Galaxy S10e Vs iPhone 12 mini

Galaxy S10e
Galaxy S10e
Starting at

Refurbished price:121.00

Versus €759.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:159.00

Versus €689.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10e, released in March 2019, and the iPhone 12 Mini, launched in November 2020, represent compact flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer a premium experience in a smaller form factor, they differ significantly in their operating systems and core hardware, leading to distinct user experiences.

The Galaxy S10e runs on the Android operating system, offering a customizable interface, while the iPhone 12 Mini operates on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined ecosystem. These differences extend to their display technologies, processing capabilities, and camera systems, catering to varied user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these compact devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S10e was released in March 2019, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 12 Mini, which launched in November 2020. This difference in release year impacts their expected software support duration.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 Mini, being a newer device, is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer period than the Android-based Galaxy S10e. While the S10e launched with Android 9.0 and received updates up to Android 11, Apple typically provides several years of major iOS updates, extending the practical lifespan of the iPhone 12 Mini in terms of software features and security.
  • Repairability: Both devices present a moderate level of repairability. The iPhone 12 Mini received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, with modular components for display and battery replacements, though the glass back can be challenging to repair. Information on the S10e's specific repairability score is less readily available, but generally, Samsung devices from that era offered reasonable access to internal components.

Year of Release

2019

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these smartphones is influenced by their internal components and how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Mini features a more recent and powerful processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications, complex games, and intensive multitasking with greater efficiency and responsiveness. The Galaxy S10e, while capable for its time, relies on an older generation processor that may show limitations with the most current and resource-heavy software.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 12 Mini generally report a very fluid and immediate response across the operating system and applications, benefiting from the optimized integration of hardware and software. The Galaxy S10e provides a smooth experience for everyday use, but the iPhone 12 Mini offers a noticeable advantage in overall speed and long-term performance consistency.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10e is equipped with a 3100 mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller 2227 mAh battery. User experiences indicate that the iPhone 12 Mini's battery life can be a point of consideration for heavy users, often requiring more frequent charging throughout the day. The S10e generally offers a full day of moderate use.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but there are distinctions in their technology and characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Mini features a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 476 ppi. The Samsung Galaxy S10e has a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels, offering 438 ppi. Both OLED panels provide deep blacks and vibrant colors, but the iPhone 12 Mini offers a slightly sharper image due to its higher pixel density in a smaller screen.
  • Brightness and HDR: Both displays support HDR content, providing enhanced contrast and color range for compatible media. The iPhone 12 Mini's Super Retina XDR display is capable of higher peak brightness, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions and enhance HDR viewing experiences. The S10e's Dynamic AMOLED also offers good brightness and HDR10+ certification.
  • Screen Size and Form Factor: The Galaxy S10e offers a slightly larger 5.8-inch screen compared to the iPhone 12 Mini's 5.4-inch display. Both are considered compact, but the iPhone 12 Mini is notably smaller and lighter overall, making it particularly appealing to users who prioritize one-handed use and pocketability.

Resolution

1080 x 2280

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with capable camera systems, designed to capture quality images and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S10e features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens (with dual aperture and OIS) and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 12 Mini also has a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a wide lens (with OIS) and an ultrawide lens. The S10e's dual aperture allows for more flexibility in varying light conditions, while the iPhone 12 Mini benefits from Apple's computational photography.
  • Photography Performance: In good lighting, both phones produce detailed and color-accurate photos. The iPhone 12 Mini excels in low-light photography with its Night Mode, and its image processing often results in consistent and pleasing results. The S10e also performs well in daylight, with its ultrawide lens offering a broader perspective.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The iPhone 12 Mini offers advanced video recording capabilities, including 4K video at up to 60fps with HDR and Dolby Vision. The Galaxy S10e also records 4K video at 60fps. For audio, the S10e features stereo speakers tuned by AKG and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing a versatile audio experience. The iPhone 12 Mini relies on its stereo speakers and Lightning port for audio output.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 12 Mini supports 5G connectivity, offering faster cellular data speeds in compatible areas, a feature not present on the Galaxy S10e. The S10e includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone 12 Mini. Both devices support modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth.
  • Biometrics and Design: The Galaxy S10e features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 12 Mini utilizes Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system. Both phones have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 12 Mini also introduces MagSafe for magnetic wireless charging and accessories.
  • Dimensions and Build: The iPhone 12 Mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm and weighing 135g. The Galaxy S10e measures 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and weighs 150g. The iPhone 12 Mini features a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced durability, while the S10e uses Gorilla Glass 5.

Weight

150 g

135 g

Screen size (in)

5.8

5.4

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

User sentiment for both the Samsung Galaxy S10e and the iPhone 12 Mini often highlights their compact size as a significant advantage in a market dominated by larger devices. For the Galaxy S10e, common praise points include its vibrant AMOLED display, the inclusion of a headphone jack, and its capable camera system for everyday photography. Some users appreciate the flexibility of the Android operating system and expandable storage. Criticisms sometimes point to its battery life compared to larger phones of its era and the eventual end of major software updates.

The iPhone 12 Mini is frequently lauded for its exceptional portability, powerful performance, and advanced camera features, particularly its video capabilities and low-light performance. Users also appreciate the consistent iOS experience and the Ceramic Shield's enhanced durability. However, a frequent concern among users is its battery life, which for many heavy users may not last a full day without a recharge. The smaller screen size, while a benefit for some, can be a drawback for media consumption or extensive web browsing for others.

Users prioritizing a highly compact device with a powerful and long-supported operating system, advanced video recording, and Face ID will find the iPhone 12 Mini well-suited to their needs. Those who value a slightly larger screen, a traditional headphone jack, expandable storage, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, along with the Android ecosystem, may lean toward the Galaxy S10e. Both devices offer a quality experience in a small package, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend their lifecycle.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons