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iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy S9 - Complete Review

Battery Capacity: 2716mAh
Dimension: 174g, 7.7mm thickness
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
Storage: 64GB / 256GB
Camera: Rear: 12 MP (Wide) + 12 MP (Telephoto) | Front: 7 MP (TrueDepth)
OS: iOS 11 (upgradable to iOS 16.7)
Battery Capacity: 3000mAh
Dimension: 163g, 8.5mm thickness
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 (region-dependent)
Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB (expandable via microSD up to 400GB)
Camera: Rear: 12 MP (Dual Aperture) | Front: 8 MP
OS: Android 8.0 Oreo (upgradable to Android 10)


iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy S9: The 2017–2018 Icons — Which Design Legend Should You Choose in 2025?

What if you could hold the moment smartphones became truly cinematic? The iPhone X: Apple’s 10th anniversary masterpiece — edge-to-edge OLED, Face ID, no Home button, Animoji. The Galaxy S9: Samsung’s refined evolution — variable aperture camera, Super Slow-mo, AKG-tuned stereo speakers, and that magical headphone jack. Both were revolutionary in their own way. In 2025, neither is safe for banking or social media — but both are breathtakingly beautiful, emotionally nostalgic, and surprisingly capable as backup devices or media players. So which one deserves your love today? Let’s compare them — screen, camera, performance, soul — so you can choose the legend that fits your 2025 life.

Design & Feel: Minimalist Icon vs Colorful Refinement

The iPhone X is a sculpture. Stainless steel frame. Symmetrical glass. That iconic notch. It feels premium, cold, and timeless — like a piece of modern art. The Galaxy S9 is warmer, more playful. Curved glass back. Vibrant colors (Burgundy Red! Lilac Purple!). It fits better in one hand and feels lighter (163g vs 174g). If you want a museum piece, choose iPhone X. If you want a joyful, usable classic, choose S9.

Display: True Blacks vs Higher Resolution

Both have stunning 5.8-inch OLED screens — but they’re different flavors. The iPhone X’s Super Retina OLED has perfect blacks, True Tone, and 3D Touch. Colors feel natural, cinematic. The S9’s Quad HD+ AMOLED has 28% more pixels, HDR10+, and Always-On Display. Text is sharper, videos pop more. In 2025, both still look better than most budget LCDs. But if you watch a lot of HDR movies, the S9’s higher resolution and brightness give it a slight edge.

Performance in 2025: iOS Longevity vs Android Flexibility

The iPhone X got updates until 2023 (iOS 16) — 6 years of support. The S9 stopped in 2020 (Android 10) — just 2.5 years. In 2025, the iPhone X still opens apps slightly faster thanks to iOS optimization. But the S9 has more RAM (4GB vs 3GB) and expandable storage — so if you load it with music, movies, and lightweight apps, it feels more versatile. Neither runs TikTok or Instagram well — but both handle Spotify, YouTube (via browser), and messaging just fine. For pure smoothness, iPhone X wins. For freedom, S9 wins.

Camera: Dual Lenses vs Variable Aperture Magic

The iPhone X has two rear cameras — wide + telephoto — so you get true 2x optical zoom and beautiful Portrait Mode with depth effects. The S9 has one smarter camera: its f/1.5–f/2.4 variable aperture adjusts like a DSLR — brighter in low light, sharper in daylight. Plus, Super Slow-mo 960fps is still the most fun camera feature ever. For portraits and zoom, iPhone X wins. For low-light and cinematic slow motion, S9 wins. Choose your magic.

Battery & Charging: S9 Pulls Ahead

The iPhone X’s 2716 mAh battery was modest even in 2017. In 2025, it struggles to last a full day. The S9’s 3000 mAh battery holds up better — and it supports faster wired charging, wireless charging, AND Wireless PowerShare (charge your earbuds by placing them on the back). The iPhone X only does basic Qi wireless. If battery life matters, the S9 is the clear winner.

The Dealbreakers: Headphone Jack, microSD & Speakers

The iPhone X killed the headphone jack — you need Lightning or Bluetooth. The S9 kept it — and added microSD expandable storage (up to 400GB!). Want to load your entire music library? Only the S9 lets you. The S9 also has louder, richer stereo speakers tuned by AKG — perfect for movies and music. The iPhone X has good speakers, but not as immersive. For media lovers, this alone makes the S9 the more joyful 2025 choice.

How to use them safely in 2025 (simple steps)

For both: Factory reset first. Install only lightweight apps (VLC, Spotify, Signal via APK). Remove all accounts. Use offline or with burner emails. Never log into banking or shopping apps. Check battery health — replace if below 80%.

What to avoid

Don’t pay more than $60–$80 for either. Don’t expect modern app support. Don’t use for sensitive tasks. And don’t buy if the battery is swollen — replace it first.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the **iPhone X** if: You love Face ID, dual cameras, Portrait Mode, and that iconic notch design. You’re an Apple loyalist who values ecosystem smoothness and cinematic video. You don’t mind no headphone jack and shorter battery life.

Choose the **Galaxy S9** if: You want a headphone jack, microSD slot, Super Slow-mo, variable aperture, better battery, and richer colors. You value media freedom, fun features, and practical versatility over brand loyalty. You want the most joyful, usable vintage flagship in 2025.


In 2025, the **Galaxy S9 is the more practical, flexible, and fun choice** for most people. But the **iPhone X still has soul** — especially for Apple fans who remember the awe of Face ID in 2017. Neither is a secure daily driver. But both are masterpieces. Grab one in Space Gray or Burgundy Red, load it with your favorite album and a slow-mo video of your pet, and let it live on your desk — not in your pocket for sensitive tasks. These aren’t just phones. They’re emotional time capsules. And in 2025, that’s more than enough.


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