iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy S10: The Quick Take
Both the iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S10 launched in late 2017 and early 2018, and both still turn heads with premium builds and capable cameras. The iPhone X set the template for modern iPhones with its edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID, while the Galaxy S10 pushed Samsung's display and camera technology forward with a triple-lens system and an in-display fingerprint sensor. Choosing between them today comes down to ecosystem preference, camera habits, and whether you value longevity or flexibility more than raw specs. This comparison walks through the real-world trade-offs so you can pick the one that actually fits how you use a phone.
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Design and Display
The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2436 x 1125, while the Galaxy S10 carries a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display at 3040 x 1440. The S10's screen is larger and sharper, with a hole-punch selfie camera rather than the notch Apple introduced. Both phones have glass backs and IP68 water resistance, but the S10 adds a slightly more modern feel with its symmetrical curved edges and smaller top bezel. Color accuracy is strong on both, though Samsung's panel leans warmer and more vivid out of the box, while Apple's display stays closer to a neutral tone. For media consumption, the S10's bigger, sharper screen has an edge; for pocketability, the iPhone X remains compact and easy to handle one-handed.
Performance and Software
Apple's A11 Bionic chip in the iPhone X was a powerhouse in 2017, and it still handles everyday tasks smoothly today. Samsung packed the S10 with the Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 depending on region), which benchmarks higher on paper but depends on software optimization to feel faster in daily use. Both phones have received major iOS and Android updates respectively, though long-term support timelines differ. iPhone X users can still run recent iOS versions with good app compatibility, while the S10's Samsung update commitment has a defined end point that varies by market. If you care about resale value and the feeling of a polished, consistent interface, iPhone X holds up well; if you want more control, customization, and faster raw throughput, the S10's hardware leads.
Camera Systems Compared
The iPhone X uses a dual 12-megapixel rear camera system with wide and telephoto lenses, relying on Apple's computational photography to deliver consistent results in most lighting. The Galaxy S10 adds a third lens with an ultra-wide 16-megapixel sensor alongside a 12-megapixel wide and 12-megapixel telephoto setup, giving it more framing flexibility without switching devices. Low-light performance favors the S10's larger sensor and Night Mode processing, while iPhone X photos tend to look more natural with less aggressive sharpening and noise reduction. Video recording on the iPhone X remains excellent for stabilized footage, and its audio capture during interviews is more reliable thanks to better microphone tuning. If you shoot a lot of video or prefer a simpler shooting experience, iPhone X still holds its own; if you want more lenses and manual controls, the S10 offers more creative room.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery capacity and endurance differ noticeably between the two. The iPhone X carries a 2716 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S10 has a 3400 mAh cell. In real-world use, the S10 comfortably lasts a full day with heavy screen-on time, whereas the iPhone X often requires a top-up by late afternoon. Charging speeds also diverge: the iPhone X supports up to 15W wired fast charging and 7.5W Qi wireless charging, while the S10 handles 15W wired and 9W wireless, with the added ability to reverse-wirelessly charge accessories. If you rely on wireless charging pads throughout the day, the S10's slightly faster speeds and battery capacity make it the more practical choice.
Other Key Differences
- Biometrics: iPhone X relies solely on Face ID, while the S10 offers an in-display fingerprint sensor alongside face unlock.
- Storage: The iPhone X launched with 64GB and 256GB options; the S10 offered 128GB and 512GB, with no microSD expansion on either.
- Audio: The S10 retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which the iPhone X dropped in favor of wireless audio or dongles.
- Ecosystem: iPhone X integrates tightly with Apple Watch, AirPods, and Mac, while the S10 works best with Samsung's Galaxy Buds, Watch, and Windows PCs.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Attribute | iPhone X | Galaxy S10 |
|---|---|---|
| Release | November 2017 | March 2019 |
| Display | 5.8-inch OLED, 2436 x 1125 | 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 3040 x 1440 |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto) | Triple 12MP + 12MP + 16MP |
| Battery | 2716 mAh | 3400 mAh |
| Charging | 15W wired, 7.5W wireless | 15W wired, 9W wireless, reverse wireless |
| Biometrics | Face ID only | In-display fingerprint + face unlock |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Which One Should You Pick
If you are already inside Apple's ecosystem or value long software support and a refined, consistent interface, the iPhone X remains a reliable daily driver. If you prefer a bigger, sharper display, more versatile camera setup, and a headphone jack without a dongle, the Galaxy S10 is the stronger pick. Both phones show their age in battery life and peak performance compared to current flagships, but they still deliver a premium experience that justifies their used-market prices. Consider which ecosystem you will stick with over the next few years, because that choice matters more than any single spec when picking between these two aging but still-capable flagships.