BeastCompare

Galaxy S9 vs iPhone SE (2nd generation): 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 · 2020

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

iPhone SE (2nd generation)
65/ 100
Launch price$399
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 SE (2nd generation)
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S9iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedGalaxy S9
    64
    60
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S9
    65
    63
  • SecurityGalaxy S9
    100
    86
  • ValueiPhone SE (2nd generation)
    68
    80
Key differences
  • Galaxy S9 has the bigger battery3,000 mAh vs 1,821 mAh
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Galaxy S9 has the bigger screen5.8" vs 4.7"
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) is lighter148 g vs 163 g
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) launched cheaper$399 vs $720
  • Galaxy S9 has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 7 MP
  • Galaxy S9 has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5
  • Galaxy S9 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S9
  • ✓Bigger 3,000 mAh battery (+1,179 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.8" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone SE (2nd generation)
  • ✓15 g lighter (148 g vs 163 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$321 cheaper at launch ($399 vs $720)
  • ✓12 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S9iPhone SE (2nd generation)
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDRetina HD LCD
Screen Size5.8"4.7"
Resolution & Density2960x1440 (570 ppi)1334x750 (326 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 13
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR3 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB / 256GB64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.5, OIS12 MP, f/1.8, OIS
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/1.77 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone SE (2nd generation) Lightest Chassis
Dimensions147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight163 g148 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,000 mAh1,821 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging10W wireless charging7W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.05.0
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$399
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 1,821 mAh) and bigger screen (5.8" vs 4.7"). The iPhone SE (2nd generation) is worth a look if you prefer its faster charging (18W vs 15W).

Buy Galaxy S9 if you want

Larger battery: 3,000 mAh vs 1,821 mAh · Larger display: 5.8" vs 4.7"

Buy iPhone SE (2nd generation) if you want

Lighter: 148 g vs 163 g (15 g less) · Lower launch price: $399 vs $720

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S9 or iPhone SE (2nd generation)?

The Galaxy S9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,000 mAh vs 1,821 mAh) and bigger screen (5.8" vs 4.7"). The iPhone SE (2nd generation) is worth a look if you prefer its faster charging (18W vs 15W). BeastScore: Galaxy S9 64.8/100, iPhone SE (2nd generation) 65.0/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S9 and iPhone SE (2nd generation)?

Galaxy S9 has a 5.8-inch display and 3000 mAh battery. iPhone SE (2nd generation) has a 4.7-inch display and 1821 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S9 and iPhone SE (2nd generation) compare for speed?

Galaxy S9 scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone SE (2nd generation) scores 60/100.

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Xiaomi Redmi A3x 4G Standard Edition Global Dual SIM TD-LTE 64GB 24048RN6CG (Xiaomi Klein)
Xiaomi

Xiaomi Redmi A3x 4G Standard Edition Global Dual SIM TD-LTE 64GB 24048RN6CG (Xiaomi Klein)

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