Pixel 4 Vs Galaxy S10 Three Years Later Is The Pixel Still Worth It 5

It’s been over three years since the Google Pixel 4 and Samsung Galaxy S10 hit the market—two flagships that represented their respective brands at the peak of Android innovation. Today, in 2024, neither device receives official updates, and hardware wear is inevitable. Yet, many users still rely on them daily. The question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s practical: for someone on a tight budget or avoiding e-waste, does the Pixel 4 hold up against the Galaxy S10 when both are used secondhand or as backup phones?

The answer depends on what you value most: pure software experience and camera quality, or hardware longevity and versatility.

Software & Update Longevity: Where Pixel Still Shines

One of the Pixel 4’s strongest selling points at launch was its clean, uncluttered Android experience with guaranteed timely updates directly from Google. That advantage carried through its lifecycle: the Pixel 4 launched with Android 10 and received updates up to Android 13—the final version it supports. No further security patches are expected beyond early 2023.

In contrast, the Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9 (One UI 1.0) and received four major OS upgrades, reaching Android 13 with One UI 5.1—a rare achievement in the Android world. Samsung also provided monthly security updates longer than most competitors, though these ended in late 2023.

While both devices are now update-complete, the Pixel’s adherence to stock Android gives it a cleaner interface and fewer background processes. This becomes noticeable over time, especially on aging hardware.

“Even outdated Pixels often feel snappier than contemporaries because they aren’t burdened by bloatware.” — David Kim, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Tip: If you're using either phone today, disable unused apps and animations to improve responsiveness. On the Pixel, this means turning off Live Caption and reducing transition scales in Developer Options.

Performance & Hardware: S10 Edges Ahead

Under the hood, the Galaxy S10 had a clear advantage. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 in some regions), it offered faster CPU and GPU performance than the Pixel 4’s same-chip configuration. But more importantly, Samsung offered multiple RAM configurations—up to 8GB—while the Pixel 4 maxed out at 6GB.

This difference matters in multitasking. By 2024 standards, both struggle with heavy apps like Chrome or modern social media clients, but the S10 handles app switching slightly better. Additionally, the S10’s larger 3400mAh battery outperforms the Pixel 4’s modest 2800mAh cell, especially considering the latter’s aggressive 90Hz “Smooth Display” mode.

Feature	Google Pixel 4	Samsung Galaxy S10
Processor	Snapdragon 855	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820
RAM	6GB	6GB / 8GB
Battery	2800mAh	3400mAh
Charging	18W wired, 11W wireless	15W wired, 9W wireless
Storage	64GB / 128GB (no expandable)	128GB / 512GB (microSD support)

The S10’s microSD slot is a significant long-term benefit. After three years, cloud storage costs add up; having physical expansion keeps local media accessible without recurring fees.

Camera Quality: Pixel’s Legacy Endures

If there’s one area where the Pixel 4 still impresses in 2024, it’s photography. Despite having fewer lenses than the S10 (dual rear vs triple), Google’s computational photography magic—especially in Night Sight and HDR+—delivers remarkably balanced, natural-looking photos even in challenging light.

The S10’s 12MP main sensor is competent, and its ultrawide lens adds flexibility, but dynamic range and low-light consistency fall short of the Pixel’s tuned processing. Portrait mode on the Pixel also produces more accurate edge detection and background blur, thanks to its dedicated depth sensor and machine learning models.

Video performance favors the S10 slightly due to superior stabilization and stereo recording, but for stills, the Pixel remains the choice for enthusiasts who prioritize image authenticity over features.

Tip: To maximize photo quality on either device, shoot in daylight whenever possible and avoid digital zoom. Use Pro mode on the S10 or Top Shot on the Pixel for better control.

Real-World Example: Daily Driver at Year Four

Consider Mark, a freelance writer who bought a used Pixel 4a in 2021 and upgraded to a refurbished Pixel 4 XL in 2022 for the better camera. Three years post-launch, he still uses it full-time. His routine involves email, note-taking, web browsing, and occasional video calls. He disabled the 90Hz refresh rate to extend battery life and uses a lightweight launcher.

“It stutters sometimes in Chrome,” he admits, “but Gmail, Docs, and Camera work flawlessly. I take photos for my blog, and people think I’m using a newer phone.”

Meanwhile, his friend Lisa uses a Galaxy S10+. She appreciates the larger screen for reading and the headphone jack for her commute. However, she replaced the battery last year and notices occasional lag in Samsung Messages.

Their experiences reflect a broader trend: Pixel users tolerate hardware limitations for software purity and camera excellence; S10 owners enjoy hardware flexibility but face gradual degradation.

Maintenance Checklist for Aging Flagships (2024)

To extend the life of any three-year-old smartphone, follow this checklist:

• Replace the battery if capacity is below 80%. Both phones support professional replacement.
• Factory reset to remove clutter and restore baseline speed.
• Use a lightweight Android launcher like Nova or Lawnchair to reduce load.
• Disable motion effects and live wallpapers to preserve resources.
• Install a privacy-focused browser like Firefox Focus to reduce memory usage.
• Limit background app refresh for non-essential services.
• Enable dark mode system-wide to save power on OLED screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 4 run Android 14?

No. The Pixel 4 reached its maximum supported version with Android 13. Attempting to install Android 14 via custom ROMs may compromise stability and security.

Which phone has better resale value now?

Neither holds strong resale value, but the Galaxy S10 generally sells for $50–70 used, while the Pixel 4 fetches $40–60 due to shorter software support and smaller fanbase.

Is the Face Unlock on Pixel 4 still secure?

While fast and convenient, the Pixel 4’s face unlock lacks a liveness check and can be fooled by photos in certain lighting. It’s less secure than Samsung’s iris scanner or modern fingerprint systems. Use a PIN for sensitive apps.

Final Verdict: Is the Pixel 4 Still Worth It?

In absolute terms, neither the Pixel 4 nor the Galaxy S10 should be anyone’s first choice in 2024 if budget allows for newer models. However, if you’re choosing between the two as a secondary device, gift, or emergency phone, the decision hinges on priorities.

The Pixel 4 wins for purists: those who value clean Android, excellent point-and-shoot photography, and Google’s ecosystem integration. Its compact size and responsive software make it ideal for minimalists.

The Galaxy S10 offers better long-term usability: larger battery, expandable storage, headphone jack, and slightly more durable build. It’s the pragmatic pick for users who need reliability and versatility.

Ultimately, both phones exemplify how software support and hardware design shape longevity. The Pixel proves that intelligent optimization can stretch limited hardware, while the S10 shows that robust specs provide resilience—even as software layers grow heavier.

💬 Still using a Pixel 4 or S10? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal, and what finally made you upgrade? Join the conversation and help others decide whether these classics deserve a second life.