Galaxy S10E • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile

Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$117.00

Versus $459.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$344.23

Versus $699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10e (2019) and the iPhone 14 Plus (2022) represent different approaches to smartphone design and user experience, released three years apart. The Galaxy S10e offers a compact Android experience, while the iPhone 14 Plus provides a larger display and the iOS ecosystem. These devices cater to distinct user preferences, with the iPhone 14 Plus featuring a more recent processor and camera system, alongside a significantly larger battery.

Scores

Durability

The age difference between these two devices significantly impacts their expected practical lifespan and software support.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10e was released in March 2019, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which launched in October 2022. This age gap means the S10e has already received most of its major software updates.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S10e originally shipped with Android 9 and was upgradable to Android 12, indicating its software support cycle has largely concluded. The iPhone 14 Plus launched with iOS 16 and is expected to receive several more years of major iOS updates, offering a longer period of access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Durability Features: Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 14 Plus also features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which is designed for enhanced drop performance.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance varies considerably between these two models, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal components.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 14 Plus features a more recent processor, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, faster app loading times, and more fluid multitasking. Users engaging in intensive mobile gaming or video editing will likely notice a significant difference in responsiveness. The Galaxy S10e, while capable for everyday tasks, may show signs of slower performance with newer, more resource-intensive applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a larger battery (4325 mAh) and is known for its extended battery life, often lasting a full day or more for many users. The Galaxy S10e has a smaller 3100 mAh battery, which typically provides less screen-on time and may require more frequent charging, especially for heavy users.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 14 Plus offers storage configurations up to 512GB. The Galaxy S10e comes with up to 256GB of internal storage and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature not present on the iPhone.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but with differences in size, technology, and refresh rates.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 14 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors across a more expansive viewing area. The Galaxy S10e has a more compact 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, also known for its vibrant colors and excellent contrast.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 ppi, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S10e has a resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels at 438 ppi and a peak brightness of around 800 nits.
  • Refresh Rate: Both the Galaxy S10e and the iPhone 14 Plus feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth visual experience for most content.

Resolution

1080 x 2280

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these phones reflect their respective release eras, with the iPhone 14 Plus benefiting from newer advancements.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system with a 12MP main sensor (f/1.5) and a 12MP ultrawide sensor (f/2.4), offering improved low-light performance and features like Photonic Engine and Action mode for video. The Galaxy S10e also has a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens (f/1.5-2.4) and a 16MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2), which performs well in good lighting conditions.
  • Low-Light and Video: The iPhone 14 Plus generally offers better low-light photography and more advanced video recording capabilities, including 4K Dolby Vision HDR video and Cinematic mode. The Galaxy S10e can record 4K video at 60fps and supports HDR10+, but its low-light performance is not as strong as the newer iPhone.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone 14 Plus includes a 12MP front camera with autofocus and a faster f/1.9 aperture, enhancing selfie quality and video calls. The Galaxy S10e has a 10MP front camera (f/1.9) that provides good results in adequate lighting.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: The iPhone 14 Plus supports 5G connectivity, offering faster cellular data speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S10e supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S10e features a USB-C port and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, along with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The iPhone 14 Plus uses a Lightning port and relies on Face ID for biometric authentication.
  • Physical Design: The Galaxy S10e is a compact and lightweight device, weighing 150g with a 5.8-inch screen, making it suitable for one-handed use. The iPhone 14 Plus is a larger and heavier device at 203g with a 6.7-inch screen, offering a more expansive viewing experience.

Weight

5 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

5.8

6.7

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S10e and iPhone 14 Plus cater to different user priorities, largely influenced by their release dates and operating systems. Users often praise the iPhone 14 Plus for its exceptional battery life, large display, and robust camera performance, particularly in low light. Some users note that while its camera is good, it may not be a groundbreaking leap from previous models for everyday use. The Galaxy S10e, on the other hand, is frequently appreciated for its compact size, making it easy to handle, and its inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. Criticisms for the S10e often revolve around its battery life, which can be a limiting factor for heavy users, and its aging software support.

Users prioritizing a large screen, extended battery life, and a longer period of software updates within the iOS ecosystem will find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. It offers a powerful and smooth experience for demanding applications and photography. Conversely, individuals who prefer a smaller, more manageable device, the flexibility of Android, and features like a headphone jack and expandable storage may lean towards the Galaxy S10e. Both devices, when considered as quality-assured refurbished options, offer a sustainable choice for consumers.

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