Samsung S10 Vs S8 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Am I Missing Out

If you're still using the Samsung Galaxy S8 and wondering whether it's time to move up to the S10, you're not alone. Released in 2017, the S8 was a flagship marvel—curved display, powerful internals, and sleek design. The S10, arriving two years later in 2019, built on that legacy with meaningful upgrades. But does the difference justify an upgrade, especially when your S8 might still be functioning well? This breakdown compares key areas like performance, camera, battery life, software support, and real-world usability to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Display Evolution

The S8 introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display—a nearly bezel-less front with curved edges that felt futuristic at the time. The 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED screen delivered vibrant colors and deep blacks, setting a new standard for smartphones. The S10 refined this concept rather than reinventing it. It features a slightly larger 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, offering better brightness and contrast. More importantly, the S10 adopted an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, replacing the rear-mounted sensor of the S8, which was often criticized for being awkwardly placed next to the camera.

Build-wise, both phones are premium glass-and-metal devices, but the S10 adds IP68 water resistance (which the S8 also has), improved durability, and a more ergonomic shape. The S10 also ditches the micro USB port for USB-C 3.1, enabling faster data transfer and charging.

Tip: If you use your phone outdoors frequently, the S10’s higher peak brightness (up to 1215 nits) makes a noticeable difference in sunlight readability.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the jump from the S8 to the S10 is substantial. The S8 ran on either the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810, depending on region—both excellent for their time. The S10 upgraded to the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, delivering around 30–40% better CPU and GPU performance. Real-world impact? Smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better gaming performance, especially in graphics-intensive titles.

RAM also increased—from 4GB in the S8 to 8GB in the S10—making background app retention significantly better. Storage options expanded too: while the S8 started at 64GB, the S10 launched with 128GB as standard and supported expandable storage up to 512GB via microSD.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	Samsung Galaxy S10
Processor	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820
RAM	4GB	8GB
Storage	64GB (expandable)	128GB+ (expandable)
Battery	3000mAh	3400mAh
Charging	Fast & Wireless	Fast, Wireless, Reverse Wireless

The S10 also introduced reverse wireless charging, allowing you to power up accessories like Galaxy Buds or another phone by placing them on the back. It’s a small feature, but convenient in emergencies.

Camera: A Meaningful Leap Forward

The S8 had a solid 12MP rear camera with Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization—capable of great photos in daylight and respectable low-light shots. The S10, however, brought a dual-aperture lens (f/1.5 and f/2.4), adjusting automatically based on lighting conditions. It also added a second 16MP ultra-wide lens, opening up creative possibilities for landscapes, architecture, and group shots.

In practical terms, the S10 captures more detail, handles dynamic range better, and offers greater flexibility. Front-facing, the S8 had an 8MP selfie shooter; the S10 upgraded to 10MP with autofocus and better skin tone rendering.

“Smartphone photography isn’t just about megapixels—it’s about versatility. The S10’s ultra-wide lens changed how users compose shots.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens Review

If you enjoy taking varied photos or share content on social media, the S10’s camera system is a clear step up. Video recording also improved, supporting 4K at 60fps and better stabilization.

Battery Life and Software Longevity

The S8’s 3000mAh battery was adequate in 2017 but became limiting over time, especially with heavier usage. The S10’s 3400mAh cell provides noticeably longer endurance—often lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. Combined with more efficient hardware and software optimization, the S10 manages power better despite the larger screen.

Software support is a critical factor. Samsung typically provides 2 major Android OS updates and 3 years of security patches for its flagships. The S8 received updates up to Android 10, while the S10 got Android 12 and continued security updates into 2022. As of 2024, neither device receives official updates, but the S10 stayed relevant longer.

Tip: If you rely on banking apps, messaging platforms, or productivity tools, newer phones tend to maintain compatibility longer due to updated security protocols.

Real-World Decision: Should You Upgrade?

Let’s consider a realistic scenario. Meet Lena, a freelance graphic designer who’s used her S8 since 2017. It still powers on quickly, handles email and social media, and takes decent photos. But she’s noticed apps like Adobe Express and Instagram take longer to load, and multitasking between design tools feels sluggish. She recently missed a client deadline because her phone froze during a video call.

Lena considered buying a budget phone but realized performance mattered for her work. After testing the S10, she found the extra RAM, smoother interface, and reliable camera made a tangible difference. For her, upgrading wasn’t about luxury—it was about maintaining professionalism.

If your S8 still meets your daily needs—calls, texts, light browsing, occasional photos—and you don’t mind slower performance, holding on is perfectly reasonable. But if you’re experiencing lag, app crashes, or limited storage, the S10 offers a balanced upgrade path without jumping to today’s premium prices.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?

1. Your S8 takes noticeably longer to open apps or switch tasks.
2. You’ve hit storage limits and can’t easily offload data.
3. Camera quality no longer meets your standards (e.g., blurry low-light shots).
4. You want better battery life for all-day use.
5. Apps or services are phasing out support for older Android versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S8 still run modern apps in 2024?

Yes, many basic apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and web browsers still function. However, newer versions of demanding apps (like TikTok, Snapchat, or editing tools) may run slowly or lack features due to hardware limitations.

Is the S10 available new anymore?

The S10 is discontinued, but you can find refurbished or lightly used units from reputable sellers. Prices typically range from $150–$250, making it a cost-effective upgrade over current flagships.

Does the S10 feel much larger than the S8?

Slightly. The S10 is 6.1 inches compared to the S8’s 5.8 inches, but the slimmer bezels and optimized weight distribution make it comfortable to hold. Most users adapt within a day.

Final Thoughts: Weighing Value Over Hype

Upgrading from the S8 to the S10 isn’t about chasing the latest trend—it’s about gaining measurable improvements in speed, camera capability, and usability. The S10 delivers where it counts: daily performance, photo flexibility, and longer software relevance. While the S8 was groundbreaking in its time, the S10 represents a mature evolution of that vision.

If you're frustrated with slowdowns, limited storage, or outdated features, stepping up to the S10 is a smart, budget-conscious choice. But if your S8 still serves you well, there's no shame in holding on. Technology should enhance your life, not dictate it.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your current pain points, check refurbished S10 listings with warranty, and upgrade only when it adds real value to your day. Share your experience—have you upgraded or held on? Your story could help others decide.