Galaxy S10e Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy S10e
Galaxy S10e
Starting at

Refurbished price:121.00

Versus €759.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:214.00

Versus €1,039.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10e, released in March 2019, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality from their respective manufacturers. While the Galaxy S10e operates on the Android platform, offering a more open ecosystem, the iPhone 12 Pro runs on iOS, known for its integrated services and consistent user experience. Key differentiators between these two devices include their operating systems, camera capabilities, and overall design philosophy, catering to different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are significant factors. The iPhone 12 Pro, being released later, generally benefits from a longer period of official software updates compared to the Galaxy S10e.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, typically receives iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its release, extending its software support well into the future. The Galaxy S10e, released in March 2019, concluded its major Android OS updates with Android 12 and now primarily receives security updates, which will eventually cease.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices offer robust build quality. The Galaxy S10e features Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 12 Pro introduced Ceramic Shield protection on its front display, a stainless steel frame, and also boasts an IP68 rating, indicating a high level of resistance to dust and water ingress.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for an extended period may find the iPhone 12 Pro a more suitable option. The Galaxy S10e remains a functional device for everyday tasks, but its software support window is closing, which could impact its long-term compatibility with newer applications and security standards.

Year of Release

2019

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from launching applications to managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective generations, though with different underlying architectures.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with a more advanced processor, which provides a noticeable advantage in handling demanding applications, graphic-intensive games, and complex multitasking scenarios. The Galaxy S10e, powered by its own capable processor, delivers smooth performance for general use and most applications, but may show its age with the most resource-intensive tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro's processor and optimized software contribute to a highly responsive user experience, allowing for quick app switching and fluid navigation. The Galaxy S10e, with its 6GB or 8GB of RAM, handles multitasking effectively for typical usage, though heavy users might experience occasional slowdowns with numerous apps open.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S10e offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card, which can be beneficial for users with large media libraries. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, but does not offer expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10e features a 3100 mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery. Real-world battery life can vary significantly based on usage patterns and software optimization. Users report that the iPhone 12 Pro can last a full day for moderate use, while heavy users of the Galaxy S10e might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S10e and iPhone 12 Pro offer high-quality viewing experiences, albeit with some differences in technology and size.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S10e features a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Pro sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers excellent contrast and color accuracy. Both technologies provide a clear and immersive viewing experience.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S10e has a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers a higher resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels. Both devices provide ample brightness for comfortable outdoor viewing, with the iPhone 12 Pro generally offering higher peak brightness for HDR content.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both the Galaxy S10e and the iPhone 12 Pro feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This provides a smooth experience for most everyday interactions, though it does not offer the ultra-smooth scrolling found on devices with higher refresh rates.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S10e's 5.8-inch display makes it a more compact device, suitable for one-handed use. The iPhone 12 Pro's slightly larger 6.1-inch display offers a bit more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity, while still maintaining a manageable form factor.

Resolution

1080 x 2280

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both the Galaxy S10e and iPhone 12 Pro offer versatile camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S10e features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a more comprehensive triple-camera system, including 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto lenses, along with a LiDAR scanner for enhanced depth sensing. The addition of a telephoto lens on the iPhone 12 Pro allows for optical zoom capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices perform well in good lighting conditions, producing detailed and vibrant images. The iPhone 12 Pro's larger sensor and computational photography features, including Night mode and Deep Fusion, generally provide an advantage in low-light scenarios and overall image processing. The Galaxy S10e's dual-aperture main lens also aids in varying light conditions.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video. The iPhone 12 Pro introduced HDR video recording with Dolby Vision, offering enhanced dynamic range and color accuracy in videos. The Galaxy S10e also supports HDR10+ video recording.
  • Audio and Media Experience: Both devices feature stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption. The Galaxy S10e retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering traditional wired audio connectivity, which is absent on the iPhone 12 Pro.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity Options: The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G connectivity, offering faster cellular data speeds in compatible areas. The Galaxy S10e is a 4G LTE device. Both phones support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for robust wireless connections.
  • Port Types and Biometrics: The Galaxy S10e features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, alongside a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. It uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The iPhone 12 Pro utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port and relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S10e is a more compact and lighter device, measuring 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and weighing 150 grams. The iPhone 12 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and 189 grams. These differences can impact one-handed usability and pocketability.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S10e features an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a stainless steel frame and incorporates Ceramic Shield on the front, which is designed for enhanced drop performance.

Weight

150 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

5.8

6.1

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S10e and iPhone 12 Pro cater to different user priorities, reflecting their distinct operating systems and design philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S10e for its compact form factor, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and expandable storage, making it a practical choice for those who value these features. However, common criticisms often revolve around its older software support timeline and, for heavy users, its battery life.

The iPhone 12 Pro is frequently lauded for its powerful camera system, robust performance for demanding applications, and the extended software support provided by Apple's iOS ecosystem. Some users, however, may find its reliance on the Lightning port and the absence of a headphone jack less convenient. The iPhone 12 Pro's battery life, while generally sufficient for a day of moderate use, may require more frequent charging for intensive tasks.

Users prioritizing a smaller, more traditional Android experience with the flexibility of expandable storage and a headphone jack may find the Galaxy S10e to be a suitable option. Conversely, those who value a leading camera system, long-term software updates, and the integrated experience of iOS, particularly for demanding tasks, will likely lean towards the iPhone 12 Pro. Both devices, when considered as quality-assured refurbished options, offer an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new, allowing users to make informed and sustainable choices based on their individual needs.

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