Samsung Galaxy S10e Quick Review – Does it cover all essentials?

Samsung has launched its array of 2019 Galaxy S10 phones in India, of which we have already experienced and reviewed the Galaxy S10+ (review). What we were even more interested in was the Galaxy S10e, simply because it is delightfully compact, and – more importantly – it’s the cheapest. (Samsung Galaxy S10e Review हिंदी में पढ़िए)

Also, te low-end model doesn’t cut back on ‘essential’ S10 features. So, if you want to taste the 2019 Samsung flagship experience without burning a big hole in your pocket, the Galaxy S10e is what you’d consider. We went up close to with the S10e to check exactly how much Samsung is holding back with the cheaper model. Here’s what you need to know!

Editors Note: Since a lot about Galaxy S10e is same on the Galaxy S10/S10+ we haven’t elaborated all new features in detail. For better insight, you may check our detailed Galaxy S10+ review. 

Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, S10 & S10e Price in India

Galaxy S10e Review: Design and Display

After a year of handling 6-inch+ screen phones, we were instantly enchanted when we held the Galaxy S10e in hands. It’s even more compact than the last years Galaxy S9, and perhaps the only decent option for people who are enamored by compact phone. Yes, it’s a hair thicker, but it’s also extremely light (150 grams) and very comfortable to handle.

The major design difference is that the Galaxy S10e does not have curved side edges as the S10 or S10+. These curves do impart a premium feel to Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+, but S10e is quite premium in its own right.

The Galaxy S10e also replaces the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor with a side mounted one that’s clubbed with the power button. As on all other Samsung S10s, the power button is situated too close to the top corner, but it’s still very easily accessible on S10e. The fingerprint sensor worked well in our initial testing and you can also swipe down on the sensor to drag down notification shade.

The 5.8-inch display maxes at 1080p or Full HD+ resolution, which is also the default resolution on S10 and S10+. When compared side by side, the Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10+ have a slightly better AMOLED panel, but the one on the S10e is awesome too.

Also Read: How to assign Bixby Button to Google Assistant or other apps

Galaxy S10e Review: Performance, Software, and Battery

The performance and software remain untouched. This is the experience you’d get on other Galaxy S10 phones. The Galaxy S10e is powered by the same Exynos 9820 chipset which is powerful enough to drive all demanding tasks. The SoC is backed by 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.

We are not sure if Samsung is using the same Vapour chamber cooling technology on the S10e and would need to test if the temperature remains in control with extended gaming.

The One UI software (Android 9.0 Pie-based) is as fun as ever. As we have repeatedly iterated in the past, we are quite impressed by Samsung’s new interface.

The S10e is missing Samsung Dex support, which I am sure people who carry their professional world on their phones value.

One thing we are skeptical about is the Galaxy S10E battery. Our Samsung Galaxy S10+ is more power efficient than last generation Samsung flagships, so the 3100mAh battery might just hold. However, this is something we’d want to be sure about.

Samsung still passes on the power share or reverse wireless charging option on the S10e that you might use to top up wireless charging accessories.

Galaxy S10e Review: Camera Expectations

The Galax 10e retains the same primary sensor and also the new ultrawide angle shooter. The telephoto lens didn’t make the cut. This is not as big a deal because most smartphone camera systems anyways rely on the main sensor for 2X Zoom in low light. From a practical standpoint, S10e users won’t be missing out on much. The selfie camera remains the same as on Galaxy S10.

We’d still like to take S10e for a spin in our own space and check the camera experience for ourselves.

Galaxy S10e Review: 6 Things that are different

Let’s talk about what’s different on S10e compared to Galaxy S10.

• The Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor has been replaced by a side mounted one. The sensor is easily accessible (thanks to the compact size) and supports gestures.
• The Galaxy S10e display maxes at 1080p resolution (unlike 2K on other two).
• Unlike higher priced S10 siblings, the display on S10e doesn’t have curved side edges.
• There is no Telephoto lens for 2X optical zoom.
• Galaxy S10e is missing heart rate measurement and Oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement sensor
• There is no Samsung Dex support on the Galaxy S10e.

True to its name, the Galaxy S10e retains what’s essential to most people. Samsung has passed on all new cool features to the e model and has only pulled back extras which many people don’t use or wouldn’t mind.

The main reasons to side with the new Galaxy is its compact form factor and its relatively low price.

The Galaxy S10 is pretty compact in itself, and if the price is not a factor, you can rather go for the S10 instead. On the other hand, if going as compact as possible is a priority, or if you don’t want to extend your budget all the way, the S10e is worth considering. But yes, we’d like to be doubly sure about the battery backup before we make a recommendation.

ALSO READ: 10 Best Foldable Phones To Look Out For In 2019

Samsung Galaxy S10e Vs Galaxy S10/S10+ Specs: