Samsung S9 vs note 9 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note 9Samsung Galaxy S9
SeriesNote seriesS series
Stylus supportYesNo
Stylus includedS PenNone
S Pen BluetoothYesNot applicable
S Pen remote actionsCamera, media, slidesNot applicable
Display size6.4-inch5.8-inch
Display usable areaLargerSmaller
Body heightTallerShorter
Body widthWiderNarrower
Battery capacity4000 mAh3000 mAh
RAM6 GB / 8 GB4 GB
Base storage128 GB64 GB
Maximum storage512 GB256 GB
Productivity featuresAir CommandNone
Note-taking featuresScreen Off MemoNot supported
Multitasking spaceLarger split-screenSmaller split-screen
Stylus accessoriesTips, removerNone
Target user focusProductivityCompact flagship
Note-exclusive softwareYesNo
PriceCheck Samsung Note 9 PriceCheck 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

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note 9Samsung Galaxy S9
Operating systemAndroidAndroid
Samsung Experience / One UI supportYesYes
AMOLED display typeSuper AMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Display resolutionQHD+QHD+
HDR supportHDR10HDR10
Always-On DisplayYesYes
Processor (region-based)Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845
Rear camera resolution12 MP12 MP
Variable aperture cameraf/1.5–f/2.4f/1.5–f/2.4
Optical image stabilizationYesYes
Front camera resolution8 MP8 MP
Video recording4K UHD4K UHD
Fingerprint sensorRear-mountedRear-mounted
Iris scannerYesYes
Face recognitionYesYes
IP ratingIP68IP68
Headphone jack3.5 mm3.5 mm
Stereo speakersAKG-tunedAKG-tuned
microSD expansionYesYes
USB portUSB Type-CUSB Type-C
Wireless chargingQi / PMAQi / PMA
Fast wired chargingYesYes
Price Check Samsung Note 9 Price
Check Samsung S9 Price

FAQ

Does the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 support the S Pen?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 supports the S Pen and includes it in the box, enabling handwriting, drawing, remote controls, and advanced productivity features that are not available on the Samsung Galaxy S9.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S9 support any stylus input?
No, the Samsung Galaxy S9 does not support stylus input and does not include or recognize the S Pen, relying entirely on touch-based interaction.

Do both phones use the same processor?
Yes, both devices use the same chipset depending on region, either the Exynos 9810 or the Snapdragon 845, resulting in very similar overall processing performance.

Is the camera hardware the same on both models?
Yes, both phones share the same 12 MP rear camera with dual aperture and optical image stabilization, delivering comparable photo and video quality.

Do both phones support 4K video recording?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Samsung Galaxy S9 both support 4K UHD video recording with similar frame rate options.

Is the display quality the same on both devices?
Yes, both phones use Super AMOLED QHD+ displays with HDR10 support, offering similar sharpness, color accuracy, and contrast, despite the size difference.

Do both phones have expandable storage?
Yes, both models support microSD card expansion, allowing users to increase storage beyond the built-in capacity.

Is wireless charging available on both phones?
Yes, both devices support Qi and PMA wireless charging standards, allowing cable-free charging with compatible pads.

Do both phones include a headphone jack?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Samsung Galaxy S9 include a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio accessories.

Are the biometric security options the same?
Yes, both phones support fingerprint scanning, iris scanning, and face recognition for device security and unlocking.

Do both phones support Samsung DeX?
Yes, both devices support Samsung DeX, enabling a desktop-style interface when connected to an external display.

Is water and dust resistance the same on both models?
Yes, both phones carry an IP68 rating, providing resistance against dust and water immersion under controlled conditions.

Do both phones use the same build materials?
Yes, both devices use a combination of glass and metal, giving them a premium look and similar durability characteristics.

Is battery life similar between the two phones?
No, battery life differs because the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has a larger 4000 mAh battery, while the Samsung Galaxy S9 uses a smaller 3000 mAh battery.

Which phone is better for one-handed use?
The Samsung Galaxy S9 is generally easier to use with one hand due to its smaller size and lighter weight, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 prioritizes screen space and productivity over compact handling.