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Nokia X30 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S10

Updated Apr 2026phones
Nokia X30 5G
Nokia
Nokia X30 5G
$449
7.8/10
Winner
VS
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S10
$899
7.2/10

The Verdict

Nokia X30 5G costs half the price of the Galaxy S10 while delivering notably better value for practical everyday use. The Nokia features a larger 6.43-inch AMOLED display running at 90Hz with 700 nits brightness, compared to Samsung's smaller 6.1-inch screen locked at 60Hz despite higher resolution. Nokia's 50MP main camera with ZEISS optics and OIS outclasses the Galaxy S10's 12MP sensor, though Samsung's dual aperture and telephoto lens provide versatility. Battery capacity favors Nokia at 4200 mAh versus 3400 mAh, with superior 33W fast charging. The Snapdragon 695 processor is mid-range but adequate for most tasks, whereas the Galaxy S10's Snapdragon 855 remains powerful for gaming and demanding apps. Samsung wins on display resolution (3040 x 1440), brightness (1200 nits), and storage options up to 512GB. Both offer IP67/IP68 water resistance and wireless charging. The Galaxy S10 launched as a premium flagship in 2019 but now faces harsh value disadvantages at double the price. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing display quality, camera performance, and battery life, Nokia X30 5G is the clear winner. Only choose the Galaxy S10 if you specifically need the superior brightness, telephoto capabilities, or Wi-Fi 6.

ValueX30 5G
CameraX30 5G
BatteryX30 5G
DisplayGalaxy S10
PerformanceGalaxy S10

Who Should Buy

Buy the Nokia X30 5G if…

  • Three years of OS updates and three years of security patches
  • 100% recycled materials in the frame and back for sustainability
  • ZEISS optics produce natural, sharp photos

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10 if…

  • Triple camera system with ultrawide
  • Headphone jack and microSD slot
  • Beautiful Dynamic AMOLED display

Category Scores

Nokia X30 5G
Samsung Galaxy S10
Value
8.6
5.9
Camera
8.0
7.6
Battery
8.1
6.4
Display
8.2
8.5
Performance
6.8
8.1

Pros & Cons

Nokia X30 5G

Pros

  • Three years of OS updates and three years of security patches
  • 100% recycled materials in the frame and back for sustainability
  • ZEISS optics produce natural, sharp photos
  • IP67 water resistance and wireless charging at this tier
  • Clean, near-stock Android experience

Cons

  • Snapdragon 695 is underpowered compared to alternatives at $449
  • 90Hz refresh rate instead of 120Hz competitors
  • 4200 mAh battery is modest for 5G usage
  • Limited availability in some markets
  • Camera processing can be slow to capture and process shots

Samsung Galaxy S10

Pros

  • Triple camera system with ultrawide
  • Headphone jack and microSD slot
  • Beautiful Dynamic AMOLED display
  • Wi-Fi 6 support
  • Compact and lightweight at 157 g

Cons

  • 60Hz display
  • Slow 15W wired charging
  • No 5G support
  • Ultrasonic fingerprint unreliable with screen protectors
  • Moderate 3400 mAh battery

Full Specifications

SpecNokia X30 5GSamsung Galaxy S10
SoftwareAndroid 12Android 9, One UI 1.1
Body
Weight185 g157 g
Material100% recycled aluminum frame, recycled plastic backAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 6
IP ratingIP67IP68
Dimensions158.9 x 73.9 x 7.99 mm149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm
Camera
Main camera50 MP, f/1.8, OIS, ZEISS optics12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, dual aperture, OIS
Front camera16 MP, f/2.410 MP, f/1.9
Video4K@30fps4K@60fps
Ultrawide13 MP, f/2.416 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom
Memory
RAM6 GB / 8 GB8 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB128 GB, 512 GB
Battery
Capacity4200 mAh3400 mAh
Charging33W wired15W wired
Wireless charging15W wireless15W wireless
Display
Size6.43 inches6.1 inches
TypeAMOLEDDynamic AMOLED
Resolution2400 x 10803040 x 1440
Refresh rate90Hz60Hz
Brightness (nits)7001200
Processor
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x1.7 GHz)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.78 GHz)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 640
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 695Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 2.0USB-C 3.1
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.15.0

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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.

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