Samsung Galaxy S10e

The Samsung Galaxy S10e was part of Samsung’s 10th-anniversary S10 lineup, which also included the Galaxy S10 and S10+. Launched in 2019, the S10e was positioned as the more compact and affordable variant within the series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S10e:

Overview:

The Galaxy S10e aimed to deliver the core features of the S10 series in a smaller form factor and at a more accessible price point. With its flagship-grade processor, camera capabilities, and design, it targeted users who wanted a high-end experience without the larger screens or higher price tags of its siblings.

Features:

Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s One UI.
Display: 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, HDR10+ support.
Processor: Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (USA variant) or Exynos 9820 (International variant).
Memory: Options of 6 GB/8 GB RAM with 128 GB/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 12 MP wide sensor and a 16 MP ultrawide sensor. The front camera is a 10 MP shooter.
Battery: 3100 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner (integrated into the power button), IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

Compact Form Factor: In an era of increasingly large phones, the S10e’s smaller size was refreshing and appealed to those who prefer one-handed use.
Performance: With flagship-grade processors, the S10e delivered top-tier performance.
Camera Capabilities: While it missed out on the telephoto lens of its siblings, the S10e’s cameras were still impressive, especially in good lighting conditions.
Price: Being the most affordable in the S10 lineup, it offered a flagship experience without the flagship price.
Headphone Jack: At a time when many flagships were ditching the headphone jack, the S10e retained it, much to the delight of audio enthusiasts.

Cons:

Battery Life: The 3100 mAh battery was decent but not outstanding, especially for power users.
No In-Display Fingerprint: Unlike its siblings, the S10e had a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. While it was fast, it missed out on the in-display trend.
No Telephoto Lens: The camera setup lacked a telephoto lens, which was present in the S10 and S10+.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Galaxy S10e faced competition from:

iPhone XR: Offering a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, and a single 12 MP rear camera.
Google Pixel 3: Featuring a 5.5-inch OLED display, Snapdragon 845, and a standout single-lens camera setup.
OnePlus 6T: With its 6.41-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S10e was announced in February 2019 and became available in March 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

Battery Endurance: Some users reported that the device struggled to last a full day with heavy usage.
Fingerprint Scanner Position: While the side-mounted fingerprint scanner was fast, its positioning was a bit high for some users, making it slightly awkward to reach.
Software Updates: While Samsung improved its update cycle, it still wasn’t as fast as some competitors, especially the Pixel devices.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S10e was a compelling offering in the flagship segment, especially for those who wanted a compact device without compromising on performance. It managed to pack most of the features of its larger siblings into a smaller, more affordable package. For users who value a compact form factor, flagship performance, and a more accessible price point, the Galaxy S10e was an excellent choice. However, those looking for better battery endurance or a telephoto lens might have considered other options.