Iphone X Vs Galaxy S10 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 2

When the iPhone X launched in 2017, it redefined Apple’s smartphone identity with its edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID. Two years later, Samsung answered with the Galaxy S10, a refined flagship boasting expandable storage, headphone jack, and a triple-lens rear camera. But for users caught between ecosystems—especially those considering an upgrade from the iPhone X to the S10—the question remains: was switching really worth it?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about daily experience, longevity, ecosystem loyalty, and whether the improvements justify breaking away from iOS comfort zones. Let’s dissect both devices beyond marketing claims and explore what actually changed when moving from one flagship to another.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The iPhone X introduced a glass-and-stainless-steel design that felt premium but slippery. Its symmetrical bezels gave it a balanced look, though the notch became a polarizing feature. The Galaxy S10, by contrast, adopted an asymmetrical infinity-O display with a small hole-punch cutout for the front camera—cleaner visually and more practical for full-screen content.

While both phones used glass backs for wireless charging, the S10 offered better grip thanks to its slightly curved frame and optional silicone cases. More importantly, Samsung retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, a small but meaningful win for audiophiles or frequent travelers who dislike dongles.

Tip: If you rely on wired headphones or use your phone while charging, the S10’s headphone jack eliminates constant adapter swaps.

Dust and water resistance are rated at IP68 for both, but real-world durability favored the S10’s Gorilla Glass 6 over the iPhone X’s more brittle front panel. Multiple user reports noted the iPhone X’s screen cracked more easily upon impact, even with minor drops.

Display and Usability Comparison

Feature	iPhone X	Galaxy S10
Screen Size	5.8 inches	6.1 inches
Resolution	2436 × 1125 (458 PPI)	3040 × 1440 (550 PPI)
Panel Type	OLED	Dyno AMOLED
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz
Brightness (Peak)	625 nits	1215 nits

The S10 clearly outperformed the iPhone X in brightness and resolution. In direct sunlight, the S10 remained readable where the iPhone X struggled. Samsung also offered more customization—adaptive color temperature, blue light filters, and HDR10+ support for streaming services like Netflix.

However, iOS’s True Tone and color accuracy calibration ensured consistent visuals across apps, something Android often lacked without manual tweaking. For creatives needing precise color reproduction, the iPhone X still held relevance despite lower peak specs.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the iPhone X ran Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—an industry leader in 2017. By 2019, the Galaxy S10 arrived with either the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855 (depending on region), both powerful but inconsistent in thermal management. In sustained workloads like gaming or video editing, the S10 occasionally throttled, whereas the A11 maintained stable performance due to iOS optimization.

iOS 16 and later dropped support for the iPhone X, limiting its update lifespan to five major versions. The Galaxy S10, however, received four Android OS upgrades and continues to get security patches as of 2024—thanks to Samsung’s extended commitment.

“Hardware matters, but long-term software support determines real value. The S10’s longer update cycle made it a smarter investment.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

For multitasking, the S10 had a clear edge. Split-screen mode, pop-up windows, and DeX desktop integration provided flexibility iOS didn’t match until iPadOS diverged significantly. Power users appreciated being able to run two messaging apps side-by-side or project their phone to a monitor.

Camera Capabilities: Still Photography vs Versatility

The iPhone X featured a dual 12MP rear system (wide + telephoto) and a 7MP front shooter. Its strength lay in consistency—excellent dynamic range, natural skin tones, and strong video stabilization. However, low-light performance lagged behind competitors even at launch.

The Galaxy S10 stepped up with a triple rear setup: 12MP wide (f/1.5–f/2.4 variable aperture), 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. The addition of the ultra-wide lens opened creative possibilities, letting users capture landscapes or group shots without stepping back.

• The S10’s Night Mode improved low-light photos dramatically.
• AI scene optimizer automatically adjusted settings for food, pets, or sunsets.
• Front camera offered wider field of view and better detail in dim lighting.

That said, Apple’s computational photography—especially Smart HDR and portrait mode depth mapping—remained superior in complex lighting. Portrait selfies on the iPhone X looked more natural, with fewer edge artifacts than early S10 AI processing.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photographer’s Switch

Jamie Reyes, a freelance travel photographer based in Bali, upgraded from an iPhone X to a Galaxy S10 in 2019. “I loved my iPhone for video—it handled 4K clips smoothly and synced perfectly with my Mac,” she said. “But when I started shooting more architecture and nature, I needed that ultra-wide lens. The S10 let me shoot a temple interior without backing into traffic.”

She did miss iMessage and AirDrop initially but adapted using WhatsApp and Samsung Quick Share. After six months, she found herself relying less on her DSLR and more on the S10’s Pro mode for client previews.

Battery Life and Charging Realities

The iPhone X shipped with a modest 2,716mAh battery, delivering around 11 hours of mixed usage. Fast charging required a separate USB-C PD adapter—Apple included only a slow 5W charger in-box.

The S10 packed a larger 3,400mAh cell and supported 15W wireless charging and 25W fast charging (with compatible accessories). With moderate use, it consistently lasted a full day and a half. Reverse wireless charging allowed powering earbuds or a friend’s phone in emergencies—a novelty that proved surprisingly useful.

Tip: Enable adaptive battery modes on the S10 to extend charge cycles and reduce overnight drain.

Checklist: Is Upgrading from iPhone X to S10 Right for You?

1. ✅ Do you want a larger, brighter display with minimal bezels?
2. ✅ Are you frustrated by the lack of a headphone jack or expandable storage?
3. ✅ Do you value longer software updates and security patches?
4. ✅ Do you frequently shoot wide-angle or low-light photos?
5. ✅ Are you open to learning Android workflows and alternative app ecosystems?
6. ❌ Do you heavily rely on iMessage, FaceTime, or seamless Apple device integration?
7. ❌ Do you prefer simpler, more predictable software behavior over customization?

If most checks are positive, the switch likely pays off. If not, sticking with iOS—or upgrading within the ecosystem—may offer smoother continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer data easily from iPhone X to Galaxy S10?

Yes. Samsung’s Smart Switch app allows wireless migration of contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and even app data. Some third-party apps may require re-login, but core content transfers reliably.

Does the Galaxy S10 feel slower than the iPhone X over time?

Not noticeably. While the A11 chip remains efficient, the S10’s RAM (8GB) and newer file system (One UI over Android 9+) help maintain responsiveness. Users upgrading directly reported snappier app launches and smoother animations.

Is the S10 still usable in 2024?

Absolutely. Though no longer receiving major OS updates, it runs Android 13 securely and handles social media, navigation, banking, and streaming without issues. Performance holds up well under everyday tasks.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For many iPhone X owners, the jump to the Galaxy S10 represented more than a hardware upgrade—it was a shift in philosophy. Apple prioritized control, consistency, and ecosystem lock-in. Samsung offered openness, versatility, and incremental innovation.

The S10 delivered tangible improvements: better screen, superior cameras, longer support, and thoughtful features like reverse charging and headphone compatibility. Yet, abandoning iMessage and iCloud continuity came at a social cost many underestimated.

In the end, the upgrade was worth it—not because the S10 was objectively “better” in every way, but because it expanded what a smartphone could do. For users ready to explore beyond walled gardens, the Galaxy S10 wasn’t just a new phone. It was a gateway to greater flexibility.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone to Galaxy? What surprised you most? Share your experience below and help others decide if the leap is right for them.