Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Samsung Galaxy S9 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 rather than the Samsung Galaxy S9.
Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy Note 9?
- The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display for more comfortable multitasking, note-taking, and split-screen productivity, while the Samsung Galaxy S9 has a smaller 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 includes a 4000 mAh battery for longer screen-on time during heavy usage such as gaming, navigation, and productivity tasks, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S9 includes a smaller 3000 mAh battery.
- It features higher RAM configurations up to 8 GB for smoother multitasking and better performance under sustained workloads, while the Samsung Galaxy S9 uses a lower 4 GB RAM configuration.
- The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 comes with the S Pen for precise handwriting, drawing, and document annotation during work or study, while the Samsung Galaxy S9 comes with no stylus support.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 supports Bluetooth-enabled S Pen remote controls for triggering the camera shutter, changing slides, and controlling media from a distance, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S9 supports no remote input features.
- It comes with a higher base 128 GB internal storage option for storing more apps, photos, and videos without relying on external storage, while the Samsung Galaxy S9 comes with 64 GB base storage.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 features Note-exclusive productivity software such as Air Command and Screen Off Memo for faster idea capture and workflow efficiency, while the Samsung Galaxy S9 features no Note-specific productivity tools.
Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S9 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note 9 | Samsung Galaxy S9 |
| Series | Note series | S series |
| Stylus support | Yes | No |
| Stylus included | S Pen | None |
| S Pen Bluetooth | Yes | Not applicable |
| S Pen remote actions | Camera, media, slides | Not applicable |
| Display size | 6.4-inch | 5.8-inch |
| Display usable area | Larger | Smaller |
| Body height | Taller | Shorter |
| Body width | Wider | Narrower |
| Battery capacity | 4000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Base storage | 128 GB | 64 GB |
| Maximum storage | 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Productivity features | Air Command | None |
| Note-taking features | Screen Off Memo | Not supported |
| Multitasking space | Larger split-screen | Smaller split-screen |
| Stylus accessories | Tips, remover | None |
| Target user focus | Productivity | Compact flagship |
| Note-exclusive software | Yes | No |
| Price | Check Samsung Note 9 Price | Check Samsung S9 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Operating system: Both smartphones run on Android, ensuring access to the Google Play ecosystem and wide app compatibility. This allows users to install productivity, entertainment, and utility apps without limitation.
- Samsung Experience / One UI support: Both devices support Samsung’s custom software interface, providing consistent navigation, system features, and Samsung-exclusive apps. This ensures a familiar experience across both models.
- AMOLED display type: Each phone uses a Super AMOLED panel, delivering deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. This improves readability, media consumption, and power efficiency.
- Display resolution: Both models feature a QHD+ resolution, resulting in sharp text and detailed images. This resolution is especially useful for VR content, gaming, and high-resolution media.
- HDR support: HDR10 support on both devices enables enhanced contrast and brightness in supported video content. This results in more realistic visuals when streaming compatible media.
- Always-On Display: Both phones include an Always-On Display feature, allowing users to view notifications, time, and battery status without waking the device. This improves convenience while minimizing power usage.
- Processor (region-based): Both models use the same flagship-class chipsets depending on region, ensuring similar raw performance. This allows smooth multitasking, gaming, and general system responsiveness.
- Rear camera resolution: Each device uses a 12 MP primary rear camera, maintaining comparable image detail. This consistency helps deliver similar photo quality across lighting conditions.
- Variable aperture camera: Both cameras include a dual-aperture system that adjusts based on lighting. This improves low-light performance while maintaining sharpness in bright scenes.
- Optical image stabilization: OIS is present on both phones, helping reduce blur in photos and stabilize handheld video. This is particularly useful in low-light and motion scenarios.
- Front camera resolution: Both phones use an 8 MP front-facing camera, enabling comparable selfie quality. This supports video calls and facial recognition features.
- Video recording: Each device supports 4K UHD video recording, allowing high-resolution video capture. This is beneficial for content creation and long-term video storage.
- Fingerprint sensor: A rear-mounted fingerprint scanner is included on both models, providing fast and secure biometric authentication. This enhances device security and ease of unlocking.
- Iris scanner: Both phones support iris scanning as an additional biometric option. This offers an alternative secure unlocking method in certain conditions.
- Face recognition: Face recognition is available on both devices, allowing hands-free unlocking. This improves convenience when biometric speed is preferred over manual input.
- IP rating: With an IP68 rating, both phones are resistant to dust and water immersion. This adds durability and peace of mind during everyday use.
- Headphone jack: Both devices retain a 3.5 mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with wired headphones. This is useful for users who prefer traditional audio accessories.
- Stereo speakers: Each phone includes AKG-tuned stereo speakers, delivering balanced and immersive audio. This enhances media playback and gaming experiences.
- microSD expansion: Both models support expandable storage via microSD cards. This allows users to increase storage capacity without replacing the device.
- USB port: USB Type-C is used on both phones for charging and data transfer. This ensures modern connectivity and reversible plug convenience.
- Wireless charging: Both devices support Qi and PMA wireless charging standards. This allows cable-free charging with a wide range of compatible chargers.
- Fast wired charging: Fast charging is supported on both phones, reducing downtime when plugged in. This is especially helpful for users with busy schedules.
- Samsung DeX support: Each device supports Samsung DeX, enabling a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor. This expands productivity use cases beyond typical smartphone usage.
- Build materials: Both smartphones use a premium glass-and-metal construction. This provides durability while maintaining a high-end look and feel.
Common Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note 9 | Samsung Galaxy S9 |
| Operating system | Android | Android |
| Samsung Experience / One UI support | Yes | Yes |
| AMOLED display type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Display resolution | QHD+ | QHD+ |
| HDR support | HDR10 | HDR10 |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Processor (region-based) | Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845 | Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845 |
| Rear camera resolution | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Variable aperture camera | f/1.5–f/2.4 | f/1.5–f/2.4 |
| Optical image stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Front camera resolution | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video recording | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted | Rear-mounted |
| Iris scanner | Yes | Yes |
| Face recognition | Yes | Yes |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Headphone jack | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Stereo speakers | AKG-tuned | AKG-tuned |
| microSD expansion | Yes | Yes |
| USB port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Wireless charging | Qi / PMA | Qi / PMA |
| Fast wired charging | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Samsung Note 9 Price | Check Samsung S9 Price |
FAQ
Does the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 support the S Pen? Does the Samsung Galaxy S9 support any stylus input? Do both phones use the same processor? Is the camera hardware the same on both models? Do both phones support 4K video recording? Is the display quality the same on both devices? Do both phones have expandable storage? Is wireless charging available on both phones? Do both phones include a headphone jack? Are the biometric security options the same? Do both phones support Samsung DeX? Is water and dust resistance the same on both models? Do both phones use the same build materials? Is battery life similar between the two phones? Which phone is better for one-handed use? |