Samsung S24 Fe Vs S10 Plus Is It Finally Time To Ditch My Old S10

If you’ve been holding onto your Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus since its 2019 release, you're not alone. Many users still rely on this once-flagship device for daily tasks, appreciating its solid build and familiar interface. But with the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE in late 2023, a new question arises: has enough changed to justify upgrading? The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about how your phone fits into your life today.

The S10 Plus was groundbreaking in its time—featuring an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, triple rear cameras, and one of the first high-quality hole-punch displays. Nearly five years later, the S24 FE enters the market as a “Fan Edition” with flagship-level features at a more accessible price. This isn’t just a spec sheet battle; it’s a practical evaluation of whether modern software demands, battery degradation, and performance gaps make now the right time to move on.

Performance & Software: The Real Bottleneck

The S10 Plus launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 in some regions), which was top-tier in 2019. At the time, it handled multitasking, gaming, and camera processing with ease. Today, however, that same chipset struggles with heavier apps, newer games, and even routine UI animations. Background app reloads are common, and cold starts for social media or navigation apps can take noticeably longer.

In contrast, the S24 FE runs on the Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (depending on region), both of which deliver significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. More importantly, they support smoother multitasking, AI-enhanced photography, and advanced security protocols required by modern banking and productivity apps.

Software longevity is another critical factor. The S10 Plus received four major Android OS updates (up to Android 13) and five years of security patches, completing its support cycle in early 2024. No further official updates are expected. The S24 FE, on the other hand, promises seven years of OS and security updates—meaning it will be supported through 2031. That’s a massive difference for long-term usability and security.

Tip: If your current phone no longer receives security updates, you're exposed to increasing vulnerabilities—especially when using mobile banking or sensitive logins.

Display & Design: Evolution Over Revolution

Both phones feature edge-to-edge AMOLED displays, but the differences in quality and usability are tangible. The S10 Plus has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with QHD+ resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. While vibrant and sharp, the lower refresh rate makes scrolling feel less fluid compared to modern standards.

The S24 FE steps up with a 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This means smoother animations, reduced motion blur during gaming, and improved responsiveness when typing or browsing. The screen is also brighter—peaking at around 1,750 nits versus the S10 Plus’s ~1,200 nits—making outdoor visibility far better.

Design-wise, the S10 Plus feels bulkier and less refined by today’s standards. Its curved edges are dramatic, making accidental touches more common. The S24 FE opts for a flatter, more practical display with a centered punch-hole front camera. It’s also IP67-rated for dust and water resistance (same as S10 Plus), but uses more durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front.

Camera Comparison: Night and Day Literally

On paper, both devices have versatile camera setups. The S10 Plus includes a 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide lens. The S24 FE drops the telephoto but upgrades to a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP front-facing camera with enhanced low-light capabilities.

In practice, the S24 FE delivers consistently sharper images, especially in low light. Its larger sensor and AI-powered Night Mode produce cleaner photos with better dynamic range. The S10 Plus, while capable in daylight, struggles with noise, inconsistent HDR, and slower focusing in dim environments.

Video recording sees even starker differences. The S24 FE supports 4K at 60fps with improved stabilization and HDR10+ recording. The S10 Plus maxes out at 4K/60fps too, but lacks modern stabilization algorithms and HDR video encoding, resulting in less cinematic footage.

“Smartphone photography today is as much about computational processing as it is about hardware. Older sensors without AI optimization simply can't keep up.” — Lena Park, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Battery Life & Charging: From All-Day to Beyond

The S10 Plus came with a 4,100mAh battery, which was respectable in 2019. After years of charging cycles, most units now suffer from degraded capacity—often holding only 70–80% of their original charge. Even when new, heavy users would struggle to get through a full day.

The S24 FE packs a 4,700mAh battery and benefits from a more power-efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate. In real-world testing, it regularly lasts 1.5 days with moderate use. Fast charging has also evolved: the S24 FE supports 25W wired charging (vs. 15W on S10 Plus), cutting charge time nearly in half. It also retains wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, letting you charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches directly from the back of the phone.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus	Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Release Year	2019	2023
Processor	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Exynos 2400
RAM	8GB / 12GB	8GB
Storage	128GB / 512GB (expandable)	128GB / 256GB (expandable)
Display	6.4\" QHD+ AMOLED, 60Hz	6.6\" FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
Rear Cameras	12MP (main) + 12MP (tele) + 16MP (ultra-wide)	50MP (main) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 10MP (front)
Battery	4,100mAh	4,700mAh
Charging	15W wired, wireless	25W wired, wireless, reverse charging
OS Support	Ends 2024 (Android 13)	Until 2031 (Android 17+)
Water Resistance	IP68	IP67

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer and long-time S10 Plus user, held onto her phone because she liked the compact size and trusted its reliability. By 2023, though, she noticed issues: her editing apps crashed frequently, her battery died by mid-afternoon during shoots, and her clients began commenting that her social media photos looked “less crisp” than before.

She tested the S24 FE for two weeks. The difference was immediate. Her Lightroom edits loaded twice as fast. The 50MP sensor captured more detail in shadow areas, reducing post-processing time. Most importantly, the phone lasted through full-day events without needing a packable charger. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t just about new features—it was about reclaiming workflow efficiency.

When Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Still unsure if it’s time to let go of your S10 Plus? Use this checklist to evaluate your situation:

• ✅ Does your phone struggle to run basic apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, or Instagram?
• ✅ Have you noticed significantly reduced battery life—even after a full charge?
• ✅ Are you no longer receiving OS or security updates?
• ✅ Do photos look grainy or out of focus compared to others’ smartphones?
• ✅ Is the screen cracked, discolored, or unresponsive in areas?
• ✅ Do you frequently need to restart the phone to keep it running smoothly?

If three or more apply, the S24 FE—or a similar modern device—is likely a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my S10 Plus in 2024?

Yes, but with caveats. It will function for calls, texts, and light browsing. However, lack of security updates, app compatibility issues, and degraded performance make it risky for sensitive tasks like online banking or mobile payments.

Is the S24 FE worth the price over cheaper alternatives?

At $699, the S24 FE sits above budget phones but offers premium materials, strong performance, and long-term software support. Compared to similarly priced devices, its combination of 120Hz display, flagship-grade chip, and seven-year update promise makes it stand out for longevity-focused buyers.

Will my accessories work with the S24 FE?

Most cases and screen protectors won’t be compatible due to different dimensions and camera layout. Wireless chargers and headphones will work fine, as both phones support Qi charging and Bluetooth 5.0.

Conclusion: Time to Move Forward

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus was a milestone device—a testament to Samsung’s innovation at the dawn of the modern smartphone era. But technology moves quickly, and what felt cutting-edge in 2019 now shows its age in everyday use. The S24 FE isn’t just faster or brighter; it’s built for the demands of 2024 and beyond, with smarter cameras, longer support, and better efficiency.

If you’re tired of waiting for apps to load, carrying a power bank everywhere, or missing moments because your camera can’t keep up, now is the time. Upgrading isn’t about chasing novelty—it’s about regaining speed, security, and confidence in a device you rely on daily.

💬 Have you upgraded from an S10 series phone? Share your experience—what surprised you most about the jump? Join the conversation below.