Samsung has officially taken the wraps off its 2019 smartphones, and as expected, we're getting three brand new devices: the Galaxy S10, the Galaxy S10+, and the Galaxy S10e. Here's everything you need to know.
What's new?
Bigger screens with camera cut-outs
The Galaxy S10 family boast the first major redesign we've seen on a Samsung flagship since the Galaxy S8 back in 2017. The screens are one step closer to edge-to-edge thanks to the use of a camera cut-out display dubbed "Infinity O". Rather than putting the selfie camera in a notch, Samsung has built it directly into the top right hand corner of the display - the S10+ even has two.
This also means the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ both have larger displays in a form-factor that's still a similar size to their predecessors, this time measuring in at 6.1-inches and 6.4-inches respectively. We're essentially getting bigger screens in smaller packages.
The Galaxy S10e has a 5.8-inch display similar to last year's Galaxy S9. While the S10 and S10+ both have curved displays, the S10e has a flat panel instead.
More cameras
Both the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ have three-rear facing cameras. A 12MP standard lens with a variable aperture, a 12MP zoom lens, and a 16MP ultra-wide angle lens. The Galaxy S10e has the standard 12MP lens and the 16MP ultra-wide angle lens.
In-screen fingerprint reader
Neither the Galaxy S10 or Galaxy S10+ has a physical fingerprint reader. Instead, Samsung is using in-screen fingerprint technology, much like we've seen on the Huawei Mate 20 Pro and the OPPO R17 Pro. Given the somewhat awkward placement of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 fingerprint reader, this change isn't necessarily unwelcome.
The Galaxy S10e still has a physical fingerprint reader, albeit embedded in the power button.
All three phones also support facial recognition.
Reverse wireless charging
All three new Galaxy S10 devices support reverse wireless charging. That is, you'll be able to use any spare capacity in your S10 to charge any other device that supports Qi wireless charging. This includes other phones, but also accessories like Samsung's new Galaxy Buds.
S10 vs S10+ vs S10e: What's the difference?
The Galaxy S10e is Samsung's ever so slightly more affordable flagship smartphone, but it's a little more basic. In fact, the "e" stands for essential.
While the Galaxy S10e shares a lot of its functionality with its pricier siblings - it has the same processor under the hood, it has a camera cut-out display, and two of the same rear-facing cameras - a few compromises have been made to keep the price down.
The display is a little smaller, measuring in at 5.8-inches. It also runs at a lower resolution, and is flat, rather than curved. There's no in-screen fingerprint reader, with Samsung squeezing biometric authentication into the power button instead. There's also no zoom lens, although you still get the standard 12MP and 16MP ultra-wide angle lens from the S10 and S10+.
The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ are almost identical, but there are still a few small differences - well other than screen-size. The Galaxy S10+ has two front-facing cameras - the second is used for depth sensing and portrait mode. And as you'd expect with a larger device, the Galaxy S10+ has a higher capacity battery. We'll have to wait to do some real world testing to see just how the pair compare in terms of battery life, however.
Here's how the three models compare in terms of specs:
Samsung Galaxy S10 specs compared
| Galaxy S10e | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.8-inch flat | 6.1-inch curved | 6.4-inch curved |
| Resolution | 1080p+ | Quad HD+ | Quad HD+ |
| Rear Camera | 12MP+16MP | 12MP+12MP+16MP | 12MP+12MP+16MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP | 10MP+8MP |
| Processor | Exynos 9820 | Exynos 9820 | Exynos 9820 |
| Storage | 128GB - 256GB | 128GB - 512GB | 128GB - 1TB |
| Battery | 3,100mAh | 3,400mAh | 4,100mAh |
| Water-Resistance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | From $1,199 | From $1,349 | From $1,499 |
What about the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G?
Samsung will be one of the first phone manufacturers to launch a 5G-ready device - the Galaxy S10 5G - in Australia, although it will come a little later than the mainline Galaxy S10 trio. While the Galaxy S10 5G shares a lot of DNA with the standard Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+, there are a few differences. Well, other than 5G connectivity.
The Galaxy S10 5G is the largest phone in the S10 family, with a massive 6.7-inch display. It has an extra camera lens on the back for 3D depth sensing (taking it to a total of four). It also has a larger 4,500mAh battery, and can charger at faster rate. The Galaxy S10 5G will only be available in a 256GB model, with no expandable storage.
Telstra will be the first telco to range the Galaxy S10 5G. Notably, customers who purchase a Galaxy S10+ through Telstra will be able to trade it in for a Galaxy S10 5G at no extra cost when it goes on sale - provided the phone is in good working order.
Samsung says the Galaxy S10 5G will be available in Australia in the first half of this year. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.
How much will the Galaxy S10 cost?
The Galaxy S10 family are the priciest Samsung smartphones to date - especially if you're after the massive 1TB model. Here's the outright pricing:
- Samsung Galaxy S10e (128GB): $1,199
- Samsung Galaxy S10 (128GB): $1,349
- Samsung Galaxy S10 (512GB): $1,699
- Samsung Galaxy S10+ (128GB): $1,499
- Samsung Galaxy S10+ (512GB): $1,849
- Samsung Galaxy S10+ (1TB): $2,399
These prices might be a a bit easier to swallow on a plan. We've got a few from each telco below, or compare all Galaxy S10 plans here.
Alex Choros
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