Samsung Galaxy S9+ vs Galaxy Note 8: Which One to Buy?

The Samsung Galaxy S9+ release date is only a few weeks away and that means buyers have a tough choice to make. Buy the big Galaxy Note 8 now, or wait for Samsung’s new phone. For those debating it, here’s how both of these phones compare. The dual camera Galaxy S9+ vs the Galaxy Note 8.

Just as we saw from countless leaks and rumors, the new Galaxy S9 and bigger S9+ look just like Samsung’s phones from 2017. And while the design is similar, there are some important changes, especially with the bigger S9+.

Read: 10 Neat Galaxy S9 Features You’ll Love

Most notably, the Galaxy S9+ now has the same dual-camera setup as the Note 8. Making this choice extremely difficult for some. Samsung delivered the same 5.8 or 6.2-inch screens but did change enough to make these two of the best phones in 2018. Changes that make the Galaxy S9+ worth waiting for, or even buying over the Note 8.

Last year Samsung released the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+, then an even bigger Galaxy Note 8. They all have big curved screens with small bezels, a sleek design, powerful cameras, and basically the same features throughout. One big difference is the Galaxy Note 8 has two cameras on the back, not just one.

However, this year the company did something completely different. For the first time in a few years, the Galaxy S9+ is actually a lot different than the smaller version. It’s more than just a bigger screen. It has a bigger screen, more RAM, two cameras on the back, extra software features and longer battery life. Things and features typically reserved for the Note 8.

Read: Galaxy S9 Pre-Order Date, Time & Shipping

What this means though, is the decision between the Note 8 and S9+ is even more difficult. That’s because they both have beautiful large screens, blazing fast performance, and great cameras. There are a few reasons to choose one and even more reasons to choose the other. For those trying to decide, we’re here to help.

In closing, if you’re coming from a Galaxy S6 or S7 and debating which new Galaxy to buy, read through our slideshow below to help you decide.

Galaxy S9+ vs Galaxy Note 8: Design & Display

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First things first, we need to talk about the design. That's because these new phones look nearly identical to the Galaxy S8 from last year. Well, at least from the front.  There is, however, two very noticeable differences on the back of the S9+. Samsung finally moved the fingerprint scanner to the middle of the phone, under the camera. Instead of placing it off to the side, which was out of place and a far stretch. This makes the Galaxy S9+ instantly easier to use than the Note 8.  Of course, the other change is two cameras on the back of the Galaxy S9+, in landscape mode, not horizontal like the Note 8. Here's what you need to know though. The Galaxy Note 8 has the bigger screen, coming in at 6.3-inches. And while that's nice, the Galaxy S9+ is still 6.2-inches. So only a hair smaller, but a physically smaller phone with newer features and the latest software.  Additionally, the black bezels around the screen (on the top and bottom) are slightly smaller on the Galaxy S9+ too. The difference is hard to notice, but Samsung mentioned it a few times during the announcement. Meaning the phone will be physically smaller all while having almost the exact same size screen. That aside, both of these phones have huge screens, water-resistance, wireless charging, 3.5mm headphone jacks, expandable storage, and dual cameras.  Plenty of things to love.

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