The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge once stood as a pinnacle of smartphone innovation, boasting a sleek design and a revolutionary curved display. Its dual-edged screen offered a unique visual experience and convenient shortcuts, capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide.
Fast forward a few years, and the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 arrived, aiming to redefine the premium smartphone experience. This powerhouse packed even more advanced features, a larger display, and the signature S Pen stylus, promising unmatched productivity and entertainment.
Now, as technology continues its relentless march, many are left wondering how these two titans truly stack up. Is the S7 Edge still a viable contender, or has the Note 9 firmly established its superiority?
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s7 edge | note 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5-inch | 6.4-inch |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels | 1440 x 2960 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820 | Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/512GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP Wide + 12MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 3600 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Operating System (Launch) | Android 6.0 | Android 8.1 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S7 Edge: Features a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. It offered vibrant colors and deep blacks, a hallmark of Samsung’s AMOLED technology at the time. However, its smaller size might feel cramped for some users compared to larger modern phones.
- Note 9: Boasts a larger 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with the same 2560 x 1440 resolution. This larger screen is excellent for media consumption and multitasking, offering a more immersive experience. The increased size is a significant upgrade for productivity and entertainment.
- Winner: note 9
Performance
- S7 Edge: Powered by the Exynos 8890 or Snapdragon 820 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM. While capable for its era, it struggles with demanding modern applications and multitasking compared to newer devices. Heavy gaming or extensive app switching can lead to noticeable slowdowns.
- Note 9: Equipped with the Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 processor and 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This offers a substantial leap in performance, handling intensive games, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps with ease. It provides a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Winner: note 9
Camera System
- S7 Edge: Features a 12MP rear camera with OIS and a 5MP front camera. It delivered excellent photos for its time, especially in low light, with good detail and color reproduction. However, it lacks the versatility and advanced computational photography of newer phones.
- Note 9: Sports a dual 12MP rear camera system with a variable aperture and OIS, plus an 8MP front camera. It offers superior image quality, better low-light performance, and more advanced features like scene optimization and portrait mode. The dual-lens setup provides more photographic flexibility.
- Winner: note 9
Battery Life
- S7 Edge: Comes with a 3600 mAh battery. It offered decent all-day battery life for moderate usage at launch. However, with age and software updates, its battery performance may have degraded, requiring more frequent charging for heavier users.
- Note 9: Features a larger 4000 mAh battery. This provides excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day and often into the next for most users. The larger capacity is a significant advantage for those who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day.
- Winner: note 9
Stylus (S Pen)
- S7 Edge: Does not include a stylus. It was designed as a standard smartphone experience, focusing on its curved display and general usability.
- Note 9: Integrates the S Pen, offering enhanced productivity features like note-taking, drawing, remote control functions, and screen-off memos. The S Pen is a defining feature of the Note series and a major draw for users who need its functionality.
- Winner: note 9
Build Quality & Design
- S7 Edge: Features a premium glass and metal build with a distinctive curved display. It was a sleek and stylish device for its time, offering a comfortable in-hand feel. However, the curved edges could sometimes lead to accidental touches.
- Note 9: Also sports a premium glass and metal construction, with a more squared-off design that houses a larger battery and display. It feels robust and well-built, though its larger size might be less manageable for some. The design prioritizes screen real estate and functionality.
- Winner: note 9
Storage Options
- S7 Edge: Typically came with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. While expandable, 32GB is quite limited by today’s standards, especially with larger app sizes and media.
- Note 9: Offered in 128GB and 512GB internal storage variants, also with microSD expansion. This provides significantly more space for apps, photos, videos, and files, catering to users who need ample storage.
- Winner: note 9
Software & Updates
- S7 Edge: Launched with Android Marshmallow and received updates up to Android 8.0 Oreo. It is no longer receiving official software or security updates, leaving it vulnerable to newer threats and lacking modern features.
- Note 9: Launched with Android 8.1 Oreo and received updates up to Android 10. While it may no longer be on the latest Android version, it has received more recent updates than the S7 edge, offering a more modern software experience and better security patching for longer.
- Winner: note 9
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size & Quality | note 9 |
| Performance | note 9 |
| Camera System | note 9 |
| Battery Life | note 9 |
| Storage Options | note 9 |
| S Pen Functionality | note 9 |
| Value/Price (Considering Age) | s7 edge |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices boast vibrant Super AMOLED displays, offering excellent color reproduction and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Storage Expansion: You can expand the storage on both the s7 edge and the note 9 using a microSD card, giving you ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated, meaning they can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth and for a specific duration, providing peace of mind against accidental spills or rain.
- Premium Build: Both the s7 edge and the note 9 feature a premium build quality with glass and metal construction, giving them a flagship feel in the hand.
- Fast Charging: While the battery capacities differ, both devices support fast charging technology to get you back up and running quickly when your battery is low.
S7 Edge Vs Note 9 Buying Guide
For the Budget-Conscious Buyer
If your primary concern is cost, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, being an older model, will undoubtedly be significantly cheaper. You can find it at much lower prices, especially on the used or refurbished market. This makes it an excellent option for those who want a capable smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Consider if the trade-off in features and performance is acceptable for your budget. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
For the Power User and Multitasker
The Note 9 is the clear winner for power users. Its superior processor, more RAM, and the integrated S Pen offer unparalleled productivity and multitasking capabilities. If you demand the best performance for gaming, demanding applications, or extensive note-taking and drawing, the Note 9 is built for you. The larger screen also enhances the experience for these tasks.
For the Camera Enthusiast
While the S7 Edge boasts a respectable camera for its time, the Note 9 offers a more advanced and versatile camera system. With its dual-lens setup, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom, the Note 9 provides greater flexibility in capturing different types of shots. Its low-light performance and image processing are also generally superior, leading to more detailed and vibrant photos.
For Long-Term Software Support
The Note 9, being a newer device, will receive software updates for a longer period than the S7 Edge. Samsung typically provides several years of major Android OS updates and security patches for its flagship devices. If you plan to keep your phone for an extended duration and want to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements, the Note 9 is the more future-proof choice. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s7 edge If…
- You’re looking for a more compact device with a curved display.
- Your budget is a primary concern, and you want a capable older flagship.
- You don’t need the absolute latest processor or the most advanced camera features.
- You value its enduring legacy as a popular Samsung device.
Buy note 9 If…
- You desire a larger screen for productivity and media consumption.
- You want the versatility of a dual-lens rear camera system.
- The S Pen stylus is a feature you’d utilize for note-taking or creative tasks.
- You need significantly more RAM and internal storage options.
- A larger battery capacity for extended use is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Note 9, however, boasts a larger 6.4-inch screen compared to the S7 Edge’s 5.5-inch display. The Note 9’s display also offers a slightly higher resolution and is brighter, making it more enjoyable for media consumption and outdoor use. The S7 Edge’s display, while still excellent, is smaller and less immersive by comparison.
Is the S Pen on the Note 9 worth it?
The S Pen on the Note 9 is a significant differentiator and a major draw for many users. It offers enhanced productivity features like note-taking, drawing, remote camera control, and air gestures. If you frequently jot down notes, sketch ideas, or need precise input, the S Pen adds substantial value. For users who don’t utilize these features, it might be less of a deciding factor.
How do the cameras compare?
The Note 9 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide and a 12MP telephoto lens, offering optical zoom and better low-light performance. The S7 Edge has a single 12MP rear camera. While the S7 Edge’s camera is still capable, the Note 9 provides more versatility and generally produces sharper, more detailed images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Note 9’s camera is a clear upgrade. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Which phone offers better battery life?
The Note 9 comes with a larger 4000 mAh battery, which, combined with its more power-efficient processor, generally provides better endurance than the S7 Edge’s 3600 mAh battery. While battery life can vary based on usage, the Note 9 is expected to last longer on a single charge, especially under moderate to heavy use. Both devices support fast charging, but the Note 9’s larger capacity gives it an edge.
Is the S7 Edge still a good buy in 2024?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge can still be a decent option for very basic smartphone needs if purchased at a very low price, especially for users who prioritize a headphone jack and expandable storage. However, its age means it will no longer receive major software updates, and its performance, camera capabilities, and battery life will be significantly outmatched by modern devices like the Note 9. It’s a budget choice but with considerable compromises.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is the superior device in almost every aspect. Its enhanced performance, larger and brighter display, significantly better camera system, S Pen functionality, and longer software support make it the clear choice for anyone seeking a premium smartphone experience. While the S7 Edge was a great phone in its day, it has been surpassed by newer technology. The Note 9 offers a more robust and future-proof package for power users and everyday consumers alike.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note 9