I’ve been holding onto my Galaxy S10 for years. I’ve resisted upgrading since they got rid of the headphone jack and SD card slot. I really value being able to customize my phone, and I don’t like the direction Android has been going.
But my phone’s battery barely lasts a few hours now, and I’m running out of storage even with an SD card. A lot of apps and games are also no longer compatible. With Black Friday coming up, I feel like this is the best time to make a move. But I’m really stuck on what to get.
I’ve read so many posts about others upgrading from the S10, but it seems like there’s no perfect replacement. Should I go for the S24? S24+? S23? Maybe even wait for the S25? Or should I try the Z series?
I’m not a heavy gamer, but I do play some games, and I need good battery life because I’m always on the subway. I also play Pokémon GO and take pictures, though I’m not super picky about camera quality. My biggest concerns are keeping my old game data and being able to sideload older games. Will newer Android versions prevent that?
For those who upgraded recently, do you love your new phone or regret the switch? What’s the best option for someone like me who uses their phone a lot but doesn’t want to spend too much on a high-end model? Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
You can still sideload games. If they’re not on the Play Store anymore, you can usually find the APKs online. Just make sure you’re downloading them from a trusted site.
If you’ve kept your S10 this long, it sounds like you don’t upgrade often. I’d recommend the S24+. It has better battery life, which is great for gaming and subway use, and a bigger screen for a better experience. I wouldn’t go for the Ultra unless you really care about having the best camera, which you said you don’t. For transferring game data, I’d check with Samsung support—they’re usually pretty helpful.
@Dorian
Good point. I used to upgrade more often, but I stopped after the S6 because I didn’t like the changes they made. I stuck with my S6 until the battery swelled, then got the S10. I’ve been holding out ever since.
The Z Flip looks fun, but I agree it’s probably not practical. Thanks for the advice; the S24+ is looking like a solid choice.
@Dell
I wouldn’t recommend the Z Flip. I’ve had the Z Flip 4 and now the Z Flip 5, and honestly, the crease in the screen is annoying. Plus, while it folds smaller, it’s also thicker when folded. The front screen isn’t as useful as I’d hoped, either. If you can find a good deal on the S24 or S24+, I’d go for that instead. I’m planning to upgrade to the S25 Ultra next year.
@Remy
Yeah, I figured the Z series might still have some kinks to work out. I used to have a clamshell Game Boy, so I get what you mean about the bulk. I think I’ll stick with something more traditional. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Don’t forget that the S10 has unique features like the heart rate sensor, and it’s super thin. Mine’s been going strong since launch, though the battery life is rough now. Still, it’s been a solid device for years.
The S24 is a natural upgrade from the S10. It’s similar in size but has all the modern updates you need. The screen is slightly larger, the speakers are much better, and the cameras are improved. If you’re okay with a larger phone, the S24+ or Ultra might be worth considering.
I mostly use my phone for social apps, photos, and general browsing. I’ll probably wait for the S25 or S26, though I worry that upgrades are becoming more about adding AI features rather than improving core functionality. My partner’s S23+ used to take great photos, but recently the quality has dropped. Makes me wonder if manufacturers are pushing obsolescence on us.
Just a heads-up: some stores might not have the S23 in stock anymore. I recommended it to someone recently, but when they went shopping, only the S24 was available.
Shay said:
If you can wait a couple of months, I’d suggest holding out for the S25. It’ll have the newest features and likely better trade-in offers.
That’s a fair point, but I’d miss out on Black Friday deals. Do Samsung phones go on sale often outside of these big events? If waiting means spending significantly more, I’m not sure it’s worth it.
I upgraded from the S20+ to the S24+, but if I could do it over, I’d go for the base S24. The smaller size is more convenient, especially if you don’t use a case.
Parker said:
I upgraded from the S20+ to the S24+, but if I could do it over, I’d go for the base S24. The smaller size is more convenient, especially if you don’t use a case.
I feel the same. After using larger phones for years, I recently switched to a smaller model, and it’s been so refreshing. It’s nice not to feel like I’m carrying a brick in my pocket.
Parker said:
I upgraded from the S20+ to the S24+, but if I could do it over, I’d go for the base S24. The smaller size is more convenient, especially if you don’t use a case.
I’ve always preferred smaller phones too. Thanks for pointing that out—I’ll definitely consider the base S24 now.
I went from the S10+ to the S21+, and it felt like a natural extension. Not much different, just updated software. I’ll probably stick with it until I can afford another major upgrade.
Rory said:
I went from the S10+ to the S21+, and it felt like a natural extension. Not much different, just updated software. I’ll probably stick with it until I can afford another major upgrade.
Do you feel like the newer models since the S21 haven’t been worth upgrading to, or are you just holding off?
I used my S10 until the very end. If you want something reliable, go for the S24 or S24FE. With 7 years of updates, you won’t feel pressured to upgrade anytime soon.