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

Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$117.00

Versus $459.00 new

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

Refurbished price:$332.99

Versus $1,073.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10e, released in early 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in early 2022, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S22 Ultra introduces significant advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and overall performance, reflecting its newer design and positioning as a top-tier device. The S10e, on the other hand, stands out for its more compact form factor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10e was released in March 2019, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, which launched in February 2022. This age difference directly impacts the remaining period of official software and security updates.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S10e launched with Android 9.0 and received updates up to Android 12. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive several more years of major Android updates and security patches, offering a longer period of current software features and security enhancements.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security updates will find the S22 Ultra 5G offers a considerably longer practical lifespan. For those who do not require the newest software versions, the S10e remains a functional device, though its update cycle has concluded. Both devices feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, contributing to their physical durability.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones show a notable progression, largely due to the generational gap in their internal components.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S10e handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for general use. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, with its more advanced processor, delivers significantly faster performance, making it well-suited for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex tasks without noticeable slowdowns.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The S10e typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the option to expand storage via a microSD card. The S22 Ultra 5G offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM and a wider range of internal storage options, from 128GB up to 1TB, providing more headroom for numerous applications and large files, though it lacks expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The S10e features a 3100 mAh battery, which for some users, may require charging before the end of a full day of heavy use. The S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, generally offering extended usage times, though intensive tasks like prolonged gaming or high-resolution video recording will still consume power more rapidly.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience differs considerably between the two models, reflecting advancements in screen technology over time.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10e features a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (2280 x 1080 pixels), offering clear and vibrant visuals. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels), providing a sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S10e's display can reach a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits in auto mode, ensuring good visibility outdoors. Its refresh rate is a standard 60Hz. The S22 Ultra 5G significantly enhances this with a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits and an adaptive refresh rate that can vary from 1Hz to 120Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, especially noticeable in compatible content and gaming.
  • Viewing Experience: The S10e offers a compact screen size, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The S22 Ultra 5G's larger display provides a more expansive canvas for media consumption, productivity, and gaming, further enhanced by its higher resolution and adaptive refresh rate. Both displays support HDR10+ for enhanced color and contrast.

Resolution

1080 x 2280

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems of these two devices highlight a significant evolution in mobile photography capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10e is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear: a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization and a 16-megapixel ultrawide lens. It performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing images with good detail and color. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a more comprehensive quad-camera system, including a 108-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and another 10-megapixel periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom. This setup provides greater versatility and detail, especially at different zoom levels.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: While the S10e can capture decent photos in daylight, its low-light performance is less robust compared to newer devices. It supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The S22 Ultra 5G excels in low-light conditions, producing brighter and more detailed images. It also offers advanced video recording capabilities, including 8K video capture, and enhanced stabilization features.
  • Front Camera: The S10e has a 10-megapixel front-facing camera suitable for selfies and video calls. The S22 Ultra 5G features a higher-resolution 40-megapixel front camera, delivering more detailed self-portraits and clearer video conferencing.

Main camera

12 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S10e supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C 3.1 port. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers next-generation connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a USB-C 3.2 port, but it omits the 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Special Features: The S10e features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. The S22 Ultra 5G incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for unlocking. A key differentiator for the S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity and creative input, a feature not present on the S10e.
  • Dimensions, Weight, and Build Materials: The S10e is a compact and lightweight device, measuring 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and weighing 150g, making it comfortable for one-handed use. It features a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and back with an aluminum frame. The S22 Ultra 5G is a larger and heavier device at 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and 228g, built with more durable Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, also with an aluminum frame. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Weight

5 oz

8 oz

Screen size (inches)

5.8

6.8

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G cater to different user preferences, largely due to their generational gap and design philosophies. Users often praise the S10e for its compact size and comfortable one-handed usability, a characteristic that has become less common in newer flagship phones. Its display, while not the most advanced by current standards, was well-regarded for its vibrancy at the time of its release. However, common criticisms for the S10e often point to its battery life, which some users found to be insufficient for a full day of heavy use, and its camera system, which, while capable, lacks the versatility and low-light performance of more recent devices.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, conversely, receives frequent acclaim for its expansive and vibrant display, its highly versatile and powerful camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen, which appeals to users seeking enhanced productivity and creative tools. Its robust performance is also a consistent highlight, handling demanding tasks with ease. Some users, however, find its large size and weight to be a consideration for one-handed comfort.

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. This device remains a solid choice for general communication, social media, and light media consumption. Conversely, users who require cutting-edge camera technology, a large and highly responsive display for media and gaming, top-tier performance for demanding applications, and the added functionality of a stylus will find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G better suited to their needs. Both models, whether new or as a quality-assured refurbished option, offer distinct advantages depending on individual priorities.

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