Galaxy S10 Vs Galaxy S10e

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:138.00

Versus €909.00 new

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Galaxy S10e
Galaxy S10e
Starting at

Refurbished price:137.86

Versus €759.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10e, both released in March 2019, are part of Samsung's tenth generation of Galaxy S series smartphones. While they share a core design philosophy and the Android operating system, the Galaxy S10 offers a larger, curved display and a more versatile camera system. In contrast, the Galaxy S10e presents a more compact form factor with a flat screen and a slightly different biometric sensor placement, catering to users who prioritize portability. Both devices launched with Android 9 Pie and received several major operating system updates.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10e were launched in March 2019, placing them in the same generation of smartphones. This means their software support timelines are identical, having received major Android version updates up to Android 12. Official security updates for both models concluded in early 2023, indicating that newer applications or features requiring the latest Android versions may not be fully compatible.

  • Software Longevity: Users should be aware that major Android version updates and regular security updates are no longer provided for either device.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature glass on the front and back, with the Galaxy S10 utilizing Gorilla Glass 6 for its display and the Galaxy S10e using Gorilla Glass 5. Both also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
  • Expected Lifespan: While the hardware remains functional, the absence of ongoing software and security updates means the practical lifespan for users prioritizing the latest features and security protocols may be limited. However, for those using their devices for basic tasks, the hardware remains capable.

Year of Release

2019

2019

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The Galaxy S10 and S10e were equipped with flagship-level processors at their release, providing robust performance for a variety of tasks. Both models offer configurations that handle everyday applications and multitasking efficiently, with applications launching quickly and navigation through the user interface remaining fluid.

  • Multitasking Capabilities: The Galaxy S10 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S10e offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The S10, with its higher base RAM configuration, might offer a slight edge in maintaining more applications in the background without needing to reload them.
  • Demanding Applications and Gaming: Both devices are capable of running demanding applications and graphically intensive games. Users have reported that even high-end games ran very well on the Galaxy S10e at its release, thanks to its powerful processor.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer 128GB of internal storage, with the S10 also available in a 512GB variant and the S10e in a 256GB variant. Both support expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase their storage capacity.

Memory

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S10 and S10e feature Dynamic AMOLED displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks, but they differ in size, resolution, and design.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones utilize Dynamic AMOLED technology, which provides excellent contrast and color reproduction, along with HDR10+ support. The Galaxy S10 boasts a 6.1-inch display with a QHD+ resolution (3040 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a pixel density of approximately 550 ppi. The Galaxy S10e has a more compact 5.8-inch display with an FHD+ resolution (2280 x 1080 pixels), offering a pixel density of around 438 ppi.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer good brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor use. The S10e, for instance, can reach a peak brightness that ensures good legibility even in bright sunlight. The Galaxy S10 features curved edges that subtly wrap around the sides of the device, contributing to an immersive viewing experience, while the S10e has a flat screen.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which was common for flagship phones at their release.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1080 x 2280

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a key differentiator between the two models, with the Galaxy S10 offering a more versatile setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The telephoto lens allows for closer shots without significant loss of detail. The Galaxy S10e features a dual-camera system on the back, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens, but it omits the telephoto lens found on the S10.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones deliver good image quality in well-lit conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant photos. In low-light conditions, both perform well, but the S10's telephoto lens can offer an edge for zoomed subjects. Both support features like Scene Optimizer and Best Shot.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both models can record 4K resolution video at up to 60 frames per second, with an option for HDR video capture. For selfies, both have a 10MP front-facing camera.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements distinguish the user experience of the Galaxy S10 and S10e. Both devices maintain a premium feel with glass and metal construction.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth. They retain a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature less common in newer smartphones. They also feature USB-C for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S10 incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to unlock the device by touching the screen. The Galaxy S10e, on the other hand, features a capacitive fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button on the side of the device. Both models also offer face recognition for unlocking.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S10 measures 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm and weighs 157 grams. The Galaxy S10e is more compact, with dimensions of 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and a weight of 150 grams. This makes the S10e a lighter and potentially more comfortable device for one-handed use. The S10 also includes a heart rate sensor, which is absent on the S10e.

Weight

157 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

5.8

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10e, while sharing many core features, cater to slightly different user preferences. User sentiment often praises the S10e for its compact size and flat display, which some find easier to handle and less prone to accidental touches compared to the S10's curved screen. However, the S10 is frequently lauded for its larger, higher-resolution display and the added versatility of its telephoto camera lens.

A common point of discussion for both models, given their age, is battery life. While the S10 has a larger battery (3400 mAh vs 3100 mAh), its higher resolution and larger screen can sometimes balance out the real-world endurance, with many users reporting similar day-to-day battery performance, though the S10 may offer a slight edge for heavy users.

Users prioritizing a larger, higher-resolution display with curved edges and a more comprehensive camera system, including a telephoto lens, may find the Galaxy S10 better suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a more compact form factor, a flat screen, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor will likely lean towards the Galaxy S10e. Both devices offer a solid experience for everyday tasks, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference regarding size, display type, and camera capabilities. For those considering these models, opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these capable smartphones.

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