Galaxy S10 Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:£108.00

Versus £639.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, represent different philosophies in smartphone design and user experience. While the Galaxy S10 offers a more expansive display and a versatile multi-camera system within the Android ecosystem, the iPhone SE (2022) prioritizes raw processing power and long-term software support within Apple's iOS environment. These devices cater to varying user preferences regarding operating system, form factor, and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of these devices is largely influenced by their release dates and respective software support policies.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 was released in March 2019, making it an older device compared to the iPhone SE (2022), which launched in March 2022.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone SE (2022), being a newer device, benefits from Apple's extended software support, ensuring many more years of iOS updates and security patches. The Galaxy S10, released three years prior, has reached the end of its major Android OS update cycle, with security updates for most models concluding around March 2023.
  • Repairability: Both models feature glass backs and aluminum frames, which can make repairs for cracked screens or back panels moderately complex. However, the Galaxy S10 received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, citing difficulties due to adhesive, a soldered charging port, and a fused fingerprint sensor. Parts availability for the newer iPhone SE (2022) may be more consistent in the long term.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance capabilities differ significantly due to the age gap and processor architectures.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE (2022) features a current-generation processor, delivering exceptional speed and efficiency for demanding applications, high-end gaming, and seamless multitasking. The Galaxy S10, while powerful for its time with its processor from 2019, still handles everyday tasks smoothly but may show its age with the most intensive apps or future software updates.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S10 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which can be beneficial for keeping many apps open simultaneously on Android. The iPhone SE (2022) has 4GB of RAM. The Galaxy S10 offers storage options up to 512GB (and 1TB for the S10+) and includes expandable storage via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users with large media libraries. The iPhone SE (2022) is available with up to 256GB of internal storage and does not offer expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 has a 3400 mAh battery, with users reporting it can last over a day with typical use. The iPhone SE (2022) has a smaller battery capacity, which may mean more frequent charging for heavy users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a key differentiator between these two smartphones.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S10 boasts a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE (2022) features a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD, which offers good color accuracy and brightness but cannot match the contrast and true blacks of an OLED panel.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 provides a significantly higher resolution display (3040x1440 pixels) resulting in sharper text and more detailed images. The iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 750x1334 pixels.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S10's display offers high peak brightness, making it suitable for outdoor use and supporting HDR10+ content. Both devices typically feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

750 x 1334

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems offer different strengths and versatility.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12-megapixel wide lens, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 16-megapixel ultrawide lens, providing options for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone SE (2022) relies on a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera, which, despite its simplicity, benefits from advanced computational photography for excellent everyday photos and strong low-light performance.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S10 performs well in daylight, capturing detailed and vibrant images, and offers decent low-light performance. Its ultrawide lens provides a broad field of view. The iPhone SE (2022)'s single camera, powered by its advanced processor, delivers consistent image quality across various conditions.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, including 4K resolution. The iPhone SE (2022) benefits from more advanced video stabilization and processing. The Galaxy S10 includes a 10-megapixel front camera, while the iPhone SE (2022) has a 7-megapixel front camera. Both are suitable for video calls and selfies.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: A significant difference is 5G support; the iPhone SE (2022) offers next-generation 5G cellular connectivity, while the Galaxy S10 is limited to 4G LTE. Both support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Galaxy S10 uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a widely adopted standard, and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone SE (2022) uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port and does not have a headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Design: The Galaxy S10 utilizes an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded within its display for secure unlocking. The iPhone SE (2022) features Touch ID, a reliable fingerprint sensor integrated into its physical home button. The iPhone SE (2022) maintains a classic iPhone design with a physical home button and prominent bezels, resulting in a compact and lightweight device (144g). The Galaxy S10 offers a more modern, edge-to-edge display design with a punch-hole camera, providing a larger screen in a relatively sleek body (157g).
  • Build Materials and Durability: Both devices feature glass backs and aluminum frames. The Galaxy S10 carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, while the iPhone SE (2022) has an IP67 rating. Both offer good protection against everyday spills and dust exposure.

Weight

175 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

User sentiment often highlights the iPhone SE (2022)'s exceptional processing power and long-term software support as key advantages, making it a device that remains responsive for many years. Criticisms sometimes point to its dated design and smaller LCD screen compared to more modern smartphones. The Galaxy S10 is frequently praised for its vibrant AMOLED display, versatile triple-camera system, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. However, its older software status is a common concern for users seeking the latest features and security updates.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor, extended software longevity, and top-tier processing performance for demanding applications may find the iPhone SE (2022) well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a larger, more vibrant display, a versatile camera system with multiple lenses, and the flexibility of expandable storage and a traditional headphone jack might lean towards the Galaxy S10. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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