Sorry Samsung, the planned Galaxy S10 Lite is completely useless
Samsung is known for pumping out dozens of new phone models every year. Besides the usual S and Note series devices, Samsung also has a huge selection of Galaxy A series of phones for those who want mid-range and budget-friendly options.
Recently, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite has been making the news. Expected to look similar to the Galaxy S10 or S10+, the new phone would be introduced within the next few weeks, sporting slightly different specifications. The phone would still be powered by a Snapdragon 855 and have 8GB of RAM, but it would feature a 6.7-inch display with a downgraded resolution of 2400×1080.
The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite would also be downgraded with a 48MP main sensor, 12MP with an f/2.2 ultra-wide lens, and the same 5MP f/2.4 macro lens which was introduced on the budget-friendly Galaxy A51 just recently. The only feature with a real upgrade would be the battery which is expected to feature a 4,500mAh cell.
If the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite was expected to sell for $500, I wouldn’t have any issues with it. In fact, I’d probably recommend it for someone who’s looking for a new Android phone. Unfortunately, the rumors claim that the phone will make its debut for €679 which converts to $755. For those keeping track, that’s $40 less than the Galaxy S10+ if you buy it directly from Samsung, but $55 more than what most other retailers are selling it for.
Why would anyone buy this phone when Samsung’s flagship offering costs roughly the same amount?
While the name of a phone is the least consequential aspect of a device, why would someone in their right mind consider buying a phone with the S10 name in January of 2020 when Samsung is expected to release the new S11 lineup in February? The phone may technically be in classified as a Galaxy S10 phone, but Samsung will likely treat it as a second-hand citizen. With a company that’s always struggled releasing major Android updates, even for its flagship devices, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite would likely be relegated to the same update cycles bestowed upon its b-list devices.
Since the phone hasn’t yet been unveiled, we’re still not sure what Samsung’s plan is for the Galaxy S10 Lite. It could turn out that the rumors regarding the phone’s specs or its price could be wrong. If the phone has a lower price tag, I might actually change my mind about it. But for now, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite seems completely useless.