Oneplus 6t Vs Galaxy S10 Is The S10 Still Worth It Over The 6t In Year

When the OnePlus 6T launched in late 2018 and the Samsung Galaxy S10 followed in early 2019, both phones represented top-tier Android experiences — but from very different philosophies. The 6T emphasized raw speed and value; the S10 offered a polished ecosystem with premium features. Fast forward to today, in 2024, neither device receives official updates, and hardware has advanced significantly. Yet, many users still rely on these handsets or consider buying them secondhand due to their durability and performance legacy. So, is the Galaxy S10 still worth choosing over the OnePlus 6T now — years after release?

The answer depends on what you prioritize: pure performance longevity, software support patterns, camera consistency, or long-term usability. Let’s break down how these two flagships hold up in the current mobile landscape.

Performance and Hardware Longevity

At launch, both devices were powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 chipset — a powerhouse at the time. While newer chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 dominate today, the 845 remains surprisingly capable for basic tasks, social media, light gaming, and even some video editing.

The Galaxy S10 came with 8GB of RAM (in most variants), while the OnePlus 6T maxed out at 8GB as well, though base models started at 6GB. In day-to-day use, this difference is negligible, but multitasking favors the S10 slightly due to Samsung’s memory management.

Battery life tells a different story. The OnePlus 6T packs a 3700mAh cell, compared to the S10’s 3400mAh. In real-world usage, especially under moderate loads, the 6T often lasts longer. OnePlus’ aggressive app optimization and lower system overhead contribute to this edge.

Tip: Disable background sync and location services for unused apps to extend battery life on older devices like the 6T and S10.

Software Experience and Update Support

This is where the divergence becomes critical. OnePlus delivered three major Android OS updates for the 6T — from Android 9 Pie to Android 11. After that, security patches tapered off, with the last meaningful update arriving in 2021.

Samsung, meanwhile, committed to four years of security updates for the Galaxy S10 series. As of 2023, the S10 received its final patch, aligning with Samsung’s extended lifecycle policy introduced around that time. While neither phone is currently supported, the S10 enjoyed a longer window of protection against emerging threats.

OnePlus OxygenOS was praised for its near-stock Android feel — clean, fast, and bloat-free. Samsung’s One UI, especially from version 2.0 onward, brought richer customization, better dark mode integration, and enhanced accessibility. For users who prefer granular control and visual polish, One UI aged better than OxygenOS on older hardware.

“Even without updates, the quality of post-launch support shapes user trust. Samsung’s consistent patching gave S10 owners peace of mind long after launch.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Insights

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results Over Time

In their prime, both phones delivered strong photo quality, but with distinct approaches. The OnePlus 6T featured a dual-camera setup: 16MP main + 20MP secondary (depth). It leaned on computational photography to enhance contrast and saturation, producing punchy images ideal for social media.

The Galaxy S10 introduced a triple-lens rear system: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. This gave it versatility the 6T lacked — particularly in landscape and architectural shots. Samsung’s HDR+ processing also handled high-contrast scenes more gracefully.

Feature	OnePlus 6T	Galaxy S10
Main Sensor	16MP f/1.7	12MP f/1.5–f/2.4 variable aperture
Secondary Lenses	20MP depth only	12MP telephoto, 16MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	16MP f/2.0	10MP f/1.9
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps
Low-Light Performance	Solid with Nightscape	Excellent with Night Mode

In 2024, the S10’s broader lens array and superior video capabilities give it an edge for content creators or travelers needing flexibility. However, if you shoot mostly portraits and daylight scenes, the 6T holds up well — provided the sensor hasn’t degraded from prolonged use.

Build Quality and Daily Usability Today

Both phones feature glass backs and aluminum frames, but design priorities differ. The S10 has IP68 water and dust resistance — a crucial advantage for longevity. The 6T lacks any official rating, making it vulnerable to spills or humidity damage over time.

The display tech also varies. The S10 uses a Dynamic AMOLED panel with HDR10+ certification, offering deeper blacks and better outdoor visibility. The 6T’s Optic AMOLED screen is good, but not quite at the same level in brightness or color accuracy.

One area where the 6T shines is charging. With Dash Charge (later rebranded as Warp Charge), it supports 30W fast charging — significantly faster than the S10’s 15W Adaptive Fast Charging. In practical terms, a 30-minute charge on the 6T can yield over 60% battery, which matters for users without all-day access to outlets.

Real Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah bought a used Galaxy S10 in 2021 for $180. She used it daily for two years — commuting, taking photos for her small bakery Instagram, and managing orders. Despite dropping it twice (thanks to a rugged case), the IP68 rating saved it from rain exposure and kitchen splashes. By 2023, app slowness and boot-loop issues emerged. She switched to a refurbished Pixel 5a, citing “better software support” as her reason. Still, she noted: “The S10 felt premium every single day I used it.”

Compare that to Mark, who held onto his OnePlus 6T since 2019. He appreciated the fast charging and clean interface but grew frustrated when banking apps began rejecting his device due to outdated security protocols. His final straw was WhatsApp limiting features on unsupported OS versions.

These stories reflect a broader trend: hardware longevity means little without software relevance.

Checklist: Is Your Old Flagship Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Can it run essential apps (banking, messaging, maps) without crashes or compatibility blocks?
• ✅ Has it received any security updates in the past 12 months?
• ✅ Does the battery hold at least 70% of its original capacity?
• ✅ Are replacement parts (screen, battery) still available and affordable?
• ✅ Do you rely on features like NFC, GPS accuracy, or VoLTE calling consistently?

If three or more items are \"no,\" it’s likely time to upgrade — regardless of brand loyalty or nostalgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S10 still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for lightweight tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming. However, heavy apps like TikTok, Google Maps with live view, or AR tools may lag or crash. App startup times are noticeably slower than modern mid-range phones.

Is the OnePlus 6T safer to use than the S10 in 2024?

No. Neither device receives security patches, but the S10 had a longer support window and better sandboxing through Samsung Knox. Both are equally vulnerable to zero-day exploits now, but Samsung’s ecosystem offers more built-in protections even post-EOL.

Which phone holds resale value better today?

Neither commands high resale value, but the S10 generally sells for $20–$40 more than the 6T in working condition due to its IP68 rating, triple camera, and stronger brand perception in secondhand markets.

Final Verdict: Is the S10 Worth It Over the 6T Now?

In 2024, the Galaxy S10 edges ahead — but only slightly. Its superior build resilience, better camera system, and longer software support make it the more reliable choice for someone seeking a used flagship on a tight budget. The lack of fast charging and smaller battery are drawbacks, but they’re outweighed by Samsung’s ecosystem advantages and display quality.

The OnePlus 6T remains admirable for enthusiasts who value speed and minimalism, but its vulnerability to environmental damage and earlier software cutoff reduce its appeal as a daily driver.

If you're considering either phone today, treat them as short-term solutions. Prioritize units with healthy batteries, updated to the latest possible firmware, and pair them with strong antivirus tools and limited app permissions.

🚀 Still using a 2018–2019 flagship? Share your experience below — how long did it last, and what made you finally upgrade? Your story could help others decide their next move.