Galaxy S10+ Vs Galaxy S9

Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10+
Starting at

Refurbished price:135.00

Versus €1,009.00 new

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Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9
Starting at

Refurbished price:131.41

Versus €499.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S9, released in March 2018, represent two generations of Samsung's flagship smartphone line. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S10 Plus introduced a larger display with a different camera cutout, an upgraded camera system, and enhanced internal components. Both run on the Android operating system, with the S10 Plus launching with a newer version and receiving longer software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and subsequent software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S9 was released in March 2018, while the Galaxy S10 Plus followed a year later in March 2019. This difference in launch date directly impacts their software longevity.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S9 concluded its major Android updates with Android 10, while the Galaxy S10 Plus received updates up to Android 12. This means the S10 Plus offers a longer period of official software support, which can be important for security updates and compatibility with newer applications.
  • Build and Durability: Both devices feature a glass-and-aluminum construction with IP68 dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S10 Plus, however, features Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front, an upgrade from the Gorilla Glass 5 found on the Galaxy S9, potentially offering slightly better scratch and drop resistance for the display.

Year of Release

2019

2018

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications. Both the Galaxy S9 and S10 Plus deliver capable performance, but the newer model offers notable advancements.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a newer generation processor compared to the Galaxy S9. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of graphically intensive games and applications.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S10 Plus typically comes with more RAM, starting at 8GB compared to the Galaxy S9's 4GB, which benefits users who frequently switch between many applications. Storage options are also more expansive on the S10 Plus, with configurations up to 1TB, whereas the S9 offered up to 256GB, though both support expandable storage via microSD.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S10 Plus is equipped with a larger 4100 mAh battery, a significant increase over the Galaxy S9's 3000 mAh battery. This larger capacity generally results in extended usage times, with many users reporting the S10 Plus can comfortably last through a full day of heavy use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature high-quality displays, a hallmark of Samsung's flagship phones, though the S10 Plus brings some refinements.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S9 features a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S10 Plus boasts a larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. The Dynamic AMOLED panel on the S10 Plus is designed to offer improved color accuracy and brightness, particularly with HDR10+ content.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer a Quad HD+ resolution, providing sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy S9 has a slightly higher pixel density due to its smaller screen size, but the difference is generally not noticeable in everyday use.
  • Viewing Experience: The S10 Plus features a punch-hole cutout for its front cameras, allowing for a more expansive, nearly edge-to-edge viewing area compared to the S9's traditional bezels. This design choice provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1440 x 2960

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S9 and S10 Plus were considered advanced for their time, with the S10 Plus introducing a more versatile setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S9 features a single 12MP rear camera with a variable aperture (f/1.5-f/2.4), which helps in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S10 Plus upgrades this to a triple-camera array, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with variable aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. This ultrawide lens provides a broader perspective for landscape and group shots.
  • Low-Light Performance and Features: Both phones excel in low-light conditions due to their wide apertures and image processing. The S9's variable aperture was a key innovation for capturing more light. The S10 Plus further refines low-light photography with its updated sensors and processing, and its ultrawide lens offers new creative possibilities.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy S9 has an 8MP front camera. The S10 Plus features a dual front camera setup with a 10MP main sensor and an 8MP depth sensor, allowing for improved portrait mode selfies.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several other elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices offer modern connectivity options including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Galaxy S9 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that was removed in many subsequent flagship phones. The S10 Plus also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The S10 Plus introduced Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections with compatible routers.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S9 features a traditional rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and an iris scanner. The Galaxy S10 Plus innovated with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, providing a more seamless and modern unlocking experience.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S10 Plus is slightly thinner and lighter than the Galaxy S9, despite having a larger screen, contributing to a more refined in-hand feel. The S10 Plus also introduced Wireless PowerShare, allowing it to wirelessly charge other compatible devices.

Weight

175 g

163 g

Width

7,41 cm

6,87 cm

Height

15.76 cm

14,77 cm

Depth

0,78 cm

0,85 cm

Screen size (in)

6.4

5.8

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S10 Plus both delivered strong smartphone experiences in their respective eras. Users often praised the Galaxy S9 for its innovative variable aperture camera, which significantly improved low-light photography, and its compact, manageable size. Its Super AMOLED display was also highly regarded for its vibrant colors and clarity. Some common criticisms for the S9 included its battery life, which for heavy users might require more frequent charging, and the placement of its rear fingerprint sensor.

The Galaxy S10 Plus, on the other hand, was frequently lauded for its expansive and immersive Dynamic AMOLED display with minimal bezels, its versatile triple-camera system that added an ultrawide lens, and its significantly improved battery life. The ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor was also a popular, modern addition. Some users noted that the initial reliability of the in-display fingerprint sensor could be inconsistent, and the ultrawide camera, while useful, could sometimes exhibit distortion at the edges.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with a still-capable camera and a traditional headphone jack might find the Galaxy S9 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a larger, more immersive display, a more versatile camera system with an ultrawide lens, extended battery life, and a modern in-display fingerprint sensor will likely lean towards the Galaxy S10 Plus. Both devices, as quality-assured refurbished options, offer an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking premium smartphone features.

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