Galaxy S8 Plus vs S9 Plus: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Stuck between the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus and the Galaxy S9 Plus? You’re not alone. Choosing between these two powerhouse smartphones can be tricky, as both offer premium features and sleek designs. This comparison dives deep into the key differences to help you decide which device best fits your needs and budget.
The S8 Plus set a high bar when it launched, boasting a stunning display and impressive performance. Its successor, the S9 Plus, built upon this foundation with several noteworthy upgrades. We’ll explore these enhancements, from camera capabilities to processing power.
Prepare to uncover the nuances that separate these two popular Samsung devices. We’ll examine their displays, performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone comes out on top for your personal use case.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s8 plus | s9 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2960 pixels | 1440 x 2960 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP (Dual Aperture) |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 3500 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), Iris scanner | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), Iris scanner |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S8 Plus: Features a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing an immersive viewing experience. However, the curved edges can sometimes lead to accidental touches.
- S9 Plus: Boasts a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with the same resolution as the s8 plus. It offers improved color accuracy and brightness. The bezels are slightly thinner, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
- Winner: s9 plus
Processor
- S8 Plus: Powered by either a Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 processor, depending on the region. It provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming, but can show its age with demanding applications.
- S9 Plus: Equipped with a Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 processor, offering a noticeable performance boost compared to the s8 plus. It handles multitasking and graphically intensive games with ease.
- Winner: s9 plus
Camera
- S8 Plus: Features a 12MP single-lens rear camera with dual-pixel autofocus. It takes good photos in favorable lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
- S9 Plus: Upgrades to a dual 12MP rear camera setup with variable aperture (f/1.5 and f/2.4). It excels in low-light photography and offers improved image quality and versatility.
- Winner: s9 plus
Battery
- S8 Plus: Packs a 3500mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for a full day of moderate use. However, heavy users may need to charge it before the end of the day.
- S9 Plus: Also has a 3500mAh battery. Battery life is slightly improved due to the more efficient processor.
- Winner: s9 plus
Design
- S8 Plus: Showcases a sleek design with a curved glass back and minimal bezels. The fingerprint sensor is awkwardly placed on the back.
- S9 Plus: Maintains a similar design language to the s8 plus but with refinements, including a repositioned fingerprint sensor that is more accessible.
- Winner: s9 plus
RAM and Storage
- S8 Plus: Offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage (expandable via microSD). This is sufficient for most users but may struggle with demanding multitasking.
- S9 Plus: Comes with 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB/256GB of storage (expandable via microSD), providing better performance and more storage options.
- Winner: s9 plus
Software
- S8 Plus: Runs on Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later, with Samsung’s custom interface. It provides a good user experience but may feel dated compared to newer versions of Android.
- S9 Plus: Ships with Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later. The software experience is smoother and more optimized.
- Winner: s9 plus
Audio
- S8 Plus: Has a single bottom-firing speaker that produces decent audio quality.
- S9 Plus: Features stereo speakers tuned by AKG, providing louder and more immersive sound.
- Winner: s9 plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | s9 plus |
| Camera | s9 plus |
| Display | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Software | s9 plus |
| Value | s8 plus |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both phones feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays with curved edges, offering an immersive viewing experience.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy S8 Plus and S9 Plus are IP68-rated, providing protection against dust and water submersion.
- Headphone Jack: Both phones retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by many users.
- Biometrics: Both devices offer fingerprint and iris scanning for secure device unlocking and authentication.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
S8 Plus Vs S9 Plus Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus boasts a significant performance upgrade over the S8 Plus, primarily due to its newer processor. The S9 Plus features either a Snapdragon 845 (in the US) or an Exynos 9810 (in other regions), both offering substantial gains in speed and efficiency. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance. The S8 Plus, with its Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895, is still capable, but it may show its age with demanding tasks. The S9 Plus provides a noticeably snappier experience for everyday use and resource-intensive applications.
Camera Capabilities
The camera is another area where the S9 Plus excels. It introduces a dual-aperture lens, allowing it to adapt to different lighting conditions. This feature allows for improved low-light performance, producing brighter and clearer images in challenging environments. The S8 Plus has a single-lens camera that takes excellent photos in good lighting, but struggles more in low light scenarios, with more noise. The S9 Plus offers a much improved camera experience, especially for users who frequently take photos in varied conditions.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones share a similar design language, featuring curved glass on the front and back with a metal frame. However, the S9 Plus refines the design with slightly thinner bezels and a repositioned fingerprint sensor. The S8 Plus’s fingerprint sensor is located next to the camera, which can be difficult to reach. Both phones are water and dust resistant with an IP68 rating. The S9 Plus design is a minor upgrade over the S8 Plus, but both phones feel premium and well-built.
Display Quality
Both the S8 Plus and S9 Plus feature stunning Super AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The display resolution is essentially the same, offering a sharp and immersive viewing experience. The S9 Plus’s display, however, may be slightly brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. Both phones have curved edges, which enhances the aesthetic appeal. Overall, the display quality is excellent on both devices, but the S9 Plus may offer a small advantage in terms of brightness.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life on both phones is generally comparable, with both offering all-day use for moderate users. However, the S9 Plus may see slightly better battery optimization due to the newer processor. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging. The battery capacity is similar between the two models. The S9 Plus may have a marginal battery life advantage due to its more efficient processor. Both phones provide a solid battery experience.
Price and Value
The S9 Plus, being the newer device, initially launched at a higher price point. However, the S8 Plus can now be found at a considerably lower price, offering excellent value for its features. When considering the price difference, the S8 Plus becomes a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who want a premium phone experience. The S9 Plus, while offering improvements, might not justify the higher cost for everyone, especially if the price difference is significant. Consider your budget and the importance of the latest features when deciding.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s8 plus If…
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You don’t need the latest processor or camera upgrades.
- You are happy with a phone that still offers a premium experience.
Buy s9 plus If…
- You want the best possible performance with the latest processor.
- You prioritize camera quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- You want the latest software features and updates.
- You are looking for more RAM and storage options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the S8 Plus and S9 Plus?
The S9 Plus offers a more powerful processor, an improved camera with a dual-aperture lens, and a slightly refined design. It also may have a marginally brighter display. The S8 Plus is still a capable phone, but the S9 Plus provides noticeable upgrades in performance and camera capabilities. The S9 Plus also has a better placement of the fingerprint sensor.
Which phone has a better camera?
The S9 Plus boasts a significantly improved camera. Its dual-aperture lens allows for better low-light performance and greater versatility. While the S8 Plus takes good photos, the S9 Plus offers a more refined and capable camera experience, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The S9 Plus camera is a major upgrade.
Is the S9 Plus worth the extra cost?
That depends on your priorities and budget. If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and the latest features, then the S9 Plus is worth considering. However, if you are on a budget and prioritize value, the S8 Plus is still a great phone and provides a premium experience at a reduced price. Consider your needs.
Do both phones have expandable storage?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus and S9 Plus feature a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity of your phone. This is a convenient feature if you need to store a large amount of photos, videos, or other files. Both phones have the expandable storage feature.
What is the battery life like on each phone?
Both phones offer decent battery life, typically providing a full day of use for moderate users. The S9 Plus may have slightly better battery optimization due to its newer processor. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging. Battery life is quite comparable between the two.
Are these phones water-resistant?
Yes, both the S8 Plus and the S9 Plus are water and dust resistant, with an IP68 rating. This means they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. This is a great feature for peace of mind, protecting your phone from accidental spills and splashes. They both share this feature.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S9 Plus offers a better gaming experience due to its more powerful processor and improved graphics capabilities. This results in smoother gameplay and faster loading times, especially for demanding games. The S8 Plus can still handle gaming, but the S9 Plus provides a more optimized and enjoyable experience. The S9 Plus is the better choice for gamers.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus offers notable improvements over the S8 Plus, particularly in performance and camera capabilities. While the S8 Plus remains a strong contender, the S9 Plus provides a more refined user experience with its enhanced features and overall performance. The S9 Plus is the superior device for those who want the best possible experience, but the S8 Plus offers excellent value.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus