Samsung’s Galaxy S10 is still a worthwhile option for those who want a new phone but are looking to spend less than $1,000.
The Galaxy S10, despite being a year old, still has a great camera and many of the same features as the Galaxy S20, like an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a sharp ultra-wide-angle camera, and a crisp borderless screen.
The main features that distinguish the Galaxy S20 from its predecessor are its support for 5G, its larger, upgraded camera sensors, its extra memory, and a screen that can reach a higher refresh rate.
If you don’t care about 5G connectivity, especially since the network is only currently available in select areas of the US, and are looking for a phone that can take high-quality photos but don’t necessarily care about having a super-premium camera, than the Galaxy S10 is worth considering.
Samsung’s Galaxy S20 just debuted this week, but don’t underestimate last year’s Galaxy S10.
Although the Galaxy S20 brings new features like an improved camera with a 64-megapixel telephoto camera — and a 108-megapixel wide-angle camera on the Ultra model — there are plenty of reasons to consider the Galaxy S10. Even though it doesn’t have the newest camera, it still has an impressive triple-lens setup capable of taking rich and clear photos.
It also lacks other improvements like a screen with a higher refresh rate and more RAM, both of which should make the phone feel a bit faster. But even without these upgrades, the Galaxy S10 performs just as quickly and smoothly as you probably need it to.
Here’s a closer look at why you should consider choosing the older, cheaper Galaxy S10 over the Galaxy S20.
It’s cheaper.
Samsung/YouTube
The biggest reason you should consider choosing the S10 over the S20 is its price. The Galaxy S10 is priced at $750, while the larger Galaxy S10 Plus starts at $850. That makes the standard S10 $250 cheaper than the S20, and the S10 Plus $150 less expensive than the standard S20.
Both phones are also significantly cheaper than the $1,200 Galaxy S20 Plus, which comes with a larger screen, support for faster millimeter-wave 5G, and an extra depth-sensing camera. Samsung’s top-of-the-line smartphone, the $1,400 Galaxy S20 Ultra, costs nearly double the Galaxy S10. That phone comes with a larger 6.9-inch screen and a whopping 108-megapixel camera.
5G networks aren’t very mature yet in the United States.
Samsung/YouTube
Support for 5G connectivity is one of the Galaxy S20’s standout features. But many carriers in the US are still developing and expanding their 5G coverage.
5G networks from Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T are only available in a handful of cities across the country, for example. And even in cities where it is available, 5G coverage is usually only supported in select areas. Similarly, T-Mobile’s 5G network is up and running across the country, but only in certain areas.
The Galaxy S10 still has a great camera capable of taking high-resolution ultra-wide-angle photos.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
The Galaxy S10 may lack the larger, more advanced sensors found on the S20. But it’s still capable of taking high-quality images.
The Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus both have a triple-lens camera that includes a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera, and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. That means you can still shoot in a variety of modes, such as zooming in up to 10x digitally and capturing images with a wider 123-degree field of view. That’s actually 3 degrees more than the S20’s wide-angle lens.
So while the S10 may not be as great at zooming or capturing photo in low-light conditions as the S20, it still has all of the most important photograph-oriented features you’d want in a modern smartphone.
The Galaxy S10 has a lot of the same other features of the S20, like reverse wireless charging, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a borderless screen.
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
With the Galaxy S10, Samsung introduced several new features that have also made their way to the Galaxy S20. These include wireless power share, which makes it possible to charge an accessory like wireless headphones or another phone by resting the device on the back of the Galaxy S10. The S10 also has a fingerprint sensor that’s baked into the screen and Samsung’s “Infinity-O” display, which is a new type of borderless screen the company introduced last year that implements a hole punch-like cutout for front-facing cameras.
Overall, the experience of using the Galaxy S10 probably isn’t all that different than the Galaxy S20.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
The biggest improvements in the Galaxy S20 are in its ability to support 5G networks and its upgraded camera. If neither of those are a priority for you, then it might be worth checking out the less expensive Galaxy S10, which has most of the same features as its newer counterpart.
The Galaxy S20 also has a smoother screen and more memory — two additions that should make using the phone feel faster. But the Galaxy S10 is already plenty fast enough for most daily tasks, whether you’re sending emails, playing games, or checking social media.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
