The upper mid-range or under 40K segment has been a challenging space for Samsung, and that’s exactly what the South-Korean giant wants to resolve from the very start of 2020. The South Korean multinational smartly launched the Galaxy Note 10 Lite and Galaxy S10 Lite in the segment that is basically dominated by the likes of Oppo, OnePlus and Asus. (Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review हिंदी में पढ़िए)
The Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite are cut from the same cloth but have a few prominent differences. While the Note has the signature stylus, the S10 Lite delivers a similar experience in a more compact and easier to wield casing. Can Samsung’s budget flagship really take the heat from challengers?
In order to find answers, we have been using the phone as our daily driver. In our Galaxy S10 Lite review, we will share our experience and try to answers all user queries related to the phone. Let’s begin.
Page Contents:
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Specifications and Price
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Unboxing
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review: Design
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Display Review
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review: Performance and Software
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Camera Review
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review: Audio and Call Quality
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Battery Review
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review Verdict, Pros & Cons
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite FAQ
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Specifications and Price
| Specs | Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite |
| Platform | Android 10 based on One UI 2.0 |
| Screen | 6.7-inch Full HD+Super AMOLED Plus Infinity-O Display,2400×1080 (394ppi) |
| Biometrics | In-screen fingerprint (optical) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855, Adreno 640 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128GB UFS 2.1 |
| Rear Camera | 48MP rear camera with LED Flash, f/2.0 aperture, Super Steady OIS, 12MP Ultra Wide sensor with f/2.2 aperture, 5MP 4cm macro camera with f/2.0 aperture |
| Front Camera | 32MPf/2.2 |
| Battery | 4,500mAh25W Fast charging |
| Price | 8GB+128GB Rs. 39,999 |
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Unboxing
Samsung didn’t make any attempt to rejig the box design. Lite branding is visible on the box which otherwise looks identical to the Galaxy S10. Samsun Galaxy S10 Lite retail box includes:
- Galaxy S10 Lite
- 25W fast charging adapter
- USB Type-C cable (USB PD)
- Headset with Type-C connector
- User manual
- TPU case
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review: Design
As the naming scheme might suggest, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite is nothing like the Galaxy S10 or Galaxy S10e or Galaxy S10+ (review). Samsung has made quite a few alterations in the S10 Lite design. It has a metal side-rail with a Glasstic back (Samsung’s term for glass-finish).
There is a rectangular rear camera arrangement that looks fancy and the module includes sensors, where the primary one is backed by Super Steady OIS, and an LED flash. It juts out slightly but the bundled case evens out the hump.
Flip it and you will notice the gorgeous 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus full HD display in action. The screen stretches edge-to-edge and truly dominates the fascia; and we kind of dig the O-shape notch. The curves on the back facilitate comfortable handling, and the hard buttons are easy to reach and offer excellent tactile feedback.
Samsung offers the S10 Lite in Crystal Blue, Crystal Black, and Crystal White options. Our S10 Lite has dark blue paintwork without any gradient and it most certainly looks appealing. At 186 grams, the S10 Lite feels really light especially if you are switching from ROG Phone 2 (review) or OnePlus 7T (review). There’s also an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is Optical and not ultrasonic but surprisingly performs better.
Lack of a headphone jack is a bit disappointing, though. Unlike other S-series and Note series phones, the Lite options aren’t water-resistant.
ALSO READ: Samsung Galaxy A51 Review
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review: Display
Samsung has been a true champion when it comes to displays and it continues to prove that again and again. 6.7-inch full-HD+ Super AMOLED Plus display once again justifies its expertise. The panel has 20:9 aspect ratio and 394ppi pixel density. The ‘Infinity-O’ display is bright with vivid colours and deep blacks. Yes, it doesn’t have 120Hz or 90Hz refresh rate, but shouldn’t be a deal-breaker just yet. The display is also HDR+ certified. So, the Galaxy S10 Lite display passes our test with flying colours.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review: Performance and Software
OneUI 2.0 – Samsung’s Android 10-based interface running on the Galaxy S10 Lite is Samsung’s best iteration of Android to date. It artistically blends Android 10 and Samsung’s original features without being overwhelming. With UI 2.0, Samsung has removed most of the duplicate apps but still, there is more than one browser, mailing app, and voice assistant.
Some notable features include Edge launcher, Edge lighting, Always On Display, Navigation gestures, built-in screen recorder, and Digital Wellbeing. Samsung continues to feature the Microsoft suite on its phones. From Office Mobile to Microsoft Phone companion app all are deeply integrated in One UI 2.0. Our S10 Lite is running on the latest January 2020 security patch. It is safe to say Samsung’s new version One UI one of the best custom versions of Google’s Android OS.
A Samsung flagship driven by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 Series chip and retailing in India is something many of us have been wishing for years now. Well, finally the South Korean giant fulfils that wish. The Galaxy S10 Lite is powered by Snapdragon 855 processor, paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM. The 7nm fabrication process based chipset includes Kryo 485 cores clocked at 1.75GHz, other 3 Kryo 485 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and one Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.8GHz.
Although, the 855 SoC is not Qualcomm’s latest offering in the market, nonetheless, it delivers dependable performance consistently. User Experience is smooth and everything was fluid without any hint of lag whatsoever.
We also tested demanding games, including season’s favourites PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Tennis Clash and didn’t face any thermal throttling even when playing these games for more than an hour.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Camera review
A wide-angle, an ultra-wide-angle and a macro lens compete the Galaxy S10 Lite triple cam setup. 48MP Sony IMX 586 sensor with f/2.0 aperture is assigned as the primary shooter. 12MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture and 5MP macro sensors are deputed to perform specific tasks. Samsung’s new Super Steady OIS technology is also at disposal.
What is this Super Steady OIS technology you may ask?
This is Samsung’s new image or video stabilization mechanism. Super Steady OIS tech takes optical image stabilization to the next level as it moves the entire camera module including lens and sensor. This enables it to deliver up to 3 ̊ of shake correction for gimbal-like video and image stabilization. It’s worth pointing out that Super Steady OIS only works with the primary sensor while shooting at full HD resolution.
Samsung implements pixel binning to deliver 12MP images. Image quality-wise, the S10 Lite really shines in daylight. Pictures show a great dynamic range. Scene optimizer adds more punch in the images using AI. The ultra-wide-angle sensor produces decent snaps but slight distortion towards edges hampers details. We had no complaints with images delivered by the macro sensor in daytime.
Nighttime photography on the Galaxy S10 Lite isn’t at the same level but it not bad either. The metering algorithm shoots up the ISO setting in extremely low light while aggressive noise cancellation filters out most of the noise. As a result, images turn out a bit soft but are good to go on your social feed. At times, metering can go over the top but you can easily fix that by adjusting exposure.
The 32MP Selfie camera on the front manages to gather a decent amount of details. The dynamic range is quite good too.
The camera app has a handful of other camera features including Live focus in images and videos, zoom mic in-camera, AR Doodle, super slow-mo video recording, Hyperlapse and more.
So to sum it up, the Galaxy S10 Lite camera is certainly versatile, feature-rich and deliver pleasing results.
ALSO READ: Best Phones with 108MP Camera You Can Buy In 2020
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite audio, call quality review
The loudspeaker is one aspect where the S10 Lite falls short of the Samsung flagships. The Galaxy S10 Lite has a mono speaker which is decent but can’t really compete with the stereo speakers available in the competition.
It also missing on 3.5mm audio jack. Since there’s no earphone jack, Samsung bundles basic Type-C earphones in the box -which is not the same quality as the AKG ones that you get with Samsung flagships. Yes, there’s Dolby Atmos support but it is only available on earphones.
Coming to call quality, the Galaxy S10 Lite scores very well. We had no issues with network reception.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Battery Review
The Note 10 Lite boasts off a 4,500mAh battery which ensures it delivers good mileage on a single charge. During our testing, the S10 Lite comfortably went on to deliver more than a day’s mileage.
With 25W USB-PD fast charging, it took little over an hour to go from zero to a hundred percent. Refill speed isn’t bad considering the size but can’t really match up with the likes of Realme X2 Pro where you get insane 50W fast charging.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Review: Verdict, Pros & Cons
After a very long time, we now have a very impressive offering from Samsung in the under Rs 40,000 segment. The Galaxy S10 Lite passes on key Samsung strengths at a less-than-flagship price which is what makes it an interesting buy.
The handset packs a really good screen, powerful hardware inside, reliable optics, feature-rich software, and excellent battery. In terms of performance, there’s hardly anything that separates it Galaxy S10 or Samsung Galaxy Note 10 family which in itself is a statement.
Should you buy the Galaxy S10 Lite? Absolutely. The software finesse, class-leading camera, and immaculate performance should make it worth your while.
Pros:
- Flagship grade performance
- Good cameras with Super Stable OIS
- Refined software
- Great battery backup
Cons:
- No water resistance
- No headphone jack
- No Wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite FAQ Answered
The Galaxy S10 Lite includes UFS 2.1 storage. Samsung seemed to have decided to save some bucks by offering UFS 2.1 storage instead of UFS 3.0 or UFS 3.1.
0.279 head for head against 1.67kg.
Yes, you can enjoy VoWIFI aka WIFI calling on S10 Lite both numbers.
Yes, the Super Steady OIS is hardware-based technology and it is available while shooting 1080P@30fps, 1080P@60fps, and 4K videos.
No, it only supports 25W wired charging.
Nope.
No, it does not include a dedicated LED light. Though, you can use Screen flash or camera flash to blink each time a notification pops-up.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite only supports 60Hz screen refresh rate.
Sadly, no.
Yes, it supports Mic Zoom and the feature can be accessed from camera options.
Yes, but only on earphones. You can enable it from quick settings.
The Galaxy S10 Lite has a built-in screen recorder that can be accessed from the quick setting menu. Yes, you can record sound as well.
Does this phone support video out using a usb c to hdmi cable? i have tried it and the tv screen shows as if there is no signal but the phone shows the menu for usb options but i cannot change any options