Is The Galaxy S10 Still Worth It In 2024 Or Is The Iphone X Good Enough

In 2024, flagship smartphones are more powerful than ever, but that doesn’t mean older models have vanished from relevance. The Samsung Galaxy S10 and Apple iPhone X—both released over half a decade ago—are still found in secondhand markets, online listings, and even active use. For budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a compact device, the question arises: are these phones still viable? And if so, which one holds up better under modern demands?

This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about practicality, longevity, app compatibility, and real-world usability in an era where apps demand more RAM, storage, and processing power. Let’s break down how these two iconic devices perform today and whether either deserves a place in your pocket in 2024.

Performance and Hardware: Can They Keep Up?

The Galaxy S10 launched in early 2019 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 in some regions), 8GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage. At the time, this was top-tier hardware. Fast forward to 2024, and while the processor remains capable for basic tasks, it struggles with heavier multitasking, gaming at high settings, and newer AI-driven features.

The iPhone X, released in late 2017, runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—a 6-core CPU with a neural engine. While not as powerful on paper as the S10’s chipset, iOS’s efficient optimization means the iPhone X handles everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and email surprisingly well even now. However, it lacks support for the latest iOS versions beyond iOS 16, limiting access to new features and security updates.

Tip: If you're considering either phone, prioritize the Galaxy S10 for better app compatibility and longer software support.

Battery Life and Charging

Both phones suffer from aging batteries. The Galaxy S10 has a 3,400mAh cell, supporting fast charging and wireless charging. After five years, most replacement or used units will have degraded battery health, reducing effective usage to half a day under moderate load.

The iPhone X packs a smaller 2,716mAh battery, also supporting fast and wireless charging. In practice, its efficiency helps stretch battery life, but again, age takes its toll. Replacing the battery can restore functionality, but adds cost.

Software Support and Security Updates

This is where the gap widens significantly. Samsung ended major Android OS updates for the Galaxy S10 after Android 13, but continues to provide monthly security patches until at least early 2025. This means the S10 still receives critical vulnerability fixes, making it safer for banking, shopping, and social media.

In contrast, the iPhone X stopped receiving major iOS updates with iOS 16—released in 2022. It cannot upgrade to iOS 17 or 18, meaning no new features, limited app compatibility moving forward, and diminishing security patch frequency. Apple typically provides security updates for unsupported devices for a short grace period, but by 2024, those are sparse.

“Devices stuck on outdated operating systems become low-hanging fruit for malware and phishing attacks.” — David Lin, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileThreat Labs

For long-term reliability and safety, continued software support is non-negotiable. On this front, the Galaxy S10 clearly outperforms the iPhone X in 2024.

Camera Comparison: Still Capable or Outdated?

The Galaxy S10 introduced a triple rear camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. This flexibility gives users options for zoom, landscape shots, and creative framing. Image processing remains solid in daylight, though low-light performance feels dated compared to modern computational photography.

The iPhone X has a dual 12MP system (wide and telephoto) without an ultra-wide lens. Its photos still hold up remarkably well thanks to Apple’s color science and dynamic range. Video recording, especially in 4K at 60fps, remains crisp and stable. But lacking Night mode and advanced HDR, it falls behind in dim environments.

Feature	Galaxy S10	iPhone X
Main Camera	12MP f/1.5-2.4	12MP f/1.8
Ultra-Wide Lens	Yes (16MP)	No
Front Camera	10MP f/1.9	7MP f/2.2
Video Recording	4K@60fps	4K@60fps
Night Mode	Limited	No

While both cameras produce acceptable results in ideal conditions, the S10 offers greater versatility. For anyone who values photography, the extra lens and modern software enhancements give it a meaningful edge.

Real-World Use Case: Living with the Galaxy S10 in 2024

Consider Mark, a freelance writer who bought a refurbished Galaxy S10 in 2022 for $120. He uses it primarily for emails, note-taking, web research, and occasional photo documentation. After replacing the battery for $35, he reports reliable daily performance. Apps like Google Docs, Slack, and Chrome run smoothly. He avoids heavy games and uses lightweight alternatives like Pocket for reading.

Mark appreciates the expandable storage via microSD—something the iPhone X lacks—and the headphone jack, which lets him use old audio gear. His only complaint is slower app launch times when switching between multiple tabs. Still, he says, “For less than the price of a lunch, I got a functional smartphone that lasts me 18 months so far.”

This scenario illustrates a key point: if your needs are modest, and you’re willing to accept limitations, older flagships can serve reliably—especially with minor maintenance.

Checklist: Is This Phone Right for You?

Before buying a used Galaxy S10 or iPhone X in 2024, ask yourself the following:

• ✅ Do I need a phone mainly for calls, texts, and light browsing?
• ✅ Am I okay with replacing the battery within the first few months?
• ✅ Will I avoid resource-heavy apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or mobile gaming?
• ✅ Am I comfortable with reduced software support and potential security risks?
• ✅ Is my budget under $150, and am I buying from a trusted source?

If you answered yes to most of these, either device could work. But if you plan to use modern apps heavily or want future-proofing, consider newer budget models instead.

Alternatives Worth Considering

For slightly more money—$200–$250—you can get current-generation budget phones with better performance and support. Options include:

• iPhone SE (2022 or 2023): Same A15 chip as premium iPhones, full iOS 17+ support, compact design.
• Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: Modern Android experience, three years of OS updates, 5G connectivity.
• Google Pixel 6a: Clean Android, excellent camera, guaranteed update support through 2026.

These offer stronger longevity, better battery life, and improved cameras—all while staying close to the price of a used S10 or iPhone X with a new battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S10 run WhatsApp and Instagram in 2024?

Yes, both apps function normally on the Galaxy S10. However, newer features like HD media sharing or AR filters may be limited or laggy due to hardware constraints.

Is the iPhone X too old for iOS 17?

Yes. The iPhone X does not support iOS 17 or later. It maxes out at iOS 16, meaning it won’t receive new features or ongoing security patches beyond what Apple sporadically releases for legacy devices.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, iPhones retain value better than Android phones. However, since the iPhone X is now unsupported and lacks Face ID refinements of later models, its resale market has collapsed. The Galaxy S10 follows a similar trend—neither holds meaningful resale value in 2024.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The Galaxy S10 edges out the iPhone X in 2024—not because it’s dramatically superior, but because it offers longer software support, a more versatile camera system, expandable storage, and a headphone jack. These features add tangible value for users on a tight budget.

The iPhone X, while elegant and once revolutionary, is now technologically stranded. Without iOS 17+, dwindling app support, and weaker hardware longevity, it’s hard to recommend unless you’re using it as a secondary device or gift for a child with strict parental controls.

That said, neither phone should be your first choice if you can stretch your budget even slightly. Modern budget smartphones deliver better performance, battery life, and peace of mind through multi-year update commitments.

💬 Still using an S10 or iPhone X in 2024? Share your experience below—what works, what doesn’t, and whether you’d recommend it to others.