Pixel 5 Vs S10 Three Years Later Is The Pixel Still Worth The Hype

When the Google Pixel 5 launched in 2020, it entered a market already dominated by Samsung’s Galaxy S series. The Galaxy S10, released a year earlier in 2019, had set a high bar for flagship Android devices with its refined design, powerful hardware, and versatile camera system. Fast forward three years, and both phones are well beyond their prime—yet many users still rely on them daily. So, how do they hold up today? Is the Pixel 5’s software polish and long-term update promise enough to outshine the S10’s raw power and hardware flexibility?

This isn’t just a specs comparison—it’s a real-world evaluation of longevity, user experience, and ongoing relevance in an era where flagship phones are expected to last longer than ever.

Performance After Three Years: Software vs Hardware Advantage

The Galaxy S10 was built on the foundation of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855, a top-tier chipset at the time, paired with 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage. In contrast, the Pixel 5 used the mid-range Snapdragon 765G, with 8GB of RAM but slower storage speeds. On paper, the S10 should have pulled ahead in sustained performance—but real-world usage tells a different story.

By 2023, both devices run Android 13 (with the S10 limited to Android 12 officially, though community builds extend support). Despite its weaker chipset, the Pixel 5 handles modern apps and multitasking more smoothly. Why? Stock Android optimization. Google’s clean software stack, minimal bloat, and aggressive memory management allow the 765G to punch above its weight. The S10, burdened by Samsung’s One UI layer and background services, often stutters during app switches or when launching resource-heavy tools like Chrome with multiple tabs.

Tip: If you're holding onto either device, disable unused apps and reduce animation scales in Developer Options to improve responsiveness.

Battery aging also plays a role. The S10’s 3400mAh battery struggles to last a full day with moderate use in 2023, while the Pixel 5’s 4080mAh cell still manages 12–14 hours of screen-on time for most users. Combined with adaptive battery learning, this gives the Pixel a tangible edge in daily usability.

Camera Comparison: Consistency Over Specs

The S10 launched with a triple rear setup: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. The Pixel 5 featured a dual-camera system: 12.2MP main and 16MP ultra-wide. On spec sheets, Samsung wins. In practice, Google’s computational photography keeps the Pixel competitive—even today.

In daylight, both phones produce sharp, detailed images. The S10’s telephoto lens allows 2x optical zoom, useful for portraits, but its processing tends to oversharpen and over-saturate. The Pixel 5 applies a more natural tone, better dynamic range, and superior HDR+ processing. Its Night Sight mode remains impressive, often outperforming even newer mid-range devices in low light.

Video quality is where the gap widens. The S10 supports 4K at 60fps, while the Pixel 5 caps at 4K/30fps. However, the Pixel’s stabilization—especially in “cinematic pan” mode—is noticeably smoother. For casual vloggers or social media creators, the Pixel delivers more consistent results without extra gear.

“Google’s focus on software-driven image enhancement has allowed older Pixels to remain relevant long after hardware competitors fade.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens

Software Support and Update Longevity

This is where the Pixel 5 truly shines. Google promised three years of OS updates and five years of security patches for the Pixel 5—unheard of in 2020. As of 2023, it remains on the latest Android version with monthly security updates. The Galaxy S10, despite being a flagship, received only two major OS upgrades (up to Android 11 officially, extended to Android 12 via One UI 4), and security updates ceased in 2022.

Running outdated software isn’t just about missing features—it’s a security risk. Without regular patches, the S10 is increasingly vulnerable to exploits, especially when downloading apps that assume modern OS protections. The Pixel 5, meanwhile, continues to receive Google Play Protect enhancements and sandboxing improvements that keep it safer.

Additionally, Pixel-exclusive features like Call Screen, Hold for Me, and Live Translate still function reliably. These tools, deeply integrated into the OS, offer practical benefits no third-party app can replicate seamlessly.

Durability and Real-World Longevity: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who bought a Pixel 5 in October 2020 for its reliable camera and clean Android experience. He travels frequently and uses his phone for navigation, client communication, and editing Lightroom Mobile presets. By late 2022, he noticed slight battery degradation but replaced it at a local repair shop for $45. The phone now runs Android 13 with no lag, and he still uses Live View selfies for quick client headshots.

His friend Lena, using an S10 from 2019, struggled with overheating during photo uploads by 2021. In 2022, her device failed to receive critical banking app updates due to OS incompatibility. She switched to a newer phone not because the S10 broke, but because it became functionally obsolete.

This reflects a broader trend: hardware durability matters, but long-term software support determines actual usability lifespan.

Comparison Table: Pixel 5 vs S10 (2023 Perspective)

Feature	Pixel 5	Galaxy S10
Original OS	Android 11	Android 9
Latest OS (2023)	Android 13	Android 12 (unofficially)
Security Updates	Monthly until 2025	Ended in 2022
Battery Life (Current)	12–14 hrs SOT	6–8 hrs SOT
Camera Processing	Natural, HDR+, Night Sight	Vibrant, less consistent in low light
Repairability	Moderate (replaceable battery)	Difficult (glued battery, curved screen)
Unique Features	Call Screen, Live Translate, Hold for Me	DeX, Ultrasonic Fingerprint, IP68

Checklist: Is Your Old Phone Still Viable in 2023?

• ✔️ Does it run Android 12 or higher?
• ✔️ Is it receiving regular security updates?
• ✔️ Can it handle your essential apps (banking, messaging, maps) without crashing?
• ✔️ Does the battery last through a typical workday?
• ✔️ Is the camera sufficient for your needs (social media, scanning documents)?
• ✔️ Can you replace the battery affordably?

If you answered yes to most, your device may still be worth keeping—especially if it’s a Pixel 5. The S10, while once a powerhouse, falls short on updates and battery reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 5 still handle gaming in 2023?

Light to moderate gaming—yes. Games like Genshin Impact will struggle due to the 765G’s limitations, but titles like Among Us, Minecraft, or Turn-Based RPGs run smoothly. Lower graphics settings help.

Is the S10’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor still reliable?

Yes, but it degrades over time. Some users report slow recognition or false rejections after three years, especially with dry fingers. The Pixel 5’s rear-mounted sensor is less convenient but more consistent.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Neither commands high resale today, but unlocked Pixel 5 units sell slightly better due to software appeal. However, overall demand for both is low as buyers shift to 5G-capable models.

Final Verdict: The Pixel 5 Wins on Longevity

Three years later, the Pixel 5 emerges as the more enduring device—not because it was the most powerful, but because it was designed with longevity in mind. Google prioritized software support, battery capacity, and meaningful AI-driven features over raw specs. The result is a phone that, while modest at launch, still feels functional, secure, and surprisingly capable in 2023.

The Galaxy S10, while groundbreaking in its time, exemplifies the pitfalls of hardware-centric flagships: rapid software abandonment, fragile design, and shorter effective lifespan. It served well, but its utility has faded.

If you’re still using either phone, know this: the Pixel 5 isn’t just “still okay”—it’s proof that thoughtful software and update commitment can outlast even the most impressive hardware.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Share your experience—what keeps yours running, and what finally made you upgrade? Join the conversation below.