Note 9 vs S10: Which Samsung Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the Galaxy S10 can feel like a tough decision. Both phones were flagship devices, packed with cutting-edge features and impressive performance when they were released. But which one comes out on top in a head-to-head battle?
This comparison delves into the key differences between the Note 9 and the S10, examining their displays, cameras, performance, battery life, and overall design. We’ll explore the strengths of each device, helping you determine which phone best suits your needs and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for the productivity-focused features of the Note 9 or the sleek design and updated technology of the S10, this guide will provide a clear and concise analysis. Get ready to discover which Samsung phone is the ultimate winner in this Note 9 vs S10 showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | note 9 | s10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.4 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 512GB | 128GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Triple 12MP + 16MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3400 mAh |
| S Pen | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Note 9: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. However, it has thicker bezels compared to the S10.
- S10: 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. Provides a more immersive experience with its punch-hole design and slightly higher pixel density. The screen is also brighter, but the smaller size may not appeal to all.
- Winner: S10
Processor
- Note 9: Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 (depending on region). Powerful processor capable of handling demanding tasks. Performance is still good, but it’s an older generation.
- S10: Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 (depending on region). Offers a significant performance boost over the Note 9, making it faster for everyday use and gaming. More efficient overall.
- Winner: S10
Camera
- Note 9: Dual 12MP rear cameras with variable aperture. Takes excellent photos in various lighting conditions. While still capable, it lacks some of the advanced features and processing of the S10.
- S10: Triple 12MP rear cameras with a wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. Offers more versatility with its additional lens and improved image processing. Provides better dynamic range and low-light performance.
- Winner: S10
Battery
- Note 9: 4000 mAh battery. Provides excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy use.
- S10: 3400 mAh battery. Battery life is decent, but not as long-lasting as the Note 9. Battery life can be heavily affected by use.
- Winner: note 9
Stylus (S Pen)
- Note 9: Included S Pen with Bluetooth connectivity for remote control features. Provides a unique and useful functionality for note-taking, drawing, and remote control.
- S10: Does not include an S Pen.
- Winner: note 9
Design
- Note 9: Features a more boxy design with slightly thicker bezels. It’s built with premium materials but feels less modern than the S10.
- S10: Offers a more modern design with a punch-hole display and thinner bezels. Has a more premium and sleek look.
- Winner: S10
Software
- Note 9: Runs on Android, with Samsung’s One UI on top. Offers a user-friendly interface with extensive customization options. May have received fewer updates.
- S10: Runs on Android, with Samsung’s One UI on top. Offers a user-friendly interface with extensive customization options. Likely to receive software updates for longer.
- Winner: S10
Price
- Note 9: Typically available at a lower price point due to its age. A great value for the features it offers.
- S10: Generally more expensive, reflecting its newer technology and features.
- Winner: note 9
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | S10 |
| Performance | S10 |
| Camera | S10 |
| Battery Life | note 9 |
| Design | S10 |
| Value | Depends |
| S Pen Functionality | note 9 |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated, offering protection against water and dust, allowing users to use them in various environments without worry.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to power up without the need for cables.
- Super Amoled Display: Both phones feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays, delivering rich colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Expandable Storage: Both the Note 9 and S10 offer microSD card slots, allowing users to expand their storage capacity.
- Fast Charging: Both phones support fast charging, enabling users to quickly replenish their battery life.
Note 9 Vs S10 Buying Guide
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and S10 both deliver impressive performance, but subtle differences exist. The Note 9, powered by a Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 (depending on region), handles everyday tasks smoothly. The S10, with its Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, offers a slight edge in speed and efficiency, particularly in graphically intensive applications and games. Both phones boast ample RAM, ensuring multitasking capabilities. Consider your typical usage – the S10 provides a marginally faster experience, but the Note 9 remains highly capable.
Display
Both phones feature stunning displays, a hallmark of Samsung devices. The Note 9 sports a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S10, with its 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, takes things a step further. It offers improved brightness, color accuracy, and HDR10+ support. The S10’s display also features a smaller bezel, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. Ultimately, both displays are excellent, but the S10’s is slightly superior.
Camera
The Note 9’s dual 12MP rear cameras capture excellent photos and videos, especially in good lighting conditions. It features a variable aperture, allowing for adjustments in depth of field. The S10, however, significantly upgrades the camera system. It incorporates a triple-lens setup, including an ultrawide lens, providing greater versatility. The S10’s camera also benefits from improved image processing and computational photography, resulting in sharper and more detailed images, particularly in low light. The S10 clearly wins in camera performance.
Design
The Note 9 boasts a classic design with a rectangular shape and a built-in S Pen stylus. It features a premium glass and metal build, giving it a solid feel. The S10 introduces a more modern design with a punch-hole camera and a sleeker form factor. The S10’s design is more compact and refined, making it easier to handle. Both phones are stylish, but the S10’s design represents a more contemporary aesthetic. Consider the S Pen if you value its functionality.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for any smartphone. The Note 9, with its 4,000mAh battery, generally offers excellent battery performance, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy usage. The S10, with its smaller 3,400mAh battery, can still provide all-day battery life, but it may require more conservative usage. Battery performance varies depending on individual usage patterns. The Note 9 has the edge here due to its larger battery capacity, offering longer lasting power.
Features
Both phones are packed with features, including wireless charging, water resistance, and expandable storage. The Note 9’s standout feature is the S Pen, offering productivity and creative advantages. The S10 introduces features like an in-display fingerprint sensor and reverse wireless charging. While both phones are feature-rich, the S10 pushes the boundaries with its innovative technologies. The choice depends on your feature priorities: S Pen functionality or the latest in-display fingerprint sensor and reverse wireless charging.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy note 9 If…
- You prefer a larger screen for media consumption and productivity.
- You want the integrated S Pen stylus for note-taking and creative tasks.
- You prioritize a larger battery capacity.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price.
Buy s10 If…
- You want a more modern design with a smaller footprint.
- You desire a more advanced camera system with more features.
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You value the latest software features and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in performance?
The S10 generally offers a slight performance advantage due to its newer processor (Snapdragon 855/Exynos 9820), particularly in graphically intensive tasks. While the Note 9 (Snapdragon 845/Exynos 9810) is still powerful for everyday usage, the S10 has a marginally faster performance in various applications and games, leading to quicker loading times and a smoother overall user experience.
Which phone has a better display?
The S10 boasts a superior display. It features a Dynamic AMOLED display, offering improved brightness, color accuracy, and HDR10+ support compared to the Note 9’s Super AMOLED. The S10’s display also has a smaller bezel, increasing the screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive viewing experience, making it the better choice for media consumption.
How does the camera compare?
The S10’s camera is a significant upgrade. It features a triple-lens setup with an ultrawide lens, providing greater versatility. The S10’s camera also benefits from improved image processing and computational photography, resulting in sharper and more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions. The Note 9’s dual-lens setup is still good, but the S10 is a clear winner.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Note 9, with its larger 4,000mAh battery, generally provides better battery life. It can easily last a full day of heavy usage, while the S10 with its 3,400mAh battery may require more conservative usage. Battery life depends on individual usage patterns; however, the Note 9 offers the advantage of a larger capacity, allowing for longer usage periods.
What about design and build quality?
Both phones have premium designs. The Note 9 offers a classic design with a built-in S Pen and a glass and metal build. The S10 has a more modern design with a punch-hole camera and a sleeker form factor. The S10 is more compact. Both are well-built, but the S10 represents a more contemporary aesthetic and improved ergonomics.
Does the S Pen make a difference?
The S Pen is a key differentiator for the Note 9. It offers productivity and creative advantages, allowing for note-taking, drawing, and remote control of the phone. The S10 does not have a stylus. If you value the S Pen’s functionality, the Note 9 remains the better choice. If not, the S10 offers a more streamlined experience.
Which phone is more expensive?
Generally, the S10 was more expensive at launch, and its price is still often higher on the used market. However, prices vary depending on the retailer, condition, and storage configuration. Check current market prices for both devices, as they have both depreciated significantly since their release. Consider your budget and the features important to you.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S10 edges out the Note 9 in several key areas, including camera performance, display technology, and overall design. While the Note 9 offers excellent battery life and the unique functionality of the S Pen, the S10’s advancements in these areas make it the more compelling choice for most users. The S10’s modern design and improved camera system provide a more contemporary and versatile experience.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S10