The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in 2019, is a standout in Samsung’s iconic Galaxy series, but it occupies an intriguing position within its lineup. Caught between the smaller, slightly less feature-packed Galaxy S10e and the ultra-premium Galaxy S10+, the S10 can feel like the middle child a device stuck between two siblings that steal the spotlight in different ways.
The Balancing Act: Between the Lite and the Premium
The Galaxy S10’s design is elegant, with its edge-to-edge display and sleek body, but it’s not as compact as the S10e, which many users loved for its pocket-friendly size. Nor does it have the overwhelming presence of the larger S10+, which boasts an even bigger screen and additional camera perks. For many, the S10 finds itself in a middle ground not too big, not too small. But for some, that middle ground might feel like a compromise.
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Feature Comparison: What’s the S10 Missing?
One of the most striking differences between the S10 and its siblings is in the camera setup. The S10 shares much of its camera hardware with the S10+, including the impressive triple-lens rear camera, which delivers exceptional shots. However, the S10+ pulls ahead with its dual-lens front-facing camera, allowing for more depth and advanced portrait features in selfies. For those who prioritize the best possible selfie experience, the S10 feels like it’s just shy of the premium experience.
On the other end of the spectrum, the S10e offers a slightly more basic setup, with a dual-lens rear camera instead of the triple-lens. Some might find the S10’s camera setup more than enough for day-to-day use, but for tech enthusiasts, the lack of the extra features from the S10+ might leave them wondering if they should have splurged for the top-tier model.
Battery Life: Stuck in the Middle
When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy S10 once again finds itself in between its siblings. The S10e, with its smaller size, houses a smaller battery, which means it doesn’t last quite as long during heavy use. On the other hand, the S10+ offers a bigger battery, providing more juice for those who demand long hours of gaming, streaming, or multitasking. The S10, with its 3,400 mAh battery, provides respectable battery life but doesn’t quite match the S10+ in endurance. For those wanting to push their phone through a day of heavy use, the S10 might leave you looking for a charger by dinner time.
Display
One area where the Galaxy S10 shines is its display. Sporting a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with HDR10+ support, the S10 hits a sweet spot for many users. It’s significantly larger than the S10e’s 5.8-inch screen, offering more screen real estate for watching videos, gaming, and scrolling through social media. At the same time, it doesn’t feel as unwieldy as the S10+ and its 6.4-inch display, which, for some, can border on being too large for comfortable one-handed use.
The Infinity-O display design, which places the front camera within the screen itself, adds to the futuristic feel of the device. However, with the S10+, the display gets a bit more attention thanks to the additional front camera lens, making it a bit more visually distinct. Again, the S10 fits in that in-between space better than the S10e, but just shy of the S10+ in terms of flashiness.
Price and Value: Who Is the S10 for?
When the Galaxy S10 was first released, its price point placed it squarely in the middle of the lineup, making it a tempting option for those who didn’t want to stretch their budget to the S10+ but also didn’t want to settle for the S10e. priced at around $299.00, the S10 still holds its appeal, but this position also poses a challenge: is the extra cash for the S10 worth it when the S10e offers many of the same core features at a lower price? And if you’re already considering the S10, why not spend a bit more for the S10+ and get those added features?
In hindsight, the S10 seems to be perfect for those who truly appreciate balance a phone that does most things well without leaning too heavily toward one end of the spectrum. But for others, being stuck between two models meant being overshadowed by both.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S10 is undeniably a fantastic phone, but its positioning between the S10e and S10+ makes it feel a bit like the middle child of the family. It offers a balanced experience, but it’s easy to wonder if it truly stands out. For users who want something neither too big nor too small, with features that hit the sweet spot, the S10 is still a solid choice. However, in the fast-moving world of smartphones, being in the middle often means being caught between models that outshine it on either side.
