Pixel 3 Vs S10 Plus Why Are People Still Debating This In Current Year

It’s 2024. Flagship smartphones now come with triple-lens cameras, AI-powered processors, satellite connectivity, and battery life that lasts days. Yet, deep within tech forums, Reddit threads, and niche YouTube comment sections, a curious debate persists: Pixel 3 versus Galaxy S10 Plus. Two devices launched in 2018—over half a decade ago—are still being compared, dissected, and passionately defended by users who swear by their performance, design, or software experience. On the surface, it seems irrational. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that this isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a reflection of enduring values in smartphone design, user expectations, and how quickly innovation can overlook fundamentals.

The Legacy That Refuses to Fade

The Pixel 3 and Galaxy S10 Plus represented two divergent philosophies in mobile technology. Google prioritized clean software, computational photography, and long-term updates. Samsung emphasized hardware versatility, expansive displays, and customization. Both were flagship-tier in their time, but neither was perfect. The Pixel 3 had middling battery life and no headphone jack; the S10 Plus packed power but ran heavy software atop Android.

Yet, both phones achieved something rare: they built loyal followings. Users didn’t just tolerate them—they loved them. And even today, many continue using these devices daily, not out of necessity, but preference. This loyalty fuels ongoing debates. When someone says, “My Pixel 3 still handles everything I need,” or “The S10+ screen is better than most mid-range phones today,” they’re not denying progress—they’re questioning whether progress always equals improvement.

“Sometimes the best phone isn’t the newest one. It’s the one that fits your life.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Researcher at TechInsight Group

Why These Phones Still Matter in 2024

The persistence of this debate reveals several underlying truths about consumer behavior and smartphone evolution:

• Durability and Longevity: Many Pixel 3 and S10 Plus units are still functional, thanks to solid build quality and replaceable batteries (in the case of the S10 Plus).
• Software Simplicity: Stock Android on the Pixel 3 remains snappy, even if app compatibility is waning. Bloat-free interfaces age better than heavily skinned OS versions.
• Photography Benchmarking: The Pixel 3’s camera, powered by Google’s HDR+ and Night Sight, set standards that some current mid-range phones still fail to match.
• User Autonomy: Older devices often allow more root access, sideloading, and modding—appealing to tinkerers frustrated by locked-down modern firmware.

Tip: If you're holding onto an older flagship, consider flashing a lightweight custom ROM to extend usability beyond official support.

Head-to-Head: A 2024 Reality Check

Let’s compare the two devices not as they were in 2018, but as they stand today—factoring in aging hardware, software obsolescence, and real-world usability.

Feature	Google Pixel 3	Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
Original OS	Android 9 Pie	Android 9 with One UI 1.0
Latest Supported OS	Android 12 (no security updates after Jan 2023)	Android 13 with One UI 5 (security updates until Q2 2024)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845	Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855 (U.S.)
Rear Camera (Main)	12.2 MP, f/1.8, OIS	12 MP, f/1.5–2.4, Dual Aperture, OIS
Battery Capacity	2915 mAh	4100 mAh
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (up to 512 GB microSD)
Headphone Jack	No	Yes
Current Usability (2024)	Limited; app crashes common, slow charging	Moderate; usable for basic tasks, social media, calls

While the S10 Plus technically wins on paper—larger battery, expandable storage, longer update cycle—the Pixel 3 counters with superior software consistency and arguably better long-term camera reliability due to Google’s aggressive cloud integration and image processing algorithms.

A Real-World Example: Sarah’s Daily Driver Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance writer from Portland, has used her unlocked Pixel 3 since 2019. She upgraded her plan, replaced the battery twice, and uses a rugged case. “I don’t game, I don’t shoot 4K video,” she explains. “I write, browse, take photos of my dog, and video-call clients. My Pixel does all that. Every time I try a newer phone, it feels bloated. Ads in the launcher, apps I can’t uninstall, forced dark mode toggles—it’s exhausting.”

Last year, she borrowed a friend’s S10 Plus. “I liked the dual front cameras for better video framing, and the headphone jack was nice. But the Samsung keyboard kept changing settings on its own. I missed the simplicity.” She returned to her Pixel 3—and still uses it.

Sarah’s story isn’t unique. For users whose needs haven’t scaled with device capabilities, older flagships represent peak efficiency: powerful enough, small enough, and simple enough.

Checklist: Is Your Old Flagship Still Viable?

If you’re considering sticking with—or returning to—an older device like the Pixel 3 or S10 Plus, ask yourself the following:

1. Does it boot reliably and run your essential apps without constant crashing?
2. Is the battery health above 75% (or have you replaced it)?
3. Are critical services (banking, messaging, email) still supported?
4. Can you accept limited or no security updates?
5. Do you prioritize privacy and control over convenience features?
6. Are repair parts and community support still available?
7. Does the size and weight suit your daily carry preferences?

If you answered “yes” to most, your aging flagship may still serve you well—even in 2024.

The Psychology Behind the Debate

Debates like Pixel 3 vs S10 Plus endure because they’re rarely just about specs. They’re about identity, trust, and disillusionment with the pace of modern tech. Many users feel that smartphones stopped improving meaningfully after 2019. Cameras hit a plateau. Screen sizes became unwieldy. Update policies remained inconsistent outside Apple and Google’s latest models.

In this context, revisiting older devices becomes a form of resistance. Choosing a Pixel 3 isn’t just choosing a phone—it’s rejecting bloat. Opting for the S10 Plus might mean valuing repairability and audio quality over trend-chasing innovations like under-display cameras or telescopic zoom lenses that rarely deliver in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 3 still receive security updates?

No. Google ended official support for the Pixel 3 in January 2023. No further security patches or OS upgrades will be released. Using it today carries inherent risks, especially for sensitive transactions.

Is the Galaxy S10 Plus better than new mid-range phones?

In specific areas—like display quality and headphone support—yes. Its Dynamic AMOLED screen remains vibrant and accurate. However, modern mid-range phones offer better battery life, faster charging, and improved base cameras thanks to AI enhancements.

Why do people still praise the Pixel 3 camera?

Google’s computational photography algorithms, particularly Night Sight and HDR+, extracted exceptional detail and dynamic range from a single sensor. Even today, its point-and-shoot consistency outperforms many dual- and triple-camera setups that rely on hardware over software intelligence.

Conclusion: The Debate Isn’t About the Past—It’s a Warning for the Future

The fact that people are still debating the Pixel 3 and S10 Plus in 2024 isn’t a sign of stagnation—it’s a critique. It highlights how many modern smartphones sacrifice usability, longevity, and user control in pursuit of novelty. These older devices remind us that excellence isn’t always measured in megapixels or GHz.

They also challenge the assumption that newer is inherently better. As sustainability becomes a greater concern and e-waste climbs globally, extending the life of capable devices should be encouraged, not mocked.

🚀 Still using a Pixel 3 or S10 Plus? Or did you switch back after trying newer models? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help others rethink their next upgrade.