Samsung S10 vs S9: Which Galaxy Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to decide between the Samsung Galaxy S10 and the S9? You’re not alone! These two smartphones, released just a year apart, both boast impressive features and performance, making the choice a tough one for any potential buyer. We’re here to break down the key differences and similarities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
The Samsung S10 brought some significant upgrades to the table, but the S9 remains a strong contender, especially considering its potentially lower price point. We’ll dive into the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life of both devices.
Whether you’re a long-time Samsung fan or just looking for a new Android phone, this comparison of the Samsung S10 vs S9 will provide you with all the information needed to make an informed purchase. Let’s get started and find out which phone comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | S10 | S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 512 GB | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 3400 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung S10: Features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ certification, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The display has a higher screen-to-body ratio due to the punch-hole camera design. A potential con is the punch-hole, which some users may find distracting.
- S9: Boasts a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. It has a slightly lower screen-to-body ratio compared to the S10. The bezels are more prominent than on the S10.
- Winner: S10
Processor
- Samsung S10: Powered by either a Snapdragon 855 (in the US) or Exynos 9820 (in other regions), offering significant performance improvements. Delivers smoother multitasking and faster app loading. A con is the processor split based on region.
- S9: Utilizes a Snapdragon 845 (US) or Exynos 9810 (other regions), which is still a capable processor but lags behind the S10 in terms of raw power. May experience slight performance slowdowns in demanding tasks.
- Winner: S10
Camera
- Samsung S10: Equipped with a triple-lens rear camera system, including a telephoto lens and an ultrawide lens, offering greater versatility in photography. Image quality is excellent, with improved low-light performance. The ultrawide lens can distort images.
- S9: Features a dual-lens rear camera with a variable aperture, allowing for good image quality in various lighting conditions. Lacks the ultrawide lens found on the S10. Low light performance is not as good as the S10.
- Winner: S10
Battery
- Samsung S10: Packs a 3400mAh battery, providing decent battery life for a full day of use. Battery life is adequate but not exceptional under heavy usage.
- S9: Comes with a 3000mAh battery, which may struggle to last a full day for some users, especially with heavy usage. Battery life is a common complaint.
- Winner: S10
Design
- Samsung S10: Features a more modern design with a punch-hole display and a sleeker overall aesthetic. The phone is slightly larger. Some users might not like the punch-hole.
- S9: Has a more traditional design with bezels and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The design is still premium but feels dated compared to the S10.
- Winner: S10
Storage
- Samsung S10: Offers more storage options, starting at 128GB, and also supports microSD card expansion. Gives users more flexibility in storing files.
- S9: Starts at 64GB of storage, which may be limiting for some users, but also supports microSD card expansion.
- Winner: S10
Software
- Samsung S10: Runs on Android 9.0 Pie (upgradable) with One UI, offering a cleaner and more user-friendly interface. Receives software updates more consistently.
- S9: Initially launched with Android 8.0 Oreo (upgradable), but software support has ended. Runs a slightly older version of Android.
- Winner: S10
Price
- Samsung S10: Typically more expensive due to its newer features and improved performance. Offers a premium price tag.
- S9: Generally available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. A good value option.
- Winner: S9
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | samsung s10 |
| Performance | samsung s10 |
| Camera | samsung s10 |
| Battery Life | samsung s10 |
| Design | samsung s10 |
| Value | s9 |
What They Have in Common:
- Water Resistance: Both phones boast an IP68 rating, offering excellent protection against water and dust. This means both can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Headphone Jack: Both the Galaxy S10 and S9 retained the classic 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by many users. This provides the ability to use any headphones without an adapter.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing convenient ways to top up the battery. They are compatible with both Qi and PMA wireless charging standards.
- Expandable Storage: Both phones offer microSD card slots, allowing users to expand storage capacity. This is ideal for those who need to store large files such as photos and videos.
- Super Amoled Display: Both phones feature vibrant and sharp Super AMOLED displays. This technology offers excellent color accuracy and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
Samsung S10 Vs S9 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung S10 boasts a newer, more powerful processor compared to the S9. Depending on the region, you’ll find either a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 in the S10, offering significant performance gains. The S9, on the other hand, typically features a Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the S10. The S10’s newer architecture also generally provides better power efficiency, leading to potentially longer battery life under similar usage scenarios.
Consider your usage habits, as demanding tasks like video editing or graphically intensive games will benefit most from the S10’s superior processing capabilities. If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls, the S9’s performance may still suffice, but the S10 offers a noticeable upgrade for a smoother overall experience. The difference is more pronounced when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung S10 features a more advanced camera system than the S9, boasting a triple-lens setup on the back compared to the S9’s single or dual-lens arrangement. The S10’s ultra-wide lens adds versatility, allowing you to capture expansive landscapes and group photos with ease. The S10 also offers improved image processing, resulting in better low-light performance, more vibrant colors, and enhanced dynamic range. The S9’s camera is still capable, producing excellent photos in good lighting conditions.
The S10’s camera offers more shooting modes and features, including a dedicated Night mode that significantly improves low-light photography. Video recording on the S10 is also enhanced, with options like 4K 60fps recording and improved image stabilization. If photography is a priority, the S10’s camera system provides a clear advantage. The S9’s camera is reliable, but the S10 offers a more versatile and capable experience.
Display and Design
The Samsung S10 features a slightly larger display with a higher screen-to-body ratio than the S9, thanks to its Infinity-O display with a punch-hole camera. This design element maximizes the screen real estate, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The S10’s display also supports HDR10+ for enhanced color and contrast, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike visuals. The S9 has a beautiful display, but the S10 offers a more modern and expansive viewing area.
The S10’s design incorporates a more modern aesthetic, with thinner bezels and a sleeker overall profile. Both phones feature premium materials like glass and metal, but the S10 feels slightly more refined. The S10 also features an in-display fingerprint sensor, while the S9 has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The S10 provides a more immersive display experience and a more current design language.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung S10 generally offers slightly improved battery life compared to the S9, thanks to a larger battery capacity and the more efficient processor. However, battery life can vary depending on usage patterns. Both phones support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery. The S10 also supports Wireless PowerShare, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices.
The S9’s battery life is adequate for moderate use, but heavy users might find themselves needing to charge it before the end of the day. The S10’s battery provides a bit more headroom, potentially lasting a full day even with more intensive use. Both phones support wireless charging, adding convenience to the charging process. The S10 generally provides a slight edge in battery performance.
Software and Features
The Samsung S10 launched with Android 9 Pie and has since received updates to later Android versions, offering a more up-to-date software experience. The S9 initially shipped with Android 8 Oreo and received updates, but its software support lifecycle is nearing its end. The S10 benefits from the latest features, security patches, and software optimizations.
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, which offers a user-friendly interface with customizable options. However, the S10 benefits from the latest versions of One UI, incorporating new features and improvements. The S10 offers a more up-to-date and feature-rich software experience, with the added benefit of continued software support. The S9 is still usable, but the S10 provides a longer-term software advantage.
Price and Value
The Samsung S10, being the newer phone, typically commands a higher price than the S9. However, the S9 can often be found at a significantly lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when making your decision. Evaluate the price difference and weigh it against the improvements offered by the S10.
The S9 still offers excellent value, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. It provides a premium smartphone experience at a potentially more affordable cost. If you’re looking for the best performance and features, the S10 justifies its price. However, the S9 remains a compelling option for those who prioritize value and still want a high-quality smartphone. Consider the used market if budget is a concern.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung s10 If…
- You want a phone with a more modern design and a larger display.
- You prioritize a phone with a more versatile camera system, including an ultrawide lens.
- You desire a phone with a slightly improved processor for better performance.
- You want the latest Android updates and features.
Buy s9 If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable flagship experience.
- You prefer a smaller and more compact phone size.
- You are satisfied with the performance and features of the S9.
- You want to save money without sacrificing too much performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The S10 boasts a newer processor (Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820) which is noticeably faster than the S9’s (Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810). This leads to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The S10 also generally offers better power efficiency. The difference is most apparent in demanding tasks like video editing or graphically intensive games. The S10 offers a clearly enhanced experience.
How does the camera compare between the S10 and S9?
The S10 has a more advanced camera system with a triple-lens setup, including an ultra-wide lens, versus the S9’s single or dual-lens arrangement. The S10 offers superior low-light performance, more vibrant colors, and enhanced dynamic range. It also features more shooting modes, including a dedicated Night mode, and improved video capabilities, making it a significantly more versatile and capable camera system.
Is the display better on the S10 than the S9?
Yes, the S10 features a slightly larger display with a higher screen-to-body ratio due to its Infinity-O design, which creates a more immersive viewing experience. The S10 also supports HDR10+ for enhanced color and contrast. While the S9 has a beautiful display, the S10’s offers a more modern design and more expansive viewing experience, making it a better choice for media consumption.
What about battery life and charging?
The S10 generally offers slightly improved battery life due to a larger battery capacity and a more efficient processor. Both phones support fast charging. The S10 also features Wireless PowerShare, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices. However, actual battery life varies based on usage. The S10 provides a bit more headroom for heavy users.
What software version does each phone run?
The S10 launched with Android 9 Pie and has received updates to later versions, offering a more up-to-date software experience. The S9 initially shipped with Android 8 Oreo and has received updates, but its software support lifecycle is nearing its end. The S10 benefits from the latest features, security patches, and software optimizations, making it a better choice for long-term use.
Is the S10 worth the extra cost?
That depends on your priorities and budget. The S10 typically costs more, but offers significant improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. If you value these features and have the budget, the S10 is worth it. The S9 offers excellent value, especially at a lower price, so consider your needs and budget. The S10 presents enhanced capabilities overall.
What are the key design differences?
The S10 boasts a more modern design with thinner bezels, an Infinity-O display, and a sleeker profile. The S10 also features an in-display fingerprint sensor, while the S9 uses a rear-mounted sensor. Both phones use premium materials. The S10’s design feels more refined and offers a more immersive display experience. The S10 presents a more contemporary design language, providing a more up-to-date aesthetic.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S10 offers significant improvements over the S9 in terms of performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and software. While the S9 remains a capable phone, the S10 provides a more premium and modern experience, with a more feature-rich offering. The S10’s enhanced performance and improved camera system make it the superior choice for most users. The S9 is a great value, but the S10 is the better overall device.
Winner: Samsung S10