Galaxy S9 vs HTC U11: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S9 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 64.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2018

Galaxy S9

Galaxy S9
65/ 100
Launch price$720
Htc · 2017

HTC U11

HTC U11
65/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Galaxy S9 wins 2 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9
2 wins
HTC U11
HTC U11
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S9HTC U11
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieHTC U11
    40
    60
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S9
    65
    57
  • SecurityGalaxy S9
    100
    86
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • HTC U11 charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Galaxy S9 has the bigger screen5.8" vs 5.5"
  • Galaxy S9 is lighter163 g vs 169 g
  • HTC U11 launched cheaper$649 vs $720
  • HTC U11 has a sharper selfie camera16 MP vs 8 MP
  • Galaxy S9 has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • Galaxy S9 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S9
  • ✓6 g lighter (163 g vs 169 g), easier to hold
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.8" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy HTC U11
  • ✓$71 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $720)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S9HTC U11
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDSuper LCD5
Screen Size5.8"5.5"
Resolution & Density2960x1440 (570 ppi)2560x1440 (534 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness864 nits peak700 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 8.0Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB / 256GB64GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.5, OIS12 MP, f/1.7, OIS, Sony IMX362
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens8 MP, f/1.716 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S9 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm
Weight163 g169 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,000 mAh3,000 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging10W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.04.2
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.1USB-C 3.1
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$720$649
Our verdict

Galaxy S9 wins — BeastScore 64.8/100

The Galaxy S9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger screen (5.8" vs 5.5") and lighter body (163 g vs 169 g). The HTC U11 is worth a look if you prefer its faster charging (18W vs 15W).

Buy Galaxy S9 if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Buy HTC U11 if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S9 or HTC U11?

The Galaxy S9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger screen (5.8" vs 5.5") and lighter body (163 g vs 169 g). The HTC U11 is worth a look if you prefer its faster charging (18W vs 15W). BeastScore: Galaxy S9 64.8/100, HTC U11 64.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S9 and HTC U11?

Galaxy S9 has a 5.8-inch display and 3000 mAh battery. HTC U11 has a 5.5-inch display and 3000 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S9 and HTC U11 compare for speed?

Galaxy S9 scores 64/100 for performance; HTC U11 scores 64/100.

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