LG G8 ThinQ vs Samsung Galaxy S10: A Practical Comparison
When choosing between the LG G8 ThinQ and the Samsung Galaxy S10, the decision hinges on what you prioritize: LG's experimental features and clean software or Samsung's refined camera system and broader ecosystem support. Both phones launched as Android flagships and still hold up in some areas, but they diverge in design philosophy, camera approach, and long-term usability. This comparison walks through the key categories to clarify which device suits your needs.
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Design and Build
The LG G8 ThinQ and Galaxy S10 share a premium glass-and-metal construction, but their aesthetics differ. The G8 leans taller and narrower with a more boxy profile, while the S10 curves gently along the edges for a warmer grip. Both lack a headphone jack, relying on USB-C audio or Bluetooth. The S10 offers a slightly more compact footprint in the base model, making one-handed use easier, whereas the G8's larger screen demands two hands for comfortable navigation.
Display Comparison
The LG G8 ThinQ ships with a 6.1-inch P-OLED display at 1440 x 3120 pixels, delivering sharp text and deep blacks. The Samsung Galaxy S10 counters with a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel at 1440 x 3040 pixels, supporting HDR10+ playback and slightly more vivid out-of-the-box color tuning. Both panels offer excellent contrast and viewing angles, but Samsung's One UI adjustments tend to feel more polished for daily media consumption.
| Attribute | LG G8 ThinQ | Samsung Galaxy S10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 1440 x 3040 |
| Panel Type | P-OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| HDR Support | HDR10 | HDR10+ |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
Camera Systems
The camera rivalry between these phones is one of the most telling comparisons. The LG G8 ThinQ uses a triple-lens array with a standard 12MP wide, a 12MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultra-wide. It introduced Hand ID and Air Motion gestures, though these features saw limited real-world adoption. The Galaxy S10 triples down on versatility with a 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide lens, adding dedicated night mode and more consistent computational photography.
For most users, the S10 delivers more reliable results in mixed lighting, especially in portraits and low-light scenes. The G8 produces clean images in daylight but occasionally struggles with exposure consistency and processing speed.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 in North American models, paired with 6GB of RAM. The LG G8 runs Android 9 out of the box with a near-stock experience, while the Galaxy S10 launches with Android 9 wrapped in Samsung's One UI, which adds more bloat but also deeper integration with Samsung services.
Software support is where the gap widens. Samsung extended major Android updates and security patches for the S10 across several years, keeping it relevant longer. LG, by contrast, has a shorter track record for flagship support, and the G8 ThinQ has seen fewer updates over time.
Battery Life and Charging
The LG G8 ThinQ houses a 3,500mAh battery, while the Galaxy S10 packs a 3,400mAh cell. Despite the slightly smaller capacity, the S10 often matches or exceeds the G8 in screen-on time thanks to more aggressive battery optimization and a slightly more efficient display. Both support wired fast charging and wireless charging, with the S10 also offering reverse wireless charging to top up accessories.
Which Phone Still Makes Sense?
Today, choosing between the LG G8 ThinQ and Samsung Galaxy S10 comes down to a few trade-offs. The S10 offers stronger camera performance, longer software support, and a more cohesive ecosystem, making it the safer long-term pick. The G8 ThinQ appeals to users who value a cleaner software experience, unique gesture controls, and a slightly larger battery capacity.
If you are buying used or refurbished, the S10 generally holds its value better and receives security updates for longer. The G8 remains a capable device, but LG's shifting mobile strategy means fewer resources devoted to post-launch support.
Final Verdict
Neither phone is a clear winner across every category, but the Samsung Galaxy S10 edges ahead for most buyers. Its camera system is more consistent, its software support is more durable, and its ecosystem integration is deeper. The LG G8 ThinQ remains an interesting alternative for enthusiasts who appreciate its experimental features and cleaner Android implementation.