Samsung’s annual release of shiny new Galaxy smartphones has always been a moment of excitement for several reasons, and last night’s is no exception. Though many details were leaked about the much anticipated Galaxy S10 over the past six months, including a few zingers in the last week, yesterday’s announcements still proved a few surprises.
Here’s the low down on the new Galaxy S10 range.
Offered up in four options for the first time, the Galaxt S10 range comprises the S10 e, the S10, the S10+ and, in a potential feat of innovation for the company, the S10 5G.
The S10e is offered up in 6GB / 128GB and 8GB / 256GB models, while the S10 comes with 8GB RAM for both the 128GB and 512GB handsets. The S10+ is hitting the market with exactly the same RAM / storage formats as the S10, but a much more powerful version will be offered in the form of a 12GB/1TB model.
The hotly anticipated S10 5G, which could prove to be a pioneering phone for Samsung as some countries make the move toward 5G technology, is offered in only one format: 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Galaxy users can expect a vast improvement on the already-awesome battery life of the S9; the S10e boasts 3,100mAh, the S10 3,400mAh, and the S10+ has been pepped up to 4,100mAh. The 5G houses a whopping 4,500mAh battery.
Samsung confirmed one of the leaks by announcing the phones would feature Wireless PowerShare, though many are sceptical that this is actually going to be an effective feature, at least for some time. The Huawei Mate 20 Pro featured a similar ability, though it proved to be more trouble than not: it will be interesting to see if this technology develops to a point where it gets bragging rights.
The camera, which is historically one of the Galaxy’s most beloved features, gets an upgrade too. The S10e comes equipped with a 12MP wide-angle and 12MP ultra-wide dual-lens setup at the rear, as well as a with a 10MP front-facing camera.
The S10 and S10+ come with almost identical capabilities, with a triple rear setup–12MP telephoto, 12MP wide-angle and 16MP ultra-wide and 10MP front-facing camera–though the S10+ gets an extra 8MP selfie cam at the front.
The Galaxy 5G scores the same camera format as the S10, but also adds a 3D depth lens on the front.
Regarding colours, the S10e and S10 will be offered in Prism Green, Prism Black and Prism White; the S10+ will have the same for the 128GB model, but the 512GB model will be available in ceramic black or ceramic white, as will the 1TB S10+.
The Samsung Galaxy S10e, S10 and S10+ is set to be available for pre-order from 9am on February 21 (AEDT). Pre-orders will be eligible to also receive a bonus set of Galaxy Buds, which have an RRP of AUD$249 for a limited time, from participating retailers.
The full range will be on sale in stores from March 8.
We are yet to receive pricing or a release date for the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G.
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