Galaxy S10 Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:114.00

Versus €549.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:127.00

Versus €549.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the Apple iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. The Galaxy S10 operates on the Android platform, offering a feature-rich experience with a larger display, while the iPhone SE 2022 runs on iOS, prioritizing a compact form factor and a powerful, modern internal processor. These devices cater to different user preferences, particularly concerning operating system ecosystem and physical design.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline and ongoing software support.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 was released in March 2019, making it an older model compared to the iPhone SE 2022, which launched in March 2022. This age difference directly impacts the duration of future software updates.
  • OS Support: The Galaxy S10 has received its last major Android operating system update, meaning it will no longer get new Android versions, though security updates may continue for a period. The iPhone SE 2022, being a newer device, is expected to receive iOS updates for several more years, offering a longer period of access to the latest features and security enhancements.
  • Physical Resilience: Both devices offer a degree of water and dust resistance, with the Galaxy S10 featuring an IP68 rating and the iPhone SE 2022 an IP67 rating. This means both can withstand immersion in water to a certain extent, though the Galaxy S10 has a slightly higher rating. The iPhone SE 2022 also uses durable glass, similar to the iPhone 13 series, for enhanced protection.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The internal components of both devices dictate their responsiveness and capability for various tasks.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 features a significantly newer internal processor, allowing it to handle demanding applications, complex games, and intensive multitasking with greater ease and efficiency. The Galaxy S10, while capable for everyday use, may show more hesitation with the most resource-intensive tasks due to its older generation processor.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S10 typically comes with more RAM (8GB), which can benefit users who frequently switch between many applications. It also offers expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present on the iPhone SE 2022, providing flexibility for users with large media libraries. The iPhone SE 2022 offers faster internal storage technology and 4GB of RAM, contributing to quicker app loading times.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 has a larger battery capacity (3400 mAh), which, combined with its older processor, generally provides a full day of moderate use. The iPhone SE 2022, despite its smaller battery (2018 mAh), benefits from the efficiency of its modern processor, often achieving similar or slightly less screen-on time depending on usage patterns.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience differs notably between these two smartphones, primarily due to their display technologies and sizes.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display, which offers good color accuracy and brightness but does not achieve the same level of contrast or true black as an OLED panel.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 boasts a significantly higher resolution display (3040 x 1440 pixels), resulting in sharper text and more detailed images. The iPhone SE 2022's display, while clear for its size, has a lower resolution (1334 x 750 pixels). For users who consume a lot of media or read extensively on their device, the S10 offers a more expansive and detailed viewing area.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer sufficient brightness for typical indoor and outdoor use, with the iPhone SE 2022 reaching around 600 nits. Both displays operate at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth experience for general navigation and content consumption, though neither offers the ultra-smooth scrolling found on higher refresh rate screens.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

750 x 1334

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but with different configurations and processing strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 16MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom. The iPhone SE 2022 relies on a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. This gives the S10 more flexibility for different photographic scenarios.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from advanced computational photography powered by its newer processor, which can enhance image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions and for portrait mode effects. The Galaxy S10's multiple lenses provide more hardware versatility, and its main sensor still captures detailed and vibrant photos in good light.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video, with the iPhone SE 2022 supporting 4K at up to 60fps with improved stabilization. For selfies, the Galaxy S10 has a 10MP front camera, which can capture more detail, while the iPhone SE 2022's 7MP front camera benefits from modern image processing for clearer video calls.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity: The iPhone SE 2022 supports 5G cellular networks, offering faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. The Galaxy S10 is limited to 4G LTE. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for robust wireless connections.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S10 includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature absent on the iPhone SE 2022, which relies on its Lightning port for wired audio or charging. The S10 uses an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone SE 2022 uses Touch ID integrated into its physical home button.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone SE 2022 is a more compact and lighter device, weighing 144 grams and measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The Galaxy S10 offers a larger screen-to-body ratio with its punch-hole display design, providing a more immersive viewing experience within a slightly larger footprint (157 grams, 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm).

Weight

158 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback often highlights the iPhone SE 2022's exceptional performance for its compact size, with many praising its speed and long-term software support. Some users, however, express a desire for a more modern display and improved battery life. The Galaxy S10 is frequently lauded for its vibrant display, versatile camera system, and the inclusion of features like the headphone jack and expandable storage. Common criticisms for the S10 often revolve around its aging software support and potentially shorter battery life compared to newer devices.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a powerful, current-generation processor and extended software longevity will find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. This device is ideal for those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem or who prefer a smaller form factor for ease of handling. Conversely, users who value a larger, high-resolution OLED display, a more versatile camera setup, and the flexibility of expandable storage may lean toward the Galaxy S10. It caters to individuals who appreciate a feature-rich Android experience and do not require the absolute latest software updates. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

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