You see phones everywhere in Pakistan. Every shop in Karachi or Lahore sells new models daily. But prices are high now. New phones cost a lot of money. This makes older flagship phones very attractive. Many people look at the Samsung Galaxy S10 and wonder about it. It was a great phone when it came out. It looked beautiful and worked fast. But is it still good today? Or will you waste your money?
This guide helps you decide. We look at the phone carefully. We check the screen, the battery, and the camera. Moreover, we see how it works with apps like WhatsApp and TikTok. Let’s find out if this phone fits your pocket and your needs.
Why people still love the Samsung Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10 changed how Samsung made phones. It introduced a new design. The screen fills the whole front. The camera sits inside the screen. This looks very modern even now.
In Pakistan, people care about style. This phone still looks premium. It has glass on the front and back. The metal frame feels strong. When you hold it, it feels expensive. Cheap new phones use plastic. They do not feel this good. So, the design is a big plus point.
Also, the size is perfect. Many new phones are too big. They are hard to hold with one hand. The S10 fits nicely in your hand. You can reach the top of the screen easily. This comfort matters if you use your phone all day.
The screen quality is amazing
Samsung makes the best screens. The Samsung Galaxy S10 has a Dynamic AMOLED screen. The colors look bright and real. Black colors look very deep. This makes videos look great. If you watch YouTube or Netflix, you will love this screen.
New budget phones in Pakistan have LCD screens. LCD screens are not as good. They look washed out. The S10 screen is sharp. It is also very bright. You can see it clearly in the sunlight. This helps when you are outside in the market.
The screen also has curves on the sides. Some people like this look. It makes the phone look thin. Others do not like it. They say they touch the screen by mistake. But most people agree the display quality beats almost any new mid-range phone you can buy for the same price.
Performance for daily tasks
You need a phone that runs apps smoothly. The Samsung Galaxy S10 uses a strong processor. It handles daily tasks easily. You can open Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp quickly. Switching between apps is fast.
If you play games like PUBG or Call of Duty, it still works well. It might not run on the highest settings like a brand new iPhone. But for casual gaming, it is fine. The phone has enough RAM to keep things running. You will not feel much lag during normal use.
One issue is software updates. This phone is older now. It does not get the newest Android updates anymore. It stays on Android 12. This means you miss some new features. But all your favorite apps will still work for a long time. Security updates are also less frequent now. This is something to think about.
The camera test
Cameras are very important in Pakistan. We love taking photos at weddings and parties. The Samsung Galaxy S10 has three cameras on the back. It has a main camera, a zoom camera, and a wide camera.
The main camera takes beautiful photos. In daylight, the pictures are sharp. Colors look vibrant. The wide-angle camera is great for group photos. You can fit your whole family in one picture. The Zoom camera lets you see far objects clearly.
Budget phones today often have fake cameras. They say they have three cameras, but only one is good. The S10 has three real, useful cameras. Even the video quality is excellent. You can record 4K videos. They look smooth and stable.
However, night photos are just okay. New expensive phones take better photos in the dark. But for the price you pay now, the S10 camera is still very impressive. It beats almost any cheap new phone you can find in the local market.
Battery life concerns
This is the biggest problem. The Samsung Galaxy S10 is an older phone. Batteries get weak over time. If you buy a used one, the battery might be old.
Even when new, the S10 battery was just average. It is not huge. If you use 4G data all day, the battery drains fast. You might need to charge it in the evening. In Pakistan, we often have power outages. A weak battery can be a problem.
You should check the battery health before buying. Or plan to spend extra money on a new battery replacement. A new battery makes the phone work much better. But do not expect it to last two days like some new phones. It is a one day phone at best.
Storage and features
The Samsung Galaxy S10 usually comes with 128GB of space. This is plenty for photos and videos. If you need more, you can add a memory card. This is a great feature. Many new expensive phones have removed the memory card slot. With the S10, you can expand your storage cheaply.
It also has a headphone jack. You can use your normal wired earphones. You do not need an adapter or expensive Bluetooth buds. This is very convenient for many users. The speakers on the phone are also loud and clear. They sound good for music and calls.
The fingerprint sensor is under the screen. It works okay. It is not the fastest sensor today. Sometimes you have to press twice. But it keeps your phone secure. The phone is also water-resistant. Rain or splashes will not hurt it. This durability is good for peace of mind.
Buying a used S10 in Pakistan
The market for used phones is tricky. You can find the Samsung Galaxy S10 in markets like Hafeez Center or Saddar. Prices vary a lot.
There are different versions. Some are “Kit” phones. These come without a box. Some are “Official PTA Approved”. This means the tax is paid. The tax for older flagship phones is still high. An approved phone costs much more.
Non PTA phones are cheaper. But they stop working with SIM cards after two months. You can only use WiFi then. For a main phone, you need a PTA-approved version. Make sure you check the PTA status carefully. Do not trust just the shopkeeper’s word. Send the IMEI number to 8484 to check.
Also, check specifically for “shade” or “dots” on the screen. AMOLED screens can get burn marks. A clean screen costs more. A screen with a small black dot costs less. If the dot does not bother you, you can save money. But a clean screen is better for resale later.
Is it a costly mistake?
Buying the Samsung Galaxy S10 is a mistake if you want great battery life. It is also a mistake if you need 5G right now. It is a mistake if you want software updates for five more years.
If you buy a phone with a bad battery or a bad screen, you will lose money. Repairs are expensive. The screen replacement costs almost as much as the phone. So you must check the condition very carefully before paying cash.
For more insights on affordable smartphones, read our guide on Budget Smartphones in 2025.
Why is it a smart buy
It is a smart buy if you want a premium feel for a low price. You get a stunning screen and excellent cameras. You get good performance. Moreover, you get features like wireless charging and water resistance.
No new phone at this price gives you all these things. A new 30,000- or 40,000-rupee phone feels cheap compared to this. It will have a worse camera and a worse screen.
For students or people on a budget who want a flagship experience, the S10 is a gem. It offers high value. It feels like a luxury item. Just be smart about checking the condition.
Frequently asked questions
Does the S10 support 5G networks?
No, the standard S10 model only supports 4G LTE networks. There is a specific 5G version, but it is rare in Pakistan.
Is the S10 good for gaming like PUBG?
Yes, it runs PUBG smoothly on decent settings, but the battery will drain quickly during long gaming sessions.
Can I update the S10 to Android 14?
No, the official updates stopped at Android 12. You will not get newer Android versions officially from Samsung.
How much is the PTA tax for S10?
The tax changes often, but it is generally high for flagship phones. Check the current rates on the FBR website or use a tax calculator app.
Is the S10 water resistant?
Yes, it has an IP68 rating. It can withstand dust and being underwater for up to 30 minutes, but water resistance fades on used phones.
