By
Chris Holmes Staff Writer
Updated

The Samsung Galaxy Note10 versus the Samsung Galaxy S9

EDITOR'S NOTE: Since their releases in 2018 and 2019, respectively, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note10 have been replaced by new Galaxy models, and the Galaxy Note series has been discontinued. The information below reflects the data and pricing at the time of the devices' releases, and availability will differ from when we first reviewed these devices.

You can upgrade to a newer Galaxy phone, or you may still be able to find refurbished models of this device through retailers such as Amazon or eBay.


The Galaxy Note10 might be Samsung's best and brightest phone at the moment, but that doesn't mean that the Galaxy S9 can't hold its own in a spec-to-spec comparison. After all, it was considered one of the most innovative devices on the market not that long ago. 

If you're trying to pick between the Samsung Galaxy Note10 and the Samsung Galaxy S9, then this is the page for you. We'll give you all the information you need so you can make the decision that's best for you.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S9
Feature Galaxy Note10 Galaxy S9
Cameras Winner
A higher megapixel front camera, two additional rear cameras, with S Pen gesture control

Two less cameras and fewer features
Speed Winner
Android's fastest processor yet
Slower processor that will get taxed a lot faster when working with multiple applications
Battery Life Winner
Offers around 25 hours of talk time

Battery will die 3 hours sooner than the Note10
Affordability

About $350 more expensive than the Galaxy S9
Winner
The price just keeps getting better

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S9: Specs


Below you will find a comparison of both the Samsung Galaxy Note10's and Samsung Galaxy S9's specs. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Samsung Galaxy S9

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S9: Cameras


The Galaxy Note10 sports all of Samsung's latest imaging and audio technology, but how does it stack up against the Galaxy S9? Take a look below to find out. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Samsung Galaxy S9: Cameras
Feature Galaxy Note10 Galaxy S9
Rear Cameras  16MP ultra-wide,
12MP wide-angle, and 12MP telephoto
12MP wide-angle
Front Camera 10MP wide-angle 8MP wide-angle
Video up to 4K@60fps up to 4K@30fps 
S Pen Switch between front and back cameras, snap photos, zoom, switch angles, change filter  n/a
Key Features Audio-zoom to silence background noise, bokeh photo-effect (below), super steady action video capture, up to 123 degree field of vision, and full editing studio  Bokeh photo-effect (pictured below), optical image stabilization, slow mo, improved low light shots, and flaw detection notifies you when you've taken a bad shot 

Winner: Galaxy Note10

Even though the Samsung Galaxy Note10 is the clear winner in the smartphone camera department, both phones can take great shots, it's all about whether or not the extra $350 is worth it for you. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S9: Speed


The Samsung Galaxy Note10's Snapdragon 855 processor is 45% more efficient than the Samsung Galaxy S9 Snapdragon 845. 

On top of that, the Galaxy Note10 offers double the RAM offered by the Galaxy S9 (8GB vs 4GB). Together, that means that the Galaxy Note10 is able to do more at a faster pace than the Galaxy S9. However, that still doesn't mean that the Galaxy S9 is slow by any means, it's just not as fast as the Galaxy Note10. 

Winner: Galaxy Note10

Having better internal specs means that the phone is going to run faster, another win for the Galaxy Note10. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S9: Battery


The Samsung Galaxy Note10 offers a slightly better battery to the Samsung Galaxy S9's. Even though that might not seem like a lot, take a look below at the comparison between each device's operating times. 

Note10 vs S9 Battery Life Comparison
Galaxy Note10 Galaxy S9
Battery Size 3,500mAh 3,000mAh
Standby 3.75 days display on
12.6 days display off
3.5 days display on
13.6 days display off
Talk Time around 25 hours around 22 hours
Video Playback
around 18 hours around 16 hours
Audio Playback around 94 hours 
around 80 hours
4G Internet Use around 15 hours around 12 hours

Winner: Galaxy Note10

Again, the phone with the bigger battery wins here, but not by much. 

Samsung Galaxy Note10 vs Galaxy S9: Conclusion and Pricing


Overall Winner: Galaxy Note10 

Even though the Galaxy Note10 sports Samsung's best and brightest technologies, it costs a minimum of $350 more than the Galaxy S9. Even though the Galaxy S9 is a year older, it was also once one of the best Android devices when it was released.

No matter which Samsung Galaxy smartphone you end up with, we're here to help you find a great deal on it. To find one, head over to our state-of-the-art comparison engine or take a look each phone's plan page below. You can also see how the Galaxy S10 compares to the Note10 or the S9

Samsung

Galaxy S9 64GB

  • 5.8 inch display
  • Rear Camera: 12MP
5 Plans from $17/mo + $399.99 Upfront
Samsung

Galaxy Note10+ 256GB

  • 6.8 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP, 16MP
12 Plans from $10 + $369 Upfront

Chris Holmes

Staff Writer

Chris Holmes
Chris Holmes is a Contributing Writer for WhistleOut, where he covers the cell phone and internet industries. His work has been cited in publications like The Verge, The New York Times, and WIRED.

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