Samsung Galaxy S10 Series: Key Features and Innovations

Samsung Galaxy S10 Series (S10e / S10 / S10+ / S10 5G)

Basic Overview

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Series is a lineup of premium Android smartphones released by Samsung Electronics on March 8, 2019 (with the S10 5G launching later in June 2019). Positioned as Samsung’s flagship devices for the 2019 market, the series marked the 10th anniversary of the Galaxy S line and introduced several industry-first features, including ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors, Dynamic AMOLED displays with HDR10+ support, and 5G connectivity for the top-tier model. The lineup consists of four variants tailored to different user needs: the compact S10e (entry-level flagship), the standard S10 (balanced flagship), the large-screen S10+ (premium flagship with dual front cameras), and the S10 5G (5G-enabled variant with enhanced camera and battery specs). Model codes such as SM-G970F (S10e, global variant), SM-G973F (S10, global), SM-G975F (S10+, global), and SM-G977B (S10 5G, global) are used to identify regional and carrier-specific versions.

Key Specifications (By Variant)

Category	Galaxy S10e (SM-G970F)	Galaxy S10 (SM-G973F)	Galaxy S10+ (SM-G975F)	Galaxy S10 5G (SM-G977B)
Display	5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X2280×1080 (438 ppi)1200 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, 19:9 aspect ratioSide-mounted fingerprint sensor	6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X3040×1440 (550 ppi)1200 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, 19:9 aspect ratioUltrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor	6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X3040×1440 (522 ppi)Same display specs as S10	6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X3040×1440 (502 ppi)Same display specs as S10/S10+
Processor	Exynos 9820 (Global) / Snapdragon 855 (US/China)Octa-core (2×2.7GHz + 2×2.3GHz + 4×1.9GHz)	Same as S10e	Same as S10e	Same as S10e
Memory & Storage	6GB/8GB RAM128GB/256GB UFS 3.0 storageNo microSD slot	8GB RAM128GB/256GB/512GB UFS 3.0 storagemicroSD slot (up to 1TB)	8GB/12GB RAM128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 3.0 storagemicroSD slot (up to 1TB)	8GB/12GB RAM256GB/512GB UFS 3.0 storagemicroSD slot (up to 1TB)
Rear Cameras	Dual-camera system- 12MP wide (f/1.5-f/2.4, OIS, dual pixel AF)- 16MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV)No telephoto lens	Triple-camera system- 12MP wide (same as S10e)- 16MP ultra-wide (same as S10e)- 12MP telephoto (f/2.4, 2× optical zoom, OIS)	Same triple-camera system as S10	Quad-camera system- Same 12MP wide/16MP ultra-wide/12MP telephoto as S10- 3D Depth Vision Camera (for advanced AR and portrait effects)
Front Cameras	Single 10MP (f/1.9, autofocus)	Single 10MP (same as S10e)	Dual-camera system- 10MP (f/1.9, autofocus)- 8MP depth sensor (f/2.2)	Dual-camera system- 10MP (same as S10+)- 8MP depth sensor (same as S10+)
Battery & Charging	3100 mAh non-removableFast charging (15W wired), Qi wireless charging (15W), Wireless PowerShare	3400 mAh non-removableSame charging specs as S10e	4100 mAh non-removableSame charging specs as S10e	4500 mAh non-removableFast charging (25W wired), Qi wireless charging (15W), Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity	4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB-C 3.1, GPSNo 5G support	Same as S10e	Same as S10e	5G (Sub-6GHz & mmWave), same as S10e plus 5G modem
Design & Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) + glass back + aluminum frameDimensions: 142.2×69.9×7.9 mmWeight: 150gIP68 water/dust resistanceColors: Prism Black, Prism White, Prism Green, Canary Yellow	Glass front/back (Gorilla Glass 6) + aluminum frameDimensions: 149.9×70.4×7.8 mmWeight: 157gIP68 ratingSame colors as S10e + Prism Blue	Same glass/frame as S10Dimensions: 157.6×74.1×7.8 mmWeight: 175gIP68 ratingSame colors as S10	Same glass/frame as S10Dimensions: 162.6×77.1×7.9 mmWeight: 198gIP68 ratingColors: Crown Silver, Majestic Black, Royal Gold
Software	Android 9 Pie (One UI 1.0)Upgradable to Android 12 (One UI 4.1)	Same as S10e	Same as S10e	Same as S10e

Core Features & Innovations

Dynamic AMOLED 2X Displays with HDR10+The S10 series introduced Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, which reduced blue light emissions by 42% compared to previous generations while delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. HDR10+ support enabled adaptive contrast and color for streaming content, making it ideal for media consumption. The S10, S10+, and S10 5G featured Gorilla Glass 6 for improved scratch resistance, while the S10e used Gorilla Glass 5.
Ultrasonic In-Display Fingerprint SensorA flagship first for Samsung, the ultrasonic sensor (on S10, S10+, S10 5G) used ultrasonic waves to map fingerprint ridges beneath the display, offering higher accuracy and security than optical in-display sensors. The S10e opted for a side-mounted fingerprint sensor to cut costs and maintain a compact form factor.
Advanced Camera Systems
- The S10 and S10+’s triple-camera setup combined wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses to cover 123° FOV (ultra-wide) to 2× optical zoom (telephoto). The wide lens featured variable aperture (f/1.5-f/2.4), switching to a narrower aperture in bright light to reduce overexposure.
- The S10 5G added a 3D Depth Vision Camera for enhanced portrait mode effects and AR applications, such as Samsung’s 3D Scanner app.
- All variants supported 4K video recording at 60 fps and Super Steady video stabilization.
5G Connectivity (S10 5G Only)The S10 5G was Samsung’s first commercial 5G smartphone, supporting both sub-6GHz (wide coverage) and mmWave (ultra-fast speeds) 5G bands. It was paired with a larger 4500 mAh battery and 25W fast charging to handle the power demands of 5G connectivity.
Wireless PowerShareA standout feature across the series, Wireless PowerShare allowed users to charge other Qi-enabled devices (e.g., Galaxy Buds, Apple Watch) by placing them on the back of the S10 phone. This eliminated the need for separate wireless chargers for accessories.

Limitations & Criticisms

Software Support CeilingThe S10 series was only upgraded to Android 12 (One UI 4.1), missing out on Android 13 and later versions. This limited access to new security patches and features after 2022.
Battery Degradation Over TimeEarly units of the S10 series reported battery swelling issues due to manufacturing defects in some battery batches, prompting Samsung to launch a replacement program for affected devices.
Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor ReliabilityThe ultrasonic sensor was prone to false rejections when used with screen protectors, requiring users to purchase Samsung-certified protectors for optimal performance.
5G Limitations (S10 5G)The S10 5G’s mmWave support was limited to specific regions (e.g., US carriers), and its 25W fast charging required a separate charger (not included in the box at launch).

Legacy & Market Position

The Galaxy S10 series was a critical and commercial success, selling over 60 million units globally. It solidified Samsung’s position as a leader in smartphone display and camera technology, while the S10 5G paved the way for the company’s subsequent 5G flagship lineup (e.g., Galaxy S20 5G). The series was praised for its versatile camera system, premium design, and innovative features like Wireless PowerShare, though it was later overshadowed by the S20 series’ 120Hz displays and improved 5G integration. Today, the S10 series remains a popular choice for budget-conscious users seeking a premium flagship experience, thanks to its durable build and strong performance for daily tasks.