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Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9

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Galaxy A5 (2017)

Starting at

£72.10£309.00 new
See options

Galaxy S9

Starting at

£116.50£449.00 new
See options
(107 reviews)
(689 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy S9?

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 comes down to the RAM, screen size and main camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) starts at £72.10, £44.40 less than the Galaxy S9. The Galaxy S9 is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£72.10£116.50

RAM

3 GB4 GB

Screen size

5.2 inch5.8 inch

Main camera

16 megapixels12 megapixels

Front camera

16 megapixels8 megapixels

Software updates

Ended Apr 2019Ended Apr 2022
  • The Galaxy S9 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The Galaxy S9 has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5.2 inch.
  • The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 specs

The Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy S9 differ in several key areas that influence who they suit best. The Galaxy S9 has a larger, sharper screen and more RAM, making it better for multitasking and viewing high-resolution content. It offers larger storage options and a simpler SIM setup. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A5 (2017) has higher megapixel front and main cameras, which benefits those keen on detailed photos and selfies. The A5 supports dual SIM cards and is slightly lighter and more compact. Choose the Galaxy S9 for a more spacious, higher-resolution screen and more memory. Pick the Galaxy A5 (2017) if camera megapixels and dual SIM use matter more to you.

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 price

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic design elements that affect daily use. Both devices share some specifications here, while others vary.

Battery Capacity

Both the Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy S9 have a 3000 mAh battery. This means you can expect similar battery life from each device under typical use, making them suitable for a full day of moderate activity.

Operating System and Updates

This means software features and security improvements available in newer Android versions will not be present on either phone.

Battery

3000 mAh3000 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

Software updates

Ended Apr 2019Ended Apr 2022

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20172018

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 performance

Chipset

Exynos 7880N/A

RAM

3 GB4 GB

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 screen

Screen quality influences how you view content, from reading to watching videos. Differences in size and resolution affect clarity and workspace on each device.

Screen Size

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 5.2 inch screen, while the Galaxy S9 offers a larger 5.8 inch display. The S9's bigger screen provides more room for videos, browsing, and apps, suiting users who prefer a more immersive view.

Screen Resolution

With a resolution of 1440 x 2960, the Galaxy S9's screen is sharper and more detailed than the Galaxy A5 (2017) which has 1080 x 1920. This higher resolution benefits users who watch high-definition videos or appreciate finer image detail.

Screen Type

Both devices feature Super AMOLED screens, which deliver vibrant colours and deep blacks. This makes either phone well suited to media consumption with rich, bright displays.

Resolution

1080 x 19201440 x 2960

Screen size

5.2 inch5.8 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDSuper AMOLED

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 camera

Camera quality is key for photos and video calls. Differences in megapixel counts affect how detailed your pictures and selfies will be.

Front Camera Megapixels

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 16 megapixel front camera, while the Galaxy S9 has an 8 megapixel front camera. For users focused on selfies or video chats, the A5's higher megapixel count captures more detail in images.

Main Camera Megapixels

The Galaxy A5 (2017) also has a 16 megapixel main camera compared to the Galaxy S9's 12 megapixel main camera. This makes the A5 a good choice for those who prioritise detailed photographs from the main camera.

Camera type

N/ASingle (1x)

Front camera

16 megapixels8 megapixels

Main camera

16 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 size and design

Various physical and connectivity features can influence everyday convenience and compatibility with carriers and accessories.

SIM Card Setup

The Galaxy A5 (2017) supports Dual Physical SIM cards, which suits users who need two separate phone numbers. The Galaxy S9 supports a single Physical SIM, fitting those who prefer a simpler SIM arrangement.

Storage Options

The Galaxy A5 (2017) is stocked in 32GB and 64GB versions, while the Galaxy S9 comes with larger options of 64GB and 128GB. The S9's greater storage suits users with large app libraries, photos, or media collections.

Dimensions and Weight

The Galaxy A5 (2017) is smaller and lighter at 146.1 mm tall, 71.4 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and 157 g, while the Galaxy S9 measures 147.7 mm by 68.7 mm by 8.5 mm and weighs 163 g. The A5 is more compact and easier to hold for users preferring a smaller device.

Carrier and Network

Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, giving you flexibility to choose your carrier without restrictions and access to fast mobile data.

Expandable Storage

Both devices include a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to expand your storage with a memory card for music, photos, and apps.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

N/AUSB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Depth

7.9 mm8.5 mm

Height

146.1 mm147.7 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

N/A16 March 2018

SD card slot

microSDXCmicroSDXC

SIM card

Dual Physical SIMPhysical SIM

Weight

157 g163 g

Width

71.4 mm68.7 mm

Galaxy A5 (2017) or Galaxy S9: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy A5 (2017) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £72.10, £44.40 less than the Galaxy S9
  • you want a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
  • you want a higher-resolution front camera (16 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)

Buy the Galaxy S9 if

  • you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.2 inch)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy A5 (2017) often mention that the phone looks and operates well, with many saying it feels like new and is a good value. Some users find it easy to recommend, praising the phone's condition and price. A few customers experienced issues with network locking or setup but still appreciated the phone's performance and camera quality. The A5 suits buyers who want a compact phone with higher megapixel cameras and dual SIM support.

Galaxy S9 customers frequently highlight the phone's good condition, with many surprised by how well it looks despite being used. Reviews note smooth operation, with storage space fitting a variety of apps. Some mention battery needing topping up by evening and occasional overheating. Customers appreciate the bigger, sharper screen and generally find it works well for their needs. The S9 suits users who want a larger, higher-resolution display and more memory for multitasking or media.

Both phones attract buyers looking for unlocked devices with strong screen quality, but the A5 is popular with those who value camera detail and dual SIM, while the S9 fits those wanting a bigger screen and extra storage.

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 FAQs

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs Galaxy S9 comes down to the RAM, screen size and main camera. The Galaxy S9 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. The Galaxy S9 has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5.2 inch.

The Galaxy A5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £72.10 compared with £116.50 for the Galaxy S9.

Both have the same battery: 3000 mAh.

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy A5 (2017) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the Galaxy S9 ended in Apr 2022.

The Galaxy S9 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £44.40 more (from £116.50 vs £72.10).

Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the Galaxy S9 in 64GB and 128GB.

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