Samsung S10e review – Retro Cool or Just Old?

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Samsung Galaxy S10e specifications

• Colours: Prism White / Prism Black / Ceramic White / Ceramic Black / Prism Green

• Operating system: Android

• Dimensions: 14.2 x 6.99 x 0.79 cm

• Weight: 150 grams

• Screen size: 5.8 inches

• Screen resolution: 2280 x 1080 pixels - 438 dpi

• RAM: 6 GB

• Storage: 128 GB / 256 GB

• Main camera: 12MP - 16MP

• Front camera: 10MP

• CPU: Octa-Core

• Display: Dynamic AMOLED

• Audio: Stereo speakers

• Battery: 3,100 mAh / Up to 19 hours talk time / Up to 76 hours audio playback / Up to 18 hours video playback

• SIM: Dual Nano-SIM

• Connectivity: 4G

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi Direct 802.11

• Bluetooth: 5.0

Samsung S10e review: pros and cons

Officially presented on 20 February 2019 and released on 8 March 2019, this device stands out for its performance and value for money. We had the opportunity to admire this model from all angles. Here are the main advantages and a few disadvantages that we found in our Samsung S10e review.

Samsung Galaxy S10e review: features and benefits

The Samsung Galaxy S10e is characterised by its very modern design. Aesthetically, this smartphone has the same features as its siblings, the Galaxy S10 and S10+ versions, namely an all-aluminium body, very clean lines and a wide range of colours (pink, yellow, white, blue, black and green). Too bad it doesn't have a curved-edge screen. That would have enhanced the design even more. However, the 5.8-inch edge-to-edge screen has a similar effect.

The main difference from the other models lies in the dimensions and weight. We noticed in our Samsung S10e review that it's a smaller, lighter version of the other two. The compactness is thus one of its greatest strengths.

In addition, its small size gives it ideal ergonomic dimensions, optimised for use with just one hand. You can see that the Korean smartphone giant invests a lot of resources in its latest smartphone models, both in terms of design and functionality.

The inner workings: small but fine

The Samsung Galaxy S10e is powered by a Samsung Exynos 9820 octa-core 2.7 GHz SoC processor supported by 6 GB of RAM. You don't have to be an expert to judge the performance of such a configuration for a smartphone. To put that into perspective, the Exynos 9820 far outperforms the Snapdragon 855, which powers most of the same generation Android-based smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Mi 9. In our Samsung Galaxy S10e review, the processor almost matches the performance of the Apple Bionic A12. The biggest difference here lies in the different screen qualities. One Reddit reviewer succinctly summed it up:

"There is so much hardware that you're getting from a tiny package. Combined with the lowered price tag and Samsung's brand image, I personally think the S10e is [one of] the best value smartphones right now."

Improved functionality

In terms of practicality, this smartphone scored well compared to other devices in the same series. The Android 9.0 Pie operating system, paired with the One UI surface, ensures a very pleasant user experience. The navigation is very fluid, and the programme integrates with many useful applications efficiently. The Bixby function in particular offers a revolutionary UX. Most notably, we were pleasantly surprised by the Bixby Routines feature. With this tool, you can configure or time the start of certain tasks after a defined event. For example, completing a defined action or task after a certain time or based on a specific geographic location. And what's even more surprising, the software gives you suggestions for tasks based on your usage habits. Samsung certainly hasn't stopped surprising us with its innovations!

We also praised the very simplified design of the menu. True, some fans of the brand expected a much more complex presentation of functions and applications to get the most out of this high-tech screen. However, it is a revolutionary smartphone that is very easy to use, making this smartphone a pleasurable experience overall.

If we were to nit-pick in this review, the company didn't make the best choice when placing the side buttons (volume control and Bixby) on the left edge. If the engineers wanted to create the first high-end smartphone especially for left-handers, they certainly succeeded, albeit unwittingly.

A feast for the eyes

How is the Galaxy S10 screen? The Galaxy S10e is a little slower, given its screen draws a lot of power. It's a 5.8-inch Infinity-O display with Full HD+ resolution paired with an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the calibration for perfect viewing comfort. We were amazed by the perfectly adjusted brightness and the outstanding contrast of this modern display. The legibility and viewing comfort are ideal, even in the brightest midday sun.

How about the photo and video capabilities of the Galaxy S10e?

The smartphones of the Galaxy S family have always been known for their photo quality. The S10 family is no exception to Samsung's reputation. The Galaxy S10e has a dual-sensor main camera, including a 12 MP wide-angle and a 16 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a dual LED flash. The technology delivers pretty decent daylight photos. However, if you've had the chance to shoot with an S10 or S10+, you'll notice a difference in the sharpness of the overall image. This discrepancy between the Galaxy S10 vs Galaxy S10e is due to the lack of the third module (telephoto lens with 12MP x2 optical zoom), which takes a few brownie points off this phone in our Galaxy S10e review.

The front camera with a single sensor of 10 MP allows you to take good-quality selfies. The S10+ version obviously performs much better, with a dual sensor for the selfie camera and a flash (white screen).

However, we were disappointed with the positioning of the front camera, which can obstruct the view in some applications. The photo module is located in the upper left corner. This element causes blurring in the field of view in full-screen mode. This detail is particularly annoying for gamers (especially PUBG fans who don't have a full view of their fellow players), but also for film and video fans. With Netflix, however, the module is out of range on the screen, even in full-screen mode, making the platform's video format a much more enjoyable experience.

In terms of video, we did not notice any weaknesses. The recording is in 4K, and the optical stabiliser did a very good job.

Optimal sound quality

The Samsung Galaxy S10e not only offers an optimal experience visually; the sound quality is just as sensational. Because the device is equipped with high-quality speakers, it is also worth mentioning that the 3.5mm port allows you to use wired headphones, thus you can listen to music or enjoy movies even if the Bluetooth audio system is completely drained.

On this point, Samsung is superior to Apple, which may have wanted to play the innovation card when it removed the headphone jack on its latest iPhone models: iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.

In addition to the strengths already mentioned, we would like to note the integration of the fingerprint sensor, which is positioned on the right side of the device and is therefore easily reachable with the thumb.

Samsung Galaxy S10e shopping tips

Traditionally, the annual mass sales like Cyber Monday and Black Friday are the best times to look for reduced prices on electronics, including smartphones. While you can certainly count on a decent discount, the trouble with these is often low stock availability, not to mention the rabid competition from other buyers. It can be quite a stressful experience, with no guarantee that you'll actually end up with the phone you want in the end.

You can also wait until a new model drops, as prices are typically reduced on existing phones in anticipation of more demand for the latest generation. You can land a good deal this way. Once again, though, you face the issue of limited availability.

The drawback of both these approaches is that you have to wait for them. You can't get an on-demand discount anytime you want to buy a new smartphone. Not only that, one of the oldest sales tricks is to put up the price in the months preceding a new model release or one of these big annual sales, so that when the time comes, the discount looks bigger than it actually is if you compare it to the usual prices.

That's the best thing about Back Market: you can get a great deal on a Galaxy S10e every day of the year. No need to wait, and no need to pay more than absolutely necessary. Our refurbished smartphones are up to 50% less expensive than the recommended new selling prices, and they work every bit as well.

Why choose a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S10e?

Back Market focuses solely on trading in refurbished electronics. Over many years, we've developed sustainable processes from top to bottom to ensure that you can get dependable, eco-friendly devices at up to 50% less than the original new price.

We only work with the best certified refurbishers to ensure top-notch artisanship when the devices are restored. All our electronics have been through an exhaustive refurbishment process. This starts with a visual inspection, followed by a battery of tests to identify any sub-optimal functionality.

Our refurbishers then disassemble the device, checking for any damage or wear and tear in any of the components. These are replaced with brand-new ones. The device is then put through the same testing regime to make sure it performs up to the original benchmarks as a new one. A thorough cleaning inside and out gives the final touch.

This gives you a selection of high-quality devices while saving you money. Buying refurbished devices also helps to reduce your own carbon footprint and contributes to a more sustainable consumer system. We have been granted B Corp status for eco-friendliness, so you can trust our green credentials.

It's a win-win for everyone and for the planet. As one customer attests:

"Super happy with my Galaxy S10e bought from Back Market. Arrived safely and is in perfect condition as far as I can see, even though it was described as 'good'. Brilliant battery life, easy to use and perfect size. Really reassured by the 30-day money-back guarantee, even though I won't be needing it. The 1-year warranty is super reassuring, just in case. Definitely using Back Market again."

Want more info? Here's why you can trust our refurbished electronics.

Trade in your old devices for cash

If you have an old device or two lying around, don't throw them away the next time you get the urge to clear out. Instead, trade them in on Back Market and make yourself some extra spending money. It's no hassle at all. You only have to fill in a short online form giving the model and specs, and you'll receive an offer within minutes. Then ship it off to us for free, wait 5 business days, and your money will appear in your account. It's that easy.

How much does the Samsung Galaxy S10e cost?

It may be difficult to find a new Samsung S10e nowadays, but you can get a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S10e easily from Back Market, currently starting from a little over £100*. Just know that when you buy a refurbished smartphone, you get the same features and quality as a brand new version, but for 30%-50% less than the original selling price.

Reading tip: What is the best Samsung smartphone in 2024?

Samsung S10e review: final thoughts

The Galaxy S10e has everything that makes an ideal smartphone. It has a modern design and has high-performance capabilities to support optimal multimedia quality. Its ideal functionality makes it easy to use. The only weaknesses we could find were the short battery life compared to more modern smartphones and the position of the front camera. One can neatly summarise it as a phone with 2019 specs at 2016 prices. We conclude our Samsung Galaxy S10e review with one word: essential, just like the name promises.