LG G8 ThinQ vs Galaxy S10: A Practical Comparison
Both the LG G8 ThinQ and Samsung Galaxy S10 arrived in early 2019 as flagship contenders, but they took different paths. Samsung leaned on a versatile camera system and a polished One UI experience, while LG pursued a distinctive hand-gesture interface and a compact, symmetrical design. Years later, the choice between them comes down to ecosystem preference, camera habits, and how much weight you are willing to carry in daily use.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Design and Build
The LG G8 ThinQ is notably compact at roughly 151.9 x 71.8 x 8.4 mm and 167 grams, making it one of the more manageable 6.1-inch phones of its generation. The Galaxy S10 is larger at 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm but feels denser at 157 grams, thanks to its curved Dynamic AMOLED edges. The G8 uses a glass back with a centered punch-hole camera and a distinctive top-mounted selfie camera module, while the S10 offers a centered punch-hole with a symmetrical, flat display on the S10e and S10, or a slight curve on the S10+. Both lack official IP ratings for the G8 in some regions, while Samsung rated the S10 series IP68 for water and dust resistance.
| Attribute | LG G8 ThinQ | Galaxy S10 (base) |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display type | OLED, flat | Dynamic AMOLED, curved edges |
| Dimensions | 151.9 x 71.8 x 8.4 mm | 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 167 g | 157 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 (varies by market) | IP68 |
Display Quality
Both phones deliver sharp OLED panels with Full HD+ resolution, but the S10 edges ahead in brightness and color tuning. Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED typically hits higher peak brightness, which helps outdoors, and the curved edges on the S10 base model add a premium feel that the G8's flat panel lacks. The G8's display is color-accurate and easy to use one-handed, though, and its smaller footprint makes it a better fit for compact pockets.
Performance and Software
Internally, the two phones share a generational divide. The Galaxy S10 ships with the Exynos 9820 (or Snapdragon 855 in select markets), paired with 8 GB of RAM, while the LG G8 ThinQ runs a Snapdragon 855 with 6 GB of RAM. In everyday use, both feel snappy, but Samsung's One UI offers more granular control over animations, digital wellbeing tools, and a smoother transition to later Android versions. LG's UX is cleaner but thinner on software features, and LG's long-term support ended sooner, meaning fewer major Android updates for the G8.
Camera Systems
This is where the phones diverge most sharply. The Galaxy S10 carries a triple rear array: a 12 MP main sensor, a 12 MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultra-wide. The result is a system that handles portraits, landscapes, and close-ups with consistent quality. The LG G8 ThinQ uses a dual setup with a 12 MP standard sensor and a 13 MP ultra-wide, but it lacks the telephoto lens. Video recording is strong on both, though the S10's superior stabilization and wider lens selection give it an edge for vlogging and casual filmmaking.
Battery and Charging
The LG G8 ThinQ houses a 3,500 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S10 carries a larger 3,400 mAh cell (S10+) or 3,100 mAh (S10 base). Real-world endurance is comparable, with the S10 base model occasionally sipping slightly more power thanks to its brighter display. Both support Qualcomm Quick Charge and wireless charging, and the S10 can share power with other devices via reverse wireless charging, a feature the G8 does not offer.
Unique Features
LG's hand-gesture interface, dubbed Air Motion, lets users scroll and dismiss notifications without touching the screen, using the front Time-of-Flight sensor for depth. It is a novelty that rarely replaces touch, but it distinguishes the G8 from competitors. Samsung, meanwhile, leans on its ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, Bixby integration, and a wider accessory ecosystem, including the DeX desktop mode on select models.
Long-Term Value
For a buyer today, the Galaxy S10 holds more residual value and receives security patches for longer in most markets. The LG G8 ThinQ is cheaper on the used market, but its shorter software support window and narrower camera system make it a harder recommendation for anyone planning to keep the device beyond a year or two.
- Choose the Galaxy S10 for a more versatile camera, longer software support, and a polished software experience.
- Choose the LG G8 ThinQ for a compact, lightweight body, a distinctive design, and a lower entry price.