Your cookie preferences


We use cookies and similar technologies. You can use the settings below to accept all cookies (which we recommend to give you the best experience) or to enable specific categories of cookies as explained below. Find out more by reading our Cookie Policy.

Select cookie preferences

Skip to main content

Samsung Galaxy S10 vs S9: what’s the difference?

Share this guide
samsung s9 vs s10

Although the Samsung Galaxy S10 is a few years old now, it's still a great phone. It boasts an amazing screen, epic battery life and truly excellent photography skills.

But the S9 was no slouch either. Join us as we run down the main differences between the two, and see exactly what this bad boy has to offer.

Samsung Galaxy S10 vs S9: Camera

This is the biggest difference between the two handsets. The S10 has three rear cameras, whereas the S9 has only one. That means the S10 has way more advanced options for photographers, or anyone wanting to take a half-decent pic.

As well as the 16-megapixel wide-angle lens, there’s a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle one, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. These lenses do as their names suggest: the wide-angle one gives you a wider angle, which is ideal for fitting more people into a group shot; the ultra-wide angle is great for panorama shots; and the telephoto lens lets you zoom in really close without any drop in quality.

The front camera has also been improved, from 8 megapixels to 10. Which should result in clearer selfies and higher-quality video calls. Good good.

Samsung Galaxy S10 vs S9: Screen

s9 s10 screen

The S10’s screen stands a massive 6.1 inches, which is bigger than the 5.8-incher found on the S9. In fact, accounting for the rounded corners, the S9’s is only 5.6 inches, so you get almost half an inch more screen real estate to play with.

That’s more space for Netflix, games, web browsing and more.

Samsung Galaxy S10 vs S9: Battery and charging

The S10 has a 3,400mAh battery, which is 400mAh more than the S9. The result? The phone should last longer between charges.

The S9 gave 12 hours of browsing on data or 14 on Wi-Fi, or 16 hours of continuous video playback before giving up the ghost. Expect all of these to improve for the S10.

Both handsets boast wireless charging – just plonk them down on a wireless charging mat and they’ll juice up with no need to plug in fiddly cables.

Samsung Galaxy S10 vs S9: Storage

s9 s10 storage

The S9 initially shipped with only 64GB of storage, although in some regions this was increased to 128GB and 256GB options. The S10 comes with either 128GB or 512GB straight out of the gate.

It also supports larger microSD cards, so you can load on more films, games, apps, photos and videos. The S9 only supported microSD cards up to 400GB, but the S10 supports up to 512GB.

This means that, just like the Galaxy Note 9, you there was a 512GB version of the S10, whack in a microSD card and have over 1GB of storage at your disposal. Madness.

Samsung Galaxy S10 vs S9: Dimensions

The S10 is slightly taller and wider than the S9, though it’s a little bit slimmer (7.8mm to the S9’s 8.5mm). Many would argue that the slimness is a really crucial spec when it comes to dimensions, as it dictates how big the bulge in your jeans’ pocket.

In other words, it’s another win for the S10.

Samsung Galaxy S10 vs S9: Unlocking options

Like its predecessor, the S10 has both a fingerprint scanner and facial recognition software, so you can unlock the phone just by looking at it. But there’s a crucial difference – the fingerprint sensor is built into the screen, instead of placed around the back.

That makes for a more elegant design and means you won’t accidentally press the camera with your fingertip, smudging the lens, as you reach around back for the sensor. Good news all around.

Samsung Galaxy S10 vs S9: Prices

Of course, one of the main reasons to go for an older model is the price. Right now, you can get the S9 for as little as £105 SIM-free.

An S10, however, will cost a bit more. SIM-free prices start from around £150.

Want the very latest Samsung? Take a look at all our best Samsung Galaxy deals.

Read more...

A person on the sofa with Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best Samsung Phones in 2023: Which Samsung phone should I buy?

Are you a Samsung fan? The Android smartphone has a wide range of truly amazing smartphones, with specs and features that make those smartphone brands jealous.

Learn more
comparing smartphones choosing a smartphone

How to choose a mobile phone contract - Uswitch

With so many great value deals on phone contracts, it can be tough choosing the right one. This guide will help you find the best mobile phone contract for you.

Learn more
woman smiling using her smartphone on her sofa

How to find a cheap mobile phone - Uswitch

Looking for a cheap mobile phone handset? Many cheap deals still come with excellent smartphones. Find out what you could get with our guide.

Learn more