Galaxy S4 Vs S10 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It After All This Time

For many long-time Samsung users, the Galaxy S4 was a defining smartphone—its 2013 release brought high-end features to the mainstream with a sleek design, powerful specs for its time, and innovative software tools. Fast forward six years to the Galaxy S10, released in 2019, and the technological leap is staggering. But if you're still clinging to an S4 today, is making the jump to an S10—or even considering one now on the used market—actually worthwhile?

The answer isn’t just about raw specs. It’s about usability, security, app compatibility, and how much your daily experience will improve. This isn’t merely an upgrade—it’s a transformation in what a smartphone can do.

Performance: From Laggy Multitasking to Seamless Speed

The Galaxy S4 ran on either an Exynos 5 Octa or Qualcomm Snapdragon 600, depending on region—both were top-tier chips in 2013. With 2GB of RAM, it handled basic tasks well at launch. However, modern apps demand far more. By 2024 standards, the S4 struggles with simple web browsing, let alone video streaming or social media scrolling.

In contrast, the Galaxy S10 packs a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 (again, by region), paired with 8GB of RAM. The difference in processing power is not incremental—it's exponential. Apps load instantly, multitasking is effortless, and background processes no longer cause crashes or slowdowns.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open a messaging app, you’re losing valuable time every day. Upgrading to a faster device compounds small efficiencies into real productivity gains.

Real-world impact? Opening WhatsApp on the S4 could take 5–7 seconds. On the S10, it’s under half a second. That may seem trivial, but over hundreds of interactions per week, those seconds add up.

Display and Design: A Leap in Visual Experience

The S4 featured a 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display—a standout at the time. But today, that screen feels cramped and outdated. The S10, meanwhile, boasts a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, significantly higher brightness, and a nearly bezel-less Infinity-O cutout design.

Beyond size, the quality difference is dramatic. Colors are richer, blacks are deeper, and outdoor visibility is vastly improved. Scrolling is smoother thanks to optimized touch response rates. For anyone consuming media—reading, watching videos, browsing photos—the S10 offers a fundamentally better viewing experience.

Feature	Galaxy S4	Galaxy S10
Display Size	5.0 inches	6.1 inches
Resolution	1920x1080	3040x1440
Panel Type	Super AMOLED	Dynamic AMOLED
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz (adaptive)
Protection	Gorilla Glass 3	Gorilla Glass 6

The S10 also introduced ultrasonic fingerprint scanning under the display—a futuristic feature absent on the S4, which relied on swipe-based unlocking or pattern entry. Security and convenience both took massive steps forward.

Camera Capabilities: Night and Day Difference

Photography has evolved more than any other smartphone feature since 2013. The S4 had a capable 13MP rear camera for its era, but lacked optical image stabilization, advanced HDR, or low-light optimization. Indoor shots were often grainy; night photos were barely usable.

The S10 changed the game with a triple-lens rear system: 12MP main (f/1.5–2.4 variable aperture), 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. The front-facing 10MP camera supports wide-angle selfies and portrait mode. More importantly, computational photography—scene optimizer, HDR10+ video, Night Mode—makes high-quality imaging accessible to everyone, regardless of skill.

“Smartphone cameras today don’t just capture moments—they enhance them intelligently. The gap between 2013 and 2019 models is wider than between some DSLRs.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechScope

A real example: Sarah, a freelance blogger who held onto her S4 until 2021, upgraded to a used S10 for $250. She immediately noticed the difference when photographing local markets for her travel blog. “The colors were accurate without editing. I could zoom without losing clarity. And shooting at dusk? I didn’t need a tripod anymore.” Her engagement increased by 40% within two months—partly because her visuals finally matched her storytelling.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Meets Flexibility

The S4 came with a 2,600mAh battery—modest even then. Heavy use drained it in less than a day. The S10’s 3,400mAh cell lasts significantly longer, thanks to both larger capacity and far more efficient hardware and software.

But the real advantage lies in charging options. The S4 supported only basic wired charging. The S10 adds fast charging (up to 15W), wireless charging, and even Wireless PowerShare—meaning you can charge another device (like earbuds or a friend’s phone) using the S10 as a power bank.

This flexibility changes behavior. No longer tethered to outlets, users gain freedom. Need to top up quickly before leaving? Plug in for 15 minutes and gain several hours of use. Forget your charger? Borrow someone’s Qi pad.

Checklist: Is It Time to Upgrade from Your S4?

• Do apps frequently crash or freeze?
• Is your battery dead by noon?
• Have you stopped receiving Android updates?
• Can’t install newer versions of Instagram, WhatsApp, or banking apps?
• Does the screen feel too small for videos or reading?
• Are you embarrassed by photo quality compared to others?

If three or more apply, the upgrade isn’t just worth it—it’s overdue.

Software, Security, and App Compatibility

Perhaps the most critical factor is software support. The Galaxy S4 received Android updates up to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop—released in 2015. Since then, no major OS upgrades or regular security patches have been provided.

Using an unsupported device in 2024 poses serious risks:

• Unpatched vulnerabilities make you susceptible to malware.
• Modern encryption standards aren’t supported.
• Many apps require Android 8.0 or higher—meaning services like Google Pay, newer versions of Zoom, or even updated banking apps may not install.

The S10 launched with Android 9 Pie and received updates up to Android 12, with security patches continuing into 2023. Even as a used device, it remains functional, secure, and compatible with today’s digital ecosystem.

Tip: Check your phone’s Settings > About Phone > Software Information to see when the last security update was installed. If it’s older than two years, consider upgrading for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Galaxy S4 in 2024?

You can, but not safely or effectively. Core functions like calling and texting work, but web browsing, app usage, and security are compromised. Most modern services will either run poorly or refuse to operate.

Is the Galaxy S10 still a good phone today?

Yes, especially as a budget-friendly option. While newer models exist, the S10 delivers strong performance, excellent camera quality, and reliable software support for light to moderate use. For under $300 used, it remains a smart choice over decade-old flagships.

Will apps keep working on my S4?

Increasingly, no. Developers optimize for current Android versions. As of 2023, Google requires apps on the Play Store to target at least Android 9. Many popular apps—including banking, ride-sharing, and social platforms—no longer support devices running Android 5 or earlier.

Conclusion: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It—and Long Overdue

Moving from the Galaxy S4 to the S10 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s stepping into a new era of mobile computing. The improvements in speed, camera, display, battery, and security are not marginal; they redefine what your phone can do for you every day.

Some might argue that “if it still turns on, why replace it?” But technology isn’t static. Staying on outdated hardware limits your access to information, services, and experiences. In a world where digital literacy and connectivity shape opportunity, clinging to obsolete tech comes at a cost far beyond dollars.

If you’ve been holding out, hoping your S4 would last forever—now is the time. Whether you choose a used S10, a refurbished model, or another modern alternative, the investment pays dividends in convenience, safety, and capability.

💬 Have you made the jump from an older Galaxy phone? Share your experience—what surprised you most about the upgrade? Join the conversation below.