e offers a ‘flat’ display rather than a curved display which adds to the screen bezel. But then again, for the more conventional user, this is a welcome sign since it is the first time Samsung has offered both ‘flat’ and ‘curved’ display options in its flagship variants. Unlike the S10 and S10+ variants, the S10e offers a side ultrasonic fingerprint button which is ‘clicky’. To keep the price within the ‘budget’, the S10e also has omitted the telephoto and real depth lens to go for the more conventional primary regular wide and ultra wide cameras.
Samsung Galaxy S10
Display: 6.1”curved screen with a resolution of 3040x1440px with 550ppi
Chipset: Snapdragon 855/Exynos 9820
OS: Android 9.0 Pie, One UI
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128/512GB, micro SD slot
Rear Camera (Main): 12MP, dual pixel, f/1.5-2.4, 26mm OIS; (Ultra wide): 16MP, f/2.2, 12mm, FF;(Telephoto): 12MP, f/2.4, 52mm, OIS
Selfie Camera: 10MP, f/1.9, dual pixel
Battery: 3,400 mAh, Wireless PowerShare
Price: $899 (est)
Expected release: March 8
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Display: 6.4”curved screen with a resolution of 3040x1440px with 522ppi
Chipset: Snapdragon 855/Exynos 9820
OS: Android 9.0 Pie, One UI
RAM: 8/12GB
Storage: 128GB/512GB/1TB, micro SD slot
Rear Camera (Main): 12MP, dual pixel, f/1.5-2.4, 26mm OIS; (Ultra wide): 16MP, f/2.2, 12mm, FF;(Telephoto): 12MP, f/2.4, 52mm, OIS
Selfie Camera: 10MP, f/1.9, dual pixel
Selfie depth module: 8MP, f/2.2, FF
Battery: 4,100 mAh, Wireless PowerShare
Price: $999 (est)
Expected release: March 8
Both the S10 and the S10+ are more or less the same in terms of what it packs under the hood. The more distinctive feature that sets both apart would be the screen size where the S10+ offers a 6.4 inch display as compared to the 6.1 inch display of the S10. Samsung has decided to go the ‘punch-hole’ camera way rather than the notch with its S10 and S10+. The screen on both variants are relatively bezel-less giving it a very premium look. The S10+ will also sport a ceramic back, a first in its flagship offerings. The S10 will stick to the aluminium build. Both displays are ‘Infinity-O’, meaning the only portion on the front which isn’t purely screen is the selfie camera. While the S10 has a single camera in the front, the S10+ has a secondary 8MP lens for better depth detection giving a 90 degree field of view. The screen will blow your minds and it certainly packs a ‘wow’ factor with the new ‘Dynamic AMOLED’ display. Samsung has ditched the ‘Super’ for ‘Dynamic’ to showcase its HDR+ capabilities. Both the S10 and S10+ are the first phones to support HDR+. Both the S10 and S10+ will offer Prism Green, Prism White, Prism Black and Prism Blue variants. The higher (8GB/512GB & 12GB/1TB) variants of the S10+ will have Ceramic Blue and Ceramic White.
The S10 and S10+ both have IP68 protection from dust and water. Both phones also offer the world’s first ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensors, something that Samsung is doing a lot of chest-thumping about. Both phones also offer reverse charging, meaning the backs of both the S10 and S10+ can be used as a wireless charger, if you have another phone that supports wireless charging. The newly launched Samsung earbuds can also be charged using the S10 and S10+.
Finally, we come to the camera - a race which every smartphone manufacturer is eager to get the edge on. Both the S10 and S10+ offer flagship-grade triple camera setup with the primary 12MP camera with dual pixel autofocus and stabilised dual aperture lens doing most of the heavy lifting. There is also a telephoto lens with a 12MP sensor f/2.4 aperture offering a 52mm equivalent focal length. The ultra-wide camera sports a 16MP shooter with a fixed focus and a 123 degree field of view, which Samsung says matches the naked eye field of view. The only place where the S10+ scores over the S10 is in terms of a secondary depth module for the selfie camera to give extra depth sensing for selfie photos.
With class-leading displays and fine build, the S10 and S10+ will surely dazzle you. With extra battery-life and a superior AI working tirelessly to ensure you get the best out your smartphone. These are just initial impressions. We will get you a much detailed review once we get our hands on the devices. Until then, stay tuned!
(This story was first published in The Week.)
