The poor Galaxy S10 all the time suffered from middle-child syndrome. Being sandwiched between the bigger, extra lavishly appointed Galaxy S10 Plus and the smaller, pluckier, far cheaper Galaxy S10E was by no means simple. In truth, I questioned greater than as soon as why it even existed, aside from to instantly appear to be a deal throughout promotional gross sales.
LikeSharp screenLong battery lifeNoteworthy digicam high qualityWirelessly expenses different units
Don’t LikeIn-screen fingerprint reader is hit or missLacks the excellence of S10 Plus and S10E
And now, the Galaxy S10’s purpose for being has turn out to be much more precarious. Samsung has since launched the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra (to not point out the Galaxy Z Fold 2).The title change is important, representing a serious shift in what it means to be a premium Galaxy cellphone: 5G, actual digicam enhancements and extra megapixels, an enormous battery, a 120Hz display screen refresh price.
The Galaxy S10 cannot compete in opposition to these specs, particularly in relation to future-proofing the cellphone within the rising age of blistering 5G knowledge speeds. But for some folks, the S10 might settle into the apparent selection for a high-end cellphone with an affordable worth, particularly when the value inevitably drops even additional.The Galaxy S10 racks up the options, together with three rear cameras and the flexibility to wirelessly cost different units.
Angela Lang/CNET
Yet for a lot of, 5G telephones will not be a sensible possibility for a number of years. Buying a 4G cellphone this yr that you simply maintain onto for an additional two or three years is not a horrible thought for a lot of, particularly if 5G nonetheless hasn’t arrived the place you reside, and it means saving a large chunk of change. Specs smart, the Galaxy S10 will valiantly carry you thru another cycle of cellphone possession — simply as long as it comes all the way down to a worth you are prepared to pay. The Galaxy S10 initially began at $900 (£799 and AU$1,349), solely $100 cheaper than the Plus ($1,000, £899, AU$1,499) and $150 greater than the S10E ($750, £669, AU$1,199). Expect worth drops to settle even additional now that the Note 20 is right here, with additional seasonal reductions by retailer and provider, similar to purchase one, get one free gives.
Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10E: Every digicam lens and curve
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The Galaxy S10 stays as terrific a cellphone because it was once I first reviewed it in March 2019. The display screen, digicam and battery life are high notch. That’s unsurprising when you think about that it is only a pared-down model of the superb Galaxy S10 Plus ($460 at Back Market), which was one of many high telephones in a talent-stacked yr. Read extra: Best Samsung Galaxy S10, S10 Plus and S10E instancesThere are a number of important variations to pay attention to between the Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus, if you happen to’re contemplating the 2:There’s just one front-facing digicam on the S10 as a substitute of two, however it would not detract a lot.The display screen is barely smaller (6.1 inches versus 6.4 on the Plus).Battery life is a tad shorter (simply over 18 hours in our looping video drain check versus 21 on the Plus).There’s no 1-terabyte storage possibility.You cannot purchase it with a ceramic backing as you possibly can the 512GB and 1TB Galaxy S10 Plus.For extra Samsung Galaxy comparisons, try these CNET articles:
If I preferred any telephones extra it could be the Galaxy Note ($950 at Amazon) 10 for value-for-money-meets-luxury specs, and the Note 10 Plus for much more energy options and specs.For extra particulars on the Galaxy S10’s particular person options, learn my Galaxy S10 Plus evaluate. With a number of exceptions, the core options are the identical because the Plus mannequin. Keep studying under for a full specs comparability among the many Galaxy S10, S10 Plus and S10E.Galaxy S10 vs. S10E vs. S10 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S10E
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
Display measurement, decision
5.8-inch AMOLED; 2,280×1,080 pixels
6.1-inch AMOLED; 3,040×1,440 pixels
6.4-inch AMOLED; 3,040×1,440 pixels
Pixel density
438 ppi
550 ppi
522 ppi
Dimensions (inches)
5.6 x 2.8 x 0.27 in.
5.9 x 2.77 x 0.31 in.
6.20 x 2.92 x 0.31 in.
Dimensions (millimeters)
142 x 70 x 7.9mm
149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm
157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8mm
Weight (ounces, grams)
5.3 oz.; 150g
5.53 oz.; 157g
6.17 oz.; 175g
Mobile software program
Android 9.0 with Samsung One UI
Android 9.0 with Samsung One UI
Android 9.0 with Samsung One UI
Camera
12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultrawide-angle)
12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultrawide-angle), 12-megapixel (telephoto)
12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultrawide-angle), 12-megapixel (telephoto)
Front-facing digicam
10-megapixel
10-megapixel
10-megapixel, 8-megapixel
Video seize
4K
4K
4K
Processor
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Storage
128GB, 256GB
128GB, 512GB
128GB, 512GB, 1TB
RAM
6GB, 8GB
8GB
8GB, 12GB
Expandable storage
Up to 512GB
Up to 512GB
Up to 512GB
Battery
3,100 mAh
3,400 mAh
4,100 mAh
Fingerprint sensor
Power button
In-screen (ultrasonic)
In-screen
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
Yes
Yes
Yes
Special options
Wireless PowerShare; hole-punch display screen notch; water-resistant (IP68); Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
Wireless PowerShare; hole-punch display screen notch; water-resistant (IP68); Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
Wireless PowerShare; hole-punch display screen notch; water-resistant (IP68); Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
Price off-contract (USD)
$750
$900
$1,000
Price (GBP)
£669
£799
£899
Price (AUD)
AU$1,199
AU$1,349
AU$1,499
First printed Jan. 30.