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Smartphones
Is the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G Still Worth Buying in 2026?
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By cityzen
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Quick answer: The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, priced at roughly KES 45,000–49,000 in Kenya today, is still a genuinely usable phone with a real curved AMOLED display and a quad-camera setup — but for the same money, newer budget and mid-range phones now offer faster chips, better software support, and modern connectivity that the S10 5G can no longer match. It’s worth buying only if you specifically want a large-screen flagship feel on a tight budget and don’t mind ageing software.
The Galaxy S10 5G in 2026: A Fair Assessment
The Galaxy S10 5G launched years ago as Samsung’s first 5G flagship, and it’s aged in the way most older flagships do — the build quality and display are still genuinely nice, but the internals and software support have fallen behind. The real question for a value-focused buyer isn’t “is it a bad phone” — it’s “is it the best way to spend this amount of money today.”
What Still Holds Up
- Curved Dynamic AMOLED display: Still vivid and sharp for everyday use, video, and browsing
- Quad rear camera system: Wide, ultra-wide, telephoto, and depth sensing still cover most everyday photography needs
- In-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor: Reliable, secure unlocking
- 5G connectivity: Genuinely still useful where 5G coverage is expanding in Kenya
- Premium build quality: Glass and metal construction that still feels solid years later
Where It Falls Behind
- Software updates: Long past Samsung’s official Android and security update window, meaning no further OS upgrades and increasingly infrequent security patches
- Processor age: Noticeably slower than current mid-range chips in newer apps, multitasking, and gaming
- Battery health uncertainty: Any unit this old carries real risk of degraded battery life depending on usage history
- No modern camera software: Missing the computational photography improvements found in phones released in the last two to three years
How It Compares to Current Budget & Mid-Range Phones
This is really the deciding factor. At a similar or lower price, several current-generation phones offer meaningfully better day-to-day performance and years of remaining software support.
| Phone | Approx. Price (KES) | Key Advantage Over S10 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A05 (128GB) | 17,500 | Brand-new hardware, current software support, far lower price |
| Samsung Galaxy A15 (6GB) | 25,000 | Super AMOLED display, newer chipset, active update window |
| Google Pixel 6a | 37,500 | Far superior camera software (Magic Eraser, Night Sight), cleaner Android |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 5G (256GB) | 45,000 | — |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 5G (512GB) | 49,000 | — |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro | 53,000 | Newer high-refresh AMOLED display, faster charging, current Android version |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (256GB) | 55,000 | IP67 water resistance, 120Hz display, current-generation camera and chipset |
| Nothing Phone 1 | 60,000 | Newer chipset, distinctive design, longer remaining software runway |
Notice that the S10 5G sits right in the middle of this range — not the cheapest option, and not offering the newest hardware either. That middle position is exactly why it’s a harder recommendation than it first appears.
Who Should Actually Buy the Galaxy S10 5G in 2026?
- Buyers who specifically want a large curved-display flagship feel and are willing to accept ageing software in exchange for that design
- Samsung ecosystem loyalists who value One UI’s specific features over raw performance
- Buyers upgrading from a significantly older device for whom the S10 5G still represents a genuine step up
Who Should Buy Something Else Instead
- Anyone prioritising camera quality — the Pixel 6a’s computational photography outperforms the S10 5G despite a lower price
- Anyone who wants years of remaining software updates — the Galaxy A15, A54, or Redmi Note 13 Pro all have a longer support runway
- Buyers on the tightest budget — the Galaxy A05 delivers current-generation reliability at less than half the S10 5G’s price
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G worth buying in 2026?
It’s worth buying only if you specifically want its curved-display flagship design and don’t mind ageing software and a slower chipset. For most value-focused buyers, a newer mid-range phone at a similar or lower price offers better long-term value.
How much does the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G cost in Kenya?
The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G currently retails at approximately KES 45,000 for the 256GB configuration and KES 49,000 for the 512GB configuration in Kenya.
Does the Galaxy S10 5G still receive software updates?
No. The Galaxy S10 5G is well past Samsung’s official Android version upgrade window, and security patch updates are infrequent or no longer being issued.
What is a better alternative to the Galaxy S10 5G at a similar price?
The Redmi Note 13 Pro (around KES 53,000) and Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (around KES 55,000) both offer newer chipsets, current software support, and modern display technology at a comparable price point.
Where to Buy in Kenya
At City Tech, we stock the genuine Samsung Galaxy S10 5G alongside current-generation budget and mid-range alternatives, all backed by warranty. Browse the full Smartphones collection → to compare options side by side.
