Oneplus 6t Vs Galaxy S10 Was Upgrading To The S10 Actually Worth It

In 2019, Samsung’s Galaxy S10 launched as a flagship powerhouse with new design language, improved cameras, and advanced features like wireless power share and ultrasonic fingerprint sensing. For OnePlus 6T owners—many of whom praised its clean software, solid performance, and value—the decision to upgrade wasn’t straightforward. The S10 cost nearly twice as much in some markets, but did it deliver twice the experience?

This article breaks down the key differences between the OnePlus 6T and Galaxy S10 across performance, camera quality, battery life, software, and long-term usability. If you're still wondering whether making the jump was justified, this deep dive will help clarify what changed—and what didn’t.

Design and Build: Subtle Shifts in Premium Feel

The OnePlus 6T introduced a sleek, notch-equipped glass body with a glossy finish that felt premium for its price. The Galaxy S10, however, took refinement further. With a smaller Dynamic AMOLED display curved at the edges and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, it delivered a more polished aesthetic. Its IP68 water resistance also marked a clear advantage over the 6T’s lack of official certification.

While both phones featured glass backs and aluminum frames, the S10’s flatter mid-frame offered better grip, and the overall build exuded higher craftsmanship. However, the trade-off was increased slipperiness—many users reported needing cases even if they previously went bare.

Tip: Always use a case with the Galaxy S10—even minor drops could crack the curved edge.

Display Quality: AMOLED Evolution

The S10’s 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel set a new standard in 2019. With HDR10+ support, higher peak brightness (up to 1200 nits), and superior color accuracy, it outclassed the already good 6T Super AMOLED screen. The difference was most noticeable outdoors and when watching high-dynamic-range content.

Resolution also edged up from 1080x2280 on the 6T to 1440x3040 on the S10, though both had similar pixel densities due to screen size differences. Still, text rendering and image clarity were visibly sharper on the Samsung device.

“Samsung’s display tech has always been a benchmark, but the S10 made it mainstream without sacrificing battery.” — David Lin, Mobile Display Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Performance: Diminishing Returns at the Top

Both devices ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 chipset, ensuring near-identical raw performance in day-to-day tasks. Apps launched quickly on both, multitasking was smooth, and gaming experiences were largely indistinguishable unless measured under lab conditions.

Where they diverged slightly was thermal management. The S10’s larger vapor chamber cooling system allowed for more sustained performance during extended gaming sessions, while the 6T showed mild throttling after 30 minutes of intensive use. RAM configurations were comparable (6GB/8GB options), though the base S10 started at 128GB storage versus the 6T’s 128GB or 256GB variants.

If your priority was pure speed, the upgrade offered little tangible benefit. But if longevity and heat dissipation mattered, the S10 had a subtle edge.

Camera Comparison: A Clear Step Up

This is where the S10 truly pulled ahead. While the OnePlus 6T featured a competent dual-camera setup (16MP main + 20MP telephoto), the Galaxy S10 introduced a triple-lens array: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. The addition of the ultra-wide sensor opened creative possibilities the 6T simply couldn’t match.

In low light, both relied on computational photography, but Samsung’s Scene Optimizer and Night Mode produced more consistent results. Skin tones were better preserved, dynamic range was wider, and autofocus in dim environments was faster thanks to the dual-pixel AF system.

Feature	OnePlus 6T	Galaxy S10
Main Camera	16MP f/1.7	12MP f/1.5–2.4 variable aperture
Secondary Lens	20MP f/1.7 (portrait)	12MP f/2.4 (2x zoom)
Third Lens	N/A	16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide
Front Camera	16MP f/2.0	10MP f/1.9 + depth sensor
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@60fps, HDR10+

The front camera was another win for Samsung. With a dual selfie cam (standard + depth), it enabled better portrait effects and wider field-of-view group shots. Video recording capabilities also improved significantly, supporting 4K at 60fps compared to the 6T’s 30fps limit.

Battery and Charging: Trade-offs Between Speed and Features

The OnePlus 6T packed a 3700mAh battery with Warp Charge 30, capable of going from 0 to 60% in about 30 minutes. In contrast, the S10 came with a slightly smaller 3400mAh cell but supported both fast charging and wireless charging—including reverse wireless charging, which let users power accessories like earbuds or watches.

Real-world usage revealed mixed results. Despite the smaller capacity, the S10’s more efficient Exynos 9820 (in international models) or Snapdragon 855 (U.S.) and optimized software meant it lasted nearly as long as the 6T on average use. Heavy users still found themselves reaching for a charger by late evening, but the convenience of wireless charging added flexibility.

Tip: Enable adaptive battery settings on the S10 to extend daily endurance—especially useful with its smaller capacity.

Software Experience: OxygenOS vs One UI

One of the biggest philosophical divides lay in software. OxygenOS on the 6T was lauded for its near-stock Android feel—clean, fast, and bloat-free. It appealed to purists who wanted control and minimalism.

Samsung’s One UI, introduced with the S10, rethought navigation for taller screens, moving key interactions lower for easier thumb access. It brought richer customization, DeX support, enhanced privacy tools, and longer update commitments. However, it also included pre-installed apps and a heavier interface that some found cluttered.

For longtime OnePlus users, adapting to One UI required an adjustment period. But those who valued features like split-screen multitasking, secure folder, and native Samsung Pay integration often grew to appreciate the added layers.

Mini Case Study: From 6T to S10 – A Year Later

Take Mark, a freelance photographer based in Portland, who upgraded from a OnePlus 6T to a Galaxy S10 in March 2019. His main reasons were the ultra-wide lens for landscape shots and better color science for client previews.

Initially, he missed the simplicity of OxygenOS and the faster charging. But within weeks, he began using the secure folder to store sensitive project files and leveraged DeX for quick edits on a monitor. By year-end, he said the camera alone justified the switch—especially shooting architecture where the ultra-wide lens captured full facades without stepping back.

Still, he kept his 6T as a backup. “It’s not faster,” he admitted, “but it boots quicker, feels snappier, and I don’t worry about cracking the screen.”

Checklist: Is Upgrading from OnePlus 6T to Galaxy S10 Worth It?

• ✅ You want a better camera system, especially ultra-wide and low-light performance
• ✅ Water resistance (IP68) is important for daily durability
• ✅ Wireless charging and reverse charging add value to your routine
• ✅ You prefer Samsung’s ecosystem (DeX, SmartThings, Wearables integration)
• ✅ You’re okay with slightly shorter battery life in exchange for premium features
• ❌ You prioritize clean, lightweight software over feature density
• ❌ You rely heavily on fast cable charging throughout the day

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Galaxy S10 fix the OnePlus 6T’s chin issue?

Yes. The S10 used a hole-punch front camera instead of a notch, minimizing bezels and eliminating the prominent bottom chin seen on the 6T. This gave it a more modern, immersive look.

Can the Galaxy S10 receive Android updates as fast as the OnePlus 6T?

No. While OnePlus typically rolled out updates faster due to lighter software, Samsung improved its pace with the S10, offering three major OS upgrades and monthly security patches. However, initial updates still lagged behind OnePlus by several weeks.

Is the S10 noticeably slower than the 6T?

No. Both use the same processor and similar RAM configurations. Perceived speed may vary due to software heaviness, but benchmark scores and app launch times are nearly identical.

Conclusion: Weighing Value Against Real-World Gains

Upgrading from the OnePlus 6T to the Galaxy S10 wasn't a leap in raw performance—but it was a meaningful evolution in overall smartphone maturity. The S10 offered superior displays, better cameras, enhanced durability, and a broader feature set that catered to power users and professionals alike.

For enthusiasts who valued minimalist design and rapid charging, the 6T remained compelling. But for those seeking a complete package—premium materials, advanced imaging, and ecosystem integration—the S10 delivered enough improvements to justify the cost for many.

The real answer lies in what you prioritize. If photography, screen quality, and future-proofing matter most, then yes: upgrading was worth it. If speed, simplicity, and value reign supreme, staying put made just as much sense.

💬 Were you a OnePlus 6T user who upgraded to the S10? Share your experience—what surprised you, what disappointed you, and would you do it again?