In 2019, Samsung’s Galaxy S10 launched as a flagship powerhouse, while OnePlus continued its “flagship killer” legacy with the 6T. For users caught between these two devices—especially those considering an upgrade from the OnePlus 6T to the Galaxy S10—the decision wasn’t just about features. It was about value. Did the S10 deliver enough meaningful improvements to justify its significantly higher price tag?
This analysis dives deep into real-world performance, design, software, camera capabilities, and long-term usability to answer that question definitively.
Design and Build: Premium vs Practical
The Galaxy S10 embraced a new era of premium smartphone design. With its curved Dynamic AMOLED display, hole-punch front camera, and glass-and-metal construction, it felt luxurious in hand. The in-display fingerprint sensor was more refined than the OnePlus 6T’s optical version, offering faster and more reliable unlocks.
Meanwhile, the OnePlus 6T opted for a more understated approach. Its flat Optic AMOLED screen reduced glare and improved touch accuracy, especially at the edges. The device was slightly narrower, making one-handed use easier. While both phones used glass backs, the 6T lacked wireless charging—a feature included on the S10 despite the similar form factor.
Display Quality and Usability
The S10’s 6.1-inch Quad HD+ (3040 x 1440) AMOLED display set a benchmark in color accuracy, contrast, and peak brightness. It was certified for HDR10+, making it ideal for streaming high-quality video. The curved edges added visual flair but occasionally triggered accidental touches.
The OnePlus 6T featured a Full HD+ (2340 x 1080) display with a taller aspect ratio. Though sharp and vibrant, it couldn’t match the S10’s resolution or dynamic range. However, OnePlus users appreciated the lack of aggressive curves and the inclusion of DC Dimming for reduced eye strain during nighttime use.
“Samsung’s displays have consistently led the industry in calibration and longevity. The S10 wasn’t just brighter—it aged better over time.” — David Kim, Display Analyst at MobileTech Review
Performance and Software Experience
Both phones ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 chipset with up to 8GB of RAM. In day-to-day tasks and gaming, they performed nearly identically. Apps launched quickly, multitasking was smooth, and neither showed signs of lag under normal loads.
Where they diverged was in software. The Galaxy S10 shipped with Android 9 Pie and Samsung’s One UI, which introduced gesture navigation, improved dark mode, and better one-handed optimization thanks to its centered interface. Over time, Samsung delivered consistent updates, including Android 10, 11, and 12, along with bi-monthly security patches.
OnePlus offered OxygenOS, praised for its near-stock Android feel, minimal bloat, and fluid animations. However, update frequency slowed after 2020, and OxygenOS began incorporating more features that some users found intrusive. Long-term support favored Samsung.
Software Update Timeline Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S10 | OnePlus 6T |
|---|---|---|
| Main OS Upgrades | Android 9 → 12 (4 versions) | Android 9 → 11 (3 versions) |
| Security Updates | Bi-monthly until 2023 | Quarterly after 2021 |
| UI Evolution | One UI 1.0 → 4.1 | OxygenOS 9 → 11 |
| Current Support Status | Ended mid-2023 | Ended late 2022 |
Camera: Where the S10 Pulled Ahead
This is where the Galaxy S10 made its strongest case. It introduced a triple-camera system: a 12MP main sensor with dual aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4), a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP ultra-wide shooter. This allowed for versatile shooting—zoomed portraits, sweeping landscapes, and low-light excellence.
The OnePlus 6T had a capable dual-camera setup: 16MP main + 20MP secondary. It delivered natural colors and good detail in daylight, but struggled in low light and lacked ultra-wide capability. No optical zoom meant digital cropping degraded quality.
In real-world use, the difference was clear. At a dimly lit dinner, the S10 captured balanced exposures with accurate skin tones, while the 6T produced noisier images with blown-out highlights. When photographing architecture or group shots, the S10’s ultra-wide lens eliminated the need to step back.
“The S10 didn’t just improve photography—it redefined what users expected from a smartphone camera in 2019.” — Lena Patel, Mobile Photographer & Tech Journalist
Mini Case Study: Travel Photography Upgrade
Consider Mark, a frequent traveler using his OnePlus 6T for two years. He upgraded to the S10 before a trip to Iceland. On prior trips, he often missed wide glacier shots or had to carry a separate compact camera. With the S10, he captured expansive landscapes using the ultra-wide lens and took crisp night photos of the Northern Lights thanks to Night Mode and superior stabilization. He later said, “For the first time, my phone replaced my point-and-shoot.”
Battery Life and Charging: Close, But Different Priorities
The OnePlus 6T had a 3700mAh battery with Dash Charge—supporting 20W fast charging. It could go from 0% to 60% in 30 minutes, ideal for quick top-ups. Battery optimization was efficient, often lasting a full day with moderate use.
The S10 packed a slightly smaller 3400mAh cell but managed similar endurance due to adaptive power management in One UI. It supported 15W wired fast charging and, crucially, 9W wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare—letting you charge other devices like earbuds or watches by placing them on the back.
Was the Upgrade Worth the Extra Cost?
The Galaxy S10 launched at $899, while the OnePlus 6T retailed for $549—nearly a $350 difference. That gap demands justification.
For users who prioritized camera versatility, display quality, software longevity, and ecosystem features (like DeX or Knox security), the S10 was absolutely worth it. The ultra-wide camera alone solved real user pain points. The longer update cycle ensured better security and feature access for three full years.
However, for users who valued raw speed, clean software, and budget-conscious pricing, the 6T remained compelling. It matched the S10 in core performance and offered faster charging. Unless you needed Samsung-specific features or better cameras, the upgrade felt incremental rather than transformative.
Checklist: Should You Have Upgraded?
- ✅ Need a better camera, especially for travel or social media?
- ✅ Want longer software support (3+ years of updates)?
- ✅ Value wireless charging or reverse charging for accessories?
- ✅ Prefer a brighter, more colorful display for videos and HDR?
- ✅ Use Samsung ecosystem products (Watch, Buds, tablets)?
If three or more apply, the S10 justified the cost. Otherwise, the 6T held up remarkably well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Galaxy S10 have better build quality than the OnePlus 6T?
Yes, in terms of materials and refinement. The S10 featured Gorilla Glass 6 on both front and back, IP68 water resistance, and tighter manufacturing tolerances. The 6T had Gorilla Glass 5 and no official water resistance rating, making it less durable in harsh conditions.
Can the OnePlus 6T keep up with the S10 in 2024?
For light use—calls, messaging, browsing—it can. But app compatibility and security risks increase as both devices are now end-of-life. The S10 received updates longer, so it remains slightly more secure today.
Was the S10’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor better?
Yes. Unlike the 6T’s optical sensor, which required pressing firmly and struggled with wet fingers, the S10’s ultrasonic sensor worked reliably in varied conditions and felt more responsive overall.
Final Verdict: Value vs. Vision
Upgrading from the OnePlus 6T to the Galaxy S10 wasn’t just about specs—it was about philosophy. OnePlus delivered performance and simplicity at a fair price. Samsung offered a complete, future-proof package with attention to detail across hardware, software, and ecosystem.
If you were already invested in Android’s broader ecosystem or wanted a phone that would stay relevant for years, the extra cost made sense. But if you simply wanted a fast, clean Android experience without frills, the 6T likely didn’t need replacing—at least not until much later.
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