Tech Talk

Is the Samsung Galaxy S10 Worth Buying in 2025

Jun 28, 2025 Jonathan Sizemore
Is the Samsung Galaxy S10 Worth Buying

 

Introduction

At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy S10 might seem like a smart, budget-friendly smartphone in 2025. With Certified Used and Refurbished models starting at just $100+, it’s tempting to grab this once-flagship device at a steep discount. But before you buy, it’s important to understand what you're giving up. The S10 is no longer supported by Samsung, leaving it without critical Android or security updates. Even more concerning—newer phones like the Galaxy S21 and S22 are now priced within a similar range. So, is the Galaxy S10 still worth it? In most cases, no.

 

Price and Availability in 2025

According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, the Certified Used / Refurbished Galaxy S10 can be found for $100+, depending on condition and storage configuration. While that’s a low entry point for a device that originally retailed for $899, there’s a reason the price has dropped so far.

Most resellers are clearing out old stock, and support for the S10 has officially ended. For just a small increase in budget, the Galaxy S21 starts at around $130+—offering more power, longer support, and a newer design. If you’re shopping for a deal in 2025, the Galaxy S10’s low price doesn’t necessarily mean good value.

 

End of Software Support

Samsung officially ended major Android updates and monthly security patches for the Galaxy S10 lineup in 2023. That means no Android 14, no Android 15, and no more critical security patches. In other words, the Galaxy S10 is running outdated software that may expose you to:

  • Security vulnerabilities that won’t be patched
  • App incompatibility as newer apps require updated Android versions
  • Slower performance and more bugs over time
  • No access to newer features in One UI or Android ecosystem

For buyers in 2025, this lack of support is a major red flag—especially if you plan to keep the phone for more than a year.

If you would like to learn more about Samsung Software Support, read this article: What Samsung Galaxy Will Stop Working

 

How the Galaxy S10 Holds Up in 2025

In terms of hardware, the Galaxy S10 was a premium phone at launch in 2019. It features a 6.1-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display, Snapdragon 855 processor, and triple rear cameras. The build quality is solid, and it still looks and feels like a high-end device.

However, time has taken its toll. The Snapdragon 855 chipset is now five generations old, and while it’s still capable of handling basic tasks and light apps, it may struggle with modern gaming, multitasking, and power efficiency.

Battery health is another concern—most S10 units have batteries that have degraded over years of use. Combined with no software optimizations from Samsung, the overall experience can feel sluggish compared to newer devices.

If you're looking for a phone that will perform well and remain secure for the next few years, the Galaxy S10 simply doesn't meet the bar in 2025.

 

Better Alternatives at Similar Price

If you're considering the Galaxy S10 in 2025, it's worth exploring newer alternatives that offer far better value, longer software support, and improved performance—without a major increase in price. Two standout options are the Galaxy S21, available at around $130+, and the Galaxy S22, starting at $160+. Below is a detailed comparison of how these models stack up against the Galaxy S10.

 

Galaxy S10 vs. Galaxy S21

 

Specs Comparison

FeatureGalaxy S10Galaxy S21
Release Year20192021
ChipsetSnapdragon 855Snapdragon 888
RAM8GB8GB
Storage128GB / 512GB128GB / 256GB
Display6.1" Quad HD+ AMOLED6.2" Full HD+ AMOLED (120Hz)
Camera SystemTriple 12MP + 16MP UW12MP + 64MP Tele + 12MP UW
Battery3,400 mAh4,000 mAh
Software SupportEnded in 2023Supported through Android 15+
Price (2025)$100+$130+

 

Key Differences Explained

 

1. Software Support and Security

The Galaxy S21 is still receiving Android updates and security patches, while the Galaxy S10 stopped getting major updates in 2023. This means the S21 will run newer apps more efficiently, be less vulnerable to security risks, and remain functional much longer.

 

2. Performance and Chipset

Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the S21 delivers a noticeable boost in performance compared to the S10’s older Snapdragon 855. App loading, multitasking, and gaming are significantly smoother and more energy-efficient on the newer chip.

 

3. Display and Refresh Rate

While the S10 has a higher resolution Quad HD+ panel, the S21’s 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday interactions feel much smoother and more modern—especially when scrolling or gaming.

 

4. Camera System

The Galaxy S21 upgrades the camera with a 64MP telephoto lens, offering better zoom and image clarity. It also performs better in low light and captures more detail compared to the older S10 system.

 

5. Battery Life and Efficiency

The S21 has a larger 4,000 mAh battery and benefits from more power-efficient hardware, which translates to better battery life—even though it has a slightly larger display.

 

Galaxy S10 vs. Galaxy S22

 

Specs Comparison

FeatureGalaxy S10Galaxy S22
Release Year20192022
ChipsetSnapdragon 855Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM8GB8GB
Storage128GB / 512GB128GB / 256GB
Display6.1" Quad HD+ AMOLED6.1" FHD+ AMOLED (120Hz, HDR10+)
Camera SystemTriple 12MP + 16MP UW50MP Wide + 10MP Tele + 12MP UW
Battery3,400 mAh3,700 mAh
Software SupportEnded in 2023Supported through Android 16+
Price (2025)$100+$160+

 

Key Differences Explained

 

1. Next-Gen Chip and Speed

The Galaxy S22 comes with a much newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, offering flagship-level performance even by 2025 standards. It's faster, cooler, and more efficient, with better multitasking, gaming, and AI processing capabilities.

 

2. Modern Display Features

Both phones have 6.1-inch AMOLED screens, but the S22 supports 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, making it better suited for video content, gaming, and overall display fluidity. The S10 still looks good—but it’s stuck at 60Hz.

 

3. Camera Upgrades

The S22’s camera system is vastly improved. It offers a 50MP primary sensor with excellent low-light performance, a dedicated 10MP telephoto lens, and improved software processing. This makes the S22 a far more capable photo and video tool than the S10.

 

4. Software Longevity

Unlike the S10, the Galaxy S22 is still well within its Android support cycle and is expected to receive updates through at least 2027. If you care about longevity and app compatibility, this is a major selling point.

 

5. Small Price Difference, Big Value

At just $160+, the S22 is only about $60 more than the outdated S10. For a newer design, longer support, and far superior camera and performance, that small difference is worth every dollar.

 

Final Verdict: Skip the Galaxy S10 in 2025

The Samsung Galaxy S10 had its moment as a flagship, but by 2025, it’s clearly outdated. While it may seem like a bargain at $100+, it no longer receives Android updates or security patches, making it a risky choice for anyone concerned about privacy, performance, or app compatibility. Its aging chipset, limited battery life, and dated design further reduce its appeal.

In contrast, both the Certified Used / Refurbished Galaxy S21 and Certified Used / Refurbished Galaxy S22 offer massive improvements in speed, camera quality, display smoothness, and—most importantly—long-term support. With the Galaxy S21 starting at just $130+ and the Galaxy S22 available around $160+, they offer far better value for a small additional cost.

If you want a phone that’s secure, future-proof, and performs well in 2025, skip the Galaxy S10 and invest in one of the newer models instead. The extra $30–$60 will go a long way.

 

 



 

FAQ: Galaxy S10 in 2025

 

1. Is the Galaxy S10 still supported by Samsung in 2025?

No. Samsung officially ended Android and security update support for the Galaxy S10 in 2023.

 

2. Can I still use the Galaxy S10 in 2025?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. You may run into compatibility issues with newer apps and risk using a phone without the latest security protections.

 

3. What’s the current price of a refurbished Galaxy S10?

As of 2025, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S10 models start at around $100+, depending on condition and storage.

 

4. What’s a better alternative to the Galaxy S10?

The Galaxy S21 is a much better alternative and is priced around $130+. It’s faster, newer, and still supported. If your budget allows, the Galaxy S22 at $160+ offers even more performance and camera improvements.

 

5. Is it safe to use a phone without software updates?

Not really. Lack of updates makes your device vulnerable to security threats, bugs, and app compatibility issues. This is a major reason to avoid the Galaxy S10 in 2025.

 

6. Does the Galaxy S10 have 5G?

No, the Galaxy S10 only supports 4G LTE. For future-proof connectivity, the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S22 both support full 5G.

 

7. Is the Galaxy S10 still worth buying in 2025?

In short: no. While it's cheap, the lack of software support, older hardware, and presence of better options at similar prices make it a poor choice in 2025.

 

8. Is the Galaxy S10 or S10e better?

The Galaxy S10 is technically better than the S10e in most aspects. It features a sharper Quad HD+ display, an extra telephoto rear camera, more RAM in some variants, and a larger battery. The S10 also uses an in-display fingerprint scanner versus the side-mounted sensor on the S10e. That said, the S10e is more compact and more affordable, which may appeal to users who prefer smaller phones. However, neither model is supported by Samsung in 2025, which poses a serious security risk. If you're deciding between the two, the S10 offers better hardware—but we strongly recommend skipping both and going for the Galaxy S21, which is still supported, significantly faster, and available starting at just $130+ as a Certified Used or Refurbished model on UpTrade.

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