Which Smartphone Camera is Better: Huawei P20 Pro or Galaxy S9 Plus?
The decision of whether the Huawei P20 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is the better choice hinges largely on personal preferences, but for avid photographers, this controversy is particularly heated. I, myself, spent a considerable amount of time deliberating over this choice before making a purchase. Given my history with Samsung and the impressive camera setup of the Huawei P20 Pro, I ultimately decided to go with the former. Here, I’ll delve into the pros and cons of each, providing insights based on personal experience and technical specifications.
Introduction to the Devices
Both the Huawei P20 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus have unique features that could sway the choice. Historical allegiance to Samsung might have tipped the scales slightly more towards the S9 Plus, but the Huawei P20 Pro's triple-lens camera system and robust battery life convinced me otherwise. Additionally, the P20 Pro was substantially cheaper by approximately 300 Singapore dollars, and I had some concerns about Huawei's UI compared to Samsung's familiar Sense UI.
The Huawei P20 Pro
Camera Performance
The Huawei P20 Pro was, for a time, the beacon against which the camera-centric smartphone was measured. Its triple-lens setup, encompassing a 40MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor, offered a wide range of shooting capabilities. Night mode and monochrome features were additionally pushed to the fore, marking a technological advancement at the time.
Other Key Features
The battery life of the P20 Pro was another significant selling point. With a 4000mAh battery, it could easily last more than a day under regular usage, outlasting the conservative battery life of Samsung devices following their Note fiasco. Another advantage was the 128GB storage capacity, which provided ample space for photos, videos, and applications.
User Experience and Cost
The Huawei P20 Pro came with the Hisilicon Kirin 970 processor, which is not as powerful as the Snapdragon 845/Exynos 9810 from Samsung. However, performance differed based on the geographical region, with some regions receiving more powerful processors. In terms of cost, the P20 Pro was significantly cheaper by around 300 Singapore dollars, making it highly competitive for budget-conscious buyers.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
Camera Comparison
Despite the compelling camera features of the P20 Pro, the S9 Plus was still a formidable contender, especially in terms of processor power. The Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 processors ensured snappy performance in most tasks.
Other Key Features
The S9 Plus offered built-in wireless charging, a feature missing in the P20 Pro. Additionally, the S9 Plus had expandable storage and a Super AMOLED 2K display, which provided better visual clarity and a richer user experience. The S9 Plus also retained a headphone jack, unlike the P20 Pro.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Huawei P20 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus comes down to personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you are a camera-centric user, the P20 Pro might be the better option due to its impressive camera setup and extended battery life. However, for users who need a more all-rounded device or prioritize build quality and user experience, the Galaxy S9 Plus is an excellent choice. Both devices offer great features, and the decision boils down to which features align most closely with your needs.
Final Verdict
For photography enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable, long-lasting battery, the Huawei P20 Pro stands out. For a more all-rounded device with superior processor performance and additional features, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is the way to go. Choose wisely based on your priorities and budget.