Samsung Galaxy S10e

With their 2019 lineup, Samsung has added a smaller budget-oriented model to their fan-favorite Galaxy S-series. It features a few compromised from its larger siblings to hit a lower price point. But do the compromises ruin the experience?

Looking at the specs, you can see it shares several similarities with the S10 and S10 Plus.

While the screen is a little smaller at 5.8-inches and only offers 1080p instead of 1440p, it’s still the rich, punchy Dynamic AMOLED panel with HDR10+ support found in the bigger models. And with the reduced screen size, the drop in resolution barely impacts sharpness and clarity.

But the phone lacks the curved edges of the larger options. So don’t expect it to feel quite as high-end.

The S10e also does not include the fingerprint scanner built into the display. However, many reviewers found the fingerprint sensor built into the power button of the S10e more responsive than the shiny new tech in the screens of its larger siblings.

The processor is also the same — although there’s now a more affordable 6GB of RAM option for added savings. And you’ll find the same 128GB and 512GB storage options.

Cameras are the biggest difference. Instead of the triple rear cameras on the S10 and S10 Plus, the S10e includes a 12MP standard lens and a 16MP ultra-wide angle lens. So you won’t be able to take zoomed images.

The front camera also does not include the 8MP depth-sensing camera of the S10 Plus.

While the phone includes a smaller 3,100mAh battery, the smaller display and reduced resolution help to offset some of the loss. Still, some reviewers found the phone struggled to make it through a day of heavy gaming or video streaming. If you’re a light-to-moderate phone user, you’ll have no worries.

Overall, reviewers found the S10e an excellent value, and many loved the compact size.

TechRadar says, “It’s hard not to recommend the S10e to anyone who prefers a smaller phone.”

PC Magazine loved the phone, saying, “The Samsung Galaxy S10e has the best overall price, performance, and size for a flagship smartphone today.”

Everything else is identical to the pricier S10. For more on what to expect — including camera quality, performance, audio options, and build quality — check out our Samsung Galaxy S10 review summary.