Best answer: While the Galaxy S8 is still kicking along in 2019, the S10 delivers meaningful upgrades in just about every single way. It has a vastly improved processor, upgraded cameras, and all-new technology like an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Samsung: ($900)
The Galaxy S10 is a far superior phone compared to the S8
The Galaxy S8 is quickly approaching its 2nd birthday, and in the smartphone world, that's equivelant to a lifetime. It's still got a great display, reliable cameras, and a good processor, but compared to the S10, it's outdone in just about every single category.
Here's a quick comparison of some of the top spec upgrades to give you a better idea of what we're talking about:
Category Galaxy S8 Galaxy S10
Display 5.8-inch AMOLED
2960x1440 (18.5:9) 6.1-inch AMOLED
3040x1440 (19:9)
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
RAM 4GB 8GB
Front Camera 8MP, f/1.7
Auto focus 10MP Dual Pixel, f/1.9
Auto focus
Battery 3000mAh 3400mAh
Security One-touch fingerprint sensor
Iris scanner In-screen fingerprint sensor
Perhaps even more important for a lot of people, the Galaxy S10 comes equipped with a total of three rear cameras whereas the Galaxy S8 has just one 12MP sensor.
On the S10, your camera package includes the following:
- Rear Camera 1 — 12MP Dual Pixel | f/1.5 - f/2.4 | OIS
- Rear Camera 2 — 16MP | 123° wide-angle | f/2.2 | Fixed focus
- Rear Camera 3 — 12MP | 45° telephoto | f/2.4 | OIS
Another big change has to do with the display. In addition to being larger size-wise, the bezels have also shrunk quite a bit thanks to Samsung's adoption of a hole-punch screen. This means that the front-facing camera now sits in the display itself, allowing for smaller bezels compared to the S8. It's a unique look that may take some time to get used to, but we think it's a great trade-off.
All of your favorite S8 staples are still here
Unlike some manufacturers that get rid of fan-favorite features with new generations of phones, the Galaxy S10 keeps a lot of what makes the S8 so great.
There's still a microSD card slot for exapandable storage (up to 512GB), fast wireless charging, MST and NFC payments via Samsung Pay, and — yes — a 3.5mm headphone jack .
There's also all-new tech we think you'll really like
On top of spec upgrades and old features making a return, the Galaxy S10 also comes equipped with all-new technology that we haven't seen before.
Most notably, the fingerprint sensor has moved from the back of the phone to underneath the screen on the S10.
Samsung's using ultrasonic sensor technology from Qualcomm that creates a 3D model of your fingerprint — including its various grooves. That may sound complicated, but in day-to-day use, it means you can securely unlock your phone by just placing your finger on the designated part of the display and you're good to go.
Something else that's new is a feature called "Wireless PowerShare." In addition to being able to place the Galaxy S10 on a wireless charger to top it up, you can also place Qi-enabled devices on the back of the S10 to use its battery to charge them.
Our pick
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung's latest doesn't disappoint.
Even if you're still happy with your S8, the Galaxy S10 has so much newness that we think it's well worth the upgrade. Its Snapdragon 855 processor is considerably faster, there are three cameras on the back instead of just one, and you still have things like a headphone jack and expandable storage.