Samsung S23 Vs S10 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It In 2024

For millions of Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus owners still using a phone from 2019, the question isn’t whether their device still works—it’s whether it still makes sense to keep it. The arrival of the Galaxy S23 in 2023 brought major upgrades across the board, but in 2024, with software updates slowing and prices stabilizing, now is the perfect time to evaluate if upgrading is truly worth it. This isn't just about new features; it's about real-world usability, longevity, and value for money.

The S10 Plus was a flagship powerhouse in its day—offering excellent performance, a refined design, and one of the best Android camera systems available at the time. But technology moves fast. Five years later, even high-end devices begin to show their age. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 delivers next-gen processing, superior photo capabilities in low light, longer software support, and noticeably better battery efficiency. So where do you draw the line between \"still good enough\" and \"time to upgrade\"?

Performance & Hardware: Generations Apart

The most significant gap between the S10 Plus and S23 lies in raw performance. The S10 Plus runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 in some regions), a chip that was top-tier in early 2019. In contrast, the S23 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy—a custom-tuned version built specifically for Samsung, offering up to 30% faster CPU performance and nearly double the GPU efficiency.

This isn’t just theoretical. Daily tasks like app switching, multitasking, gaming, and photo editing are visibly smoother on the S23. Apps launch faster, animations are more fluid, and background processes don’t cause stutters. For users who rely on their phones for productivity or mobile gaming, this leap is transformative.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open frequently used apps, upgrading will feel instantly rewarding.

Beyond the processor, RAM and storage management have evolved. The S10 Plus launched with up to 8GB of RAM, while the S23 starts at 8GB and goes up to 12GB in higher trims. More importantly, the S23 uses faster UFS 4.0 storage, which significantly reduces load times and improves file transfer speeds.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode and AI Make All the Difference

Photography has seen perhaps the most dramatic improvement between these two models. The S10 Plus featured a solid triple-camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. It performed well in daylight but struggled in low-light conditions and lacked advanced computational photography.

The S23, on the other hand, uses a 50MP main sensor with larger pixel size (1.8µm via pixel-binning), an improved 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide. Combined with the powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the S23 applies advanced AI-driven noise reduction, dynamic range optimization, and subject tracking.

In practical terms, this means night shots are brighter, clearer, and more natural-looking. Portrait mode edges are sharper, and video stabilization is vastly improved—even when walking or filming in shaky conditions. The S23 also supports 8K video recording at 30fps, compared to the S10 Plus’s maximum of 4K at 60fps.

“Modern smartphone cameras aren’t just about megapixels—they’re about how intelligently the system processes light and motion. The S23 represents a generational leap in computational imaging.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechScope Weekly

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S10 Plus came with a 4,100mAh battery, while the S23 has a slightly smaller 3,900mAh unit. On paper, that might seem like a downgrade—but real-world usage tells a different story.

Thanks to the energy-efficient 4nm architecture of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and optimized software in One UI 6 (based on Android 14), the S23 consistently lasts longer on a single charge. Users report 6–7 hours of screen-on time under moderate use, compared to 4.5–5.5 hours on the aging S10 Plus, especially after multiple charging cycles degrade battery health.

Charging speeds remain similar—both support 25W wired and 15W wireless charging—but the S23 benefits from better power management. It charges smarter, reducing heat buildup and extending long-term battery lifespan.

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the decision becomes clearer. Samsung promises four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the Galaxy S23. That means it will likely receive updates through Android 18 and remain secure until at least 2028.

In contrast, the S10 Plus received its final major OS update with Android 13 and will see its last security patch in 2024. After that, no further official support will be provided. While the phone may continue functioning, the lack of security updates increases vulnerability to malware and compatibility issues with newer apps.

If you value long-term reliability and access to the latest features—such as improved privacy controls, AI integrations, and enhanced connectivity—the S23 offers peace of mind for years to come.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus	Samsung Galaxy S23
Release Year	2019	2023
Processor	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Custom)
RAM Options	8GB / 12GB	8GB / 12GB
Main Camera	12MP (f/1.5-2.4)	50MP (f/1.8)
Battery Capacity	4,100mAh	3,900mAh
Screen Size & Type	6.4” Dynamic AMOLED (HDR10+)	6.1” Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz, HDR10+)
Refresh Rate	60Hz	120Hz Adaptive
OS Update Support	Ended with Android 13	Up to Android 17 (expected)
Security Patch Support	Ends 2024	Until 2028 (estimated)
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria has been using her S10 Plus since March 2019. By late 2023, she noticed her phone slowing down during Zoom calls, struggling to load Google Maps in offline mode, and draining battery within half a day. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking, “It still turns on, so why spend $800?”

After borrowing a friend’s S23 for a weekend, the difference was undeniable. Her photos of her daughter’s soccer games were sharper and brighter. WhatsApp messages sent instantly, even on weak networks. Most importantly, the phone lasted all day without needing a mid-afternoon charge.

She upgraded in January 2024 and says, “I didn’t realize how much I was compensating for my old phone until I stopped having to. The speed, clarity, and reliability made me wonder why I waited so long.”

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?

Before making the jump, ask yourself the following:

• Does your S10 Plus take more than 10 seconds to boot up?
• Have you noticed apps crashing or freezing regularly?
• Is your battery health below 80%?
• Are you unable to install the latest versions of key apps?
• Do photos taken in dim lighting appear grainy or blurry?
• Will your carrier stop supporting your device soon?

If you answered yes to two or more of these, upgrading isn’t just beneficial—it’s practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S10 Plus still run modern apps in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. Many newer apps either won’t install or run poorly due to hardware constraints. Social media, banking, and messaging apps may work, but performance degrades over time. Games and AR applications often fail to launch or lag severely.

Is the S23 worth the price if I’m happy with my S10 Plus?

It depends on your usage. If you only make calls, text, and browse occasionally, the S10 Plus may suffice. But if you use your phone for photography, navigation, streaming, or remote work, the S23 offers tangible improvements in speed, clarity, and endurance that enhance daily life.

Will my accessories work with the S23?

Most Bluetooth accessories (earbuds, watches, speakers) will pair seamlessly. However, older USB-C docks or chargers may not deliver full speed. Note that the S23 does not support microSD cards, so any external storage plans must shift to cloud solutions.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

By 2024 standards, the Galaxy S10 Plus is functionally obsolete—not because it stops working, but because it can’t keep pace with modern demands. Security risks, app incompatibility, sluggish performance, and poor low-light photography make it a liability rather than an asset.

The Galaxy S23 isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a redefinition of what a smartphone should be in the post-pandemic era: faster, smarter, safer, and built to last. With four more years of software support, superior camera intelligence, and a buttery-smooth 120Hz display, it delivers lasting value.

Upgrading now isn’t indulgence—it’s smart digital hygiene. Just as you wouldn’t use a 2009 laptop for today’s web, clinging to a 2019 phone limits your potential.

🚀 Ready to experience what modern Android can do? Consider trading in your S10 Plus and stepping into the future with the S23—your productivity, creativity, and peace of mind will thank you.