The Samsung Galaxy A91 and S10 Lite represent interesting points in Samsung’s strategy. The A91 aimed to bring flagship-level processing to a more accessible price point, while the S10 Lite offered a more compact flagship experience without the premium S10 price tag. Both devices share the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, but diverge in areas like display technology and battery optimization, making a direct comparison crucial for potential buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a brighter, more visually appealing display and proven battery endurance, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite is the better choice. While the A91 offers comparable performance, the S10 Lite’s 705 nits of brightness and 110-hour endurance rating provide a more refined and reliable user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2020, January 03 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2020, February 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 162.5 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED Plus, HDR10+ |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | - | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Samsung DeX (desktop experience support)
ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 45W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Prism White, Prism Black, Prism Blue |
| Models | SM-A915F | SM-G770F, SM-G770F/DS, SM-G770F/DSM, SM-G770U1 |
| Price | - | About 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 -93.7dB / Crosstalk -94.7dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 110h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.2 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 370751 (v7), 459497 (v8)
GeekBench: 11151 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A91
- Fast 45W charging for quick power-ups
- Snapdragon 855 provides flagship-level performance
- Potentially lower price point than the S10 Lite
- Display quality likely inferior to the S10 Lite
- Battery life potentially shorter than the S10 Lite
- Software optimization may be less refined
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
- Brighter and more vibrant display (705 nits)
- Excellent battery life (110-hour endurance rating)
- Mature software optimization for Snapdragon 855
- May be slightly more expensive than the A91
- Potentially less raw processing power in specific scenarios
- Compact size may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
The Galaxy S10 Lite boasts a display capable of reaching 705 nits of peak brightness, a significant advantage over what is expected from the A91 (data unavailable, but typically lower in A-series). This higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility. While both displays feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, the S10 Lite’s superior brightness and likely better color calibration contribute to a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The A91’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a focus on cost reduction in this area.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture data, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the S10 Lite’s position as a ‘Lite’ flagship suggests a higher emphasis on camera quality compared to the A91, which targeted a more budget-conscious market. It’s reasonable to assume the S10 Lite’s image processing algorithms are more refined, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the S10 Lite is also likely, further enhancing image quality.
Performance
Both the Galaxy A91 and S10 Lite are powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with the same clock speeds (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, and 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485). This means CPU performance will be virtually identical in most tasks. However, the S10 Lite benefits from Samsung’s more mature software optimization for the Snapdragon 855, potentially leading to slightly smoother performance and better thermal management during sustained loads. The A91, being a later release, *could* have benefited from later chipset revisions, but this isn't guaranteed.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S10 Lite achieves an impressive endurance rating of 110 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the A91’s battery capacity is unknown, the S10 Lite’s endurance score suggests superior power efficiency. Both devices support 45W wired charging, promising rapid replenishment. However, the S10 Lite’s longer battery life means users will likely rely on fast charging less frequently, extending the overall lifespan of the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A91 if you prioritize raw processing power and fast 45W charging above all else, and are comfortable potentially managing battery life more actively. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite if you value a brighter, more color-accurate display, longer battery life, and a more established track record of software optimization, even if it means sacrificing a slight edge in peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 855 in the A91 experience significant throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855 is known to throttle under sustained load. While both phones share the same chipset, the S10 Lite’s potentially better thermal management due to Samsung’s software optimization may result in slightly less throttling during prolonged gaming. However, neither device will maintain peak performance indefinitely.
❓ Is the 45W charging on both phones compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
Samsung’s 45W charging implementation typically supports Power Delivery (PD) chargers, but compatibility isn’t guaranteed with all PD chargers. Using a Samsung-branded 45W PD charger is recommended for optimal charging speeds and safety. Third-party chargers may not deliver the full 45W.
❓ Does the Galaxy S10 Lite's display support HDR10+ content?
Yes, the Galaxy S10 Lite's display does support HDR10+ content, providing a wider color gamut and increased dynamic range for compatible videos and streaming services. This enhances the viewing experience, particularly with HDR-enabled content.
