Who Would Win in a Showdown: Samsung Galaxy A9 vs S9?
When it comes to comparing the Samsung Galaxy A9 and Samsung Galaxy S9, it's like apples and oranges. Despite both being from the Samsung stable, they cater to different segments of the market. While the S9 boasts cutting-edge technology, the A9 offers a budget-friendly option with its own unique strengths. Let's dive into the battle and see which one stands victorious.
General Performance and Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy S9 is equipped with the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 845 chipset from its release year, while the A9 is powered by a mid-range Snapdragon 660. This gives the S9 an edge in nearly every category, apart from the price. By July 2019, the S9 could be considered a better value for money, especially given its advanced features and performance. However, if you're budget-conscious, the A9 offers a more affordable alternative, making it a strong contender.
Connectivity
Regarding connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy S9 takes the lead with support for HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and 5G LTE-A 3CA Cat 9 450/50 Mbps. The A9, on the other hand, supports HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE-A 6CA Cat 18 1200/200 Mbps. This means the S9 has faster connection speeds, making it the clear winner in this round.
Water Resistance
When it comes to water resistance, the Samsung Galaxy S9 has the upper hand with its IP68 rating, offering protection up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. In contrast, the A9 does not offer any water resistance. Therefore, the S9 wins round three.
Display Quality
The S9 has a slightly superior display with 529 ppi density compared to the A9's 393 ppi density. The Super AMOLED screens of both phones are great, but the higher density in the S9 provides a sharper and more detailed visual experience. Hence, the S9 wins this round too.
Chipset and RAM
The S9 has a slightly more powerful Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset made with 10 nm technology, while the A9 is equipped with the SDM660 Snapdragon 660 made with 14 nm technology. However, the A9 can run with up to 8 GB of RAM, while the S9 tops out at 6 GB. This makes the A9 marginally better in this aspect, winning round five.
Cameras
Both the phones have excellent cameras, and the better one is subjective. Therefore, we can consider round six a tie.
Sounds and Sensors
The S9 has stereo speakers, which give it an edge in audio quality. Additionally, it has more advanced sensors including an iris scanner, heart rate, and SpO2. The A9 has a rear-mounted accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass sensors. The S9 wins both these aspects, making it the clear winner for round eight.
Charging and Battery Life
While both phones support fast charging, the S9 adds the advantage of Qi/PMA wireless charging. The A9, on the other hand, has a slightly higher 3800 mAh battery compared to the S9's 3500 mAh. Hence, the A9 edges in battery capacity, making it the winner for round ten.
Conclusion
Despite the S9 being the clear winner in most categories, the A9 offers a more affordable option with its own unique strengths. If you're looking for the best value for money and don't need all the advanced features of the S9, the A9 could be the right choice. However, if you prioritize the latest technology and advanced features, the S9 is the better option. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and specific needs.