iPhone XR vs Samsung Galaxy S10 - Complete Review
iPhone XR vs Samsung Galaxy S10 - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
When looking at the refurbished or secondary smartphone market, two titans continue to dominate the conversation: the iPhone XR and the Samsung Galaxy S10. Released only months apart, these devices represented two very different philosophies. The iPhone XR was Apple's attempt to bring flagship performance to a more accessible price point by compromising on the display and camera versatility. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S10 was an uncompromising flagship, boasting the world's best screen technology and a triple-camera setup that set the standard for years to come. This technical analysis cuts through the nostalgia and marketing to determine which device offers better long-term value, durability, and performance for the modern user.
Expert Opinion Snapshot
Before diving into the benchmarks, here is the executive summary for the decision-makers. The Case for the iPhone XR: Choose this if your priority is software longevity, video recording stability, and a flat screen that is durable against drops. The A12 Bionic chip still outperforms many mid-range Androids today, and iOS support remains active. The Case for the Galaxy S10: Choose this if you consume media. The QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel destroys the XR's LCD in every metric (resolution, contrast, black levels). It also offers far more camera versatility with its ultrawide and telephoto lenses. However, battery degradation is more noticeable on used units compared to the XR.
Full Technical Specifications
| Feature | iPhone XR | Samsung Galaxy S10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Tech | IPS LCD (Liquid Retina) | Dynamic AMOLED, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 828 x 1792 (~326 ppi) | 1440 x 3040 (~550 ppi) |
| Processor | Apple A12 Bionic (7nm) | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 3GB | 8GB |
| Biometrics | Face ID (3D Secure) | Ultrasonic Under-Display Fingerprint |
| Build | Aluminum Frame, Glass Back | Aluminum Frame, Glass Back (Curved) |
Ergonomics, Build & Materials
The ergonomic difference between these two devices is striking. The Samsung Galaxy S10 feels significantly more premium and futuristic. It utilizes Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and 5 on the back, with aggressive curves that melt into the aluminum frame. This makes the phone feel thinner than it actually is. However, this "Infinity Edge" design is a nightmare for accidental touches and screen durability. The iPhone XR, conversely, feels like a tank. It uses slightly older glass technology and has thick, noticeable bezels (often called "the chin"). While it lacks the futuristic aesthetic of the S10, the flat LCD screen is far cheaper to replace and less prone to cracking from corner impacts. Expert Insight: The S10 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a critical feature for audiophiles that the XR lacks. However, the XR's Face ID system is far more consistent than the S10's first-generation ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which often struggles with screen protectors.
Display Technology Analysis
This is where the battle is won or lost. The Galaxy S10 features a 1440p Dynamic AMOLED panel that is arguably still one of the best screens on the market. It offers perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and supports HDR10+. Watching content on the S10 is an immersive experience. The iPhone XR uses a "Liquid Retina" IPS LCD panel with a resolution slightly above 720p. On paper, this sounds disastrous. In reality, Apple's color calibration is excellent, and individual pixels are not visible at normal viewing distances. Technical Note on Eye Strain: The Galaxy S10 uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to dim the screen, which can cause headaches for users sensitive to flickering at low brightness. The iPhone XR's LCD does not use PWM, making it significantly more comfortable for reading in the dark for sensitive eyes.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming
Despite having only 3GB of RAM compared to the S10's 8GB, the iPhone XR often feels faster in day-to-day operations. This is due to the efficiency of the A12 Bionic chip coupled with iOS optimization. The A12's single-core performance remains competitive even against modern mid-range chips. The Galaxy S10 is powered by either the Snapdragon 855 (USA/China) or the Exynos 9820 (Global). If you are buying an S10, you must verify which chipset it has. The Snapdragon 855 is excellent for gaming and thermal management. The Exynos 9820, however, tends to run hotter and throttles performance faster during extended gaming sessions like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty. For long-term usage, the iPhone XR handles OS updates more gracefully, maintaining smoothness 4-5 years after launch, whereas the S10 may experience occasional stuttering on the latest compatible versions of One UI.
Camera Capabilities
Samsung Galaxy S10: The Photographer's Choice The S10 offers a triple-lens setup: Main, Ultrawide, and Telephoto (2x zoom). This versatility allows you to capture landscapes and portraits that the XR simply cannot physically achieve. The main sensor also features a variable aperture (f/1.5-2.4), which physically changes to let in more light at night. iPhone XR: The Videographer's Choice The XR relies on a single 12MP lens. It uses software (Smart HDR) to produce excellent photos with great dynamic range, but it lacks optical zoom and an ultrawide view. However, for video recording, the XR is superior. The stabilization, audio capture, and smooth transition between lighting conditions in video mode are better on the iPhone, making it ideal for social media content creation.
Battery Endurance & Charging
Battery life is a contentious topic for these aged devices. The iPhone XR was known as the "battery king" at launch. Because of its lower-resolution screen and efficient CPU, it has exceptional standby time. Even a used XR with 85% battery health will often outlast an S10 through a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S10 suffers from high idle battery drain, particularly the Exynos models. While it supports faster wired charging and cool features like "Wireless PowerShare" (charging other devices on the back of the phone), the actual endurance is average at best. If you buy a used S10, expect to charge it by the late afternoon.
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
Buying these phones used requires specific checks. Use this table to avoid buying a lemon.
| Component | iPhone XR Check | Samsung Galaxy S10 Check |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | Check edges for "shadows" (LCD backlight bleed). | CRITICAL: Open a white image. Look for faint icons (Burn-in) from TikTok or keyboards. |
| Biometrics | Test Face ID. If it fails, the TrueDepth sensor is broken (irreparable). | Test fingerprint sensor. Ensure no glass cracks cover the sensor area. |
| Battery | Check Settings > Battery Health. Avoid below 80%. | Dial *#0228# to check battery status (requires technical knowledge). |
| Sensors | Check True Tone toggle in Control Center. If missing, screen was replaced cheaply. | Dial *#0*# to access the hidden test menu for all sensors. |
Top Alternatives Comparison
If neither of these convinces you, consider these close competitors in the same price bracket: 1. iPhone 11: Essentially an XR with a second camera (Ultrawide) and the A13 chip. It fixes the XR's main weakness (lack of versatility) and adds Night Mode. Worth the extra $50-$80. 2. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (5G): This is the spiritual successor to the S10. It offers a 120Hz screen (smoother scrolling) and a Snapdragon 865. It feels cheaper (plastic back) but performs significantly better.
Critical Advice for Buyers
If you choose the Samsung Galaxy S10, try to find the "Plus" version if your budget allows. The S10+ has a bigger battery which offsets the degradation of age. Also, invest in a high-quality case; curved screens are notoriously expensive to fix ($200+). If you choose the iPhone XR, verify the storage capacity. 64GB is very limiting in 2024 with modern app sizes. Aim for the 128GB model. Additionally, do not be afraid of a "Service Battery" message if the price is right; replacing an XR battery is straightforward and restores the phone to peak performance.
Final Verdict
The battle between the iPhone XR and Samsung Galaxy S10 comes down to a choice between hardware luxury and software reliability. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10 if: You want a stunning display for watching Netflix/YouTube, you need a headphone jack, and you want the flexibility of taking wide-angle photos. It is technically the superior hardware package. Buy the iPhone XR if: You want a phone that "just works." If you value battery life, video recording quality for social media (Instagram/TikTok), and want a phone that holds its resale value better, the XR is the smarter financial choice. For the average user in 2024 looking for a reliable daily driver on a budget, the iPhone XR usually edges out the win simply because its battery ages better and the flat LCD screen is more durable for everyday life.