Samsung’s Galaxy S phones haven’t topped a list I’ve made in years, but the Galaxy S10 series really nailed it (9/10, WIRED Recommends). For the better part of 2019, it topped this list of Android phones, but it has since been trounced by the OnePlus 7T and Pixel 3A, which both offer similar value for less money.
I really like almost every aspect of the phones (except Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant), including the hole-punch in-display selfie camera and in-display “ultrasonic” fingerprint sensor on the S10 and S10 Plus. Samsung’s flagships have all the speed and camera capabilities you’d want in a new phone, and Samsung’s custom One UI software is pleasant to use and gets regular security updates. Other bonuses like a MicroSD slot, wireless power-sharing, and a headphone jack (yes!) make the Galaxy a step up from the 7T.
And since you’re probably wondering, there are three S10s: the regular S10, a larger S10 Plus, and the lower-cost S10E that cuts some corners. For advice on which model to buy, read our breakdown of the three models. Personally, I prefer the S10 due to its smaller size.
That being said, Samsung has its bi-annual Galaxy Unpacked event taking place on February 11, and it’s widely expected to announce a successor—the Galaxy S20. You’ll likely be able to score a great deal on the S10 range after the newer lineup launches (likely the end of February or early March), but if you’re looking for the best Samsung phone to buy, you should absolutely wait a few weeks.
Works on all four major US networks.
