Samsung Galaxy S10+ Review: 10th Generation Android Greatness

Since the introduction of Android 7 Nougat, and even more so with Android 8 Oreo and 9 Pie, our battery life testing has become a bit of a challenge. Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, Google's mobile operating system is getting more aggressive at killing tasks that are consuming significant power and haven't had any user interaction. As a result, our usual PCMark Android battery test now fails on many phones, so we have fewer results to share, though still enough for a solid relative gauge.

Futuremark's PCMark for Android Work 2.0 Battery test takes workloads from the benchmark itself (image and video editing, email and web browsing) and scripts them in a loop that runs until battery levels drop below 20 percent. This test is more real-world in terms of its setup, because we calibrate display brightness on all devices to 200 Lux and the test then locks that display brightness in for the duration. In these tests, Bluetooth connectivity and Location services are disabled, though WiFi and mobile data is left enabled.

By now you're probably getting the idea that we're pretty high on Samsung's new Galaxy S10+. This is a premium Android flagship device that packs absolutely impeccable build quality in stunning, unique color options with an Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED display that is simply the best of any smartphone we've ever laid eyes on. Samsung was also smart enough to keep the headphone jack around for another release, while integrating new cutting-edge technologies like its in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, even if we prefer running it with less-secure, but faster, more convenient facial recognition. 

Then we have to consider the Galaxy S10+'s wireless charging, wireless PowerShare, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a fantastic camera setup that offers shot modes not found in any other handset on the market currently. Super Steady video and Ultra-Wide Angle stills are true differentiators versus other top smartphones out there right now, and they're not just gimmicks but instead very useful innovations that likely most users will take specific advantage of at one time or another. I personally wouldn't shoot video any other way than Super Steady mode, unless the subject was so majestic that it absolutely had to be recorded at 4K60. 

Samsung's Galaxy S10+ isn't the perfect smartphone, but it's certainly a much closer attempt than we've seen from many others thus far. The GS10+ is a fantastic Android device that looks great, feels even better, sports truly innovative features and delivers excellent battery life. It's certainly a little too pricey for our liking, but as far as high-end flagship smartphones go, we think the Samsung Galaxy S10+ is now the phone to beat and a new bar has been set for the field.