Galaxy S10 • Unlocked vs Galaxy S10E • Unlocked

Galaxy S10 • Unlocked
Galaxy S10 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$158.00

Versus $669.00 new

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Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$136.92

Versus $459.00 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, whereas the Galaxy S10e presents a more compact form factor with a flat screen and a slightly different biometric sensor placement.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10e were launched in March 2019. They initially ran on Android 9 Pie and received major operating system updates up to Android 12. As of early 2023, both models have ceased receiving quarterly security updates, marking the end of their official software support period.

  • Software Longevity: Users should be aware that major Android version updates are no longer provided for either device, and security updates have also concluded. This means newer applications or features requiring the latest Android versions may not be fully compatible.
  • 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 hardware can remain functional for an extended period, the absence of ongoing software and security updates means that the practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest features and security protocols may be limited. However, for those who use their devices for basic tasks and are comfortable with an older software version, the hardware remains capable.

Release Year

2019

2019

Last OS Compatibility

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.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both devices feature a powerful octa-core processor, ensuring smooth operation for daily tasks, app loading, and general system responsiveness.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S10 typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 512GB. The Galaxy S10e offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM, with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Both devices support expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase their capacity.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 has a 3,400mAh battery, while the S10e has a 3,100mAh battery. Despite the S10's higher-resolution display, its larger battery often translates to slightly longer real-world usage, especially during demanding activities like gaming or streaming.

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 for enhanced viewing. The Galaxy S10 boasts a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), resulting in a pixel density of approximately 550 ppi. The Galaxy S10e has a more compact 5.8-inch display with a resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), offering a pixel density of around 438 ppi.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer good brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor use and ensuring legibility even in bright sunlight. The 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 display.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth visual experience for everyday interactions.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1080 x 2280

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S10 and S10e offer distinct capabilities, primarily differing in the number of rear lenses available.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a versatile 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. This 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. The S10's telephoto lens provides greater flexibility for zooming and portrait photography, offering an edge in versatility. Both support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second and HDR video.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature a 10MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. For audio, both models include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for an enhanced media consumption experience, and they retain a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S10 and S10e are Wi-Fi 6 ready and support various Bluetooth standards, along with 4G LTE connectivity. They both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and notably, both retain a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • 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.

Weight

6 oz

5 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

5.8

Network

LTE

LTE

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for both the Galaxy S10 and S10e often highlights their strengths and specific appeals. The Galaxy S10 is frequently praised for its vibrant, high-resolution display and the added versatility of its triple-lens camera system, particularly the telephoto lens. Users appreciate the immersive viewing experience provided by its curved screen. Conversely, the Galaxy S10e is lauded for its more compact size, making it easier to handle with one hand, and its flat display is a preference for many. Its side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often noted for its speed and reliability compared to the S10's in-display sensor.

Common criticisms for both models, given their age, often revolve around battery life, with some heavy users reporting the need for a midday charge. The S10's in-display fingerprint sensor was initially temperamental for some users, though updates improved its performance.

Users prioritizing a larger, higher-resolution display, a more versatile camera system with telephoto zoom, and an in-display fingerprint sensor may find the Galaxy S10 well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer a more compact device for one-handed use, a flat screen, and a physical fingerprint sensor may lean toward the Galaxy S10e. Both devices offer a solid smartphone experience, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference for size, display type, and camera features. For those considering these models, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be a sustainable choice.

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