The Galaxy S9 certainly shows its age when put side-by-side with the Galaxy S10e (Image: Samsung • Getty)
Design and display
The Galaxy S9 certainly shows its age when put side-by-side with the Galaxy S10e.
That is because the handset comes with noticeable bezels on its top and bottom while the Galaxy S10e comes with an all-screen design that has a cutout within the panel for its front-facing camera.
Both the Galaxy S9 and S10e come with 5.8-inch AMOLED panels but the former certainly feels larger in the hand thanks to its bigger borders.
While the display offered by the S10e certainly looks more futuristic than that offered by the S9, the latter’s actually touts a higher resolution and pixel density.
Galaxy S9’s screen has a resolution of 1440×2960 and has a density of 570-pixels-per-inch while the Galaxy S10e has a 1080×2280 resolution and a density of 438-pixels-per-inch.
In terms of build, both devices are extremely similar thanks to the employment of glass on their front and rear.
Moreover, the duo similarly have an aluminium frame.
One of the most notable differences between the pair is the fact the Galaxy S9 positions its fingerprint sensor underneath its camera module while the S10e places it on the side of the device.
Both scanners deliver speedy unlocking but in our opinion the rear-mounted one feels more intuitive to use and is certainly more friendly to those that are left-handed.
The Galaxy S9 and S10e are both incredibly premium looking smartphones, but we think the latter certainly edges the contest here thanks to its more comfortable size and futuristic display, even if it is a slightly lower resolution.
Winner – Galaxy S10e
Performance
The Galaxy S10e is powered by either Samsung’s new Exynos 9820 chipset or Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 855 depending on the region it is sold in.
UK customers will receive the former that delivers rapid performance across Google’s Android 9 Pie operating system.
The S10e’s processor is accompanied by either 6GB or 8GB of RAM depending on the model chosen.
In contrast, housed inside the Galaxy S9 is the South Korean OEM’s last-generation Exynos 9810 unit or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845.
While both chips still offer extremely capable performance, the newer processors certainly deliver a more responsive user experience overall.
Winner – Galaxy S10e
The Galaxy S10e certainly justifies its added expense when compared to the Galaxy S9 (Image: Samsung)
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S10e comes with a dual-camera system that is comprised of a 12-megapixel main sensor and a 16-megapixel wide-angle lens.
The two are exactly the same as on the S10e’s more premium brothers.
While both photography offerings are certainly not best in class when it comes to low-light, they are capable of taking gorgeous snaps during the day.
We loved the S10’s wide-angle sensor for its ability to capture extremely unique looking shots, as Technology Editor David Snelling noted in Express.co.uk’s full review of the product.
In contrast, the Galaxy S9 only comes with a single 12-megapixel sensor on its rear that is actually the same hardware as is present on the S10e.
While the S9 is still able to take incredible photos, it simply cannot compete with the added versatility presented by the newer Samsung handset.
Winner – Galaxy S10e
Battery
The Galaxy S9 comes with a 3,000mAh battery that certainly struggles to deliver a full day of use on a single charge.
While this may not be that much of an inconvenience for those that have access to a charger during the day, in instances where a power outlet is not available it can be incredibly disappointing.
The Galaxy S10e comes with a slightly larger 3,100mAh cell that delivers better life overall.
This is in part down to the fact the battery is powering a display that has a lower resolution and because of the power efficiency improvements delivered by the installed processor.
It is also worth noting the S10e is able to wirelessly charge other devices that are placed on its rear, a feature not available on the S9.
Winner – Galaxy S10e
The Galaxy S10e is powered by Samsung’s new Exynos 9820 chipset in the UK (Image: Samsung)
Price
The Galaxy S9 is cheaper than the Galaxy S10e, but not by as much as you might think.
Samsung, and a number of other UK outlets, are selling the the product for £619 while the S10e costs only a mere £50 more at £669.
While the Galaxy S9 still presents Android fans with an incredibly capable smartphone, we cannot help but think think the Galaxy S10e presents the better value of the two thanks to its improved camera system, larger battery and futuristic all-screen design.
Winner – Galaxy S10e
Both the Galaxy S9 and S10e come with 5.8-inch AMOLED panels (Image: Samsung)
Verdict
Only those that truly care about screen resolution and density will have to consider picking up the Galaxy S9 over the Galaxy S10e.
In almost every respect the newer Samsung handset trumps the 2018 offering thanks to its wealth of hardware improvements.
The Galaxy S10e certainly justifies its added expense when compared to the Galaxy S9 and is certainly a device Android fans should take note of.