Galaxy A50 Vs S9 Is The Newer A Series Really An Upgrade Or Just Different

When Samsung introduced the Galaxy A50 in 2019, it marked a shift in the company’s mid-range strategy—offering modern features at a fraction of flagship prices. But how does it truly stack up against the Galaxy S9, a premium device released just a year earlier? On paper, the A50 appears competitive with its newer chipset, larger battery, and updated software. Yet real-world usage reveals nuances that go beyond specs. This comparison examines whether the A50 is a genuine upgrade over the S9 or simply a different kind of phone catering to a different user.

Design and Build: Premium Feel vs Practical Durability

The Galaxy S9 was designed as a flagship. Its aluminum frame, glass back, and IP68 water resistance gave it a sleek, high-end feel. It fit comfortably in hand despite its compact 5.8-inch display. In contrast, the A50 uses a plastic build and lacks official water resistance, trading some prestige for durability and cost savings. However, the A50 introduced a more modern aesthetic with slimmer bezels, a smaller top-notch, and a symmetrical front design.

While the S9 feels more luxurious, the A50's larger 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display offers more screen real estate, which many users now prefer. The A50 also includes an optical under-display fingerprint sensor—a novelty at the time—while the S9 relies on a rear-mounted capacitive sensor, often awkwardly placed next to the camera.

Tip: If you prioritize pocketability and premium materials, the S9 still holds appeal. But if you want a bigger, more immersive screen and don’t mind plastic, the A50 delivers better visual impact.

Performance and Software: Newer Efficiency vs Proven Power

The S9 launched with the Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), a powerhouse chip that handled multitasking, gaming, and AR applications with ease. The A50, meanwhile, runs on the Exynos 9610—a capable but mid-tier processor designed for efficiency rather than peak performance.

In daily use, both phones handle basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming without issue. However, under sustained load—such as editing videos or playing graphics-heavy games—the S9 pulls ahead. The A50 may throttle sooner due to thermal constraints and less RAM optimization.

On the software side, the A50 has a clear advantage. It shipped with Android 9 Pie and received three major OS updates, supporting Android 12. The S9, while initially updated to Android 10, stopped receiving major upgrades earlier, limiting long-term usability and security patch longevity.

“Software support lifespan is now as important as raw power. A well-supported mid-ranger can outlive a flagship in practical terms.” — Lin Zhou, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Versatility vs Consistency

The S9 features a single 12MP rear camera with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4), a rare feature even today. This allows excellent low-light performance and depth control. Its image processing is tuned for natural colors and strong dynamic range. Video recording reaches 4K at 60fps, making it a favorite among mobile videographers of its era.

The A50 counters with a triple-lens setup: 25MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP depth sensor. While megapixels are higher, the smaller sensor size and lower-quality lens result in less detailed images, especially in dim lighting. The ultra-wide lens adds compositional flexibility, but edge distortion and softness reduce its practicality.

In daylight, both produce acceptable results, though the S9 maintains better exposure balance. In low light, the gap widens significantly—the S9’s larger pixels and optical stabilization capture cleaner, brighter photos. The A50 often resorts to aggressive noise reduction, smudging fine details.

Camera Summary Table

Feature	Galaxy S9	Galaxy A50
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.5–f/2.4 (OIS)	25MP f/1.7 + 8MP UW + 5MP Depth
Front Camera	8MP f/1.7	25MP f/2.0
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps
Low-Light Performance	Excellent	Moderate (noisy above ISO 800)
Ultra-Wide Lens	No	Yes (123° FoV)

Tip: If you frequently shoot in low light or value video quality, the S9 remains superior. For social media selfies and landscape shots, the A50’s ultra-wide and high-MP selfie cam may be more appealing.

Battery and Charging: Endurance Over Speed

The A50 packs a 4000mAh battery—nearly 30% larger than the S9’s 3000mAh unit. This translates to noticeably longer screen-on time, often lasting a full day and a half with moderate use. The S9, while efficient, typically requires daily charging, especially with 5G-like network demands of modern apps.

However, charging favors the S9. It supports fast charging out of the box (up to 15W) and wireless charging. The A50 only supports 15W fast charging via adaptive fast charging but omits wireless charging entirely. It ships with a standard 15W charger, so there’s no speed advantage unless you buy accessories separately.

Battery Life Checklist

• ✅ Prioritize all-day battery? Choose A50
• ✅ Need wireless charging? S9 is better
• ✅ Use GPS or navigation heavily? A50’s capacity wins
• ✅ Want future-proof charging options? S9 supports Qi

User Experience Case Study: Two Years Later

Consider Maria, a freelance photographer who used the S9 from 2018 to 2021. She appreciated its reliable camera, compact size, and smooth performance. When her battery degraded, she switched to a used A50 for budget reasons. Initially impressed by the larger screen and longer battery life, she soon noticed limitations: apps took longer to load, night shots were grainy, and the lack of water resistance made her cautious during outdoor shoots. After six months, she returned to a refurbished S9, citing “consistency over novelty.”

Conversely, James, a college student, bought the A50 new and used it for four years. He valued the big screen for notes and videos, the headphone jack (which the S9 also has), and the expandable storage. Despite occasional lag, he never felt held back. For him, the A50 wasn’t just “different”—it was a smarter, longer-lasting choice within his budget.

This illustrates a key point: the “better” phone depends on priorities. The S9 excels in performance and camera precision; the A50 wins in battery and display size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy A50 faster than the S9?

No. While the A50 has a newer Exynos chip, the S9’s Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 is significantly more powerful, especially in multi-core tasks and gaming. The S9 also has better thermal management, avoiding slowdowns during extended use.

Can the A50 replace an S9 in 2024?

For basic tasks—calls, messaging, social media, light browsing—yes. But heavy users, photographers, or those needing reliable app performance may find the A50 underpowered. Also, software updates have ended for both, increasing security risks over time.

Why choose the S9 over the A50 today?

If you find a well-maintained S9 with healthy battery, its superior camera, compact design, and faster performance still make it compelling. It’s ideal for collectors, minimalists, or users who prefer flagship build quality over screen size.

Final Verdict: Different Goals, Different Winners

The Galaxy A50 isn’t a direct upgrade over the S9—it’s a repositioning. Samsung used newer technologies like in-display fingerprint sensors and triple cameras to make the A-series feel modern, even if internal performance lags behind the previous year’s flagship.

The S9 remains a benchmark for balanced design, strong camera output, and responsive performance. The A50 answers a different need: affordable access to large displays, long battery life, and contemporary features like face unlock and gradient finishes.

If you’re upgrading from an older flagship and value refinement, the S9 (even secondhand) might serve you better. But if you’re coming from a budget phone and want a leap in screen quality and endurance, the A50 delivers real improvements—just not in every category.

“The A-series isn’t about beating flagships. It’s about giving mainstream users the look and feel of premium tech at a price they can justify.” — Rajiv Mehta, Senior Editor at MobileTrend Report

Take Action: Choose Based on Your Needs

Don’t assume newer always means better. Evaluate what matters most: camera quality, battery life, software support, or build materials. Test both devices if possible. Consider refurbished flagships as alternatives to new mid-rangers. And remember—longevity comes not just from hardware, but from consistent updates and thoughtful usage.

💬 Have you used both the Galaxy A50 and S9? Share your experience below and help others understand which phone truly fits their lifestyle.