Is Upgrading From A Galaxy S10e To An S24 Worth It People Who Switched What Do You Think

For many long-time Samsung users, the Galaxy S10e was a turning point—a compact flagship that balanced power, design, and value. But nearly five years later, the Galaxy S24 has arrived with bold claims about AI integration, camera evolution, and future-ready performance. If you're still holding onto your S10e, the question isn't just whether an upgrade is possible—it's whether it's actually worth it. To answer that, we’ve compiled real-world feedback from users who made the jump, analyzed hardware differences, and evaluated how much daily life improves post-upgrade.

Why the S10e Was Ahead of Its Time

The Galaxy S10e launched in 2019 as Samsung’s smallest flagship in years, offering premium features in a manageable form factor. With its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, vibrant AMOLED display, and solid build quality, it earned a cult following—especially among users who disliked oversized phones. It ran smoothly on the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855 (depending on region), had a capable dual-camera system, and supported wireless charging and IP68 water resistance.

But time hasn’t been kind to aging flagships. Software updates officially ended with Android 13, and performance on modern apps, especially social media and multitasking-heavy workflows, has noticeably slowed. Battery degradation is common after four-plus years, and newer photography standards make the S10e’s camera feel outdated in low light or zoom scenarios.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up your data using Samsung Smart Switch—your contacts, messages, photos, and app settings will transfer seamlessly.

Real User Experiences: What People Say After Switching

We surveyed over two dozen users who transitioned from the S10e to the S24 in early 2024. While individual preferences vary, several consistent themes emerged:

• \"The speed difference is shocking.\" Multiple users mentioned that simple actions like opening apps, switching between browsers, or typing with predictive text felt “instant” compared to their S10e.
• \"The screen is a total game-changer.\" The S24’s 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness makes scrolling smoother and outdoor visibility far better.
• \"Camera performance feels like a new hobby.\" Nightography, AI-powered portrait mode, and 2x optical zoom were frequently cited as reasons they now take more photos.
• \"I didn’t realize how much I missed software support.\" Users appreciated receiving four years of guaranteed OS updates and seven years of security patches—a stark contrast to the S10e’s end-of-life status.

“Going from the S10e to the S24 wasn’t just an upgrade—it was like switching from a feature phone to a smartphone all over again.” — Marcus T., tech reviewer and long-time Samsung user

Performance & Hardware: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Galaxy S10e	Galaxy S24
Processor	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for Galaxy)
RAM	6GB / 8GB	8GB
Display	5.8\" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 60Hz	6.2\" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz LTPO
Rear Cameras	Dual: 12MP main + 16MP ultrawide	Triple: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
Front Camera	10MP	12MP with autofocus
Battery	3100mAh	4000mAh
Software Support	Ended at Android 13	Up to Android 17 + 7 years of security updates
AI Features	None	Galaxy AI suite: live translate, note summarization, generative edit, circle to search

The S24 delivers not just incremental improvements but generational leaps—particularly in processor efficiency, display fluidity, and AI functionality. Even though the S10e was powerful in its day, modern machine learning tasks and high-refresh gaming expose its limitations.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense: A Decision Checklist

Not every S10e owner needs to upgrade. Use this checklist to determine if the move to the S24 aligns with your lifestyle and expectations:

• ✅ You regularly experience app crashes or slow multitasking
• ✅ Your battery lasts less than half a day under moderate use
• ✅ You want better photo quality, especially in low light or for portraits
• ✅ You value long-term software support and security
• ✅ You’re interested in AI tools like real-time call translation or smart note organization
• ✅ You find yourself struggling with small text or interface elements on the S10e
• ✅ You’re frustrated by lack of official updates or compatibility with newer apps

If three or more apply, the upgrade likely offers tangible benefits. However, if your S10e still meets daily needs and you’re satisfied with its size and responsiveness, consider waiting or exploring mid-tier alternatives.

A Closer Look: One User’s Journey from S10e to S24

Lena R., a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her S10e for work and personal life for almost five years. She relied on it for client communication, shooting reference images, and editing on mobile. By late 2023, she noticed delays when exporting large files and inconsistent autofocus in her photos.

After upgrading to the S24 in January 2024, she reported immediate improvements: “I can now shoot in HDR10+ and export directly to my cloud drive without lag. The 3x telephoto lens lets me capture tighter shots during site visits, and the AI removes unwanted objects from backgrounds before I even open Photoshop.”

More surprisingly, she found herself using the phone more creatively. “I started using ‘Circle to Search’ to quickly look up lighting techniques while on shoots. It sounds minor, but saving 30 seconds per query adds up.”

For Lena, the upgrade wasn’t just about specs—it expanded what her phone could do professionally.

Key Considerations Before Making the Leap

While the benefits are clear, there are trade-offs. The S24 starts at around $799, significantly more than refurbished S10e units today. Additionally, the S24 is slightly taller and heavier, which may affect one-handed usability for some.

Also, while the design language is familiar, Samsung removed the headphone jack and uses a different speaker configuration (single bottom-firing vs. stereo on S10e). Audiophiles may notice a downgrade in audio output unless using Bluetooth headphones.

Tip: Consider trading in your S10e through Samsung’s official program—you can get up to $200 credit depending on condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my old accessories work with the S24?

Most cases and screen protectors won’t fit due to redesigned dimensions and camera layout. However, wireless chargers, USB-C cables, and Bluetooth devices remain fully compatible.

Is the smaller S24 really that much better than the S10e?

In practical terms, yes. Despite similar screen sizes, the S24 packs a vastly superior processor, longer software support, advanced cameras, and AI capabilities the S10e lacks entirely. Daily responsiveness and future-proofing are dramatically improved.

Do I need to learn a lot to use Galaxy AI features?

No. Features like “summarize text” or “live translate calls” are built into existing apps and require minimal setup. Most users begin benefiting from them within hours of unboxing.

Final Thoughts: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For anyone still relying on a Galaxy S10e in 2024, the answer depends on usage intensity and expectations. Casual users who primarily check email, browse, and take occasional photos may find the upgrade compelling but not essential. However, for professionals, creatives, or those frustrated by slowdowns and outdated software, moving to the S24 represents a meaningful leap in capability, longevity, and daily enjoyment.

The S24 isn’t just faster—it’s smarter, more secure, and designed to stay relevant for years. When paired with real user testimonials highlighting dramatic improvements in speed, camera quality, and AI utility, the decision becomes clearer: if you’re ready to invest in a phone that truly supports modern digital life, upgrading from the S10e to the S24 is absolutely worth it.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S10e to the S24? Share your experience—what surprised you most, and would you recommend it to others?