For the first time I may be having a “perfect” smartphone, which completes almost every wish I had for an everyday device. The newly announced Galaxy S10 series has been a star release and yet the Galaxy S10e has been an absolute hammer for me. The Galaxy S10e is a smaller, cheaper and slightly less powerful version of the flagship device. However, I think the device is a star of its kind. That’s why:
Hardware
When you go for the cheaper phone in a flagship, often it’s the hardware that keeps the performance down. This is not a thing in the S10e. The Galaxy S10e holds up nicely compared to the other lineup devices with the same glass back and polished aluminum rails on the side. However, you don’t have a curved display compared to the other lineup phones, but this is an advantage for me personally.
The buttons and ports are also as good on the Galaxy S10e. The volume and Bixby button is as tactile as the normal Galaxy S10 phone and the USB-C port and speaker are just the same as the normal phone. Despite the small size, Samsung found a way to put the headphone jack on the phone.
About the size, Samsung really did a great job. The 5.8-inch display shines in the design of the phone, but the Infinity-O design is absolutely amazing taking advantage of all the possible space. The actual hardware size also makes the phone very easy to grip. Recent reports have been saying that after some tests, the Galaxy S10 has been dropped with the S10e not having any of them noted.
Display
Samsung’s strategy as far as the Galaxy S10 series isn’t so similar as Apple’s current iPhone lineup. Fortunately, the Galaxy S10e doesn’t sacrifice nearly as much as the iPhone XR.
While the $749 iPhone supports a display that’s barely over 720p, the Galaxy S10e has a 1080p+ AMOLED panel. While granted, it’s essentially a feature displayed on every Samsung flagship since the Galaxy S4, it’s a huge improvement over the XR and it doesn’t feel like a downgrade from the S10 and S10+ either.
Price
What actually impresses me is just how much the device contains, while its price is so low itself. While everyone is getting closer and closer to a thousand dollars, the S10e is just $749. While yes, OnePlus manages almost as much in an even lower price, Samsung is doing that with advertising dollars, carrier partnerships, and mass-market appeal behind it.
So, having those specs makes it a killer experience. Speaking about performance, the only difference between the Galaxy S10e and the S10/+, is the RAM. Where the other models have 8GB, the Galaxy S10e has 6GB. Despite the 2GB difference, the phone runs like an athlete and lag was basically non-existent.
I think this is thanks to the Full HD display not taking as many resources from the Snapdragon 855, but either way, the S10e is a lot of a phone in a compact, affordable package. The only competitor for the Galaxy S10e right now, is the Pixel 3, where again the S10e takes the advantage after Pixel’s memory issues.
In addition, the Galaxy S10e barely made sacrifices on the camera front. The same primary rear and selfie camera are in place here, and they perform just as well. The only difference is that, instead of a triple-lens camera, the S10e has only two. Luckily, the ultra wide-angle lens is there instead of the telephoto. From personal use, the zoom lens is just less useful. The whole quality is as good as the Galaxy S10, meaning it’s good but not great, and the selfie shooter isn’t bad either.
Battery
The only thing to be “worried” about in the Galaxy S10e surely is the battery. While the other flagship phones take me up to a day without charging, the Galaxy S10e makes me boost it sometime in the afternoon for a day charge. It’s just not impressive.
According to reports, the Galaxy S10e, with a standard on screen time, takes up to 30% of the battery just in an hour. Of course it’s not an endurance phone, but this is a thing to look.
Fortunately for the device, there’s wired, wireless and fast wireless charging to top off. Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare is still available through the phone, but it’s personally, specially recommended, not to use it on charging other devices with it, unless a gadget or headphones are on the way.
Fingerprint sensor
The biggest improvement of the Galaxy S10e versus the Galaxy S10 and S10+ is the fingerprint sensor. Generally, the biometrics are still a bit of a mess for me, after Samsung’s Face Unlock is horribly insecure, but the fingerprint sensor really stood out.
Where the ultrasonic option on the Galaxy S10 and S10+ is super frustrating and innacurate, the Galaxy S10e uses a traditional capacitive sensor embedded in the power button. It’s super fast and worked at least 9 times out of 10. Meanwhile, the S10 and S10+ are more like 6 out of 10.
The previously mentioned improved speed and accuracy don’t even compare to the fingerprint sensor experience. The sensor just makes using the phone a lot more better. You aren’t restricted when it comes to accessories, and apps like LastPass or those used for banking are immediately easier to use.
Another reason I enjoyed this sensor is the swipe gesture to pull down the notifications. While it did cause some headaches when taking screenshots on occasion (pulling down the shade while trying to capture the screen), it was invaluable for accessing my notifications. The Galaxy S10 and S10+ just don’t have anything that compares.
Final Thoughts
Put simply, the Galaxy S10e is my favorite version of the Galaxy S10. While many may view it as the “inferior” option, its strengths outweigh its cons, and it doesn’t have as many compromises as the more expensive flagships. At $749, it feels almost like a bargain in today’s premium landscape. Plus, it rivals the Pixel 3 as one of the best Android phones with a smaller size.
If you’re looking into buying a new Android smartphone, the Galaxy S10e deserves serious consideration.
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy S10e
Also Read on TechDomes
- Nokia’s first branded smart TV just made its debut
- Apple’s new thriller and action movie sale starts at $5, more from $1
- Chinese iPhone shipments up 6%, likely thanks to popularity of iPhone 11
- Using HomeKit Secure Video in iOS 13.2 with Logitech Circle 2 cameras
- Spotify will now make a road trip playlist for you
About the Author
John Manor is an author and an advertiser working for TechDomes bringing you the latest Gaming news and leaks every day. You can message John over email or Instagram.
Tech Domes 