Key Features
- Android 9 (Pie) with One UI
- 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED display
- microSD support (up to 512GB)
- TRIPLE 12+12+16MP rear cameras with OIS, dual pixel phase-detection autofocus
- 10 MP selfie camera with autofocus
- 3,400 mAh battery with fast charging and wireless charging (Qi or PMA)
- IP68 water and dust resistant
- USB Type-C / 3.5mm audio jack / Dedicated Bixby button
Overview
For the tenth anniversary of the Galaxy S, Samsung have redesigned their screen technology, deeply incorporated AI and machine learning, as well as embraced emerging technologies that will shape the future of wireless communications.
Infinity-O Display
Samsung's original Infinity display showed the world what smartphones could look like if they moved on from traditional resolutions and ratios. This had led to the recent explosion of devices with edge-to-edge displays, often featuring a notch or an asymmetric bezel design. Both of these solutions have not found much favour with reviewers and discerning consumers. With the Galaxy S10 range, the all-new Infinity-O display approaches things differently. Infinity-O wraps to the very edges of the handset, and pushes as far to the top, bottom and corners as possible.
So where are the selfie camera and sensors? Embedded underneath the screen, and visible through a circular cut-out. This has been achieved using an incredibly precise laser cutting method, designed to remove a section of the already-manufactured AMOLED panel, without damaging the surrounding pixels. Inifinty-O Display isn't just large and bright though. New Dynamic AMOLED technology is HDR10+ certified for incredibly accurate colour representation and deep contrast. Brightness levels have improved for outdoor viewing in daylight, plus blue light levels are naturally reduced in all lighting conditions to make for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner
For 2019, Samsung has moved the fingerprint sensor from the back of the phone to the front, incorporating it into the display. This isn't the first time we've seen this concept, however, it is a brand new technology solution. Traditionally, smartphone fingerprint sensors have utilised optical or capacitive scanners, which use light or electronic capacitors (similar to how a touchscreen recognises presses), to create a 2D image of the fingerprint. Optical scanners are not particularly secure, being fooled by images or prosthetics. Capacitive scanners, better in that regard, are expensive and require calibrating, which can result in more unwanted false readings than some find acceptable.
Ultrasonic scanners are a very new technology. An ultrasonic pulse is transmitted. When this hits the finger, some energy is absorbed and some reflected back to the receiver. The result is an accurate 3D image of the surface presented to the scanner. It is in many ways similar to Sonar technology used in boats to scan the ocean floor. With this highly-detailed 3D image, it is almost impossible to forge or fool the sensor. Beyond the simple grooves and ridges of a person's already unique fingerprint, the fine pores of the skin are also mapped.
With Samsung Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor, not only can you quickly and securely unlock your phone, dragging and holding along the sensor area can have custom actions such as app launches.
Next Generation Camera
On the main camera array of the S10 range, you'll find 3 separate lenses: 1x 12MP telephoto, 1x 12MP wide-angle and 16MP ultra-wide lens. The S9's Dual Aperture feature has been optimised, reacting to ambient light and adjusting light input to allow for exceptional low-light images. S10's incredible processing power also combines several frames of low-light photography instantly to deliver an improved composite image. Rather than combining the effects of all three lenses for composite shots, they are used separately to produce different results. In the same way that a professional photographer may change lenses to suit the shooting scenario, you too can now pick the right tool for the job.
The standard wide-angle lens is the basis for most automatic shots. This can be combined with the telephoto lens for 2x optical. It is the ultra-wide lens though that shows the most improvement. Particularly useful for taking landscape imagery, panoramas and big group shots, ultra-wide offers a 123-degree FOV with increased verticality and no edge distortion. Machine learning in the camera software also recognises specific subjects. Making decisions based on what you're shooting, where and in what light, S10 can offer suggestions & tips on composition and shooting angle.
Recording
High-quality video recording is among the most intensive applications a modern smartphone can be engaged in. Producing a consistent and steady video at high resolutions requires not only a good camera but also a lot of processing power. With a top-class octa-core processor and AI enhancements, Samsung has developed some of the smoothest, high-res video recording available on an Android smartphone. Even the front-facing camera is capable of 4K UHD recording.
Hi-Motion video is available when recording in Full HD with the Ultrawide camera. The additional data from the wide lens, coupled with predictive software minimises motion blur and artefacts when recording fast-moving subjects. Real-time colour correction ensures backgrounds and secondary subjects don't get washed out or suffer from a lack of focus. In keeping with the screen quality of the handset, S10 also records in 4K UHD and HD10+. So everything you capture can be played back in front of you just as intended. No longer do you need to copy a file off to a more powerful desktop to see the full extent off your phone's recording capabilities.
Super Slow-mo has also been improved. The original 960 fps shooting mode now has high-definition support, alongside editing tools to grab, trim and share sections of the video.
Wireless PowerShare
Samsung has implemented the current fastest version of wireless charging into the S10 range. With compatible docks and chargers, you can top up your handset twice as fast as before. This system also allows you to share your phone's battery with other devices using PowerShare. Doing so can top up other Galaxy handsets, as well as accessories such as smartwatches and fitness bands.
Intelligent Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6 will soon be available in commercial routers and in public access spaces. Otherwise known as 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 is a next-generation technology offering higher transfer speeds, bandwidth and better performance in areas of high-volume usage such as stadiums and shopping malls. It's even proven to increase battery life in portable devices!
If you enter an area with modernised Wi-Fi 6 compatible equipment, Galaxy S10 will connect immediately and seamlessly.
Even better, Galaxy S10 can check the difference in network quality between your current Wi-Fi network and the local mobile network. Should the mobile data speeds around you consistently exceed the Wi-Fi, you can be switched between them automatically (an opt-in process, to protect mobile data charges).
