S9 Plus vs S10 Plus: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re caught between two fantastic options. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide: is the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus worth the upgrade, or does the older Galaxy S9 Plus still hold its own?
Both phones boast impressive features, but they represent different stages in Samsung’s evolution. The Galaxy S9 Plus was a powerhouse in its time, offering a sleek design and a vibrant display. The Galaxy S10 Plus, however, brought a host of improvements and a refreshed design that set a new standard.
We’ll examine the key differences, from performance and camera capabilities to battery life and overall user experience. This comprehensive guide will break down the pros and cons of each device, ensuring you make an informed decision and find the perfect fit for your needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s9 plus | s10 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Display Technology | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2960 pixels | 1440 x 3040 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Triple 12MP + 16MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 10MP + 8MP |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 4100 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable |
| 5G | No | Yes (some variants) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S9 Plus: Features a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it great for media consumption. However, the bezels are larger compared to the s10 plus.
- S10 Plus: Boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. The display is brighter, more energy-efficient, and offers a more immersive experience with its punch-hole camera design. Its punch hole design can be distracting.
- Winner: s10 plus
Processor
- S9 Plus: Powered by either the Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 processor, depending on the region. Performance is still respectable for everyday tasks, but it may show its age with demanding games.
- S10 Plus: Equipped with either the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, offering a significant performance boost over the s9 plus. Apps load faster, and multitasking is smoother.
- Winner: s10 plus
Camera
- S9 Plus: Includes a dual 12MP rear camera setup with variable aperture, offering good image quality in various lighting conditions. It’s a capable camera, but lacks some features found in newer phones.
- S10 Plus: Features a triple 12MP rear camera setup with ultrawide and telephoto lenses, providing more versatility. Offers improved image processing and better low-light performance.
- Winner: s10 plus
Battery
- S9 Plus: Packs a 3500mAh battery, which can provide all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, heavy users may need to recharge before the day is over.
- S10 Plus: Comes with a larger 4100mAh battery, offering significantly better battery life. It easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage.
- Winner: s10 plus
Design
- S9 Plus: Features a sleek design with a glass back and metal frame. It has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and a traditional bezel design.
- S10 Plus: Has a more modern design with a punch-hole display and a slimmer bezel. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is embedded in the display.
- Winner: s10 plus
RAM and Storage
- S9 Plus: Offers 6GB RAM and 64GB/128GB/256GB storage options. This is sufficient for most users but may feel limiting for those that store a lot of media.
- S10 Plus: Comes with 8GB or 12GB RAM and 128GB/512GB/1TB storage options. Provides more headroom for multitasking and storing large files.
- Winner: s10 plus
Software
- S9 Plus: Runs on Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI. Software support is limited.
- S10 Plus: Runs on Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12 with Samsung’s One UI. Longer software support compared to the s9 plus.
- Winner: s10 plus
Other Features
- S9 Plus: Includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, Bixby button, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- S10 Plus: Offers an in-display fingerprint sensor, Bixby button (re-mappable), and no 3.5mm headphone jack. Also features Wireless PowerShare.
- Winner: s10 plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | s10 plus |
| Performance | s10 plus |
| Camera | s10 plus |
| Battery Life | s10 plus |
| Design | s10 plus (subjective) |
| Value | s9 plus |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones boast an IP68 rating, offering excellent protection against water and dust. This means they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Super AMOLED technology, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. This ensures a stunning visual experience when watching videos or browsing the web.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to power up your phone without the need for cables. They also support reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices.
- Expandable Storage: Both the Galaxy S9 Plus and S10 Plus offer microSD card slots, allowing users to expand their storage capacity. This is ideal for those who need more space for photos, videos, and other files.
- Premium Design: Both phones feature a premium design with a glass front and back, and a metal frame. They both feel great in hand, offering a flagship feel.
S9 Plus Vs S10 Plus Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus boasts a significant performance upgrade compared to the S9 Plus. The S10 Plus features either the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor (depending on the region), offering considerably faster processing speeds and improved graphics capabilities. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall user experience. The S9 Plus, with its Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810, is still a capable phone, but it lags behind in raw power, particularly when handling demanding games or resource-intensive applications. Consider how you will use the phone to determine the importance of this performance difference.
Camera Capabilities
Camera technology advanced substantially between the S9 Plus and the S10 Plus. While both phones capture excellent photos, the S10 Plus introduces a triple-lens rear camera setup, offering greater versatility with its ultra-wide lens. This allows for wider shots and creative composition possibilities. The S10 Plus also benefits from improved image processing, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos. The S9 Plus has a dual-lens setup, which is still excellent, but the S10 Plus offers a more comprehensive and advanced camera experience. This makes the S10 Plus a better choice for photography enthusiasts.
Display Quality and Design
The S10 Plus features a larger, more immersive display with a smaller bezel and a punch-hole camera design, maximizing screen real estate. The Dynamic AMOLED display on the S10 Plus provides brighter colors, deeper blacks, and better overall viewing angles compared to the Super AMOLED display on the S9 Plus. The S10 Plus also has a more modern and refined design with a slimmer profile. The S9 Plus still has a beautiful display, but the S10 Plus provides a more contemporary design and an enhanced visual experience. Consider design preference when choosing between the two.
Battery Life and Charging
The S10 Plus generally offers slightly improved battery life compared to the S9 Plus. Both phones have large batteries, but the S10 Plus’s more efficient processor contributes to longer usage times. Both support fast charging, but the S10 Plus also offers wireless PowerShare, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices. While the S9 Plus still has good battery life, the S10 Plus provides a slight edge in this area. This difference is more noticeable with heavier use and can impact your daily routine.
Software and Features
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, which is a user-friendly and feature-rich interface. However, the S10 Plus launched with a more advanced version of Android and One UI. The S10 Plus also has features like in-display fingerprint sensor and more advanced AR Emojis. Both phones receive software updates, but the S10 Plus is likely to receive updates for a longer period. The S10 Plus offers a slightly more up-to-date software experience with additional features and potential future updates. This can be an important factor for those seeking the latest software features.
Price and Value
The S9 Plus is typically available at a lower price point than the S10 Plus, making it a more budget-friendly option. This is especially true if you are purchasing a used or refurbished model. While the S10 Plus offers significant upgrades, the S9 Plus still provides excellent value for its price. Consider your budget and the importance of the advanced features offered by the S10 Plus. The S9 Plus is a great choice for those seeking a premium phone without breaking the bank. The S10 Plus offers more features, but it is more expensive.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s9 plus If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable flagship phone.
- You prefer a phone with a traditional design, without a punch-hole camera.
- You don’t need the latest processor or camera technology.
- You want a phone that still offers excellent performance and features.
Buy s10 plus If…
- You want the latest and greatest features, including a more advanced camera system.
- You value a larger display with a higher screen-to-body ratio.
- You want a phone with a more powerful processor for demanding tasks.
- You’re looking for a phone with a longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the S9 Plus and S10 Plus?
The S10 Plus boasts a more powerful processor, a triple-lens camera, a larger and more vibrant display, and a more modern design compared to the S9 Plus. It also offers features like an in-display fingerprint sensor and wireless PowerShare. The S9 Plus remains a capable device, but the S10 Plus has notable upgrades.
Does the S10 Plus have a better camera than the S9 Plus?
Yes, the S10 Plus has a significantly improved camera system. It features a triple-lens setup, including an ultra-wide lens, which allows for more versatile shooting options. It also benefits from improved image processing, leading to better low-light performance and overall image quality. The S9 Plus has a good camera, but the S10 Plus is superior.
Is the S10 Plus worth the extra cost?
That depends on your needs and budget. The S10 Plus offers significant upgrades in performance, camera capabilities, and design. If these features are important to you and your budget allows, then yes, the S10 Plus is worth the extra cost. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the S9 Plus remains a good choice.
Which phone has better battery life?
The S10 Plus generally offers slightly better battery life than the S9 Plus, thanks to its more efficient processor. Both phones have large batteries, providing all-day battery life for most users. However, the S10 Plus may offer a longer usage time depending on your usage patterns.
Does the S10 Plus have a headphone jack?
No, neither the S10 Plus nor the S9 Plus have a headphone jack. Both phones require the use of Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for wired audio. This is a common design trend in modern smartphones.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S10 Plus is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor and improved graphics capabilities. It offers smoother frame rates and faster loading times in demanding games. The S9 Plus is still capable of gaming, but the S10 Plus provides a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones are made with glass and metal construction, making them susceptible to damage from drops. Neither phone is inherently more durable than the other. It’s recommended to use a protective case with either phone to minimize the risk of damage. Consider the use of a screen protector as well.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus edges out the S9 Plus due to superior performance, a more advanced camera system, and a more modern design. While the S9 Plus remains a capable device at a lower price, the S10 Plus offers a more refined and feature-rich experience. The S10 Plus is the better choice for those who prioritize the latest technology and a premium user experience.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus