Galaxy S10 Guides

a owners-help-owners community of Samsung Galaxy S10, S10+ and S10e

Unbox Galaxy S10: understand Galaxy S10 box contents

What is in the Galaxy S10, S10+, or S10e box? How to use them?

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After unboxing Galaxy S10 (S10, S10+, or S10e), you need to understand the Galaxy S10 box contents: what are they? How to use them?

Understanding the items included in the Galaxy S10 box will surely help you use the phone (Galaxy S10, S10+, or S10e) properly and effectively.

This Galaxy S10 how-to guide shows you the package contents of the Galaxy S10 box and explains the usage of the 10 items of Galaxy S10 box contents.

The Galaxy S1o box contents are identical for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e, except the phone (and the dimensions of the box). In this page, we will use Galaxy S10 to refer to all these 3 Galaxy S10 phones.  You may refer to Galaxy S10 specifications to find the differences among these 3 Galaxy S10 phones.

What are the items of Galaxy S10 box contents?

In different regions, Galaxy S10 distributors may insert some additional promotional items.  But the “standard” box contents are standardized by Samsung.

In almost all regions, you can find these 10 common Galaxy S10 box contents as illustrated in the picture below.

  1. The Galaxy S10 box
  2. The phone (Galaxy S10, S10+, or S1oe)
  3. A transparent back cover
  4. A USB cable (USB-A to USB-C)
  5. AKG headset (with 3.5mm connector)
  6. Wall charger (travel adapter)
  7. USB connector
  8. SIM card tray ejection pin
  9. Quick start guide
  10. A leaflet of “How to transfer contents to Galaxy S10”

If you miss any items in the Galaxy S10 box, you may check with the seller.

How to use items of Galaxy S10 box contents?

Of course, each item in the Galaxy S10 box is for you to use and enjoy the phone.

#1. The Galaxy S10 box

The box should be sealed by Samsung or a local distributor.

The seal is to indicate this is an unopened package. If it is a pre-owned S10, it should be stated clearly in the box.

#2. The Phone (Galaxy S10, S10+, or S10e)

The phone is the main and the most expensive item in the Galaxy S10 box.

In most regions, for Galaxy S10, and S10+, a plastic screen protector has been pasted on the screen already.  It is not the normal protective film.

If you plan to use a screen protector on Galaxy S10, or S10+, you need to know that many tempered glass screen protectors do NOT work with the in-display fingerprint sensor (see this page), therefore Samsung applied this plastic screen protector for you before you can find a compatible screen protector. You may check this guide on how to use Galaxy S10 in-display fingerprint scanner to unlock Galaxy S10.

For Galaxy S10e, the fingerprint is mounted on the power button, and therefore all screen protector should work with the phone. This is the reason why Samsung does not give a screen protector for Galaxy S10e.

All new Galaxy S10 phones should have about 50-60% battery. You can charge the battery after finishing the setup, or charge the battery before using the phone.

#3.

… Read the rest

How to charge Galaxy S10 battery?

Battery Guide for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e

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charge Galaxy S10 battery

You need to charge Galaxy S10 battery properly to maximize the battery life without sacrificing your usage.

There are many so-called expert recommendations and rules on how to charge Galaxy S10 battery. Some of them are outdated (e.g., you need to drain Galaxy S10 battery completely every a few weeks). Some are ridiculously wrong (e.g., you should not charge Galaxy S10 battery to full).

This Galaxy S10 how-to guide explains the proper way to charge Galaxy S10 battery with a wall charger (USB charging) or a wireless charger (wireless charging). Quick charge 2.0 and fast wireless charging 2.0 are also discussed.

How long should I charge Galaxy S10 battery the first time?

The old textbook may tell you that you should charge the new battery for at least 6-8 hours for the first time.

This is outdated. It does not apply to the Galaxy S10 battery.

When you charge Galaxy S10 battery the first time, you just need to charge it to “charged.” Then you can disconnect it from the charger (wall charger or wireless charger) and start to use it.

In fact, when Galaxy S10 leaves the factory, the battery was charged to about 60%. You can immediately use the phone when you get it. It is unnecessary to charge a new Galaxy S10 for 6 hours.

In some regions, Samsung does not offer a 1-to-1 exchange for hardware defects. You have to check the phone in the store.

Anyway, there are no special requirements when you charge the Galaxy S10 battery the first time.

Please note, there is no notification LED in Galaxy S10 (including S10, S10+, S10e, and S10 5G) as discussed in this page, you have to wake up the screen to check whether the battery is fully charged or not.

What are the two ways to charge the Galaxy S10 battery?

Galaxy S10 supports charging through the USB-C port and the wireless charging coil. You may refer to Galaxy S10 layout to check the location of the USB-C port and wireless charging coils.

So, you can charge Galaxy S10 battery in two ways:

  • Through a USB cable (USB charging). Normally, you will use a wall charger. But you can also charge Galaxy S10 battery with a power bank, PC, or another mobile device with USB-C port.
  • Wireless charging.

In Galaxy S10 box, a wall charger is included.

The wireless charging pad is not included in Galaxy S10 box. You may have to buy one.

What are fast charging and fast wireless charging for Galaxy S10, S10+, and s10e?

Galaxy S10, S10+, and 10e support quick charge 2.0 when charging through the USB-C port (USB charging). Of course, this requires a wall charger with quick charge support.

In the Galaxy S10 box, you can find the included 15W wall charger, which is a quick charge 2.0 compliant charger.

Samsung named the fast charge technology as adaptive fast charging. As mentioned in the top 10 disappointing and missing features of Galaxy … Read the rest

Galaxy S10 layout (layout of Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, and S10e)

Understand the layout of Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e

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Galaxy S10 layout (layout of Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, and S10e)You need to understand the Galaxy S10 layout to properly use your Galaxy S10, S10+, or S10e.

The 4 models of Galaxy S10: S10, S10+ (S10 Plus), S10e, and S10 5G, share similar, but not identical design. The layout of these 4 Galaxy S10 phones is slightly different.

Because S10 5G has not been released yet, this Galaxy S10 guide will explain the layout of Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e.

Why do you need to know about Galaxy S10 layout?

Galaxy S10 is not a revolutionary product. So, you can find some similarity between the Galaxy S10 layout and Galaxy S9 layout.

But the difference is also obvious.

Exploring the Galaxy S10 layout allows you to:

  • Locate the buttons: Power button, Bixby button, and volume buttons.
  • Locate the ports including multifunction (USB Type C) port and headphone jack.
  • Locate the SIM card tray.
  • Locate the antennas.
  • Locate the cameras and sensors.
  • Locate the wireless charging coil.
  • Locate the speaker and microphones.
  • Locate the fingerprint sensor.

Anyway, you should spend a few mins on understanding the Galaxy S10 layout. It will pay off immediately when you avoid some mistakes (e.g., piercing the microphone on the top with the SIM card ejection pin) or learn to use some special features or tricks.

The major differences among Galaxy S10 layout, Galaxy S10+ layout, and Galaxy S10e layout

The differences in specifications of Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e are reflected in the device layout.

Here is the list of major differences among Galaxy S10 layout, Galaxy S10+ layout, and Galaxy S10e layout:

  • Size.  Galaxy S10+ is the largest and Galaxy S10e is the smallest. Galaxy S10 lies in between.
  • The front camera and the hole.   Galaxy S10+ has two front-facing cameras. The hole in the infinity O display is elongated and larger than that in the other two siblings.  Galaxy S10 and S10e only have one front-facing camera. If you want, you can use Galaxy S10 virtual bezel to hide the front camera cutout as explained in this guide.
  • Rear cameras. Both Galaxy s10 and S10+ have 3 rear cameras. Galaxy S10e only gets one.
  • Fingerprint scanner. Both Galaxy S10 and S10+ have an in-display fingerprint ultrasonic scanner. The fingerprint scanner in Galaxy S10e is mounted on the power button.

The relative locations of the buttons, sensors, antennas, ports, speaker and microphones, SIM card tray are almost identical.

The layout of Galaxy s10+ (Galaxy S10+ layout)

The front view of Samsung Galaxy S10+ layout is shown below.

In the front, you can find:

  • Touch screen in Galaxy S10+ layout

The touch screen occupies about 90% of the front side of Galaxy S10+.

You can use various Galaxy S10 touchscreen gestures to interact with the phone.

By default, in the bottom part of the screen, Galaxy S10 navigation bar with 3 navigation buttons can be found. Of course, you can also use navigation gestures, instead of navigation buttons.

On the top of the screen, you … Read the rest

Top 10 disappointing or missing features of Galaxy S10

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Top 10 disappointing or missing features of Galaxy S10Galaxy S10, S10e, S10+, and S10 5G set the standard for the flagship smartphones in 2019. There are many new features and improvements in both hardware and software. But we also noticed some missing features of Galaxy S10.

Galaxy S10 (all 4 models) are far from perfect. There are some missing features in all 4 Galaxy S10 phones. Some features may also be very disappointing.

This post summarizes the top 10 disappointing and missing features of Galaxy S10.

#1. Iris scanner is gone: the most disappointing and missing feature of Galaxy S10

Iris scanner was first introduced in the explosive Galaxy Note 7. Most owners did not get the chance to try it before the phone was recalled, and re-recalled.

In Galaxy S8 (and S8+), the iris scanner works reasonably well. Many Galaxy S8 owners actually used the iris scanner because of the awkward location of the fingerprint scanner.

Obviously, the iris scanner was improved dramatically in Galaxy S9. It is faster than all other unlocking methods including the fingerprint scanner because of the less-ideal location and smaller size of the fingerprint scanner. If you are using a case or cover for Galaxy S9 or S9, it is not easy to reach the fingerprint scanner.

When more and more owners realized and started to enjoy this unlock feature, Samsung removed it in Galaxy S10. You have to use your face (face recognition) or fingerprint reader to unlock Galaxy S10 if you do not want to type the PIN/password.

None of the 4 Galaxy S10 models has the iris scanner.

The reason given by Samsung is the lack of bezel space for the iris scanner.

But if they can punch a hole for the front-facing camera(s), why cannot punch another hole for iris scanner? Here is the Galaxy S1o layout.

Also, if you do not like the cutout (hole) for the front camera, you can use Galaxy S10 virtual bezel to hide the cutout.

#2. Freely remapping Bixby button (key): The most demanded but missing feature of Galaxy S10:

Bixby is quite good if you compare it to Siri.  But if you compare it to Google Assistant, which is shipped with all Android Pie phones, Bixby is far behind.

But Samsung pushed Bixby so hard that a dedicated hardware Bixby key was introduced in Galaxy S8 and S8+, and all subsequent Galaxy phones get the button below the volume keys.

The most annoying part is that you cannot remap the button for other more useful features. e..g. Launching the Galaxy S10 camera app or using it as a camera shutter button, if you have no intention to use Bixby, or have no intention to use the Bixby button.

In Galaxy S8 and S9, you can disable the Bixby key by letting it do nothing when pressed. If you turn off Bixby Voice in Bixby settings, the long press gesture of the Bixby key will also be deactivated and do nothing.

But in Android Pie … Read the rest

Top 10 new features of Galaxy S10

The top 10 exciting new features of Galaxy S10

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top 10 new features of Galaxy S10As Samsung’s flagship smartphones in 2019, Galaxy S10 (include Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10+, and Galaxy S10 5G) packs the latest technology Samsung has or can access. So, you can expect some exciting new features of the Galaxy S10.

It is impractical to discuss all new features of Galaxy S10 in one post because of the long list of the new features of Galaxy S10. For the hardware specifications, you may check this post. For Galaxy S10 layout, you may check this guide.

In this post, we will explain the top 10 most exciting new features of Galaxy S10 most owners will enjoy: Dynamic AMOLED with HDR 10+, Infinity O display, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, Bixby Routine, ultrawide camera, wireless PowerShare, Android Pie and One UI, Digital wellbeing, recording 4K UHD video with HDR 10+, and fast wireless charging 2.0.

Of course, Galaxy S10 is far from perfect. There are also some disappointing and missing features of Galaxy S10 as discussed here.

The most exciting new feature of Galaxy S10: Dynamic AMOLED with HDR10+

Samsung flagship phones traditionally have the best display.  No other smartphone makers can match Samsung when the display is discussed.

In Galaxy S10, Samsung updates its Super AMOLED to Dynamic AMOLED.

So, All four Galaxy S10 devices (Galaxy s10e, Galaxy S10, Galaxy s10+, and Galaxy S1o 5G) all have a Dynamic AMOLED screen.

This AMOLED is somewhat different (and better) from the screen in Galaxy S9 and other Galaxy phones.

In a nutshell, the Dynamic AMOLED on Galaxy S10 supports:

  • Higher brightness (up to 1200 nits peak luminance). You can use the screen even directly under the sunlight.
  • Larger dynamic range.  From black to white, you can see more “colors”.
  • HDR10+.  In addition to static dynamic metadata, HDR10+ also supports dynamic metadata. Therefore the brightness boundaries can be set and changed on a frame-by-frame basis. Galaxy S10 (all models) is the only smartphone certified with HDR10+ up to now (February 2019).
  • Lower blue light emission.  You will feel more comfortable to use the screen in all lighting conditions. Galaxy S10 screen (all models) was certified by TÜV Rheinland.

Dynamic AMOLED is probably the most exciting new features of Galaxy S10. It is available in all four models: Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10+, and Galaxy S10 5G.

The most innovative workaround of Galaxy S10: Infinity O display

All smartphone manufacturers are working hard to reducing the bezels.

But there is a limit because of the front-facing cameras.

So far, to solve this problem, other smartphone manufacturers follow iPhone X: using a notch, which can be quite ugly (subjective).

Samsung finds an innovative workaround for this issue: punch a hole for the front-facing cameras.  It looks far better than the notches.

And in Galaxy S10, Samsung calls it infinity O display. All 4 Galaxy s10 models use infinity O display. Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10 5G get a bigger (and elongated) “hole”.

If you are not a fan of the punched hole, … Read the rest

Specifications of Samsung Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10e, and S10 5G

Get to know Galaxy S10 specs (and Galaxy S10+ specs, Galaxy S10e specs, and Galaxy S10 5G specs)

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pecifications of Samsung Galaxy S10, S10 Plus and S10eAlthough software plays a more and more important role in today’s smartphones,  many potential Galaxy S10 buyers are still eager to know what are the specifications of Samsung Galaxy S10.

Based on early leaks and rumors, specifications of Samsung Galaxy S10 are almost certain in most aspects.

This post summarizes the key specifications of Samsung Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10e, and S10 5G.

How many models of Galaxy S10 will be?

Almost certain, tThere will be 3 are 4 Galaxy S10 models with slightly different specifications:

  • Galaxy S10.
  • Galaxy S10+ (Plus).
  • Galaxy S10e.
  • Galaxy S10 5G (in selected markets only).

Galaxy S10 is targeting mainstream users. S10+ (S1o Plus) is targeting hardware enthusiasts, who want to get everything available. Galaxy S10e is targeting buyers who want a smaller phone.  All these 3 Galaxy S10 models will be available globally on March 8, 2019.

Galaxy S10 5G is the only 5G capable phone in the market now. It will be available in Q2 2019. Because the 5G network is only available in very limited regions and carriers, Galaxy S10 5G will be available in selected regions.

The specifications of Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e, and S10 5G  are slightly different.

Of course, Galaxy S10+ will be the most expensive one among the three (the pricing of S10 5G is still not available now). S10e will be the cheapest.

Key features in specifications of Samsung Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, and S10e

Samsung Galaxy 10 is the 1oth generation of Galaxy S series phones.  Samsung needs to use this historical device to showcase its leadership in the oversaturated smartphone market.

In addition to the annual upgrade of CPU, there are some interesting and major changes in Galaxy S10 specifications.

The infinity display will be pushed to the limit: the top bezel is not enough for the camera lens and a hole in the display has to be punched.  So, Samsung just named it infinity O display. You may hide the hole (cutout) using a black bar (Galaxy S10 virtual bezel) if you do not like the hole. But this will reduce the usable screen area.

So, instead of a notch, you will see the punched area for the front cameras as shown below.

Key features in specifications of Samsung Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, and S10e

The fingerprint scanner will now be embedded under the screen in Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10 5G. And it uses ultrasonic 3D scanning technique.  There is no button or cutout for the fingerprint scanner.  Please check this guide on how to use Galaxy S1o in-display ultrasonic fingerprint reader.

On Galaxy S10e, the fingerprint scanner will be embedded in the power button on the right side of the phone.

Wireless charging has been a standard feature since Galaxy S6. Now, Samsung will add the wireless PowerShare (reverse wireless charging) into Galaxy S10.  You can use your phone as a wireless charger to charge other devices as explained in this guide.

Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e, and S10 5G will be powered by Android Pie with the … Read the rest

About Galaxy S10 Guides

What the Galaxy S10 Guides community does and how the website is organized

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Galaxy S10 Guides communityGalaxy S10 guides community is part of the GadgetGuideOnline network featuring detailed how-to guides for the latest gadgets.

This post explains what the Galaxy S10 Guides community does and how the Galaxy S9 guides are organized.

What does the Galaxy S10 Guides community do?

Galaxy S10 guides @GadgetGuideOnline is an online community for Galaxy S10 owners and by Galaxy S10 owners.

It is an owner-help-owner community for owners of Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, and Galaxy S10e. Galaxy S10 5G will be also covered.

For many Galaxy S10 owners, access to the “official” support can be:

  • Inconvenient. There may be very limited Samsung support centers in some regions. You do not want to drive a few hours to the support center, wait a few hours in the queue if you can get the answer or solution through a community like Galaxy S10 Guides here. Also, most support centers only open in office hours when you may have to work.
  • Ineffective. In the support centers, the standard procedures have to be followed. Very often, you have to reset the phone and have to wait a long time.
  • Costy. If your Galaxy S10 is out of warranty (e.g., you bought it from other regions), the cost of the visit to the support center can be quite expensive.
  • Inadequate. In most regions, the support for your Galaxy S10, S10+, S1oe, and S10 5G is limited to hardware and pre-installed apps.

Of course, for hardware related issues, you have to visit the local service center because they have all the tools software to test the hardware.

But for software related issues or feature related questions, you can find the solution or answer without wasting time in the service center.

Galaxy S10 Guides offer many high-quality how-to style guides explaining the features of Galaxy S10, showing you how to use your Galaxy S10, helping you find and use proper accessories for your Galaxy S10.

The comments section in Galaxy S10 guides lets you ask questions or share your solutions.

Galaxy S10 Guides do NOT cover the following: rooting Galaxy S10, DIY hacking the S10 hardware, flashing the firmware for Galaxy S10…

Galaxy S10 Guide is a free community: all contents are free to read. You are free to ask questions related to Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e, and S10 5G.

How are Galaxy S10 Guides organized?

Detailed how-to guides on using Galaxy S10 or solving problems on Galaxy S10 are the starting point. Many owners can learn to use some features of Galaxy S10 through these guides. Owners can also share their solution or recommendations for a similar problem.

Discussions are moderated in the comments section so that meaningful contributions from fellow Galaxy S10 owners will benefit other members in the community.

There are 5 sections in Galaxy S10 Guides.

Galaxy S10 new features guides

This section hosts detailed guides explaining the new features of the Galaxy S10 and showing you how to use them.

For example, many owners want to know how … Read the rest