Galaxy S9 vs Sony Xperia XZ2: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — 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
Sony · 2018

Sony Xperia XZ2

Sony Xperia XZ2
65/ 100
Launch price$800
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 0 of 8 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9
0 wins
Sony Xperia XZ2
Sony Xperia XZ2
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S9Sony Xperia XZ2
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    65
    65
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Sony Xperia XZ2 has the bigger battery3,180 mAh vs 3,000 mAh
  • Sony Xperia XZ2 charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Sony Xperia XZ2 has a sharper main camera19 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy S9 has the bigger screen5.8" vs 5.7"
  • Galaxy S9 is lighter163 g vs 198 g
  • Galaxy S9 launched cheaper$720 vs $800
  • Galaxy S9 has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 5 MP
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S9
  • ✓35 g lighter (163 g vs 198 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$80 cheaper at launch ($720 vs $800)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia XZ2
  • ✓Bigger 3,180 mAh battery (+180 mAh)
  • ✓19 MP main camera
  • ✓5.7" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S9Sony Xperia XZ2
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDIPS LCD TRILUMINOS HDR
Screen Size5.8"5.7"
Resolution & Density2960x1440 (570 ppi)2160x1080 (424 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness864 nits peak660 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 8.0
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB / 256GB64GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.5, OIS19 MP, f/2, OIS, Sony IMX400
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/1.75 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S9 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm153 x 72 x 11.1 mm
Weight163 g198 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,000 mAh3,180 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging10W wireless charging9W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.05.0
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$800
Our verdict

Galaxy S9 and Sony Xperia XZ2 are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S9 for its bigger screen (5.8" vs 5.7") and lighter body (163 g vs 198 g), or the Sony Xperia XZ2 for its bigger battery (3,180 mAh vs 3,000 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W).

Buy Galaxy S9 if you want

Lighter: 163 g vs 198 g (35 g less) · Lower launch price: $720 vs $800

Buy Sony Xperia XZ2 if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S9 or Sony Xperia XZ2?

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S9 for its bigger screen (5.8" vs 5.7") and lighter body (163 g vs 198 g), or the Sony Xperia XZ2 for its bigger battery (3,180 mAh vs 3,000 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W). BeastScore: Galaxy S9 64.8/100, Sony Xperia XZ2 64.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S9 and Sony Xperia XZ2?

Galaxy S9 has a 5.8-inch display and 3000 mAh battery. Sony Xperia XZ2 has a 5.7-inch display and 3180 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S9 and Sony Xperia XZ2 compare for speed?

Galaxy S9 scores 64/100 for performance; Sony Xperia XZ2 scores 64/100.

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