Galaxy S10 Vs S9 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S10 in 2019, it arrived as a refined evolution of the already excellent S9. For owners of the S9, the question wasn’t whether the S10 was good—it clearly was—but whether the improvements justified the cost of upgrading. After all, flagship phones are expensive, and replacing a device that still performs well can feel like overkill. This article breaks down the key differences between the Galaxy S10 and S9 to help you decide if the upgrade truly delivers meaningful value.

Design and Display: A Step Toward Modernity

The most noticeable change from the S9 to the S10 is in design. The S9 features a nearly symmetrical bezel setup with a traditional front-facing camera centered above the display. In contrast, the S10 introduced an “infinity-O” display with a small circular cutout for the front camera on the top right. This shift allowed Samsung to maximize screen real estate without resorting to a notch or pop-up mechanism.

The S10’s display measures 6.1 inches compared to the S9’s 5.8 inches, offering more viewing space while maintaining a comfortable grip. Both devices use Dynamic AMOLED panels with Quad HD+ resolution, but the S10 benefits from improved brightness, better outdoor visibility, and HDR10+ support. Additionally, the S10 series introduced ultrasonic fingerprint scanning under the screen—a first for Samsung—replacing the rear-mounted sensor of the S9.

Tip: If you prioritize screen-to-body ratio and modern aesthetics, the S10’s edge-to-edge display is a significant quality-of-life improvement over the S9.

Performance and Hardware: Incremental Gains

Under the hood, both phones are powered by high-end chipsets—the S9 uses the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 (depending on region), while the S10 upgrades to the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855. While this represents a generational leap in processor architecture, real-world performance differences are subtle. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and media playback feel nearly identical.

Where the S10 pulls ahead is in multitasking and future-proofing. It comes with at least 8GB of RAM (vs. 4GB on base S9 models) and UFS 2.1 storage, enabling faster app launches and smoother transitions. Gamers may notice slightly better thermal management and sustained frame rates during intensive sessions.

“While the S10 isn’t twice as fast as the S9, its hardware ensures longer software support and better longevity.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Upgrades: More Than Just Megapixels

The camera system sees one of the most tangible improvements. The S9 relies on a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with dual aperture (f/1.5 and f/2.4), praised for its low-light performance. The S10 expands this into a triple-camera array: a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a new 16MP ultra-wide shooter.

The addition of the ultra-wide lens opens up creative possibilities, allowing users to capture landscapes, architecture, and group shots with significantly more context. While the primary sensor remains similar, software enhancements improve dynamic range and color accuracy. Front-facing photography also improves with a 10MP standard + 8MP depth sensor setup, enabling better portrait selfies.

In practical terms, the S10 doesn’t just take sharper photos—it gives you more flexibility in how you compose them.

Real-World Example: Travel Photography

Consider a user visiting Machu Picchu. With the S9, they can capture a well-exposed shot of the ruins, but fitting the entire site into one frame requires stepping back—often impossible due to terrain. On the S10, the ultra-wide lens captures the full panorama from the same spot, preserving context and scale. Later, when switching to portrait mode for a friend’s photo, the dual front sensors create a more natural background blur than the S9’s single-lens approximation.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S10 packs a 3,400mAh battery, only slightly larger than the S9’s 3,000mAh unit. However, thanks to a more power-efficient processor and optimized software, users typically report longer battery life despite the modest capacity increase. Real-world usage shows the S10 lasting an additional 1.5 to 2 hours under mixed conditions.

Charging capabilities are nearly identical: both support fast charging (wired), wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. However, the S10 adds wireless PowerShare, letting you charge other Qi-compatible devices—like earbuds or another phone—by placing them on the back of the phone. This feature is niche but appreciated in emergencies.

Tip: Enable adaptive battery settings on either device to extend daily endurance. The S10’s AI-driven optimization learns usage patterns more effectively than the S9.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Galaxy S9	Galaxy S10
Display Size	5.8 inches	6.1 inches
Display Type	Super AMOLED	Dynamic AMOLED
Rear Cameras	12MP (dual aperture)	12MP main + 12MP telephoto + 16MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	8MP	10MP + 8MP depth sensor
Processor	Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820
Ram	4GB	8GB
Battery	3,000 mAh	3,400 mAh
Fingerprint Sensor	Rear-mounted	Ultrasonic (under display)
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Wireless PowerShare	No	Yes

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, consider your current needs and usage patterns. Use this checklist to evaluate whether the S10 offers enough value for your situation:

• ✅ Do you want a larger, more immersive display with modern bezel-less design?
• ✅ Are you interested in ultra-wide-angle photography?
• ✅ Do you frequently run multiple apps or demand peak performance from games?
• ✅ Would you benefit from under-display fingerprint sensing and improved biometrics?
• ✅ Do you value longer software support (S10 received Android 12, S9 stopped at Android 10)?
• ✅ Are you still using an S9 with heavy daily wear and battery degradation?

If you answered yes to three or more, the upgrade likely makes sense. Otherwise, the S9 remains capable for everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S9 still handle modern apps and updates?

Yes. The S9 runs most current apps smoothly and supports major Android versions up to Android 10. Security updates ended in 2021, so it lacks the latest protections. For light users who don’t rely on banking or sensitive data, it’s still functional.

Is the S10’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor reliable?

It’s more accurate than optical alternatives but can be slower than physical sensors. Performance improves after registering your fingerprint multiple times at different angles. Some users prefer face unlock for speed.

How much did the S10 cost at launch compared to the S9?

The S9 launched at $719, while the S10 started at $899—a $180 difference. Today, both are available used for under $200, making the price gap negligible.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If You Need Specific Features

The Galaxy S10 is objectively better than the S9, but the degree of improvement depends on what you value. If you’re deeply invested in mobile photography—especially wide-angle shots—or want a more modern interface with under-display biometrics, the upgrade enhances your experience meaningfully. The extra RAM and extended software support also make the S10 a smarter long-term investment.

However, if your S9 still holds a charge, boots quickly, and meets your daily needs, the jump to the S10 feels more evolutionary than revolutionary. There’s no urgent reason to upgrade solely for performance gains.

Ultimately, technology should serve you—not the other way around. The S10 earns praise for pushing Samsung’s design and camera innovation forward, but the S9 remains a testament to how strong a flagship can be even after a year’s time.

💬 Still on the fence about upgrading? Share your experience with the S9 or S10 below. Your insights could help others decide whether this upgrade is worth it for them.