Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S9
Starting at
£116.50£449.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S9 and iPhone 8?
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £26.50 less than the Galaxy S9. The Galaxy S9 is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- The Galaxy S9 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
- The Galaxy S9 has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 specs
The Galaxy S9 and iPhone 8 differ in several ways that suit different users. The Galaxy S9 has a larger, higher resolution Super AMOLED screen and more RAM, making it better for viewing media and multitasking. It also has a bigger battery and supports microSD card storage, which works well for those who want more space or longer use between charges. The iPhone 8 offers a smaller, Retina IPS LCD screen and comes in larger storage options including 256GB. Both devices have similar main cameras and front cameras with a slight edge to the Galaxy S9 on front megapixels. The Galaxy S9 uses Android while the iPhone 8 runs iOS, fitting different preferences. Overall, the Galaxy S9 suits users who prefer a bigger, sharper display and expandable storage, while the iPhone 8 fits those who want a compact device with more built-in storage choices.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system are key factors in durability and daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S9 has a 3000 mAh battery, which offers longer use between charges for most users compared to the iPhone 8's 1821 mAh battery. If you rely on your phone to last throughout the day with fewer top-ups, the Galaxy S9 may suit you better.
Operating System
The Galaxy S9 runs Android, giving you access to Android apps and features, while the iPhone 8 operates on iOS, which offers a different app ecosystem. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer or are more familiar with.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 performance
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RAM
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen size, resolution and type influence your viewing experience. Each device offers a different setup that fits distinct needs for media and everyday use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S9 has a 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, providing a larger and sharper display that is well suited to watching videos or multitasking. The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7 inch screen at 750 x 1334 pixels, which is more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Screen Technology
With a Super AMOLED screen, the Galaxy S9 offers vibrant colours and deeper blacks, enhancing media viewing especially in darker scenes. The iPhone 8 features a Retina IPS LCD, which delivers consistent colours and brightness in various lighting conditions, suitable for everyday viewing.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution matter for selfies and photos. Both phones have similar main cameras but differ slightly in front camera detail.
Main Camera
Both the Galaxy S9 and iPhone 8 have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means either device can take detailed photos, making them good for everyday photography.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S9's front camera is 8 megapixels, offering slightly more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone 8's 7 megapixels. If you often use your front camera, the Galaxy S9 might appeal more.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 size and design
Other features affect convenience and compatibility. Consider these details based on how you use your phone day to day.
Storage Options
The iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, giving you more choice if you need extra built-in storage. The Galaxy S9 is available in 64GB and 128GB but includes a microSDXC slot for expanding storage with a memory card, which can be useful if you prefer flexible storage options.
Connector Types
The Galaxy S9 has both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing use of standard headphones without an adapter and easy charging with widely used USB-C cables. The iPhone 8 uses the Lightning connector, which is typical for iPhones but may require adapters for some accessories.
Device Size and Weight
The Galaxy S9 measures 147.7 mm in height, 68.7 mm in width, and 8.5 mm in depth, weighing 163 g. The iPhone 8 is smaller at 138.4 mm tall, 67.3 mm wide, and 7.3 mm deep, weighing 148 g. The iPhone 8's smaller and lighter body suits those who prefer a more compact phone.
Carrier compatibility
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Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Galaxy S9 or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S9 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £26.50 less than the Galaxy S9
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 163 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S9 often praise its condition, noting it looks better than expected even in fair or below excellent grades. They appreciate the smooth performance, ample storage, and the phone working well for their needs. Some mention the battery may need topping up by evening on heavy use. The display and overall feel receive positive comments, with many customers happy to buy again or recommend the device.
Buyers of the iPhone 8 highlight the phone looking nearly new and running well. Many are pleased with the battery health and storage space, especially those who chose higher capacities like 256GB. The device is noted to be solid and easy to set up, with smooth performance for everyday tasks. Some customers mention minor marks that do not affect use. The iPhone 8 appeals to those wanting a reliable iOS device with good storage options.
Both phones suit users looking for a quality refurbished device. The Galaxy S9 fits those who want a larger screen and expandable storage, while the iPhone 8 is popular with those wanting a compact iOS phone with higher built-in storage.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 FAQs
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 8 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S9 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £116.50 for the Galaxy S9.
The Galaxy S9 has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S9 ended in Apr 2022. Updates for the iPhone 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
