Samsung and Apple both offer the top smartphones on the market. Nowadays, if you’re looking for a flagship without paying $1,000, both companies have options for you. The Samsung Galaxy S10e and the iPhone XR had an original retail price of $750. And they have comparable hardware and other features.
So for users who are comfortable using either iOS or Android, which phone should you get? We’ll dive into all the important elements of each phone to help you make the best decision. So check out our Samsung Galaxy S10 vs. iPhone XR ultimate guide.
Before We Get Started:
This guide primarily focuses on the difference between the Galaxy S10e and the iPhone XR. This is because the comparable model for the standard Galaxy S10 is the iPhone XS. However, we will include a small section comparing the Galaxy S10 and iPhone XR.
This is because the Galaxy S10 is only $50 more than the iPhone XR. It’s such a great alternative to the iPhone XR that you should definitely consider it.
Design: Samsung Galaxy S10e vs. iPhone XR
The Galaxy S10 features a 5.8inch AMOLED screen and a great design that’s the best you can get from Samsung without breaking your wallet. The small size is easy to use with one hand and it has a classic look reminiscent of Samsung phones before they started using curved edges on Galaxy models.
The iPhone XR has a 6.1 inch LCD screen. It’s not quite a rich as the Samsung AMOLED display, but it’s vibrant and has better off-axis views. You can’t really tell the difference between phone displays unless you do a side by side comparison—which Samsung edges Apple on.
For those still holding on to wired headphones. Samsung features a headphone port while Apple only has a lightning port on their phone. Samsung gives you added flexibility for third party headphones without needing adaptors.
Ultimately, both phones look great and you should make your decision on whether you prefer larger screen size or easier one-handed use.
The Hole Punch Vs. Notch
Apple introduced the “notch” design with the iPhone X in 2017. The small cutout houses the front-facing camera. On the other hand, Samsung now uses an innovative notch in the right corner of the screen. Although it may take a little getting used to, it’s compact and innovative. It’s a great sign that manufacturers are moving closer to a true edge to edge display.
Water Resistance
Both Samsung and Apple introduced water resistance a few years ago. The iPhone XR and Galaxy S10e have rated IP67 and IP68 accordingly. On paper, this means the Galaxy has better water performance, but the iPhone XR has performed incredibly well on depth tests.
Camera: Is Two Better than One?
The Samsung Galaxy S10e has two rear cameras – a 12MP main sensor with a variable aperture, and a 16MP super-wide f/2.2 camera. The iPhone XR has a single 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle snapper.
But the number of cameras isn’t everything. How does this perform in the real world? Both take portrait photos, but the iPhone XR has better edge detection and other features. However, Samsung performs better in low light and a wide-angle lens.
For the front Samsung has a 10MP f/1.9 camera while the iPhone has a 7MP f/2.2 TrueTone lens. On the other hand, the iPhone outperforms on selfies with warmer tones and features.
If you’re upgrading from an older phone, you’ll be impressed with either the Samsung or the iPhone. Ultimately, the iPhone does better with selfies and closeups while Samsung does an amazing job with lowlight and distance photos.
Battery
Nowadays, phone manufacturers all brag about having the biggest battery size. Technically the Samsung Galaxy S10e has a larger battery at 3,100mAh compared to the iPhone XR’s 2,942mAh. But the difference is marginal.
In reality, the iPhone XR is the best performing iPhone when it comes to battery life. It easily lasts a full day of use even outperforming above other iPhones. In testing, the iPhone lasted 20 hours compared to 17 for the Samsung Galaxy S10e.
Biometrics
All Samsung Galaxy S10 models feature a fingerprint scanner while the iPhone XR relies solely on FaceID. But, the Samsung Galaxy S10e also has facial recognition. So you have more flexibility with the Galaxy.
Performance
One of the biggest values of the iPhone XR is you’re getting Apple’s best chip at a more affordable price. The iPhone XR uses Apple’s A12 Bionic processor, while the Galaxy S10E has the Snapdragon 855 chipset. In testing, the iPhone XR beat the S10e on multiple metrics even despite Samsung having twice as much RAM (6 GB compared to 3GB).
One huge benefit of the Samsung Galaxy S10e is it starts with 128 GB of storage compared to the iPhone 64GB. Samsung also uses MicroSD to give you even more storage capacity and flexibility.
The camera, apps, and more all launch very smoothly on the iPhone XR. However, the S10e is also very fast. In day to day use, you can’t really tell a difference between the two. Over long term use though, it’s likely the iPhone will edge out the S10e.
What about the Galaxy S10 vs iPhone XR?
We’ve mostly focused on the S10e and the iPhone XR. But, if you’re willing to spend a little more, you can purchase the Galaxy S10. Comparing these two phones is a totally different game.
The Galaxy S10 is a true flagship phone. While having the same screen size as the iPhone XR is lighter, more powerful, has three cameras, and a larger battery. Other than the A12 chip which keeps up in performance with the Galaxy S10, there’s no category where the Galaxy S10 doesn’t beat the iPhone XR.
Bottom Line: Samsung Galaxy S10 vs. iPhone XR
Both phones are fantastic. Choosing between the S10e and the iPhone XR will depend on your preference. Putting aside Android and iOS differences, you’ll need to consider the following:
- Do you prefer a smaller phone?
- Do you want a headphone jack?
- Do you want more storage capacity?
- Do you like UI customizability?
If you answered yes to these questions than the Samsung Galaxy S10e is the better option for you. However, if you are looking for a great all-around phone in a complete package, you may be better suited for the iPhone XR. The overall phone experience is more premium and packs everything you’d expect from the most expensive iPhones at a much cheaper price tag.
Finally, if you are less budget-conscious than you should check out the flagship Samsung Galaxy S10 which even beats the iPhone XS in many categories and starts at just $50 more than the iPhone XR. At the end of the day though, Apple and Samsung both make incredible smartphones so you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose!
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For more information on smartphone comparisons, head on over to our blog. You can compare the Samsung Galaxy vs Google Pixel. Decide if your an Android or iOS person. And find the best places to buy an iPhone. Discover everything you need to know about smartphones and technology with Buyback Boss!
