Galaxy S10e Vs Galaxy S20+ 5G

Galaxy S10e
Galaxy S10e
Starting at

Refurbished price:121.00

Versus €759.00 new

See options
Galaxy S20+ 5G
Galaxy S20+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:191.00

Versus €590.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10e, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G, launched in March 2020, represent two generations of Samsung's flagship smartphone line. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the Galaxy S20+ 5G introduces advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and connectivity, building upon the more compact design of its predecessor. Both run on the Android operating system, with the S20+ 5G launching with a newer version and thus benefiting from extended software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability features.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10e was released in March 2019, making it a year older than the Galaxy S20+ 5G, which launched in March 2020. This difference in age directly impacts the remaining period of official software updates and security patches.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides several years of major Android operating system updates and security patches for its flagship S series. The Galaxy S10e, having launched with Android 9, received updates up to Android 12. The Galaxy S20+ 5G, starting with Android 10, has received updates up to Android 13, offering a longer period of current software support.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S10e uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection, while the Galaxy S20+ 5G upgrades to Gorilla Glass 6, offering slightly enhanced resistance to drops and scratches.

Year of Release

2019

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily use, encompassing everything from app responsiveness to multitasking and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S10e is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications and moderate multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S20+ 5G features a more advanced processor, providing a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency, particularly for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex computational tasks.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S10e typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. The Galaxy S20+ 5G elevates this with 12GB of RAM, allowing for more applications to run simultaneously in the background without slowdowns. Both offer internal storage options starting at 128GB and support expandable storage via a microSD card, with the S20+ 5G supporting up to 1TB compared to the S10e's 512GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10e houses a 3100 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use. For heavy users, more frequent charging might be necessary. The Galaxy S20+ 5G features a larger 4500 mAh battery, offering extended usage times and better endurance for power-intensive activities and 5G connectivity. Both support fast wired and wireless charging, and offer Wireless PowerShare for charging other compatible devices.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key differentiator, with both devices featuring high-quality displays but with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones utilize Dynamic AMOLED display technology, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S10e has a 5.8-inch Full HD+ display (2280 x 1080 pixels) with a pixel density of 438 ppi. The Galaxy S20+ 5G boasts a larger 6.7-inch Quad HD+ display (3200 x 1440 pixels) with a higher pixel density of 525 ppi, offering a sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S10e provides good brightness for outdoor visibility, with a manual maximum of around 603 nits. The S20+ 5G offers higher peak brightness, improving visibility in bright conditions. A significant upgrade in the S20+ 5G is its 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to the S10e's standard 60Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate is available at Full HD+ resolution on the S20+ 5G.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S10e's 5.8-inch display makes it a more compact device, ideal for one-handed use. The S20+ 5G's larger 6.7-inch display offers a more expansive canvas for media consumption, gaming, and productivity, enhancing the immersive viewing experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2280

1440 x 3200

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the Galaxy S20+ 5G introduces a more versatile setup with advanced features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10e features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens (with optical image stabilization) and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S20+ 5G boasts a quad-camera system, including a 12MP wide-angle lens (with OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens (with OIS and 3x hybrid optical zoom), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a DepthVision (TOF 3D) sensor for enhanced depth perception.
  • Photography Performance: The S10e captures good quality photos in well-lit conditions, with its ultrawide lens offering a broader perspective. The S20+ 5G provides superior detail, especially with its higher-resolution telephoto lens for zoomed shots, and benefits from the DepthVision sensor for improved portrait mode effects. Both perform well in everyday photography, but the S20+ 5G generally offers better low-light performance and more advanced computational photography features.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The S10e supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The S20+ 5G significantly upgrades video capabilities, offering 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, alongside enhanced 4K and slow-motion options. Both devices feature stereo speakers tuned by AKG and offer Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience. The S10e retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the S20+ 5G.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S10e supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing fast and reliable wireless connections. The Galaxy S20+ 5G also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, but its key advantage is integrated 5G connectivity, allowing for significantly faster mobile data speeds in supported areas.
  • Ports and Sensors: The S10e includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature absent on the S20+ 5G. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The S10e features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, while the S20+ 5G employs an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. Both devices include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and NFC for contactless payments.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10e is known for its compact and lightweight design, measuring 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and weighing 150g, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy S20+ 5G is a larger device at 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm and 188g, offering a more expansive screen but requiring a two-handed grip for many tasks. Both feature a premium build with glass backs and aluminum frames.

Weight

150 g

188 g

Screen size (in)

5.8

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S10e often highlights its appealing compact size, flat display, and the convenience of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Many appreciate its performance for daily tasks, though some heavy users might find its battery life to be adequate rather than exceptional. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally well-regarded for its speed and accessibility.

The Galaxy S20+ 5G receives praise for its larger, high-refresh-rate display, which offers a smoother visual experience, and its more versatile camera system, including 8K video recording and improved zoom capabilities. Its 5G connectivity is a significant draw for users in areas with compatible networks. Common criticisms often revolve around the removal of the headphone jack and its larger form factor, which some find less comfortable for one-handed use.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor, a traditional headphone jack, and a device that is easy to handle with one hand may prefer the Galaxy S10e. It remains a capable device for general use and photography. Conversely, users who value a larger, more immersive display with a high refresh rate, advanced camera features including telephoto and 8K video, and future-proof 5G connectivity will find the Galaxy S20+ 5G better suited to their needs. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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