Samsung S8 Vs S10 Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year

For users still holding onto a Samsung Galaxy S8, the question isn’t just about whether the S10 is better—it’s whether the upgrade makes sense today. Released five years apart in a rapidly evolving smartphone market, the S8 (2017) and S10 (2019) represent different generations of mobile technology. While both were flagship devices in their time, real-world usability in 2024 demands more than nostalgia. This article breaks down the key differences and evaluates if moving from the S8 to the S10 still delivers meaningful value.

Performance and Hardware: Generational Leap

The most noticeable difference between the S8 and S10 lies under the hood. The Galaxy S8 was powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895, depending on region—both solid for their time but now significantly outpaced by modern chipsets. In contrast, the S10 uses the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, offering up to 45% better CPU performance and nearly double the GPU efficiency.

This translates into tangible improvements: faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better handling of graphically intensive games or AR applications. Users upgrading from an S8 will immediately notice reduced lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy websites.

Tip: If your S8 feels sluggish even after clearing cache and disabling background apps, hardware limitations are likely the culprit—upgrading could restore responsiveness.

Beyond the processor, RAM capacity increases from 4GB on the S8 to 8GB on the S10. This allows for more background apps to remain active without reloading, improving overall fluidity. Storage also improves, with base models jumping from 64GB to 128GB, and expandable storage now supporting up to 512GB via microSD.

Display and Design: Refinement Over Revolution

Both phones feature Samsung’s signature Infinity Display with curved edges and minimal bezels. The S8 introduced this design language, while the S10 refined it. The S8 has a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel, whereas the S10 bumps up to 6.1 inches with the same resolution—but improved peak brightness (up to 1200 nits vs. 1000 nits) and HDR10+ support.

The S10 also replaces the front-facing home button with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. While innovative at launch, early adopters reported mixed reliability. However, compared to the S8’s rear-mounted sensor—which required awkward thumb positioning—the in-display option offers a more seamless experience once calibrated properly.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	Samsung Galaxy S10
Display Size	5.8 inches	6.1 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2960	1440 x 3040
Fingerprint Sensor	Rear-mounted	In-display (ultrasonic)
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Headphone Jack	Yes	Yes

Design-wise, the S10 feels slightly heavier (157g vs. 155g) but more balanced due to revised weight distribution. Both are glass-backed and feel premium, though the S10’s matte finish options reduce fingerprint smudges.

Camera Capabilities: A Clear Upgrade

The S8 launched with a single 12MP rear camera featuring Dual Pixel autofocus and f/1.7 aperture—an excellent shooter for 2017. The S10 expands this into a triple-camera system: 12MP main (f/1.5–f/2.4 variable aperture), 12MP telephoto (2x optical zoom), and 16MP ultra-wide lens. This trio enables greater creative flexibility, especially for landscape, architecture, or group shots where field of view matters.

In practical terms, low-light performance is noticeably better on the S10. The adaptive aperture adjusts based on lighting conditions, preserving detail in shadows without overexposing highlights. Video recording jumps from 4K@30fps on the S8 to 4K@60fps on the S10, making footage smoother and more cinematic.

“Even two generations apart, the jump in computational photography between the S8 and S10 is substantial. The ultra-wide lens alone opens up new compositional possibilities.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Front cameras improve too: 8MP on the S8 versus 10MP on the S10, with better skin tone rendering and wider dynamic range. Portrait mode is more accurate thanks to depth-sensing algorithms.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Meets Innovation

The S8 packs a 3000mAh battery, which was average in 2017 but struggles today with modern app demands. The S10 increases capacity to 3400mAh—a modest gain, but paired with a more efficient chipset and optimized software, results in significantly longer endurance. Real-world testing shows the S10 lasting 20–30% longer on mixed usage, often reaching end-of-day charge with moderate use.

Charging capabilities take a leap forward. While both support fast charging and wireless charging, the S10 introduces reverse wireless charging—allowing you to power up earbuds, smartwatches, or another phone by placing it on the back. It’s not essential, but convenient in emergencies.

Charging Comparison

• S8: 15W fast charging, Qi wireless charging
• S10: 15W fast charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging, Wireless PowerShare (reverse charging)

Tip: Enable Power Saving Mode on your S8 to extend battery life, but recognize that aging lithium-ion cells may no longer hold full charge—replacement or upgrade becomes inevitable.

Software Support and Long-Term Viability

As of 2024, neither device receives major Android OS updates. The S8 topped out at Android 9 with security patches ending in 2020. The S10 reached Android 12 and received monthly security updates until late 2023. This lack of ongoing support poses risks: unpatched vulnerabilities, compatibility issues with newer apps, and degraded performance over time.

However, the S10 benefits from being part of Samsung’s extended security program, meaning it stayed safer longer. For users concerned about privacy or relying on banking, messaging, or productivity apps, this extended lifecycle gives the S10 a clear edge.

Custom ROMs like LineageOS offer a workaround for tech-savvy users, but they require technical knowledge and void warranties. Most average users won’t pursue them, making official support a deciding factor.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?

1. Is your S8 experiencing frequent crashes or slow response times?
2. Have you noticed apps failing to update or function correctly?
3. Does the battery drain within half a day under normal use?
4. Are you missing features like ultra-wide photos or reverse charging?
5. Do you rely on secure authentication and up-to-date encryption?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading to the S10—or a similar-tier used device—makes practical sense.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Decision

Maria, a freelance photographer, used her S8 for six years. She loved its compact size and clean interface but began facing limitations. Her editing apps crashed frequently, and she couldn’t capture wide-angle shots without carrying a separate camera. After testing a friend’s S10, she upgraded. The ability to shoot in ultra-wide mode directly from her phone eliminated extra gear. Improved processing speed allowed her to preview edits in real-time. Though she missed the smaller form factor, the productivity gains justified the change.

She notes: “It wasn’t just about having a newer phone. It was about staying competitive. My S8 couldn’t keep up with client expectations anymore.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S8 still handle daily tasks in 2024?

Yes, for basic use—calls, texts, light browsing, and older apps. However, newer versions of social media, navigation, and streaming apps run sluggishly. Security risks increase without updates.

Is the S10 available new in 2024?

No, it was discontinued in 2021. But certified refurbished units are widely available through retailers like Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, and Samsung’s own marketplace, often under $200.

Should I skip to a newer model like the S23?

If budget allows, yes. The S23 offers 5G, longer software support (until at least 2027), and vastly superior AI-powered cameras. But for cost-conscious users, a refurbished S10 remains a capable mid-tier option.

Final Verdict: Is Upgrading Worth It?

Upgrading from the S8 to the S10 in 2024 isn’t about chasing cutting-edge specs—it’s about reclaiming reliability, security, and functionality. The S10 delivers meaningful improvements: faster performance, better cameras, longer battery life, and more recent software support. While neither phone qualifies as “future-proof,” the S10 extends usable lifespan by several years compared to the aging S8.

For users clinging to an S8 out of habit or budget constraints, consider a refurbished S10 as a pragmatic bridge. It offers a genuine quality-of-life upgrade without the premium price tag of current flagships. Technology should serve you, not frustrate you. If your phone slows you down more than helps, it’s time to move forward.

💬 Still using your S8? Share your experience or upgrade story in the comments below—we’d love to hear what made you stay or go!