When the Samsung Galaxy S10 was first released in early 2019, it stood at the forefront of smartphone innovation. With its sleek design, vibrant AMOLED display, and powerful internals, it captivated both tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. But now, several years later, potential buyers and existing owners are asking: Is the Galaxy S10 still usable in 2024?
TL;DR
The Samsung Galaxy S10 remains a capable smartphone in 2024, especially for basic tasks, media consumption, and moderate multitasking. However, due to its aging hardware and limited software support, it may not be ideal for users who require cutting-edge features or long-term performance. Its current price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users, but younger models offer better value in terms of longevity and updates. Evaluate your needs carefully before making it your go-to device.
Performance in 2024: Still Smooth?
The Galaxy S10 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (or the Exynos 9820 in some regions), paired with 8GB of RAM. At launch, it was top-of-the-line, and even today, it handles most day-to-day tasks with relative ease. Web browsing, streaming HD videos, editing photos, and even playing popular games like Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG are still quite smooth experiences.
However, it’s important to note that some demanding applications and large multitasking loads may start to show the limitations of its aging processor. For the average user, performance won’t be a huge issue, but for tech enthusiasts or professionals with high-performance requirements, more recent models may offer better value.
Software Support: The Inevitable Ending
Samsung originally provided the Galaxy S10 with Android 9 Pie, and over the years, it has been updated through various Android versions, ending with Android 12 or 13 depending on the region and model. As of 2024, the S10 is no longer receiving major Android updates or guaranteed monthly security patches.
Here are the implications of this:
- No New Features: You won’t get the latest Android innovations or UI upgrades.
- Security Risks: Without frequent security patches, your phone could become vulnerable to exploits.
- App Compatibility: Eventually, some apps may require newer versions of Android, leading to partial functionality or incompatibility.
While the phone can still run most apps well today, lack of future updates does put a ticking clock on its usability—especially if you’re concerned about data security.
Battery Life: Signs of Aging
The Galaxy S10 comes with a 3,400 mAh battery, which was decent at launch but is on the smaller side by today’s standards. After years of daily charging cycles and inevitable battery degradation, many older units may struggle to last through a full day of even moderate use.
If you’re using an original battery, expect noticeably shorter uptime. For users willing to invest in a battery replacement (which can cost between $50 to $100), the experience can be significantly improved. However, replacing the battery isn’t a perfect fix and may not address potential thermal issues or hardware wear-and-tear.
Display and Build Quality: Still Impressive
One area where the Galaxy S10 continues to shine is its display. The 6.1-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR10+ support—features that still rival modern flagships.
The build quality remains premium with its glass front and back and aluminum frame. The phone is surprisingly compact and lightweight compared to today’s larger devices, which can be a plus for those seeking better one-handed usability.
Camera System: Capable, but Behind the Curve
The S10 features a triple camera system: a 12 MP main sensor, a 12 MP telephoto lens, and a 16 MP ultra-wide lens. In good lighting, the camera still delivers sharp, vibrant photos. However, it falls short in several key areas when put next to more recent models:
- Low-light Photography: Noise and poor detail become evident.
- AI Enhancements: No support for newer AI-powered features like object recognition and scene optimization found in modern phones.
- Video Stabilization: Limited video stabilization compared to 2023 and 2024 devices.
In essence, the camera is fine for casual photography but may disappoint those looking for top-tier visuals or content creators who depend on reliable camera performance.
Connectivity and Modern Features
The Galaxy S10 supports 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and WiFi 6. What it’s missing, however, are some newer standards:
- 5G: Unlike the Galaxy S10 5G variant, this model doesn’t support 5G, which may be a limitation as carriers gradually phase out widespread 4G support in busy urban areas.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2: These are common in newer devices and offer improvements in speed and connectivity reliability.
Nonetheless, for most daily tasks like streaming, downloading, or using mobile data, the Galaxy S10 remains fully sufficient.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
Today, the Galaxy S10 can often be found in the used or refurbished markets for around $150–$250 USD. At this price point, it offers better performance and features than many entry-level smartphones in the same budget range. Buyers get a premium OLED screen, decent performance, and a still-attractive design for a fraction of flagship prices.
However, you should also consider alternatives that receive ongoing updates, such as the Google Pixel 6a or the Samsung Galaxy A54. These may offer more bang for your buck in terms of long-term usage.
Who Should Still Consider the Galaxy S10?
The Galaxy S10 might still be a strong choice for users in specific scenarios, such as:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: If you need a decent smartphone but don’t want to spend much, this could be a great second-hand buy.
- Daily Drivers With Light Use: For people who use smartphones mainly for calls, texting, social media, and media consumption.
- Secondary Device Purposes: Using it as a backup phone, media player, or WiFi-only device for kids or travel.
For heavy app users, mobile gamers, or photographers, it’s best to look toward more recently released models.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S10 remains usable in 2024—but with caveats. While its hardware quality and display are impressive and it can still handle most tasks competently, the lack of software support and aging internals can’t be ignored.
If you already own a Galaxy S10 and it still meets your needs, there’s little urgent reason to upgrade—especially if you’re not chasing the newest bells and whistles. However, if you’re considering buying one now, weigh the pros and cons carefully, especially in the context of limited future-proofing.
As a secondary device or a great value buy in the budget segment, the S10 earns its keep. But if you’re someone who wants the latest features, lies on the cutting edge of mobile technology, or prioritizes security and longevity, then it may be time to move on to something newer.