Galaxy S10e or A40?

[The_Arbiter]

Looking for a small phone now my Pixel 4e got nerfed to hell via a forced battery update, it's dead from 100% within 20mins of web surfing now.

My thinking is that I could pick up one of the S22/3/4 in a few years so not spending much now would work out better. I dislike spending money on phones anyway as they are prone to breakages, slowdown, or battery death, in my hands.

3.5mm port is ideal, SD slot is preferred if available. I narrowed the choices down to those two phones.

I was against Samsung, but not much choice now. Is the bloat okay? Android feels like a lack luster O/S still, and I'm not interested in the world of iOS.

I generally just web browse, music, and use google maps.

Compare Samsung Galaxy A40 vs. Samsung Galaxy S10e - GSMArena.com

m.gsmarena.com

Thanks

[edit]

Update for searchers. The S10e phone is a good bit of kit. The battery seems decent, but i've got battery saving, battery protection, and data saver on. Everything is working smoothly despite being wary about going back to a Samsung, but I must admit I'm converted. I can see that the stock Android model of the Pixel has some merits, but this S10e delivers perfectly, and most importantly, it's small!!

 

[LuckyBenski]

You are comparing two phones released in 2019, to replace one from 2020.

Don't get me wrong, I'm on a Galaxy S9 to this day. But I wouldn't buy one unless it was sub-£50 and I needed it on the spot for an emergency or something.

Edit: i have had the S9 5.5 years, last month bought a Pixel 9 Pro and sent it back. I'm keeping the S9. Make of that what you will, in terms of Samsung's models from 5 years ago.

 

[The_Arbiter]

You are comparing two phones released in 2019, to replace one from 2020.

But what's the difference, really? End of life security updates, and slightly better or worse hardware is which isn't an issue given it works just well enough, like my Pixel 4a.

Don't get me wrong, I'm on a Galaxy S9 to this day. But I wouldn't buy one unless it was sub-£50 and I needed it on the spot for an emergency or something.

Edit: i have had the S9 5.5 years, last month bought a Pixel 9 Pro and sent it back. I'm keeping the S9. Make of that what you will, in terms of Samsung's models from 5 years ago.

So what are you saying? The Pixel 9 is worth less than £50, new phones suck, or Samsung phones you like because they aren't stock Android?

 

[LuckyBenski]

But what's the difference, really? End of life security updates, and slightly better or worse hardware is which isn't an issue given it works just well enough, like my Pixel 4a.

I would suggest that the reason my phone is still usable 6 years after release is because it was a flagship - top spec hardware at the time, but also top quality materials/construction and long support time. It is now starting to be on the old side and a bit slow and a bit flaky. Couple of bugs showing up.

So I'm just concerned about buying a "new" phone right at the point it's likely to be less useful. I'm really glad I've kept one phone for almost 6 years - but that wouldn't have worked if I got it at 6 years old.

So what are you saying? The Pixel 9 is worth less than £50, new phones suck, or Samsung phones you like because they aren't stock Android?

None of those, I'm saying I like the phone I have and it works - for now.

 

[The_Arbiter]

None of those, I'm saying I like the phone I have and it works - for now.

This is in part why I'm looking at those two phones. My Pixel 4a was working fine, and the battery was fine until Google nuked it. I suspect it would have been fine for another two years. How long do you see your S9 working for?

I know nothing about the mobile processors or cameras so wasn't sure how each one compared to the Pixel 4a. But each phone is in the £50-£130 range depending on condition and seller. The S10e can be still picked up new for £190, but that's above my budget for something i could break within a week.

 

[LuckyBenski]

How long do you see your S9 working for?

Well, I bought a replacement last month and it's been struggling for space for a year or more. So I'm aware it's near end of useful life for me.

In terms of battery and reliability it's fine. Battery needs topping up a couple of times daily but I'm a 30-90% charger and a heavy users. It's always needed topping up.

I like to presume it's still waterproof which is an important thing for me!

If you could break a phone within a week then there's no point worrying about a 5 year phone. I think you need to clarify your needs really. I just can't understand replacing a very old phone with one the same age, unless you know you'd be replacing again soon. Even then, a £50 phone every year or two isn't much cheaper than a £400 phone every 5 years.

 

[The_Arbiter]

If you could break a phone within a week then there's no point worrying about a 5 year phone. I think you need to clarify your needs really. I just can't understand replacing a very old phone with one the same age, unless you know you'd be replacing again soon. Even then, a £50 phone every year or two isn't much cheaper than a £400 phone every 5 years.

This will be my 4th ever smartphone, and that's only cause Google nerfed the battery on the last one. A new £400 phone offers me nothing more than a £50, just more liability sadly, but I get your point. Thanks for the replies.

 

[darael]

I'm going to also suggest a Google Pixel. You might be able to still buy a Google Pixel 8, but I'd recommend buying the latest one, so it lasts you the longest. Don't forgot Google will update the Pixel 9 for 7 years, so that makes the cost of it less bitter. I think the Pixel 9 is more water resistant to the 8 too.

You say a £400 phone offers you nothing than a £50 phone. But have you actually used a £400 phone and if so, have you used it properly? The difference in performance will be night and day.

 

[The_Arbiter]

I'm going to also suggest a Google Pixel. You might be able to still buy a Google Pixel 8, but I'd recommend buying the latest one, so it lasts you the longest. Don't forgot Google will update the Pixel 9 for 7 years, so that makes the cost of it less bitter. I think the Pixel 9 is more water resistant to the 8 too.

You say a £400 phone offers you nothing than a £50 phone. But have you actually used a £400 phone and if so, have you used it properly? The difference in performance will be night and day.

Thanks for the reply. I've always had budget phones, all 3 of them in my history of smartphones! I only do web browsing, music, google maps, and the occasional photo/vid, so as long as it has enough oomph like the Pixel 4a I have, then all is fine.

I'm rather bitter about the Pixel and the way Google handled the phone. But the updates I'm not that fussed on. Android continues to underwhelm me as an O/S with its lack of customisation, and sometimes buggy nature. I'm on Android 13 atm.

 

[darael]

Thanks for the reply. I've always had budget phones, all 3 of them in my history of smartphones! I only do web browsing, music, google maps, and the occasional photo/vid, so as long as it has enough oomph like the Pixel 4a I have, then all is fine.

I'm rather bitter about the Pixel and the way Google handled the phone. But the updates I'm not that fussed on. Android continues to underwhelm me as an O/S with its lack of customisation, and sometimes buggy nature. I'm on Android 13 atm.

The way I see it, Android is the best of a bad bunch.

I've owned a Pixel 8 since last year and I've been very happy with it. The lack of bloatware compared to the likes of Samsung, Huawei, HTC, etc (these are brands of phones I've used) is genuinely refreshing.

I think the best thing I can say is find a Pixel demo phone in a mobile phone store, mess about it and be mindful that the interface doesn't vary too much amongst brands - they might just have extra fluff here and there.