Well, buying a phone from 2019 in 2025 might seem counterintuitive, but the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is mounting a surprisingly strong defense against its newer competitors. While many flashy foldables and cutting-edge smartphones flood the market, this five-year-old device showcases resilience and reliability that many still appreciate.
So, is it worth sticking with your S10 Plus, or should you consider an upgrade? Let’s delve deeper into its strengths and weaknesses.
Design That Doesn’t Try Too Hard—And That’s a Good Thing
In an era where phones are contorting into flexible shapes and adopting excessive heft, the Galaxy S10 Plus embraces simplicity. Its dimensions of 7.8mm thickness and 175 grams create a device that’s easy to handle, making it a “human-scale” smartphone.
- Compact Fit: It slides effortlessly into pockets without weighing you down.
- Premium Aesthetic: The S10 Plus remains visually appealing with sleek lines and a polished finish, avoiding the over-the-top designs common in newer models.
This design philosophy allows the S10 Plus to stand out—not by demanding attention but by fitting seamlessly into daily life.
The “Last of the Full Package” Flagships
As manufacturers cut features from their flagship devices, the S10 Plus retains the essentials that many users appreciate:
- Headphone Jack: A rarity in modern phones, allowing for wired audio.
- microSD Expansion: Expand your storage without the constraints of fixed memory.
- Included Charger: Unlike many of its successors, the S10 Plus comes with a charger in the box.
- Versatile Charging Options: Enjoy reverse wireless charging and a reliable in-display fingerprint scanner.
In a marketplace that often skims on build quality and functionality, the S10 Plus stands out as one of the last models to offer a comprehensive package.
Display: Smooth-ish but Still Stunning
While transitioning from older displays to modern 120Hz screens can be jarring, the S10 Plus still sports a stunning 6.4-inch QHD+ AMOLED display.
- Visuals: The colors remain vibrant and the contrasts striking, maintaining a viewing experience that doesn’t disappoint.
- Refresh Rate Reality: Sure, it’s capped at 60Hz, but unless you’re hyper-aware of each microsecond, your streaming and social media usage won’t suffer.
For many users, particularly those upgrading from budget phones, the display quality remains impressive and fully functional.
Performance That Refuses to Slow Down
Equipped with a Snapdragon 855 processor and 8GB of RAM, the S10 Plus continues to demonstrate solid performance well into 2025.
- Everyday Use: App launches, scrolling through social feeds, and multitasking work smoothly, all thanks to its capable hardware.
- Gaming: While you may not achieve the highest settings on the latest releases, it holds its ground and delivers reliable gameplay without lag.
The S10 Plus continues to serve up dependable performance, proving it can be a solid contender in the current market.
Software’s the Wrinkle You Can’t Ignore
Here’s the catch: the S10 Plus is capped at Android 12. By 2025, that means no access to Android 13 or 14.
- Daily Functionality: For casual users, core apps continue to function without much hassle—YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp are still readily accessible.
- Security Concerns: For users seeking up-to-date security patches or the latest features, the lack of updates can be a significant drawback.
While tech enthusiasts may explore custom ROMs or alternative security tools, this isn’t the case for the average user, making the software limitation a critical consideration.
Cameras: Still Clicks, Just Not All the Wow
If photography is your primary purpose for a phone, the S10 Plus may not meet the high standards set by newer models.
- Daylight Performance: While the camera performs decently in good lighting, low-light conditions reveal its age.
- Video Quality: Video stabilization lags behind what’s available in 2025, and while night mode exists, newer competitors capture far clearer images.
It remains sufficient for social media snapshots, yet not competitive against flagship models.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S10 Plus boasts a 4100mAh battery—capable in its prime. Fast forward to 2025, and the reality can vary greatly based on use and age.
- Performance Variability: If the battery hasn’t been replaced, you might experience diminished performance, especially under heavy use.
- Flexible Charging Options: With wireless charging and reverse wireless capabilities, you’ll enjoy added convenience.
Before purchasing a secondhand model, checking the health of the battery should be a priority.
Who Should Still Consider the S10 Plus?
Let’s address the key question: who should still consider the S10 Plus in 2025?
If you:
- Appreciate a well-rounded device featuring essential ports.
- Don’t prioritize 120Hz displays or the latest Android features.
- Seek a dependable and budget-friendly smartphone for everyday use.
…then the S10 Plus remains a viable option in today’s market.
Additionally, as a secondary device, it shines— ideal for festivals, travel, or as a gaming companion, making its value last longer than many premium phones post two years of use.
Final Thoughts: Should You Still Play the S10 Plus Card?
Not every phone ages gracefully, but the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus stands as a testament to longevity. While not the flashiest option, it delivers reliable performance and a great mix of features that still appeal to many users.
If you currently own one, it’s worth holding onto. If you’re considering a purchase, look at it seriously; this device has proven it’s still in the game despite the passage of time.
FAQs
Q: Is the Samsung S10 Plus still worth buying in 2025?
Yes—ideal for those wanting flagship quality at a budget price and unfazed by the latest updates or high-refresh-rate displays. Great for daily use or as a secondary device.
Q: What are its standout features in 2025?
Includes a headphone jack, microSD slot, reverse wireless charging, dependable performance, and a compact design.
Q: Can it handle modern games and apps?
Generally, yes. It may not max settings on all games but runs stable and swift for most applications.
Q: How’s the camera now?
Sufficient for casual photography and social media, although low-light performance and video capture don’t match today’s flagships.
Q: Is battery life still dependable?
It varies—if well-maintained, it can last through a day; if not, be prepared for frequent charges.
Q: Should I buy it new or secondhand?
Opt for secondhand or refurbished for value; just ensure the battery condition is checked.
