Samsung S10e Vs Oneplus 6t Three Years Later Is The Upgrade Worth It

It’s been over three years since both the Samsung Galaxy S10e and the OnePlus 6T hit the market—two phones that represented the peak of mid-to-high-end smartphone design in 2018 and early 2019. The S10e brought flagship Samsung features into a compact body, while the OnePlus 6T offered near-flagship specs at a more aggressive price point. Today, with both devices well beyond their prime support windows, users may wonder: if you’re still holding onto an S10e, is upgrading to a used OnePlus 6T a meaningful step forward? Or has time rendered both obsolete?

This isn’t just about raw specs or nostalgia—it’s about real-world usability, software longevity, battery health, and whether such an upgrade still delivers tangible benefits in 2024.

Design and Build: Compact vs Sleek

The Galaxy S10e stood out for its compact 5.8-inch display and flat screen, making it one of the last truly pocketable flagships Samsung produced. It featured a glass back, aluminum frame, and IP68 water resistance—a rarity even among premium phones of that era. Its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, while innovative, was inconsistent compared to traditional capacitive sensors.

In contrast, the OnePlus 6T embraced the trend of larger, edge-to-edge displays with a 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED panel and a tiny teardrop notch. It lacked IP certification but made up for it with a faster optical in-display fingerprint scanner—one of the first to feel genuinely responsive. The 6T also introduced a slightly taller, narrower form factor that remained comfortable despite its size.

While the S10e wins on portability, the 6T offers a more immersive viewing experience. However, after three years, build quality degradation becomes a factor. Many 6Ts show wear around the charging port due to brassing, while S10es often suffer from micro-cracks near the camera housing due to pressure on the glass back.

Tip: If you're buying either phone secondhand, inspect the fingerprint sensor responsiveness and check for screen burn-in, especially on the 6T's OLED panel.

Performance and Software: Snapdragon 845 vs Long-Term Updates

Both phones launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, which was top-tier in 2018. In day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and media playback, both devices perform similarly even today. However, differences emerge in sustained workloads and software optimization.

Samsung’s One UI, built on Android, has evolved significantly since 2019. The S10e received four major Android updates (up to Android 13) and ongoing security patches until 2023. This extended lifecycle means the S10e likely runs a newer version of Android than most 6Ts ever will.

OnePlus promised three years of OS updates but delivered inconsistently. The 6T officially topped out at Android 11 with OxygenOS 11. While some community ROMs (like LineageOS) extend its life, most users are stuck on older, less secure software. This lack of long-term support diminishes the 6T’s appeal in 2024.

“Software support is now as critical as hardware when judging a phone’s lifespan. Without timely updates, even powerful devices become vulnerable and sluggish.” — Lena Park, Mobile Security Analyst at TechWatch Labs

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The S10e shipped with a 3,100mAh battery, modest by today’s standards. Even when new, it struggled to last a full heavy-use day. After three years, capacity typically degrades to 70–80%, reducing usability further. It supports 15W fast charging and wireless charging—a convenience the 6T lacks.

The OnePlus 6T came with a larger 3,700mAh cell and excellent power management. Many units still deliver solid all-day battery life in light-to-moderate use. However, it only supports 20W fast charging via Dash Charge and does not offer wireless charging.

If battery longevity is a priority, the 6T clearly holds an advantage. But consider this: replacing a degraded battery is easier and cheaper on the S10e due to wider part availability and repair guides.

Feature	Samsung S10e	OnePlus 6T
Battery Capacity	3,100 mAh	3,700 mAh
Fast Charging	15W (wired)	20W (Dash Charge)
Wireless Charging	Yes	No
Charging Port	USB-C	USB-C (no headphone jack)
Headphone Jack	Yes	No

Camera Comparison: Still Relevant in 2024?

The S10e featured a dual rear setup: 12MP wide + 16MP ultra-wide, plus a 10MP front camera. Its photos were consistently strong in daylight, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. Low-light performance was average, relying heavily on software processing.

The 6T had a simpler 16MP + 20MP dual rear system without ultra-wide capability. While versatile, it couldn't match the S10e’s flexibility. Its portrait mode was decent, but HDR handling lagged behind Samsung’s processing. The front-facing 16MP shooter worked well for selfies but lacked autofocus.

Today, both cameras struggle with modern expectations. Autofocus can be slow, low-light shots are noisy, and video stabilization is underwhelming. For social media or casual snaps, they’re usable—but don’t expect results comparable to current mid-range phones like the Pixel 7a or Galaxy A54.

Tip: Use Pro mode to manually adjust ISO and shutter speed for better control in low light, especially on the S10e.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her Samsung S10e since March 2019. By late 2023, she noticed frequent app crashes, slower app launches, and declining battery life—down to 75% capacity. She considered upgrading but wanted to avoid spending over $300 on a new phone.

She found a used OnePlus 6T online for $120, advertised as “fully functional with minor scratches.” Excited by the larger screen and faster charging, she bought it. After two weeks, she realized the trade-offs: no headphone jack forced her to carry an adapter, the older Android 11 felt clunky, and she missed wireless charging. Worse, the camera couldn’t capture wide-angle family photos like her S10e could.

Ultimately, she returned the 6T and opted for a refurbished iPhone SE (2022), which offered longer software support and better app optimization. Her experience highlights a key truth: upgrading to an older device isn’t always progress—it depends on your priorities.

Step-by-Step Guide: Evaluating Your Upgrade Path

If you're considering moving from the S10e to the 6T—or any aging device—follow this checklist before making a decision:

1. Assess your current phone’s condition: Check battery health, screen integrity, and software update status.
2. Identify your pain points: Is it battery life? Slow performance? Poor camera? Match these to what the 6T improves.
3. Research software support: Confirm the target device still receives security updates or has active custom ROM support.
4. Test real-world usage: Try the phone in person if possible. Test camera speed, app switching, and fingerprint unlock.
5. Calculate total cost: Include potential repairs, accessories (like adapters), and opportunity cost versus saving for a newer model.
6. Consider future-proofing: Will this device last another 18 months? Or will you be upgrading again soon?

Is the Upgrade Worth It? The Verdict

For most users, upgrading from a functioning S10e to a used OnePlus 6T in 2024 is not a worthwhile move. While the 6T offers better battery life and a slightly faster processor under load, it falls short in software longevity, camera versatility, and convenience features like wireless charging and the headphone jack.

The S10e, thanks to Samsung’s robust update policy, likely runs a newer version of Android and integrates better with modern ecosystems (SmartThings, Samsung Health, DeX). Meanwhile, the 6T’s outdated OS introduces security risks and compatibility issues with newer apps.

Unless you’re acquiring the 6T for free or very cheap—and specifically need its larger battery or prefer OxygenOS’s minimal interface—the upgrade doesn’t deliver enough value to justify the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OnePlus 6T run Android 13?

No, the official software path ends at Android 11. However, custom ROMs like LineageOS or crDroid can bring Android 13 to the device, though with potential stability and security trade-offs.

Is the S10e still secure to use in 2024?

Mainstream security patches ended in 2023, so it’s no longer receiving regular fixes. While not immediately dangerous, using it for sensitive tasks like banking carries higher risk. Consider it best for secondary or offline use.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Neither holds significant resale value today. Both typically sell for $80–$130 depending on condition. The S10e may fetch slightly more due to brand recognition and ecosystem integration.

Final Thoughts

Technology moves fast, but so does planned obsolescence. Three years later, the gap between the S10e and 6T isn’t defined by hardware—it’s shaped by software support, ecosystem integration, and real-world durability. The S10e, despite its smaller battery and compact limitations, emerges as the more sustainable choice over time.

Rather than jumping between aging flagships, consider investing in a modern mid-range phone with five years of guaranteed updates. Devices like the Google Pixel 8a or Samsung Galaxy A54 offer far better long-term value, superior cameras, and stronger security.

🚀 Ready to make a smarter upgrade? Share your experience with legacy phones or ask questions in the comments—we’re all navigating the same tech lifecycle together.