Hi there! If you are wondering how Samsung‘s flagship Galaxy S10 and affordable S10E models from 2019 compare to help make your buying decision easier – you‘ve landed at the right place. In this detailed guide to the Galaxy S10 versus S10E battle, we will explore all similarities and differences across critical categories to highlight the best option for YOU based on pricing, features and overall value.
Introduction to Samsung‘s Galaxy S Series Lineup
Over the past decade, Samsung‘s premium Galaxy S series of Android flagships have consistently pushed boundaries on smartphone design, display quality, camera innovations and processing power. The "base" S model represents their no-compromise best-of-the-best with all the latest bleeding edge tech crammed in.
The S10 launched in 2019 marked the 10th anniversary of this iconic lineup. To celebrate, Samsung launched not one but three models catering to diverse needs – the Galaxy S10e, S10 and S10+. The S10e adopted a lower price by trimming down certain specs while retaining the core experience.
But does saving $150-$200 over the S10 make the S10e an automatic smart choice? Or does the S10 justify its higher cost with substantive upgrades? Let‘s dive in and analyze how they fare across 7 key categories.
Design & Display Comparison
Let‘s kick things off by examining the physical designs and display quality differences between the Galaxy S10 and S10E.
Dimensions & Weight
- S10: 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm, 157g
- S10E: 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9mm, 150g
Despite a larger screen, the S10 manages a slimmer and lighter construction through its curved display and small bezels. The flat design and thicker forehead/chin on the S10E make it shorter yet wider. Both feel extremely solid thanks to the steel frames and Gorilla Glass 6 front/back panels. But in hand, the sleeker S10 appears more luxurious.
Key Design Elements
| Parameter | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10E |
|---|---|---|
| Display Curvature | Curved Edge | Flat |
| Bezels | Ultra-thin | Moderate |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Ultrasonic In-Display | Side-mounted Capacitive |
| Face Recognition | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | 6 options | 6 options |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 rated | IP68 rated |
Samsung had to cut costs somewhere – the S10E ditches fancy elements like the curved screen and hidden ultrasonic fingerprint reader. But it retains the same durable glass/metal sandwich build and is also IP68 water resistant just like the S10.
Display Spec Comparison
| Spec | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10E |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 5.8" |
| Panel | Curved Dynamic AMOLED | Flat Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | QHD+ 3040 x 1440 | FHD+ 2280 x 1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 19:9 | 19:9 |
| Pixel Density | 550 ppi | 438 ppi |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Touch Response | 240Hz | 120Hz |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| HDR Support | HDR10+ certified | HDR10+ certified |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
The displays represent one of the biggest differences. While both use vibrant Super AMOLED panels with HDR10+ support, the S10 simply provides a richer viewing experience with its larger curved screen, higher 1440p resolution and extremely responsive touch sampling. It looks and feels more premium, especially with movies and games.
Camera Hardware & Image Quality
Now let‘s examine the triple rear and single front-facing cameras on the Galaxy S10 versus the dual rear and single selfie cameras on the S10E.
Rear Camera Specs
| Lens | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10E |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 12MP f/1.5-f/2.4 Dual Aperture | 12MP f/1.5-f/2.4 Dual Aperture |
| Ultra-wide | 16MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | 12MP f/2.4 OIS | None |
Front Camera Specs
| Lens | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10E |
|---|---|---|
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/1.9 Dual Pixel AF | 10MP f/1.9 Dual Pixel AF |
On paper, the 12+16+12MP triple camera array on the S10 clearly seems superior, adding 2x optical zoom and improved low light shots. But how do they compare in real world performance?
Camera & Photo Quality Comparison
<Insert some side-by-side sample pics in different settings between S10 & S10E>
While both capture fantastic images in daylight conditions, the S10 pulls ahead thanks to its dedicated telephoto camera and dual aperture lens better optimized for night photography. The S10E lacks true optical zoom or special low light enhancements but still holds its own. For casual users, the dual camera is good enough while photography buffs will benefit from the S10‘s triple threat setup.
Key Camera Features
- Scene Optimizer
- Flaw Detection
- Live Focus
- Super Slow-mo
- 4K Video
- Zoom-in Mic
- Video Effects
- Pro Mode
- Shot Suggestions
- Food Mode
The S10 leads again with its 2x optical zoom, twin aperture lens and machine learning for optimizing settings. But otherwise both pack the same versatile camera software features from Live Focus portraits to manual controls.
Speed & Battery Benchmarks
The Galaxy S10 series came at a pivotal point when smartphone processors transitioned to smaller 7nm fabrication for better efficiency. Globally the phones come powered by Samsung‘s 7nm Exynos 9820 octa-core chip. But in the USA and China, they pack the 7nm Snapdragon 855 – widely considered the fastest Android platform of 2019. Let‘s see some benchmarks.
Performance Scores
| Benchmark | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10E |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (Single / Multi) | 740 / 2,631 | 720 / 2,619 |
| 3DMark (Sling Shot) | 5,139 | 5,134 |
Negligible differences thanks to common hardware – blazing fast CPUs, 6GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage. Both crush intensive tasks and games flawlessly. The Exynos variants are not too far behind either with GeekBench scores in the same ballpark.
Battery Life & Charging
| Spec | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10E |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 3,400 mAh | 3,100 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging |
| Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No |
| Video Playback Time | 17 hours | 18.5 hours |
Surprisingly the S10E lasts over an hour longer on a charge thanks to driving a lower resolution display. Both support quick wired and wireless charging, but only the S10 works in reverse to share its battery with other devices wirelessly.
Software & Special Features
On the software side, both devices ship with Android 9 Pie topped by Samsung‘s intuitive One UI interface. Highlights include excellent customization, Bixby assistant, Secure Folder, Dual Messenger, Samsung Health and more. A couple of extras provided by the S10 include:
- Ultrasonic In-Display Fingerprint Reader: More reliable and high-tech than the side capacitive sensor on the S10E
- Wireless PowerShare: Unique ability to wirelessly charge other devices by placing them on the S10‘s back
- Samsung DeX: Connect your S10 to a monitor/TV for a desktop-style experience
Otherwise both devices offer similar software capabilities that have been further enhanced via Android 12 & OneUI 4.1 updates.
While not massive upgrades, the S10 does lead in terms of modern biometrics and forward-thinking features like battery sharing and desktop mode expansion.
Pricing & Value Comparison
At launch in 2019, the Galaxy S10 retailed from $900 in the USA while the S10E carried a $750 starting tag.
Current Prices
| Variant | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10E |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $250 | $200 |
| 512GB | $300 | NA |
Given discounts over the years, the difference has narrowed down to around just $50. But the greater savings become clearer when you realize the compact S10E delivers around 90% of its elder sibling‘s premium user experience at 80% of the cost.
Unless you absolutely need the very best display, camera zoom/low-light shots, ultrasonic biometrics or wireless charging sharing – we believe the S10E is the better bang for buck choice. But for long term ownership or photography/media demands, the S10 does justify its still moderate premium.
Conclusion – Which Galaxy S10 Model is For You?
So there you have it – a detailed comparison covering all similarities and differences across critical categories between the Samsung Galaxy S10 and affordable S10E variant.
The Galaxy S10 remains a stunning technological showcase that pushes boundaries with its curved quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, versatile triple camera setup, ultrasonic in-display biometric authentication, desktop expansion capability and even reverse wireless charging prowess.
But for shoppers who want to balance great features with value, the S10E brings 90% of its elder sibling‘s highlights in a more compact product for around just 80% of the price after discounts. Unless you demand the ultimate refinements, the "Essential" model delivers everything needed.
We hope this comprehensive guide detailing the pros and cons of both options helps make your buying decision easier. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
