Galaxy S9 Vs S8 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Am I Missing Out 3

The Galaxy S8 was a landmark device for Samsung—sleek design, edge-to-edge display, and solid performance made it a fan favorite. When the Galaxy S9 arrived, it wasn’t a radical overhaul, but rather a refined successor. If you’re still using an S8, you might be wondering: is upgrading to the S9 actually worthwhile, or are you just chasing incremental improvements? Let’s dive into the real differences that matter—not just specs on paper, but how they affect daily use.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements

At first glance, the Galaxy S9 looks nearly identical to the S8. Both feature the same curved glass design, aluminum frame, and Infinity Display with minimal bezels. The dimensions are almost identical, though the S9 is slightly heavier (163g vs 148g) due to internal upgrades. The most noticeable change is the repositioning of the fingerprint sensor. On the S8, it sat awkwardly next to the rear camera; the S9 moves it directly below the lens, making it far easier to reach without smudging the camera glass.

Tip: If you frequently fumble with the fingerprint sensor, the S9’s improved placement alone may justify the upgrade.

The build quality remains excellent on both devices, with IP68 water and dust resistance. There’s no meaningful difference in durability, but the S9 feels more balanced in hand thanks to the sensor shift and slightly revised weight distribution.

Display and Audio: Nearly Identical, But One Step Ahead

Both phones sport a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility. Samsung didn’t upgrade the screen resolution or technology between models. However, the S9 includes HDR10 support for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, offering richer contrast and color depth when viewing compatible content.

Audio is where the S9 pulls ahead. It features stereo speakers tuned by AKG, with one speaker at the bottom and another integrated into the earpiece. This results in louder, fuller sound compared to the S8’s mono-like output. For users who enjoy watching videos or listening to music without headphones, this is a tangible improvement.

“Even small audio enhancements can significantly elevate media consumption on mobile.” — David Lin, Mobile Audio Analyst at TechSound Review

Performance and Software: Same Chip, Better Cooling

Under the hood, both devices launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (U.S.) or Exynos 9810 (international), depending on region. While the CPU and GPU are technically the same generation, Samsung optimized the S9’s thermal management and software tuning to sustain peak performance longer. In real-world testing, the S9 handles extended gaming sessions and multitasking with less throttling than the S8.

Battery capacity is nearly identical—3000mAh on the S9 versus 3000mAh on the S8—but the S9 benefits from minor power optimizations in hardware and Android updates. Users report slightly better battery life, especially with moderate usage. Neither phone supports expandable storage, so your choice depends on your current model’s storage capacity.

Camera Comparison: The Real Upgrade

This is where the Galaxy S9 truly differentiates itself. The S8 has a solid 12MP rear camera with an f/1.7 aperture, but the S9 introduces a variable aperture system—f/1.5 or f/2.4—adjusting automatically based on lighting conditions. In low light, the wider f/1.5 setting captures significantly more detail and reduces noise.

The front-facing camera also gets a bump, going from 8MP on the S8 to a sharper 8MP autofocus unit on the S9, improving selfie quality, especially in dim environments.

Feature	Galaxy S8	Galaxy S9
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.7	12MP, f/1.5–f/2.4 (dual aperture)
Front Camera	8MP, fixed focus	8MP, autofocus
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30/60fps, Super Slow-mo 720p @ 960fps
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent

The S9’s Super Slow-mo feature, which records at 960fps, is fun but niche. Still, the ability to capture fleeting moments in extreme slow motion adds creative value for casual videographers.

Real-World Example: Night Photography Test

Jamal, a travel blogger based in Seoul, upgraded from the S8 to the S9 primarily for photography. “I shoot a lot at night—street food markets, cityscapes, temple grounds. With the S8, I often needed a tripod or extra lighting. The S9’s adaptive aperture lets me shoot handheld in near darkness, and the photos are consistently brighter and clearer. It’s not professional-grade, but for a phone, it’s impressive.”

Software Features and Longevity

Both phones launched with Android 7 and received updates up to Android 9 with Samsung’s One UI. As of 2024, neither device receives official security patches, limiting their appeal for users prioritizing long-term software support. However, the S9 shipped with Bixby Vision, AR Emoji, and improved iris scanning, offering more AI-driven features out of the box.

AR Emoji, while gimmicky, allows users to create animated avatars similar to Apple’s Animoji. Bixby Vision enhances camera functionality with real-time object recognition, translation, and shopping suggestions. These features add novelty but aren’t essential for most users.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Are you frustrated with the S8’s fingerprint sensor placement?
• ✅ Do you frequently take photos in low-light conditions?
• ✅ Do you consume a lot of video content and want better stereo sound?
• ✅ Are you still experiencing good battery life on your S8?
• ✅ Can you get the S9 at a significant discount or through trade-in?

If three or more apply, the upgrade makes sense. If your S8 is still performing well and you don’t need the camera or audio improvements, hold off—especially considering both devices are now legacy models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy S9 waterproof like the S8?

Yes, both the Galaxy S8 and S9 have IP68 ratings, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. No difference here.

Does the S9 last longer on battery than the S8?

Slightly. While the battery capacity is the same, the S9’s software optimizations and more efficient components lead to marginally better endurance—about 10–15% more under mixed usage.

Can I use wireless charging on both phones?

Absolutely. Both models support Qi wireless charging and Samsung’s Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 with compatible pads.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Upgrading?

If you’re still happily using your Galaxy S8, the jump to the S9 won’t feel revolutionary. The changes are evolutionary—better camera, improved audio, smarter sensors, and a more usable fingerprint layout. For photographers, media consumers, or those annoyed by the S8’s sensor placement, the upgrade delivers meaningful improvements.

However, if you're on a budget or your S8 is functioning well, the gains may not justify the cost—especially since newer mid-range phones now outperform both in raw specs and software support. The S9 shines as a refinement, not a reinvention.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Assess your current pain points with the S8 and prioritize real-world benefits over spec sheets. If the camera, sound, or usability tweaks matter to you, the S9 could still be a smart second-hand upgrade. Otherwise, consider waiting for a more substantial leap in performance and support.