With their 2019 lineup, Samsung has added a smaller budget-oriented model to their fan-favorite Galaxy S-series. It features a few compromised from its larger siblings to hit a lower price point. But do the compromises ruin the experience?
Looking at the specs, you can see it shares several similarities with the S10 and S10 Plus.
While the screen is a little smaller at 5.8-inches and only offers 1080p instead of 1440p, it’s still the rich, punchy Dynamic AMOLED panel with HDR10+ support found in the bigger models. And with the reduced screen size, the drop in resolution barely impacts sharpness and clarity.
But the phone lacks the curved edges of the larger options. So don’t expect it to feel quite as high-end.
The S10e also does not include the fingerprint scanner built into the display. However, many reviewers found the fingerprint sensor built into the power button of the S10e more responsive than the shiny new tech in the screens of its larger siblings.
The processor is also the same -- although there’s now a more affordable 6GB of RAM option for added savings. And you’ll find the same 128GB and 512GB storage options.
Cameras are the biggest difference. Instead of the triple rear cameras on the S10 and S10 Plus, the S10e includes a 12MP standard lens and a 16MP ultra-wide angle lens. So you won’t be able to take zoomed images.
The front camera also does not include the 8MP depth-sensing camera of the S10 Plus.
While the phone includes a smaller 3,100mAh battery, the smaller display and reduced resolution help to offset some of the loss. Still, some reviewers found the phone struggled to make it through a day of heavy gaming or video streaming. If you’re a light-to-moderate phone user, you’ll have no worries.
Overall, reviewers found the S10e an excellent value, and many loved the compact size.
TechRadar says, “It’s hard not to recommend the S10e to anyone who prefers a smaller phone.”
PC Magazine loved the phone, saying, “The Samsung Galaxy S10e has the best overall price, performance, and size for a flagship smartphone today.”
Everything else is identical to the pricier S10. For more on what to expect -- including camera quality, performance, audio options, and build quality -- check out our Samsung Galaxy S10 review summary.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- David Lumb, John McCann, TechRadarThe 'e' in Samsung Galaxy S10e stands for 'essential', which means it packs almost everything the S10 and S10 Plus have, at a lower price. You get a 5.8-inch screen, the same two primary cameras, and all-day battery life, but you’ll miss out on a third lens, the curved display edges, and the in-scre...
- James Rogerson, 3G.co.ukThe Samsung Galaxy S10e is very close to a flagship despite costing a lot less than the rest of the range. There are some compromises, but for the most part they're small.
- Leigh :) Stark, PickrThat’s not to say it’s a bad phone — it’s definitely not that — but it could be better, and if you’re looking for a small phone, we’d weigh this one up against some of the mid-range devices out there. If you can look past the water resistance and wireless charging, there are definitely more interest...
- Joseph Carey, Daily ExpressSamsung's hardware delivers in a number of areas; its camera is great in most conditions, it offers one of the best displays on a smartphone and boasts a premium build. However, the handset is not one we can recommend for those that need great battery life - meaning Samsung's cheapest S10 ultimately...
- Paul Lilly, HothardwareFor some, it may simply come down to size preference. If you prefer a smaller handset (less than 6 inches), the Galaxy S10e is an excellent option, with a high-end feature-set and strong all-around performance befitting a flagship phone.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
The Galaxy S10e price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Samsung Galaxy S10e prices from around the web here on The Informr.
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy S10e user manual here.
Samsung backs up the Galaxy S10e with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Galaxy S10e has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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