Samsung S10 Plus Vs A15 Is It Worth Upgrading In 2024 Or Is The Older Phone Still Good

As smartphone technology evolves rapidly, many users face a critical decision: should they upgrade to a newer model, or can their older device still deliver a reliable experience? The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, once a flagship powerhouse, now sits several generations behind the budget-friendly Galaxy A15. But does that mean the A15 is better in 2024? Or has the S10 Plus retained enough value to justify holding onto it? This comparison dives deep into real-world usability, software support, hardware longevity, and overall value to help you make an informed choice.

Performance and Hardware: Power vs Practicality

The S10 Plus launched in 2019 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 in some regions), 8GB of RAM, and UFS 2.1 storage. At the time, it was among the fastest Android phones available. Fast forward to 2024, and while the processor still handles basic tasks smoothly, multitasking and demanding apps like high-end games or photo editing tools show signs of strain. Thermal throttling is more frequent, and app reloads are common due to aging memory management.

In contrast, the Galaxy A15, released in early 2024, features MediaTek’s Helio G99, 4GB to 6GB of RAM, and UFS 2.2 storage. While not a flagship-grade chip, the G99 is built on a more modern 6nm process, offering better efficiency and sustained performance for everyday use. It excels at social media, streaming, messaging, and light gaming—tasks most users engage in daily.

Tip: If your S10 Plus feels sluggish, try disabling animations, clearing cached data, and uninstalling unused apps to reclaim performance.

However, raw specs don’t tell the whole story. The S10 Plus still outperforms the A15 in CPU-intensive benchmarks and offers smoother UI transitions when apps are already loaded. For power users who kept their S10 Plus well-maintained, the performance gap isn’t as wide as the generational difference might suggest.

Display and Design: Flagship Feel vs Modern Simplicity

The S10 Plus boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, a 3040x1440 resolution, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. Its curved edges and minimal bezels gave it a premium look that few mid-range phones have matched since. Even today, watching videos or reading text on this screen remains a pleasure due to its color accuracy and brightness.

The A15 uses a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED flat display with a lower 720p resolution. While it supports basic HD content and is bright enough for indoor use, the pixel density is noticeably softer, especially when viewing text or fine details. The flat design makes it easier to apply screen protectors and reduces accidental touches, but lacks the immersive feel of the S10 Plus.

Feature	Samsung S10 Plus	Samsung A15
Display Size & Type	6.4\" Dynamic AMOLED	6.5\" Super AMOLED
Resolution	QHD+ (3040x1440)	HD+ (720x1600)
Refresh Rate	60Hz	90Hz
Build Quality	Glass back, metal frame	Plastic body
Fingerprint Sensor	Ultrasonic (under display)	Side-mounted (power button)

Interestingly, the A15 wins in one area: refresh rate. Its 90Hz display provides smoother scrolling than the S10 Plus’s 60Hz panel, which can feel dated by today’s standards. However, the S10 Plus counters with superior materials and a more refined aesthetic.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S10 Plus packs a 4,100mAh battery, which was respectable in 2019 but struggles to last a full day in 2024, especially with heavier usage. After years of charging cycles, most units have degraded battery health, leading to faster drain and inconsistent performance. It supports 15W fast charging, wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging—a feature absent on the A15.

The A15 comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery and more efficient hardware, resulting in reliably long battery life—often stretching to 1.5 days under moderate use. However, it only supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately in some regions) and lacks wireless charging entirely.

“Battery degradation is often the silent killer of older flagships. Even if the processor holds up, poor battery health can make a phone feel obsolete.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

If you rely on all-day endurance and charge infrequently, the A15 clearly has the edge. But if you value convenience features like wireless charging or travel with multiple devices, the S10 Plus still offers unique utility.

Camera Comparison: Legacy Excellence vs Entry-Level Adequacy

The S10 Plus features a triple rear setup: 12MP main (f/1.5-2.4 dual aperture), 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. In its prime, it captured some of the best photos in the industry—especially in low light, thanks to the adaptive aperture. While still capable of producing sharp, detailed images in daylight, the processing engine shows its age in shadow recovery and HDR blending.

The A15 has a quad-camera array: 50MP main (f/1.8), 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth. On paper, the higher megapixel count suggests better detail, but in practice, the smaller sensor and less advanced image processing result in inconsistent output. Photos often appear oversharpened, with inaccurate colors and noise in dim environments.

For casual photography, the A15 suffices. But for anyone who values photo quality, dynamic range, and zoom capability, the S10 Plus remains superior despite its age.

Mini Case Study: Daily Use in 2024

Consider Maria, a freelance writer who’s used her S10 Plus since 2019. She upgraded her OS regularly and replaced the battery in 2022. In 2024, she finds the phone still handles email, web research, and video calls without issue. She occasionally edits blog photos using Lightroom, where the S10 Plus’s color calibration gives her accurate previews. When she tested the A15, she found the screen too soft for prolonged reading and missed the responsiveness of the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Ultimately, she chose to keep her S10 Plus—proving that with proper care, older flagships can remain viable.

Software Support and Long-Term Value

This is where the equation shifts dramatically. The S10 Plus received four major Android upgrades (up to Android 13) and security updates until late 2024. As of 2025, it will no longer receive official patches, exposing it to potential security risks. The A15, being a 2024 model, is guaranteed Android upgrades up to Android 16 and security updates through 2027.

Modern apps are increasingly optimized for newer APIs and hardware capabilities. Without ongoing software support, the S10 Plus may soon face compatibility issues with banking apps, messaging platforms, or productivity tools.

📋 **Upgrade Decision Checklist**

• ✅ Is your S10 Plus battery degrading (drains in under 6 hours)?
• ✅ Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or slow performance?
• ✅ Do you need modern security updates for work or personal safety?
• ✅ Do you value longer software support over superior build quality?
• ✅ Are you primarily using the phone for streaming, social media, and calls?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading to the A15—or a similar 2024 budget phone—makes practical sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S10 Plus still run Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube smoothly in 2024?

Yes, for basic usage. These apps will open and function, but expect occasional stutters during video uploads or heavy multitasking. Clearing cache regularly helps maintain speed.

Is the A15 waterproof like the S10 Plus?

No. The S10 Plus has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The A15 has no official IP rating, making it vulnerable to spills and moisture.

Should I upgrade just for the 90Hz display?

Only if smooth scrolling is a priority. The visual benefit is noticeable, but not transformative. The S10 Plus’s QHD+ screen still delivers sharper visuals overall.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Samsung S10 Plus remains a remarkably capable device for a five-year-old phone. Its display, camera system, and build quality surpass the A15 in nearly every tangible way. However, battery wear, lack of future software updates, and gradual performance decline make it a riskier long-term companion.

The A15 isn’t a better phone in absolute terms—it’s a more sustainable choice for 2024 and beyond. It offers dependable battery life, modern software support, and sufficient performance for everyday needs, all at a fraction of the S10 Plus’s original price.

If you’re still satisfied with your S10 Plus and maintain it well, there’s no urgent need to replace it. But if you're facing battery issues, security concerns, or want peace of mind for the next two years, upgrading to the A15 is a sensible, cost-effective move.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your current phone’s health, prioritize your needs, and choose based on long-term value—not nostalgia. Share your upgrade experience in the comments below.