Galaxy S10E • Unlocked vs Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked

Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$117.00

Versus $459.00 new

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Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$154.99

Versus $1,000.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10e, released in early 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in early 2022, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S22 Plus 5G introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display features, reflecting three years of technological evolution. Both operate on the Android ecosystem, providing a familiar user interface and access to a vast application library.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S10e, released in March 2019, is an older device compared to the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, which launched in February 2022. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support and expected practical lifespan.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S10e received its last major Android OS update with Android 12, and its regular security updates concluded around April 2023. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was promised four years of major Android updates and five years of security updates from its release. This means it is expected to receive Android 16 as its final major OS update and security patches until the first quarter of 2027.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S10e received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating it is challenging to repair due to extensive use of adhesive and components like the charging port being soldered to the motherboard. While a specific iFixit score for the S22 Plus 5G was not readily available, newer Samsung flagships generally present similar repair challenges.

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 in mobile technology.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S10e is powered by a processor that handles everyday tasks smoothly, suitable for general app usage, web browsing, and light gaming. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a significantly newer and more powerful processor, enabling faster app loading, seamless multitasking with demanding applications, and a smoother experience in graphically intensive games.
  • Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various storage options, with the S10e typically available with 128GB or 256GB and 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The S22 Plus 5G provides more generous base storage and RAM configurations, often starting at 128GB or 256GB with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, which contributes to its enhanced multitasking efficiency and overall responsiveness.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10e, with its 3100mAh battery, generally provides a full day of use for light to moderate users, though heavy usage often requires a midday charge. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, equipped with a 4500mAh battery, offers improved battery longevity, often lasting a full day or more for many users, though 5G connectivity can impact drain.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience differs significantly between the two models, reflecting advancements in screen technology.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S10e features a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering an expanded viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer Full HD+ resolutions (2280x1080 for S10e, 2340x1080 for S22 Plus 5G), providing clear and sharp visuals for typical viewing distances.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S22 Plus 5G features a significantly brighter display with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions. It also includes an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a noticeably smoother scrolling and animation experience compared to the S10e's standard refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2280

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these devices showcase distinct capabilities, particularly in versatility and low-light performance.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10e features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens (with variable aperture and optical image stabilization) and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a more advanced triple-camera system, including a 50MP wide-angle lens (with OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens (with 3x optical zoom and OIS), and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The S10e captures solid photos in good lighting with good dynamic range, and its ultrawide lens is appreciated for fitting more into the frame. However, its low-light performance and digital zoom are less robust. The S22 Plus 5G delivers significant improvements in overall image quality, particularly in low-light conditions and with its dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording high-resolution video. The S22 Plus 5G offers enhanced video stabilization and features, including 8K recording, providing more professional-grade video capabilities. The S10e also offers good video quality, including 4K recording with HDR10+ support.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S10e supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and standard Bluetooth. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G steps up with 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and a newer Bluetooth version, offering faster wireless speeds and broader network compatibility.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The S10e includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The S22 Plus 5G omits the headphone jack, relying solely on its USB-C port for charging and audio, and features an in-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The S10e is known for its compact size and comfortable one-handed use, featuring an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S22 Plus 5G is a larger device, also with an IP68 rating and enhanced screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus+, contributing to its overall durability.

Weight

5 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

5.8

6.6

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S22 Plus 5G cater to different user priorities, largely due to their generational gap. Users frequently praise the S10e for its compact form factor, making it comfortable for one-handed use and easy pocketability. Its camera system was considered solid for its time, especially in good lighting, and many appreciated the inclusion of a headphone jack. Common criticisms often revolved around its battery life, which some users found to be merely average or requiring frequent top-ups, particularly with heavier use.

The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, on the other hand, is lauded for its significantly upgraded display, offering a larger, brighter, and smoother 120Hz viewing experience. Its camera system receives high marks for improved low-light performance and the versatility of its optical zoom. Performance is consistently described as fast and responsive, handling demanding applications with ease. Battery life, while improved over the S10e, still garners mixed opinions, with some users finding it sufficient for a full day and others noting faster drain with 5G usage.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a traditional headphone jack and who engage in lighter smartphone use may find the Galaxy S10e still meets their needs. Conversely, users seeking a larger, more modern display, superior camera capabilities, faster performance for intensive tasks, and future-proof 5G connectivity will lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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