Samsung Galaxy S8 Vs Samsung Galaxy S9 In 2021! (Comparison) (Review)

TL;DR

The Galaxy S9 offers slight improvements over the S8, mainly in software and performance.

Transcript

welcome back everyone the samsung galaxy s9 and the s8 have been both out for quite a bit of years now i really don't know who's interested in this video but i figured i might as well drop it the galaxy s8 is on the left the galaxy s9 is on the right this phone came on in 2017 this one the year after 2018 and it's crazy because we've been getting s... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 Both the Galaxy S8 and S9 retain a premium feel and design despite being older devices.
• 👤 Software differences between One UI 1 and 2 significantly impact user experience, making the S9 a smoother option.
• 😀 Speed tests show the S9 performing slightly faster in app launches, but the difference is not drastic.
• 🎥 The cameras on both models provide similar quality, yet the S9 offers additional features facilitated by software improvements.
• 🛟 Battery life remains comparable, with neither phone exhibiting a marked advantage over the other.
• 👤 For users with an S8, upgrading to an S9 may yield benefits mainly in software and user interface improvements.
• 🪘 The Galaxy S9 is more future-proof due to its longer support for software updates compared to the S8.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the key differences in design between the Galaxy S8 and S9?

The Galaxy S9 has a slightly slimmer bezel compared to the S8, with the fingerprint sensor repositioned on the bottom of the camera module instead of the top right. Both phones boast a premium glass build and IP certification, but the S9 offers a more refined aesthetic in closing that design gap.

Q: What software improvements are seen in the Galaxy S9?

The Galaxy S9 runs on One UI 2, which brings significant enhancements to the user interface, including smoother animations, better gesture controls, and an overall more fluid experience compared to the S8's One UI 1. These improvements can notably enhance the day-to-day usability of the phone.

Q: How do the camera capabilities compare between the two models?

Both the Galaxy S8 and S9 feature 12 MP rear cameras with 4K video capabilities; however, the S9 offers improved software features like Pro Mode and additional camera settings due to the updates it has received. The S9's camera is considered slightly more capable, mainly because of the software enhancements, even though hardware differences are minimal.

Q: Is the performance difference significant when using the Galaxy S8 or S9?

While the Galaxy S9 is equipped with a newer Snapdragon 845 processor, both devices have identical RAM specifications. Performance comparisons show that the S9 often launches apps a bit faster, but the differences are relatively minor, suggesting that for everyday tasks, either phone performs adequately.

Q: Would it be worth upgrading from the S8 to the S9 in 2021?

Upgrade considerations largely depend on software experience, where the S9 demonstrates better performance due to its newer One UI and smoother animations. While not a huge leap, users seeking enhanced longevity and software support may find the shift worthwhile, especially when competing against lower-cost devices.

Q: How do the sizes and battery capacities of the S8 and S9 compare?

Both the Galaxy S8 and S9 feature 5.8-inch displays and nearly identical battery capacities of 3000 mAh. While the sizes are the same, the S9 benefits from optimizations in hardware that may provide slightly better battery performance in real-world usage, but results can vary depending on use patterns.

Q: Are there significant differences in user experience between the Galaxy S8 and S9?

Yes, the user experience is decidedly improved on the S9, largely due to One UI 2. This software upgrade results in faster navigation, improved multitasking abilities, and overall smoother performance, making for a better day-to-day usage experience compared to the S8's One UI 1.

Q: What alternative devices are recommended if considering upgrading from the S8 or S9?

If looking to upgrade from either the S8 or S9, the Samsung Galaxy S10 is highly recommended for its superior performance, features, and design. Other alternatives from 2021, such as budget-friendly options from OnePlus, may also provide great experiences, but the Galaxy S10 is positioned as the most logical upgrade.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S9, released in 2017 and 2018 respectively, both feature 5.8-inch displays but with subtle differences in design, primarily in bezel size and fingerprint sensor placement.

• The major upgrade of the S9 is its software, offering One UI 2, which enhances user experience with smoother animations and improved performance over the S8's One UI 1.

• Performance comparisons reveal only slight speed differences in app launches, while both phones' camera capabilities are similar, though the S9 benefits from additional features due to software updates.