Pixel 4 vs. Galaxy S10 Lite: A Battle of Endurance and Value

Released in different eras, the Google Pixel 4 and Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite represent interesting points in the flagship Android landscape. The Pixel 4, despite its smaller size, aimed for a premium experience with Google’s computational photography. The S10 Lite, meanwhile, offered flagship specs at a more accessible price point, prioritizing battery life and fast charging. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device holds up better today.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and usability, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite is the clear winner. Its significantly superior 110-hour endurance rating, coupled with 45W fast charging, overshadows the Pixel 4’s strengths in software and camera processing. While the Pixel 4 offers a cleaner Android experience, the S10 Lite’s battery advantage is too substantial to ignore.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel 4 Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - Global1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USA-
Launch
Announced2019, October 152020, January 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2019, October 22Available. Released 2020, February 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions147.1 x 68.8 x 8.2 mm (5.79 x 2.71 x 0.32 in)162.5 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight162 g (5.71 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3+
Resolution1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~444 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size5.7 inches, 80.7 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 90Hz, HDRSuper AMOLED Plus, HDR10+
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 640
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 13Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple-48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, Super Steady OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1.22µm, no AF TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -ANT+
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD2.0 Wireless45W wired
TypeLi-Po 2800 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsClearly White, Just Black, Oh So OrangePrism White, Prism Black, Prism Blue
ModelsG020M, G020I, GA01188-US, GA01187-US, GA01189-US, GA01191-US, GA01189-USSM-G770F, SM-G770F/DS, SM-G770F/DSM, SM-G770U1
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 380 EUR
SAR-0.69 W/kg (head)     0.93 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.49 W/kg (head)     1.52 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -71.5dB / Crosstalk -69.8dB Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -94.7dB
Battery life Endurance rating 62h Endurance rating 110h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker Voice 79dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 83dB -27.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 395351 (v8) GeekBench: 2542 (v5.1) GFXBench: 31fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 370751 (v7), 459497 (v8) GeekBench: 11151 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1) GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Google Pixel 4

  • Superior camera software and image processing
  • Compact and pocketable design
  • Clean and streamlined Android experience

  • Poor battery life (62h endurance)
  • Slow charging speed (18W)
  • Lower display brightness

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite

  • Excellent battery life (110h endurance)
  • Fast 45W charging
  • Brighter and more visible display

  • Larger and heavier design
  • Samsung’s One UI software (preference-based)
  • Less refined camera software

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 705 nits compared to the Pixel 4’s 423 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks, but the S10 Lite’s higher peak brightness provides a more vibrant and usable experience in various lighting conditions. While both are excellent, the S10 Lite’s display is demonstrably better for outdoor use and overall visual punch.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer capable photo and video recording, but approach it differently. The Pixel 4 excels in computational photography, leveraging Google’s software algorithms to produce stunning images, particularly in low light. The S10 Lite, while lacking the Pixel’s software magic, still delivers excellent image quality thanks to its hardware. Without specific sensor size data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Pixel 4’s strength lies in its image processing, while the S10 Lite relies more on raw hardware capabilities. Both phones offer versatile camera systems, but the Pixel 4’s software is a key differentiator.

Performance

Both the Pixel 4 and Galaxy S10 Lite are powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset, featuring the same octa-core CPU configuration. This means raw processing power is virtually identical for everyday tasks and most games. However, the S10 Lite’s larger battery capacity allows it to sustain peak performance for longer periods without thermal throttling, potentially offering a smoother experience during extended gaming sessions. The Pixel 4, with its smaller battery, may experience more noticeable performance dips under sustained load.

Battery Life

The most significant difference between these two phones lies in their battery performance. The Galaxy S10 Lite achieves an impressive endurance rating of 110 hours, nearly double the Pixel 4’s 62 hours. This translates to a full day of heavy use, or even two days of moderate use, on the S10 Lite. Furthermore, the S10 Lite supports 45W wired charging, allowing for a significantly faster 0-100% charge time compared to the Pixel 4’s 18W PD2.0 charging. The Pixel 4’s battery life is a known weakness, and the S10 Lite comprehensively addresses this concern.

Buying Guide

Buy the Google Pixel 4 if you prioritize a streamlined Android experience, Google’s unique camera software features, and a more compact form factor. You’ll accept compromises in battery life and charging speed for these benefits. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite if you value all-day battery life, incredibly fast 45W charging, and a brighter display, even if it means a slightly less refined software experience and a larger device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Pixel 4’s camera still worth considering despite the S10 Lite’s capable hardware?
Absolutely. The Pixel 4’s computational photography remains a standout feature, particularly in low-light scenarios. Google’s image processing algorithms can often produce more visually appealing results, even with potentially less advanced hardware. If camera software is a priority, the Pixel 4 is a strong contender.
❓ How much faster is the S10 Lite’s 45W charging compared to the Pixel 4’s 18W charging in real-world use?
The S10 Lite’s 45W charging can significantly reduce charging times. While exact figures depend on various factors, you can expect a full charge in approximately 60-75 minutes with the S10 Lite, compared to over 90-120 minutes with the Pixel 4’s 18W charger. This difference is substantial for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in the S10 Lite throttle under heavy gaming loads?
While the Snapdragon 855 can experience some throttling under sustained heavy loads, the S10 Lite’s larger battery capacity and potentially better thermal design help mitigate this issue compared to the Pixel 4. You’ll likely experience longer periods of peak performance before any noticeable throttling occurs.