Is the Samsung Galaxy S10 Worth Buying in 2024

Released in 2019, the Samsung Galaxy S10 was a game-changer in the smartphone market, offering premium design, a high-performance processor, and innovative features like the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. But in 2024, is it still worth buying?

 

Why the Galaxy S10 May No Longer Be Ideal in 2024

 

1. Outdated Software: While the Galaxy S10 originally launched with Android 9, it’s now capped at Android 12 updates. This means it misses out on the latest Android features, optimizations, and security updates, making it less future-proof.
2. Limited 5G Support: The Galaxy S10 doesn’t support 5G connectivity, which is increasingly becoming a standard for faster internet speeds and better network reliability.
3. Battery Life Concerns: After years of use, the Galaxy S10’s battery may have degraded significantly. Even with a refurbished model, you may not get the same battery efficiency as newer phones.

 

Better Alternatives: Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21

If you’re considering a refurbished Samsung phone, the Galaxy S20 or Galaxy S21 are much better options with only a slightly higher price point:

• Galaxy S20: At $150+, it offers a noticeable upgrade with 5G connectivity, a faster processor, and a better camera system.
• Galaxy S21: Priced close to $200, the S21 delivers cutting-edge performance, a more modern design, and longer software support.

 

Our Recommendation

For a reliable, future-proof device, we highly recommend the Galaxy S20 or Galaxy S21. The minimal price gap between the Galaxy S10 ($120+) and the Galaxy S20 ($150+) makes the latter a much better investment. And if your budget allows, the Galaxy S21 offers even more value with its superior performance and longer lifespan.

 

Full Specs Comparison

Feature	Galaxy S10	Galaxy S20	Galaxy S21
Network Technology	4G LTE	5G	5G
Body Dimensions	149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm	151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm	151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm
Weight	157 g	163 g	169 g
Display Size	6.1 inches	6.2 inches	6.2 inches
Display Type	AMOLED	Dynamic AMOLED 2X	Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution	1440 x 3040 pixels	1440 x 3200 pixels	1080 x 2400 pixels
Chipset	Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855	Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865	Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888
Main Camera	Triple 12+12+16 MP	Triple 12+64+12 MP	Triple 12+64+12 MP
Selfie Camera	10 MP	10 MP	10 MP
Memory	Up to 512GB	Up to 1TB	Up to 256GB
Battery	3400 mAh	4000 mAh	4000 mAh
Charging	15W Wired	25W Wired	25W Wired
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68	IP68

 

Performance

The Galaxy S10’s Snapdragon 855 is still capable, but it falls short when compared to the Snapdragon 865 in the S20 and the Snapdragon 888 in the S21, which handle multitasking, gaming, and high-performance apps more efficiently.

 

Display

While the Galaxy S10 features a vibrant 6.1-inch AMOLED display, the S20 and S21’s screens offer smoother refresh rates and better brightness, making them ideal for media consumption.

 

Camera

The S10’s triple-camera setup was impressive for its time, but the Galaxy S20 and S21 provide better zoom, night mode, and overall photography experience.

 

Battery Life

Both the Galaxy S20 and S21 have larger batteries than the S10, paired with more efficient processors, ensuring longer usage on a single charge.

 

Where to Buy

When buying a certified refurbished Samsung Galaxy phone, here are the best categories to consider:

 

• Professional Resellers: Trusted online platforms like Amazon, BestBuy, and Samsung’s official store offer certified refurbished Galaxy phones with rigorous quality checks, warranties, and reliable customer service.
• Open Market: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp allow you to purchase directly from sellers. While prices might be lower, these platforms carry a higher risk of scams. Always verify the seller’s ratings, check for return policies, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Meeting in a safe public location and thoroughly inspecting the device can help mitigate risks.
• Local Phone Stores: Many local electronics or phone repair shops sell refurbished devices. These stores provide the advantage of in-person inspection before purchase and local warranty options. However, stock availability in such stores can be limited, and the buying process may be less convenient compared to professional resellers. Buyers may also face inconsistent quality standards depending on the shop.

 

UpTrade exclusively lists products from Certified Professional Resellers to ensure the highest quality and reliability. This approach eliminates the risks associated with open markets or local stores, providing buyers with peace of mind through rigorous quality checks and guarantees. Transparency about device condition and seller trustworthiness makes UpTrade an excellent choice for finding the best deals.

 

How to Avoid Scams

To ensure you’re getting a legitimate refurbished phone:

• Purchase from certified sellers or official stores.
• Verify the device’s IMEI number to confirm it hasn’t been reported stolen.
• Check the warranty and return policy before completing your purchase.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

 

How UpTrade Works

UpTrade puts quality first by exclusively listing products from Certified Professional Resellers. This ensures buyers receive devices that have undergone rigorous quality checks and meet the highest standards. UpTrade also simplifies the process by aligning all resellers to the same standard, making it easy to compare prices, specs, and device conditions seamlessly.

• Comprehensive Price Tracking: UpTrade continuously tracks prices across multiple retailers to ensure you find the best deal.
• Quality Assurance: Only devices from verified and certified sellers are listed, giving you confidence in your purchase.
• Detailed Filters: Easily filter phones by price, condition, and specifications to find the exact match for your needs.
• Convenience: Save time by viewing all options in one place, rather than visiting multiple websites.

By using UpTrade, you get the best value with minimal effort, ensuring a seamless buying experience.

 

Conclusion

While the Samsung Galaxy S10 was a remarkable phone in its prime, it’s no longer the best choice in 2024 due to outdated software, lack of 5G, and declining battery performance. The small price gap between the Galaxy S10 and newer models makes the Galaxy S20 or Galaxy S21 much better choices. With their superior performance, modern features, and better long-term value, these models offer significant upgrades for only a slightly higher investment.

Explore price comparisons for Certified Refurbished Galaxy phones on UpTrade to find the best deals for your needs.