Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S9
Starting at
£116.50£449.00 new
Google Pixel 3
Starting at
£121.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 3?
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 starts at £116.50, £4.50 less than the Google Pixel 3.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
Software updates
- The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
- The Galaxy S9 has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5.5 inch.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy S9, P-OLED on the Google Pixel 3.
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 specs
The Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 3, both released in 2018, offer similar core features but differ in screen quality, battery capacity, and extra connectivity options. The Galaxy S9 suits you if you value a larger, higher-resolution Super AMOLED screen, a slightly bigger battery, and the flexibility of a microSDXC card slot plus a headphone jack. The Pixel 3 is a good choice if you prefer a lighter, more compact phone with a P-OLED screen and the convenience of eSIM support. Both phones have the same RAM and camera megapixels, making them capable for everyday use, but small differences in design and extras may guide your choice.
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 price
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Storage
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 battery life and software updates
Durability covers aspects like battery size, software updates, and operating system. Both phones run Android and are from 2018, but there are small differences that affect daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S9 has a 3000 mAh battery while the Google Pixel 3 has a slightly smaller 2915 mAh battery. This means the Galaxy S9 may offer a little more usage time between charges, which can suit you if you often need longer battery life throughout the day.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
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Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 3 differ noticeably in screen size, resolution, and technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S9 has a larger 5.8 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. This suits you if you want more room for video, gaming, or multitasking with sharper detail. The Google Pixel 3 has a 5.5 inch screen and 1080 x 2160 resolution, which is more compact and easier to hold with one hand.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S9 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for deep blacks and vibrant colours, which can make images and videos more striking. The Pixel 3 has a P-OLED screen, which also offers good colour and contrast but with slightly different display characteristics, appealing if you prefer a lighter, less saturated appearance.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 camera
Camera and front-facing features are important for photos and video calls. The Galaxy S9 and Pixel 3 both deliver strong performance with small differences in their main cameras.
Main Camera Megapixels
The Google Pixel 3 has a 12.2 megapixel main camera, just a little higher than the Galaxy S9's 12 megapixels. The difference is small but could help capture slightly more detail in your photos if you enjoy photography.
Front Camera Similarity
Both phones have an 8 megapixel front camera, making them equally capable for selfies and video calls. You can expect similar quality from either when using the front-facing camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical size, storage, and network options that influence daily convenience and compatibility.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S9 is available with 64GB and 128GB storage options, giving you more room for apps and media if you choose the larger size. The Pixel 3 comes with 64GB storage, which suits general use but offers less space for large collections of files or apps.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S9 supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add more storage as needed. This suits you if you want flexibility to expand storage without deleting existing data.
Connectivity and Ports
The Galaxy S9 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside USB-C, so you can use standard wired headphones without an adapter. The Pixel 3 uses only USB-C, which suits you if you prefer wireless audio or use USB-C headphones.
SIM Card Options
The Pixel 3 supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, letting you use two mobile numbers or plans without swapping SIM cards. The Galaxy S9 uses a physical SIM only, which fits users who prefer a straightforward SIM setup.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 3 is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 145.6 mm in height and weighing 148 g, making it easier to carry and handle if you prefer a compact phone. The Galaxy S9 is a bit larger and heavier at 147.7 mm tall and 163 g, which may feel more substantial in the hand.
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Galaxy S9 or Google Pixel 3: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £116.50, £4.50 less than the Google Pixel 3
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2915 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.5 inch)
Buy the Google Pixel 3 if
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 163 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S9 appreciate its condition and performance, often noting it looks like new or better than expected, even when bought at lower condition grades. Many find the 128GB storage option and smooth operation good for their needs, though some mention the battery requires a top-up by evening. A few customers report minor screen or heating issues, but most are happy with the phone's reliability and value.
Buyers of the Google Pixel 3 highlight the phone's lightness and compact size as key positives, along with its capable performance and condition often described as excellent or better than expected. Some users mention needing to monitor battery life more closely. A few customers report network locking issues or screen tint, but the majority find it works perfectly and enjoy its features.
Overall, the Galaxy S9 suits those wanting a larger, higher resolution screen and expandable storage, while the Pixel 3 fits buyers who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with eSIM support and straightforward storage. Both deliver solid performance for everyday use.
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 FAQs
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 3 comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2915 mAh. The Galaxy S9 has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5.5 inch.
The Galaxy S9 is cheaper refurbished, from £116.50 compared with £121 for the Google Pixel 3.
The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
The Galaxy S9 has 12 megapixels and the Google Pixel 3 has 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S9 ended in Apr 2022. Updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the Google Pixel 3 in 64GB.
