Galaxy S9 • Unlocked vs iPhone X • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S9, released in March 2018, and the Apple iPhone X, launched in November 2017, were both flagship smartphones that introduced significant advancements for their respective operating systems. While the Galaxy S9 continued Samsung's design language with refined curves and an Android interface, the iPhone X marked a radical redesign for Apple, featuring a notch-based display and a gesture-driven iOS experience. These devices offered distinct approaches to smartphone technology, catering to different user preferences.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

• Release and Software Support: The iPhone X, released in November 2017, received official iOS updates up to iOS 16.7.15, which was released in March 2026, providing approximately five major iOS versions. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S9, launched in March 2018, shipped with Android 8.0 and officially concluded its major Android updates with Android 10 (One UI 2.5 in late 2020), with security updates ending in March 2022. This means the iPhone X has a considerably longer official software longevity.
• Repairability: The iPhone X generally received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, with its display and battery noted as relatively straightforward to replace. The Galaxy S9, however, scored lower at 4 out of 10, primarily due to its extensive use of adhesive and glass construction, making display and battery replacements more challenging.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature glass front and back panels, making them susceptible to damage from drops. The iPhone X incorporates a stainless steel frame, which contributes to its structural integrity, while the Galaxy S9 uses a stronger aluminum frame and thicker glass compared to its predecessor. Both offer water resistance, with the Galaxy S9 rated IP68 and the iPhone X rated IP67, indicating protection against dust and water immersion.

The performance of these smartphones is influenced by their internal components and how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Storage and Multitasking: Both the Galaxy S9 and iPhone X were available with 64GB and 256GB storage options. The Galaxy S9 comes with 4GB of RAM, while the iPhone X features 3GB of RAM. The additional RAM in the Galaxy S9 can be beneficial for users who frequently switch between many applications, allowing more apps to remain active in the background without needing to reload.
• Processing Power: The iPhone X is equipped with a processor known for its strong single-core performance, which translates to smooth operation for demanding applications and graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy S9 features a capable current-generation processor that handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and most applications with responsiveness. In real-world usage, both devices offer a fluid experience, though some speed tests showed the iPhone X slightly faster in certain app launches, while the S9 could be quicker in others.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S9 houses a 3000mAh battery, generally offering slightly longer battery life, particularly during video playback and web browsing. The iPhone X has a 2716mAh battery. While its software is optimized for power efficiency, its smaller capacity can lead to more frequent charging for heavy users. Some users of the iPhone X have reported issues with battery drain and device overheating when running later iOS versions or demanding applications.

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, though with some notable differences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy S9 and iPhone X feature OLED display technology, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S9 offers a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2960x1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 570 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone X also has a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, but with a resolution of 2436x1125 pixels and a pixel density of 458 ppi. The Galaxy S9 therefore provides a sharper image due to its higher resolution and pixel density.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both screens offer good clarity and support HDR content. The Galaxy S9 is noted for its high peak brightness and an 'Adaptive Contrast Enhancement' feature that improves visibility in direct sunlight. The iPhone X also provides excellent color presentation and brightness.
• Design and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S9 features a curved display that seamlessly blends into its frame, with slim bezels at the top and bottom. The iPhone X introduced a nearly edge-to-edge display with a distinctive notch at the top, housing its front-facing camera and sensors. Both designs aim to maximize screen real estate, offering immersive viewing experiences.

Both smartphones were recognized for their camera capabilities at the time of their release, offering different strengths in photography and video.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S9 features a single 12-megapixel rear camera with a unique variable aperture (f/1.5 to f/2.4), allowing it to adjust to different lighting conditions. The iPhone X comes with a dual 12-megapixel rear camera system, comprising a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, both with optical image stabilization.
• Photography Performance: In low-light conditions, the Galaxy S9's wider f/1.5 aperture often captures brighter and less grainy images, excelling in noise reduction. The iPhone X can produce grainier results in very dim environments. In well-lit scenarios, both phones deliver high-quality photos, though the Galaxy S9 tends to produce warmer tones, while the iPhone X often has cooler hues.
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The iPhone X is noted for its smooth video stabilization, while the Galaxy S9 offers smoother transitions when lighting changes. For selfies, the Galaxy S9 has an 8-megapixel front camera, and the iPhone X features a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, which also enables its facial recognition system.