Galaxy S10E • Unlocked vs Galaxy S22 5G • Locked T-Mobile

Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$121.00

Versus $459.00 new

See options
Galaxy S22 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Galaxy S22 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$212.99

Versus $783.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10e, released in 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, launched in 2022, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone series. While both devices operate on the Android platform, the S22 5G introduces advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and network connectivity, reflecting the technological progress over a three-year span. The S10e, on the other hand, offers a more compact design and retains features that some users still value.

Scores

Durability

Comparing the longevity of these two devices involves looking at their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S10e, having been released in March 2019, received its last major Android operating system upgrade with Android 12 and its security updates concluded around early 2023 or early 2024. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, is expected to receive major Android OS updates until Android 16 and security updates until 2027, offering a significantly longer period of software support.
  • Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The S10e utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for its front and back panels, while the S22 5G incorporates the more advanced Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced drop and scratch resistance.
  • Repairability: Independent assessments indicate that both the Galaxy S10e and the Galaxy S22 series present challenges for repair, largely due to the extensive use of strong adhesives for components like the battery and display. The S10e received a repairability score of 3 out of 10, with similar scores noted for the S22 series, suggesting that repairs can be complex and may require specialized tools.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these devices reflects the advancements in mobile technology between their respective release years.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G features a significantly newer generation processor compared to the S10e. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of graphically intensive applications and games on the S22 5G. The S10e, while still capable for everyday tasks, may show signs of slower performance with more demanding apps or heavy multitasking.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10e is equipped with a 3100 mAh battery, which for some users, particularly heavy ones, often required more frequent charging. The Galaxy S22 5G has a larger 3700 mAh battery. However, despite the larger capacity and a more efficient processor, some users have reported that the S22 5G's battery life can be a concern, especially with adaptive display features enabled or under heavy 5G usage, sometimes requiring a charge before the end of a full day.
  • Storage and RAM: Both models offer 128GB and 256GB internal storage options. The S10e also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent in the S22 5G. The S10e typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the S22 5G is equipped with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its improved multitasking capabilities.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience differs between the two models, primarily due to advancements in screen technology and design.

  • Display Technology and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature AMOLED displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S10e has a Dynamic AMOLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The S22 5G, however, boasts a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother visual experience, particularly when scrolling or playing compatible games.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (2280x1080 for S10e, 2340x1080 for S22 5G), ensuring sharp visuals for typical viewing distances. The S22 5G generally achieves higher peak brightness levels, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Screen Size and Design: The Galaxy S10e features a more compact 5.8-inch display, making it easier for one-handed use. The Galaxy S22 5G has a slightly larger 6.1-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area while still maintaining a relatively manageable form factor.

Resolution

1080 x 2280

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the Galaxy S10e and S22 5G reflect different generations of mobile photography capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10e features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP main wide-angle lens and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. The Galaxy S22 5G significantly upgrades this with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main wide-angle sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This telephoto lens provides greater versatility for capturing distant subjects without significant loss of detail.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 5G generally offers improved image processing, better low-light performance, and more advanced features for both still photography and video recording compared to the S10e. Users of the S10e sometimes noted that its low-light performance could be challenging compared to contemporary devices.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, but the S22 5G offers more advanced video features and stabilization. For selfies, both phones feature a 10MP front-facing camera, with the S22 5G benefiting from newer sensor technology and processing.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S10e supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, but lacks 5G cellular connectivity. The Galaxy S22 5G, as its name suggests, includes 5G capabilities, along with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster wireless speeds and improved network performance.
  • Ports and Biometrics: A notable difference is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Galaxy S10e, a feature absent on the S22 5G. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. For security, the S10e features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, which some users found fast and convenient. The S22 5G employs an in-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The S10e is known for its compact and lightweight design, measuring 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and weighing 150 grams, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The S22 5G is slightly larger and heavier at 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and 167 grams, but still maintains a relatively ergonomic profile.

Weight

5 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

5.8

6.1

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S22 5G cater to different user priorities, largely due to their generational gap. The S10e is often praised for its compact size, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and its still-competent performance for general use. However, common criticisms include its more limited battery life for heavy users and the cessation of major software updates.

The Galaxy S22 5G, on the other hand, is lauded for its powerful performance, advanced camera system with optical zoom, a smoother 120Hz display, and modern connectivity options like 5G and Wi-Fi 6E. User feedback sometimes points to concerns regarding its battery life, despite a larger capacity, and its repairability, which remains challenging.

Users prioritizing a highly compact device with a headphone jack and sufficient performance for everyday tasks may find the Galaxy S10e a suitable option, especially if long-term software updates are not a primary concern. Conversely, users who require cutting-edge performance, a versatile camera, a high refresh rate display, and extended software support will likely find the Galaxy S22 5G better suited to their needs. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new devices.

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