BeastCompare

Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 7 Plus: 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
Apple · 2016

iPhone 7 Plus

iPhone 7 Plus
65/ 100
Launch price$769
Head-to-head

Galaxy S9 wins 3 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9
3 wins
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 7 Plus
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S9iPhone 7 Plus
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedGalaxy S9
    64
    60
  • CameraiPhone 7 Plus
    72
    75
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S9
    65
    45
  • SecurityGalaxy S9
    100
    86
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy S9 has the bigger battery3,000 mAh vs 2,900 mAh
  • Galaxy S9 charges faster15W vs 5W
  • Galaxy S9 has the bigger screen5.8" vs 5.5"
  • Galaxy S9 is lighter163 g vs 188 g
  • Galaxy S9 launched cheaper$720 vs $769
  • Galaxy S9 has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 7 MP
  • Galaxy S9 has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • Galaxy S9 has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
  • Galaxy S9 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S9
  • ✓25 g lighter (163 g vs 188 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$49 cheaper at launch ($720 vs $769)
  • ✓Bigger 3,000 mAh battery (+100 mAh)
Reasons to buy iPhone 7 Plus
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S9iPhone 7 Plus
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina HD
Screen Size5.8"5.5"
Resolution & Density2960x1440 (570 ppi)1920x1080 (401 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness864 nits peak625 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Galaxy S9 Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 8.0iOS 10
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR3 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB / 256GB32GB / 128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone 7 Plus Wins Camera
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.5, OIS12 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)12 MP (2x optical zoom), f/2.8
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/1.77 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S9 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm
Weight163 g188 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,000 mAh2,900 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging5W 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 3.1Lightning
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$769
Our verdict

Galaxy S9 wins — BeastScore 64.8/100

The Galaxy S9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,000 mAh vs 2,900 mAh) and faster charging (15W vs 5W).

Buy Galaxy S9 if you want

Faster wired charging: 15W vs 5W · Lighter: 163 g vs 188 g (25 g less)

Buy iPhone 7 Plus if you want

Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S9 or iPhone 7 Plus?

The Galaxy S9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,000 mAh vs 2,900 mAh) and faster charging (15W vs 5W). BeastScore: Galaxy S9 64.8/100, iPhone 7 Plus 64.5/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S9 and iPhone 7 Plus?

Galaxy S9 has a 5.8-inch display and 3000 mAh battery. iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5-inch display and 2900 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S9 and iPhone 7 Plus compare for speed?

Galaxy S9 scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone 7 Plus scores 60/100.

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