Pixel 5 Vs Galaxy S10e Is Upgrading Really Worth It Or Is The S10e Still Good In Current Year

The smartphone market moves fast, but not everyone needs to upgrade every year. For users still relying on a Galaxy S10e — a device launched in early 2019 — the question isn’t just about new features, but real-world value. Is switching to a Pixel 5, released a year later in 2020, actually worthwhile today? Or does the S10e still hold up under modern usage demands?

This isn't just a specs battle; it's about longevity, daily experience, software support, and whether your current phone can still meet your needs in 2024 and beyond.

Performance and Hardware: Where Age Starts to Show

The Galaxy S10e runs on Samsung’s Exynos 9820 (in most regions) or Snapdragon 855 (in the U.S.), both flagship chips at launch. The Pixel 5 uses the Snapdragon 765G — technically a mid-tier chip by 2020 standards. On paper, the S10e should outperform the Pixel 5 in raw processing power.

In practice, the difference is nuanced. The S10e handles everyday tasks well: browsing, messaging, social media, and even light gaming. But over time, background processes, app bloat, and OS updates have slowed its responsiveness. Multitasking between five apps often results in reloads, and camera app launch times feel sluggish compared to newer devices.

The Pixel 5, while less powerful on benchmarks, benefits from a cleaner Android experience and optimized hardware-software integration. Google’s Tensor-like tuning (even before Tensor existed) ensures smoother animations, faster app launches, and better memory management. It feels snappier despite the lower-tier processor.

Tip: If your S10e feels slow, try switching to “Lite” versions of apps (like Facebook Lite), disabling live wallpapers, and clearing cached data monthly.

Software Support and Security: The Real Lifeline

This is where the S10e begins to fall behind. Samsung promised four years of security updates for select 2019 devices, and the S10e was included. However, major Android version updates stopped after Android 12. As of 2024, it no longer receives monthly security patches.

In contrast, the Pixel 5 received three years of guaranteed OS upgrades (up to Android 14) and ongoing security updates through 2023. While its official support ended in late 2023, many users reported receiving patches into early 2024 due to Google’s staggered rollout.

Running an unsupported OS increases vulnerability to exploits. Banking apps, messaging platforms, and enterprise tools are increasingly requiring newer OS versions. Some already refuse to run on Android 12 and below.

“Security isn’t just about malware. Outdated systems lack modern encryption standards and permission controls, making them low-hanging fruit for phishing and data theft.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile Security Researcher at OpenNet Labs

Camera Comparison: Quality vs. Intelligence

The S10e has a dual rear setup: 12MP main + 16MP ultra-wide. It was excellent in its day, with natural color science and strong dynamic range. But without computational photography enhancements, it struggles in low light and lacks consistency across scenes.

The Pixel 5 introduced Night Sight improvements, Astrophotography mode, and superior HDR+ processing. Its 12.2MP main sensor may seem outdated, but combined with Google’s machine learning algorithms, it consistently produces sharper, more balanced photos — especially indoors or at night.

For video, both shoot 4K at 30fps, but the Pixel 5 includes cinematic pans and improved stabilization. Front cameras favor the Pixel 5 as well, with a wider lens and better skin tone rendering.

Feature	Galaxy S10e	Pixel 5
OS Updates	Up to Android 12	Up to Android 14
Security Patches	Ended 2022–2023	Ended late 2023
Main Camera	12MP f/1.5	12.2MP f/1.7
Battery Capacity	3100 mAh	4080 mAh
Charging	Fast charging only	Fast + Wireless + Reverse
Build	Aluminum/glass	Recycled aluminum

Battery Life and Charging: A Clear Upgrade

The S10e’s 3100 mAh battery was modest even in 2019. With moderate use, it lasts a full day — barely. Heavy users often need a midday charge. Over time, battery degradation has made this worse; many units now struggle to reach 6 hours of screen-on time.

The Pixel 5’s 4080 mAh battery is significantly larger. Combined with the efficient Snapdragon 765G and adaptive brightness, it regularly delivers 1.5 days of use. Even after two years of ownership, most Pixel 5 users report solid one-day endurance.

Charging options are another advantage. The Pixel 5 supports 18W fast charging, Qi wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging to power accessories like earbuds. The S10e only supports fast wired charging — no wireless capability without third-party mods.

Tip: To extend any aging phone’s battery life, enable dark mode, reduce screen timeout to 30 seconds, and disable always-on display.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Dilemma

Sarah has used her Galaxy S10e since 2019. She loves its compact size and doesn’t want to switch to a larger phone. By 2023, she noticed apps crashing more often, her banking app refusing to open, and her camera producing blurry night shots. She considered the Pixel 5 because of its similar size and praised camera.

After testing a friend’s used Pixel 5, she found the software felt more responsive, battery lasted longer, and photos uploaded instantly to Google Photos with search-friendly metadata. She upgraded and kept the same case. Though the design is less flashy than the S10e, she values reliability over aesthetics now.

Her experience reflects a growing trend: users prioritizing long-term usability over initial excitement.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ❌ Is your S10e still receiving security updates? (Likely no)
• ❌ Does your battery die before bedtime with normal use?
• ❌ Are newer apps slow or incompatible?
• ✅ Do you value photo quality and low-light performance?
• ✅ Would wireless charging or longer battery life improve your routine?
• ✅ Are you comfortable with near-stock Android?

If you answered “no” to the first three and “yes” to the last three, upgrading to a Pixel 5 (or similar modern mid-range phone) makes practical sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S10e still run Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google Maps smoothly?

Yes, for now. These apps still support Android 10+, which the S10e runs. However, loading times are slower than on newer phones, and background refresh issues may cause delays in message delivery or map rendering.

Is the Pixel 5 available new in 2024?

No, Google discontinued the Pixel 5 in 2022. However, refurbished or lightly used units are widely available from trusted sellers like Swappa or Amazon Renewed, typically priced between $150–$220.

Does the smaller size of both phones limit future availability?

Possibly. Most new smartphones are 6.5 inches or larger. Compact models are becoming niche. If you prefer small phones, consider upgrading now while used Pixel 5s and similar devices (like iPhone SE) are still accessible.

Final Verdict: Upgrade for Longevity, Not Just Speed

The Galaxy S10e was an outstanding phone in 2019. Five years later, it remains functional — but functionally limited. The lack of software support, degraded batteries, and declining app compatibility make it a liability for anyone relying on their phone for work, banking, or communication.

The Pixel 5 isn’t a powerhouse, but it offers meaningful improvements: longer software support, vastly better battery life, superior cameras in poor lighting, and modern charging features. It represents not just a hardware upgrade, but a shift toward a more sustainable, secure mobile experience.

If you’re still using an S10e, ask yourself: Is convenience worth potential downtime or security risk? For most users, the answer leans toward upgrading — not because the S10e is broken, but because the world around it has moved on.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Explore certified refurbished Pixel 5 units today and preserve your privacy, performance, and peace of mind. Share your S10e or Pixel experience in the comments below — your insights could help others decide.