Samsung Galaxy S10+ Teardown Showcases Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor, Triple Camera Module
We already know what makes the Galaxy S10+ tick—a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or Samsung's own Exynos 9820 processor (depending on the region), 8GB or 12GB of RAM (depending on the model), and up to 512GB of onboard storage (also depending on the model). Despite already knowing the specs, it's always interesting to see a high-tech device torn down and gutted, and the Galaxy S10+ has already been given the DIY surgical treatment.
The Galaxy S10+ is one of three new Galaxy S10 devices that are due out this month, the other two being the regular Galaxy S10 and a smaller Galaxy S10e. There is also the Galaxy S10 5G slated for the first half of 2019, and as its name implies, it boasts a 5G radio (Qualcomm Snapdragon X50) to take advantage of next-gen wireless networks.
Image Source: TechInsights
The folks at Tech Insights managed to beat DIY repair stalwart iFixIt to the punch with a teardown of the Galaxy S10+. They also provided a rough estimate of the bill of materials (BOM). Not surprisingly, the fancy full-front display with its embedded ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and punch-hole cutout (pill-shaped for the Galaxy S10+) for the cameras is the priciest part, at $86.50.
This is followed by the Exynos 9820 processor, as found in the model they received, which checks in at $70.50. Combined with everything else, including $34.50 for testing, assembly, and supporting materials, they estimate the total cost to build a Galaxy S10+ to be $420. If that figure is accurate (and it's probably not exact), there is a 58 percent markup on the street price. Of course, that does not factor in special offers and promotions, or things like research and development.
Image Source: TechInsights
One of the reasons why the Infinity O display on the Galaxy S10+ is so expensive is because it is a little bit different than the ones it has used in the past. According to patents Samsung filed with the US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the company uses a laser technique called Hole in Active Area (HIAA). Using a diode-pumped solid state laser, Samsung 'punches' a hole (or holes) into the panel.
As part of the display subsystem, there is a ultrasonic sensor that uses sound waves from a piezo-electric component to detect fingerprints when unlocking the phone. One advantage this has over traditional fingerprint sensors is that it is supposed to work even when there is debris or moisture on a finger.
Today's smartphones are gaining more camera sensors than ever, and the Galaxy S10+ is no exception. It has five in total, including two on the front and three in the back. The selfie cam consists of a 10-megapixel f/1.9 sensor paired with a second 8-megapixel f/2.2 Live Focus, Dual Pixel 4K sensor.
On the back, the Galaxy S10+ features a 12-megapixel f/1.5 Dual Aperture sensor, a 16-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor, and a 12-megapixel f/2.4 telephoto sensor.
Hit the source link in the Via field below for more pictures and details of the teardown. You can also hit the sites of any of the major wireless carriers to pre-order a Galaxy S10 phone, be it the Plus model or one of the others.
