Samsung Galaxy S10

Revisiting a Classic: My Time Re-Exploring the Samsung Galaxy S10

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks with a phone that's a little bit of a blast from the past – the Samsung Galaxy S10. It feels almost like an archaeological dig in the tech world, going back to a flagship from 2019, but it's been a genuinely insightful experience. At its original launch price, it was a premium contender, and now, as a used or refurbished option, it occupies a very different space. After putting it through its paces with my usual mix of daily tasks, media consumption, and a bit of photography, I've got a clear picture of its strengths and where it shows its age.

A Look Back: Where the S10 Fit In

Back in 2019, the Galaxy S10 was a statement. It was Samsung flexing its technological muscle, showcasing a refined design and a host of impressive features. It was a direct competitor to the iPhones of the time and set a high bar for Android flagships. Samsung’s strategy was clear: offer a top-tier experience with cutting-edge display technology and a versatile camera system. Now, in a market saturated with new devices, the S10 sits in an interesting position. It's no longer the bleeding edge, but its current price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking a capable smartphone without breaking the bank. My feeling is that it still holds its own in certain aspects, particularly when you consider what you can pick one up for today.

Design That Still Holds Up

Picking up the Galaxy S10, the first thing that strikes me is how good it still feels in the hand. The slim profile and subtly curved edges make it remarkably comfortable to hold, even by today's standards where phones tend to be bulkier. The quality of the materials is evident; the glass back and aluminum frame feel premium. While it's not as rugged as some modern phones with more pronounced protective features, the Gorilla Glass 6 on the front (a notable feature at the time) still offers a decent level of scratch resistance. For daily practical use, the size strikes a good balance – large enough for immersive media, yet manageable in one hand.

A Display That Still Shines

The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is where the S10 truly impressed me, even now. Samsung has consistently delivered stunning screens, and this one is no exception. The brightness is excellent, ensuring good visibility even under direct sunlight. Firing up videos or scrolling through vibrant photos is a genuinely enjoyable experience, thanks to the rich colors and impressive sharpness of the 1440 x 3040 resolution. Gaming also benefits from this display; while it lacks the high refresh rates of newer panels, the clarity and color accuracy make for an immersive experience. Even for mundane tasks like browsing the web or reading, the display's quality is noticeable, making it a pleasure for daily use.

Performance: Still Capable for Most Tasks

Under the hood, my review unit runs on the Exynos 9820 chipset. While it's not the latest silicon, my real-world testing revealed it's still a capable performer for everyday tasks. I spent a good amount of time streaming videos, browsing social media, and managing emails, and the S10 handled it all without a hiccup. Even when I fired up some more demanding games, like PUBG Mobile, it managed to deliver a playable experience with reasonable frame rates. It’s not going to win any speed records against current flagships, but for the typical user, multitasking between apps feels smooth enough. I did notice it getting a little warm during extended gaming sessions, but temperature management seemed generally under control. No significant quirks or performance bottlenecks cropped up during my testing period.

The Versatile Camera System

The triple-lens camera system on the back of the S10 was a major selling point, and my experience with it has been largely positive. Having the standard, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses offers a lot of flexibility. I specifically tested it out in various scenarios – capturing landscapes with the ultra-wide, zooming in on distant subjects with the telephoto, and taking everyday snapshots with the main sensor. I was particularly impressed with the image quality in good lighting conditions; photos were sharp, detailed, and the colors were vibrant without being overly saturated. Video recording is also solid, with the ability to shoot in 4K. Compared to some of the computational photography wizardry of newer phones, the S10’s camera relies more on its capable hardware, and it still produces pleasing results. The selfie camera is also quite competent, delivering clear and well-exposed shots and even offering 4K video recording.

Battery Life: A Mixed Bag, Saved by Charging

Battery life is where the S10 shows its age a little more noticeably. The 3400mAh battery, in my experience, was sufficient for a moderate day of use – browsing, emails, and some social media. However, on heavier usage days, involving more video watching or gaming, I found myself reaching for the charger by late afternoon. It's certainly not terrible, but it’s not the all-day endurance you get with some modern devices. Thankfully, the 15W fast charging helps to top it up reasonably quickly. The inclusion of wireless charging is also a welcome convenience. What impressed me most was the Wireless PowerShare feature – the ability to wirelessly charge other devices using the phone's battery. It’s a handy feature for topping up earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch.

Software: Still Functional, Though Updates Have Ceased

My review unit has been updated to Android 12, running Samsung’s One UI. The software experience is generally smooth and intuitive. I appreciate the level of customization that One UI offers. While there were a few pre-installed apps, they were easily removable. It's worth noting that the Galaxy S10 has reached its end of life for major software updates, meaning it won't be getting future Android versions. However, the current software is stable and functional for daily use.

Value in the Second-Hand Market

Analyzing the value of the Galaxy S10 in today's market is interesting. As a new purchase back in 2019, it was a premium device with a premium price tag. Now, as a used or refurbished option, it offers a compelling price-to-feature ratio. For someone who prioritizes a great display, a capable camera, and solid overall performance for everyday tasks, the S10 is a strong contender, especially if you can find it at a good price. This phone is ideal for casual users who aren't demanding the absolute latest in processing power or 5G connectivity. However, if you're a heavy gamer or require cutting-edge camera features and the latest software updates, you might want to look towards newer devices. The competition at this price point in the used market includes other older flagships and some newer mid-range phones, so it’s worth doing some comparison.

Final Verdict: A Solid Choice for the Right User

Ultimately, my time with the Samsung Galaxy S10 has been a reminder of how good phones were becoming even a few years ago. While it's no longer the pinnacle of smartphone technology, it still offers a remarkably enjoyable and capable experience. The value proposition is particularly strong in the used market. If you're looking for a phone with a fantastic display, a versatile camera, and reliable performance for everyday tasks, and you’re comfortable with not having the absolute latest software updates, the Galaxy S10 is a solid choice that shouldn't be overlooked. It’s a testament to the quality of Samsung’s engineering that this phone still holds its own several years after its initial release.