Samsung's New Galaxy Phone Is An Absolute Monster

Image: Lifehacker

Today, Samsung made history by releasing the Galaxy S10 5G in Australia - the first 5G-capable smartphone for Telstra's burgeoning network. We briefly got our hands on the device during its Sydney launch and can attest to its astonishing size and speed. Simply put, this thing is a fricking beast.

If you're lucky enough to live inside Telstra's 5G coverage area, the Galaxy S10 5G will deliver data speeds that eclipse every 4G phone on the market. We're talking full-length movies downloaded in a matter of seconds.

During the launch event in Telstra's flagship Sydney store, the phone clocked a phenomenal download speed of 1.2Gbps and upload speeds of 63.6Mbps. By contrast, Telstra's existing mobile network has an Ookla Speed Score of 47.27, with average download speeds of 53.42Mbps and average upload speeds of 17.53Mbps. In other words, the jump is pretty significant.

Telstra is positioning its zero-latency network as the gateway to true virtual reality, with devices like the S10 5G set to deliver a host of VR and AR applications that will actually deliver on their promise. In other words, the experience of using a smartphone is about to become exciting once again.

That's... pretty damn fast.

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G Telstra plans

Telstra's 'hero plan' for the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G will set you back $144 a month over 24 months, which works out to a minimum cost of $3456. The plan nets you a monthly data cap of 160GB, unlimited talk/text, free access to Telstra’s sports apps, unmetered music streaming and Peace of Mind Data (which means no excess data charges when you go over your allowance in Australia).

However, it's also a lease plan, which means you have to give the phone back to Telstra at the end of the 24-month contract. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for people who want to own the phone outright. Here's the full list of plans:

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G 256GB

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G 512GB

Curiously, the Galaxy S10 5G is not currently available to buy from Samsung or its retail partners in Australia. We'll let you know the RRP when we learn more. (In the US, pricing starts at $US1299 - so don't expect much change from $2000 in Australia.)

If you bought the S10 Plus during the launch window back in February, you can exchange it for the S10 5G free of charge (provided your existing phone is in working order.) Eligible customers have until June 19 to make the swap.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Range: What Aussies Need To Know

"More screen, more cameras, more choices." That's the mantra behind Samsung's Galaxy S10 range. There are four distinct models to choose from - including a futuristic 5G flagship that's going to be the phone to beat in 2019. Here are the specifications for all four Galaxy S10 phones, along with Australian pricing and release date.

Read more

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G specifications

Image: Supplied

Apart from added 5G support, the main differences are the enlarged 6.7-inch AMOLED display, some minor tweaks to the S10 camera (including a new 3D depth sensor) and a beefier 4500mAh battery.

Here's how the new model compares to its three siblings - the S10, S10 Plus and S10e.

Telstra's 5G network is still in its infancy and is only available in a handful of cities and suburbs. However, the overall footprint is continuing to expand at a rapid pace. To see a map of everywhere that will be connected by June 30, click here.