Samsung Galaxy S10e

Revisiting a Legend: My Take on the Still-Charming Samsung Galaxy S10e

I've spent the past couple of weeks living with the Samsung Galaxy S10e as my daily driver, and it's been a fascinating trip down memory lane. Released back in 2019, this isn't the latest and greatest, but it occupies a unique space in the smartphone landscape. My testing involved everything from everyday tasks like messaging and browsing to media consumption and even a bit of light gaming. At its current price point – often found at a considerable discount – it's squarely aimed at budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. My initial impression? The S10e still holds a surprising amount of charm and capability, though naturally, it shows its age in a few key areas.

Market Context: A Blast from the Not-So-Distant Past

The Galaxy S10e launched into a very different market. It represented Samsung's attempt to offer flagship-level features in a more compact and affordable package, a strategy that resonated well at the time. Now, in a world dominated by increasingly large smartphones, the S10e feels almost…refreshing. Samsung's current strategy leans heavily into their flagship "S" series and their innovative foldable line, leaving a gap for those who prefer smaller, simpler devices. The S10e, even now, fills that niche, albeit unofficially. The current price makes it a compelling option for users who prioritize value and don't necessarily need the absolute cutting-edge technology. In my opinion, it’s a smart move for Samsung to have offered this "essential" version back then, and it highlights the evolving nature of user preferences.

Design & Hardware: Small Phone, Big Impression

Picking up the Galaxy S10e immediately brought a smile to my face. It’s genuinely compact. In a world of ever-growing screens, the 5.8-inch display nestled in this chassis feels incredibly comfortable and manageable in one hand. The "Prism White" version I tested has a subtle shimmer, and while the materials might not feel as premium as the latest flagships, the build quality is undeniably solid. There's a reassuring heft to it without feeling bulky. I appreciate the placement of the side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button – it's incredibly intuitive and consistently fast, something I’ve actually missed on some newer devices with in-display sensors. While the bezels are noticeable compared to today's edge-to-edge designs, they don't detract significantly from the overall experience. Durability-wise, the Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back offers a decent level of scratch resistance, though I’d still recommend a case for peace of mind. From a practical use perspective, its pocketability is a major win.

Display: Still a Visual Treat

Despite its age, the Dynamic AMOLED display on the S10e remains impressive. In my experience, the colors are vibrant and punchy, and the contrast is excellent, making everything from photos to videos look rich and engaging. Brightness levels are more than adequate for outdoor use, even under direct sunlight. Media consumption on this screen is enjoyable, and while it lacks the higher refresh rates of modern panels, the scrolling still feels smooth for most daily tasks. Gaming, too, looks crisp and detailed on this display. What I've found particularly pleasing is the color accuracy – it's not overly saturated like some older AMOLED panels can be. For practical daily use, whether you're reading articles or watching YouTube, the S10e's display holds up remarkably well.

Performance: Handling the Daily Grind with Grace

Under the hood, the Exynos 9820 (in my testing unit, the EMEA version) still packs a decent punch for everyday performance. Throughout my testing, navigating the interface, switching between apps, and handling social media felt fluid and responsive. While it's not going to break any benchmark records in 2024, it handles multitasking without significant hiccups. I put it through a few gaming sessions with popular titles like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile, and while I wouldn't crank all the settings to max, it provided a perfectly playable experience at medium settings. Temperature management is also commendable – even during extended gaming sessions, the phone didn't get excessively hot. One notable strength is its sustained performance; it didn't seem to throttle significantly under load, which can be an issue with some older devices. However, I did notice slightly longer loading times for some heavier apps compared to modern flagships.

Camera System: A Capable Shooter for its Time

The camera system on the Galaxy S10e, featuring a 12MP main lens and a 16MP ultra-wide, tells a story of its era. In my actual photo-taking experience, the main lens still produces surprisingly good results in well-lit conditions, capturing sharp details and pleasing colors. Specific shooting scenarios like daytime landscapes and casual portraits yielded images I was happy with. The ultra-wide lens adds versatility, allowing you to capture expansive scenes, though the image quality is noticeably softer around the edges. Video recording is decent, offering up to 4K resolution, but it lacks some of the advanced stabilization features found in newer phones. Compared to market alternatives in the same price range today, the S10e's camera holds its own, especially in good lighting. For real-world usage scenarios like capturing memories or sharing on social media, it's more than adequate. However, low-light performance is where its age becomes more apparent; images can be noisy and lack detail compared to modern camera systems.

Battery & Charging: A Manageable Compromise

Battery life is where the Galaxy S10e shows its age most prominently. In my observed battery performance, the 3100mAh cell is sufficient for a moderate day of use, but heavy users will likely need to top up before the day is out. Charging speed, while technically "fast charging," feels a bit slow by today's standards. Testing the charging speed, I found it takes a considerable amount of time to go from empty to full. Power management seems reasonably effective in standby, but active usage, particularly with demanding apps or gaming, drains the battery noticeably faster. In my real-world endurance testing, I could typically get through a workday with lighter usage, but any extended periods of navigation or media consumption required some planning. The inclusion of wireless charging is a nice touch, offering a convenient way to charge overnight or at a desk.

Software: Functional but Dated

The software experience on the Galaxy S10e, while functional, is undeniably showing its age. My testing unit was running an older version of Android with Samsung's One UI. Daily usage is generally smooth, but you miss out on some of the newer features and refinements found in the latest Android versions. The interface is still intuitive, and Samsung's suite of apps is present. While the core features remain useful, the lack of guaranteed future updates is a significant factor to consider. My thoughts on the update policy are that it's simply a reality of owning an older device – security updates will eventually cease, which is something potential buyers should be aware of.

Value Analysis: Still a Compelling Budget Option?

From my personal perspective, the Galaxy S10e presents a compelling value proposition for a specific type of user. At its current discounted price, it offers a surprisingly capable smartphone experience for those who prioritize a compact design and a good-quality display. I think this phone is ideal for someone who wants a reliable secondary device, a first smartphone for a younger user, or someone who simply prefers a smaller form factor and doesn't need the absolute latest features. However, those who demand top-tier camera performance, the longest battery life, or the latest software features should definitely look elsewhere. In the competitive context of the current budget smartphone market, the S10e stands out for its premium build quality (for its time) and excellent display, but it compromises on battery life and camera versatility compared to some newer competitors.

Conclusion: A Charming Relic Worth Considering

My final recommendation is that the Samsung Galaxy S10e is still a worthwhile option for a specific niche of users. Its compact size, excellent display, and surprisingly capable performance make it a charming device even in 2024. While the battery life is a definite compromise, and the camera system is showing its age, the overall value proposition at its current price point is strong. If you're seeking a small, reliable phone with a great screen and are willing to accept its limitations, the Galaxy S10e deserves a second look. It's a testament to Samsung's engineering that this phone still holds up reasonably well after several years on the market.