Samsung Galaxy S10e

amazon Samsung Galaxy S10e reviews

During the Samsung CE Forum 2019 event, Biareview had the opportunity to have the Galaxy S10e on hand, a smartphone with a compact design, personality color but terrific configuration, and a counterpart to the Apple iPhone XR.

At first glance, the Galaxy S10e scores because its compactness makes it easier to hold and manipulate – something that a part of customers wants when currently smartphones tend to have “larger screens, the better.” The back of the S10e is made of glass, 3D curve to the corners, and especially has a lot of youthful color options, suitable for young people, typically lemon yellow.

Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy S10e is its design. Samsung has long been known for its high-quality build and attention to detail, and the S10e is no exception. The device features a sleek and compact design that is a welcome change in an era where smartphones seem to be getting larger and larger.

Compact and Ergonomic

The Galaxy S10e measures 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and weighs just 150 grams, making it one of the more pocket-friendly smartphones in the premium segment. Its compact size makes it easy to use with one hand, which is a rarity in modern smartphones. The rounded edges and lightweight design contribute to its excellent ergonomics, allowing it to fit comfortably in the hand.

Premium Materials

The device is constructed from premium materials, including an aluminum frame sandwiched between Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back. This combination not only looks and feels premium but also provides a good level of durability. However, like most glass-backed phones, the Galaxy S10e is prone to fingerprints and smudges, so it’s advisable to use a case or regularly clean the device.

Button and Port Layout

The Galaxy S10e features a traditional button layout with a volume rocker on the left side, a power button on the right, and a dedicated Bixby button below the volume controls. The power button also doubles as a fingerprint sensor, which we’ll discuss later. The device retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones, much to the delight of many users.

Galaxy S10e is equipped with a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with Full HD + resolution. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and is flattened instead of bending on the sides like the senior S10 / S10+. That will make the screen border of the device more exposed, but in return, the operation in certain tasks (typically playing games) will become more comfortable.

S10e will have a selfie camera cluster placed in the screen in the right corner on the 10MP resolution, f.1.9 aperture; Dual Pixel focuses support. Due to the size being too large, the screen is not much affected by the camera, especially when the S10+ has a dual-camera cluster in the screen.

The Galaxy S10e is made of metal, slightly curved to create a good grip without a hand. The left edge will be the place to place the Bixby call key, and the volume up and down cluster in color with the frame.

Meanwhile, the right edge will be the power key cum one-touch fingerprint sensor cluster. Preliminary assessment, the operation of opening the device by touching the sensor on the S10e is very fast and comfortable because the device size is not too large.

Unlike the S10 / S10 Plus duo, the Galaxy S10e is only equipped with a dual rear camera cluster. The main sensor has 12MP resolution, two f/1.5-2.4 apertures, 26mm focal length, 1.4µm pixel size, and support technologies: Dual Pixel, PDAF, OIS. The other camera has a resolution of 16MP, an ultra-wide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, 12mm focal length. In general, the quality of photos taken on the S10e promises not to lose much compared to its seniors; it cannot just take photos to remove fonts smoothly through the 2X optical zoom telephoto lens.

The photography interface designed by Samsung is very intuitive and easy to use, especially the quick switch button between the standard angle lens and the super wide-angle is placed at the right level of the user’s finger.

In terms of configuration, Galaxy S10e will be identical with this year’s S10-series ecosystem, including Exynos 9820 octa-core processor with 8nm process, RAM, and internal memory in two options of 6/128GB or 8/256GB. The device’s battery is only 3100 mAh, supports 15W fast charging (always applies to wireless charging).

Software and User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy S10e runs on Samsung’s One UI, which is built on top of Android 9.0 Pie out of the box, with an update to Android 10 and One UI 2.0 available soon after its release. One UI is designed to make large-screen smartphones easier to use with one hand, but it works equally well on the compact S10e.

One UI Features

One UI offers a clean and intuitive interface that prioritizes usability. The software design places interactive elements within easy reach, especially useful on larger devices, but it also makes the Galaxy S10e’s compact screen even more manageable.

Key features of One UI include:

• Dark Mode: One UI’s system-wide dark mode not only looks good but also helps save battery life on the S10e’s AMOLED display.
• Gesture Navigation: Users can choose between traditional on-screen buttons or gesture-based navigation for a more immersive experience. Gesture navigation allows you to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen, access recent apps, or go back, making it a smooth and modern way to navigate the interface.
• Edge Panels: While the S10e doesn’t have the curved display of its bigger siblings, it still includes the Edge Panels feature. This allows you to swipe from the side of the screen to quickly access apps, contacts, tools, and other shortcuts, adding a layer of convenience.
• Always-On Display: The S10e’s AMOLED screen allows for an Always-On Display, which can show the time, date, notifications, and other information without fully waking the phone. This feature is customizable, allowing you to choose from various clock styles and other details.
• Samsung DeX: Although DeX is often associated with higher-end models, the S10e supports it as well. Samsung DeX allows you to connect your phone to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to create a desktop-like experience, which is useful for productivity tasks.

Performance and Smoothness

One UI on the Galaxy S10e is well-optimized, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. The combination of the powerful chipset, ample RAM, and Samsung’s software optimizations results in quick app launches, fluid animations, and seamless multitasking. The S10e handles day-to-day tasks with ease, whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, playing games, or switching between multiple apps.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical aspect of any smartphone, and the Galaxy S10e does well in this department, although it doesn’t excel as much as some of its competitors.

Battery Capacity

The S10e is equipped with a 3,100 mAh battery, which is slightly smaller compared to the 3,400 mAh battery in the Galaxy S10 and the 4,100 mAh battery in the S10+. Given its smaller size and slightly lower resolution display, the S10e’s battery life is decent but not exceptional.

Daily Usage

In real-world usage, the Galaxy S10e can easily last a full day of moderate use, including web browsing, social media, taking photos, and streaming media. However, power users who engage in heavy gaming, long video recording sessions, or extensive multitasking may find themselves reaching for the charger by late afternoon or early evening.

Battery Optimization

One UI offers several battery optimization features to help extend battery life. Adaptive Battery uses machine learning to prioritize battery power for the apps you use the most, while putting rarely used apps into a low-power state. Additionally, users can manually enable power-saving modes that reduce screen brightness, CPU performance, and background activity to extend battery life in a pinch.

Charging Options

The Galaxy S10e supports fast charging, both wired and wireless. It comes with a 15W fast charger in the box, which can charge the device from 0 to 100% in about an hour and a half. The device also supports wireless charging up to 15W, and with compatible chargers, you can enjoy a clutter-free charging experience. Moreover, the S10e features Wireless PowerShare, allowing it to charge other Qi-compatible devices, such as earbuds or other smartphones, by placing them on the back of the device. While this feature is more of a novelty than a necessity, it can be handy in certain situations.

Security Features

Security is a significant focus for Samsung, and the Galaxy S10e is equipped with several features to keep your data safe.

Fingerprint Sensor

The S10e has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button. While this placement is somewhat unconventional, it works well in practice. The sensor is quick and accurate, allowing you to unlock the phone almost instantly with a touch. Some users may find the sensor’s position a bit high on the side of the device, making it slightly awkward to reach, but most will adapt to it with time.

Face Recognition

In addition to the fingerprint sensor, the S10e also offers face recognition. This feature uses the front-facing camera to quickly unlock the device when you look at it. While not as secure as 3D facial recognition systems found on some other devices, Samsung’s implementation is fast and convenient for everyday use. However, it’s worth noting that face recognition may not work as reliably in low light or with certain accessories like sunglasses.

Samsung Knox

The Galaxy S10e is protected by Samsung Knox, a multi-layered security platform that safeguards your device from malware and malicious attacks. Knox operates at both the hardware and software levels, providing features such as Secure Folder, which allows you to keep sensitive apps and files in a separate, encrypted space that can only be accessed with your fingerprint or password.

Audio and Multimedia

The Samsung Galaxy S10e delivers an impressive audio experience, both through its speakers and when using headphones.

Stereo Speakers

The S10e is equipped with stereo speakers, with the earpiece doubling as a secondary speaker. The audio quality is excellent for a smartphone, with clear mids and highs, and a surprising amount of bass for such a compact device. The stereo setup provides a more immersive experience when watching videos or playing games, making the S10e one of the better options in its class for multimedia consumption.

Dolby Atmos

Samsung has included Dolby Atmos support, which can be enabled in the sound settings. Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience by creating a more immersive sound field, particularly when using headphones. It’s particularly effective for movies and games, where it can simulate surround sound and make the audio feel more expansive.

Headphone Jack

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S10e is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack. In an era where many manufacturers are moving away from including headphone jacks, Samsung’s decision to retain this port is a welcome one for users who prefer wired headphones or want the option to use them without an adapter. The sound quality through the headphone jack is good, with a balanced audio profile that can be customized through Samsung’s sound settings.

Connectivity

The Galaxy S10e offers a full suite of connectivity options, ensuring that you’re well-equipped for both current and future wireless needs.

4G LTE

The S10e supports 4G LTE networks, providing fast and reliable mobile data connectivity. It is compatible with a wide range of LTE bands, making it suitable for use in many regions around the world.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The device supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is the latest Wi-Fi standard offering faster speeds and better efficiency in crowded areas. This makes it a future-proof choice for users who want the best possible wireless performance at home or in public places with Wi-Fi 6 networks. The Galaxy S10e also supports Bluetooth 5.0, which provides improved range and stability for Bluetooth devices, such as wireless headphones and smartwatches.

NFC and MST

The S10e includes NFC (Near Field Communication) for contactless payments and other NFC-based functions. Samsung Pay, which is supported by the S10e, works with both NFC and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), allowing you to make payments at a wider range of terminals compared to other mobile payment services that only use NFC.

USB-C

The device uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. USB-C is the standard for most modern devices, offering faster charging and data transfer speeds compared to the older micro-USB standard. It also supports USB On-The-Go (OTG), allowing you to connect USB peripherals like flash drives and external keyboards directly to the phone.

Value and Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S10e represents a compelling choice in the crowded smartphone market, particularly for those who want a high-end device in a more compact and affordable package. While it lacks some of the premium features of its larger siblings, such as a telephoto camera and a higher-resolution display, it retains many of the essential qualities that make the S10 series stand out.

Strengths

• Compact Design: The S10e’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to handle and use with one hand, which is increasingly rare in today’s market.
• Performance: With a flagship processor, ample RAM, and a well-optimized software experience, the S10e delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
• Display Quality: The Dynamic AMOLED display, though smaller and flat, offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and supports HDR10+ for a premium viewing experience.
• Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup, while simpler than that of the S10 and S10+, is versatile and capable of taking excellent photos in a variety of conditions.
• Audio Features: With stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and the inclusion of a headphone jack, the S10e excels in audio quality and versatility.
• Security: The combination of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face recognition, and Samsung Knox provides robust security options.

Weaknesses

• Battery Life: The 3,100 mAh battery is adequate for most users, but heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge before the end of the day.
• Lack of Telephoto Lens: The absence of a telephoto camera means the S10e lacks optical zoom capabilities, which may be a drawback for photography enthusiasts.
• Position of Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor’s position may not be ideal for all users, particularly those with smaller hands.

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