Samsung S10 Plus Vs Lg V40 Three Years Later Is The Upgrade Even Worth It

It’s been over three years since both the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus and the LG V40 ThinQ hit the market. Once flagship rivals in the Android space, they now sit firmly in the “legacy device” category—still functional, but no longer at the cutting edge. For users clinging to either phone, a pressing question remains: if you’re currently on one, does upgrading to the other make sense today? More importantly, is there any meaningful benefit left in switching between two aging devices?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as checking spec sheets. Real-world usability, software support, battery longevity, and ecosystem integration all play critical roles when evaluating value years after launch. This deep dive compares both phones across key categories, using long-term ownership data, user feedback, and technical benchmarks to determine whether an upgrade still holds merit.

Performance and Hardware Longevity

At launch, both phones were powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 (LG V40) and 855 (S10 Plus), placing them at the top tier of mobile processing power. The S10 Plus had a slight edge with its newer chipset, offering around 15–20% better CPU and GPU performance under load. Three years later, that difference has narrowed due to thermal throttling, battery degradation, and background system bloat.

In daily use, both devices handle basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media without issue. However, the S10 Plus maintains smoother multitasking thanks to its base 8GB RAM configuration (expandable to 12GB with virtual memory), compared to the V40’s fixed 6GB. Apps reload less frequently, and transitions between screens remain snappier on Samsung’s device—even in 2024.

Tip: If you're holding onto either phone, disable unused apps and animations to extend usable life and improve responsiveness.

Battery Degradation Patterns

The S10 Plus launched with a 4,100mAh battery; the V40 came with 3,300mAh. That 800mAh gap was significant then—and it’s even more pronounced now. After three years of charging cycles, most V40 units report 70–75% battery health, limiting them to half-day usage under moderate loads. The S10 Plus, while also degraded, typically retains 80–85% capacity, allowing for full-day use with light optimization.

Limited official replacement options further tilt this in Samsung’s favor. Third-party V40 batteries are scarce and often low-quality, whereas S10 Plus replacements remain widely available and reasonably priced.

Camera Quality in 2024 Conditions

Both phones were marketed heavily on their camera systems. The LG V40 featured a triple rear setup: 12MP main + 16MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto. The S10 Plus matched that with a similar trio: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. On paper, they were equals. In practice, differences emerge in consistency and post-processing.

Samsung’s computational photography algorithms have evolved significantly since 2019. Even though the S10 Plus no longer receives major camera updates, its existing HDR+ and scene optimizer still outperform LG’s static tuning. Low-light shots on the S10 Plus retain more detail and exhibit less noise. The V40’s photos tend to look flatter, with weaker dynamic range and inconsistent color grading.

“After three years, software support determines camera quality more than hardware.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Front cameras tell a similar story. The S10 Plus dual front shooters (10MP standard + 8MP RGB depth) enable better portrait mode effects and wider selfie angles. The V40’s single 8MP front cam struggles with background separation and lacks auto-HDR in many third-party apps.

Video Capabilities Compared

Feature	Samsung S10 Plus	LG V40
Max Video Resolution	4K @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps
Stabilization (Rear)	Dual OIS + EIS	OIS (main only)
Audio Zoom	No	Yes
Slow Motion	960fps @ 720p	240fps @ 1080p

While the V40 introduced innovative features like Audio Zoom—which amplifies sound from the direction the camera is pointing—it hasn’t aged well. The feature is gimmicky in real use and rarely improves recording clarity. Meanwhile, the S10 Plus offers higher frame rate 4K video and superior stabilization, making it more reliable for content creators relying on smooth footage.

Software Support and Security Updates

This is where the gap becomes undeniable. Samsung committed to four years of security updates for the S10 series, meaning most units received patches into early 2023. Some regional variants even saw minor Android version upgrades beyond Android 12. LG, however, ended full support for the V40 by late 2020. No security patches have been issued since January 2021.

Running an unsupported OS introduces real risks: unpatched vulnerabilities, compatibility issues with modern banking and authentication apps, and lack of Google Play Services optimization. Many users report login failures or app crashes on the V40 simply because certificate handling has changed in newer backend systems.

Tip: Avoid entering sensitive financial information on devices without current security updates.

Upgrade Path Considerations

If you're still using a V40 in 2024, upgrading to an S10 Plus—even a used one—delivers tangible benefits: better battery, stronger performance, and more recent software protection. But the reverse? Moving from an S10 Plus to a V40 makes little sense. You’d be downgrading in nearly every measurable category.

Real-World Ownership Case Study

Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who relied on his LG V40 from 2019 to 2022 for client previews and social media content. By mid-2022, he noticed increasing lag when editing JPEGs in Lightroom Mobile. Battery life dropped below 4 hours of screen time. Worse, WhatsApp stopped verifying his account due to outdated TLS protocols.

He purchased a refurbished S10 Plus for $180. The change was immediate: faster app launches, improved night mode shots, and restored functionality in secure apps. While not a new flagship, the S10 Plus extended his budget-friendly workflow by another 18 months. His verdict: “Switching from the V40 to the S10 felt like stepping back into usability.”

Checklist: Is Your Old Flagship Still Viable?

• ✅ Does your phone receive monthly security updates?
• ✅ Can it run essential apps (banking, messaging, navigation) without crashing?
• ✅ Is battery life sufficient for a full day of light use?
• ✅ Are replacement parts or repair services still available?
• ✅ Does the camera produce shareable-quality images consistently?

If three or more answers are “no,” it’s time to consider a change—even if it’s just to another older but better-supported model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the LG V40 still be used safely in 2024?

Only for non-sensitive tasks. Without security patches, it's vulnerable to exploits. Avoid logging into financial accounts or storing personal data on the device.

Is the S10 Plus future-proof for another year?

Not fully, but it remains functional. With careful app management and a battery replacement, it can serve reliably through 2024 for light to moderate users.

Are there any hidden costs in upgrading between these models?

Yes. Transferring data may require workarounds due to discontinued Smart Switch support on older OS versions. Also, case and accessory availability has dwindled for both, especially the V40.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For LG V40 owners, moving to a used or refurbished S10 Plus is one of the most cost-effective upgrades available under $200. You gain better performance, longer battery life, and critically, more recent software support. It’s not a leap to modern standards, but it restores confidence in daily usability.

For S10 Plus users considering a switch to the V40—perhaps due to price or nostalgia—the answer is clear: don’t. There’s no advantage. You’ll sacrifice speed, battery, and security for minimal savings.

The broader lesson here extends beyond these two models: in the post-flagship lifecycle, software support and component durability matter more than initial specs. Samsung’s longer update policy and stronger ecosystem give the S10 Plus a meaningful edge, even years later.

🚀 Still using an older flagship? Evaluate your device against the checklist above and share your experience. Your insights could help others decide whether to hold on—or let go.