Samsung S10 vs Samsung S9 vs Galaxy Fold (for video)
The Samsung S range is now 10 years old. And with the recent launch of the S10, how does it compare to the S9 for filmmaking and video-shooting purposes?
Here’s some relevant specs:
It’s bigger.
S10 Size: 149.9 × 70.4 × 7.8 mm (5.90 × 2.77 × 0.30 inches)
S9 Size: 147.6 x 68.7 x 8.4 mm (5.81 x 2.70 x 0.33 inches)
Down thumb – we don’t want bigger
It’s heavier.
S10 weight: 184 grams (5.53 ounces)
S9 Weight: 163 grams (5.75 ounces)
Down thumb – we don’t want heavier
Bigger screen though
S10 Screen size: 6.1″ Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED Infinity-O Display
S9 Screen size: 5.8″ Quad HD+ Super AMOLED
Up thumb – but obviously you can’t have a smaller phone with a bigger screen.
More pixels.
S10 screen resolution: 3,040 × 1,440 pixels (551 pixels per inch)
S9 Screen resolution: 2,960 x 1,440 pixels (570 pixels per inch)
Neutral – but less pixels per inch. Hardly any extra resolution at all.
Operating System
They both run Android 9.0 Pie. You know, the one with pro video mode removed.
There is no thumb potion to adequately indicate my level of negative feelings.
More storage space.
S10 storage: 128GB, 512GB MicroSD card slot: yes
S9 storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB MicroSD card slot: up to 512
Up thumb – more space, more video storage.
Processor upgraded
S10 processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
S9 processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 854
Up thumb
More RAM
S10: 8GB
S9: 4GB
Up thumb
More cameras
S10 cameras: Triple lens ultra wide-angle 16-megapixel, standard 12MP with OIS and variable aperture, and telephoto 12MP with OIS rear, 10MP front
S9 cameras: 12MP (with OIS) rear, variable aperture, 8MP front
Up thumb – Samsung gets a telephoto
They both have 2,160p at 60 fps, 1,080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps, using the inbuilt camera app.
In terms of price, the S10 is going to add a few dollars more.
Looks like some interesting and useful upgrades for the smartphone filmmaker. Especially the inbuilt telephoto lens.
But, considering the S9 is still a great smartphone for video, is it worth the $900 to make that step up?
We look forward to finding out it’s DxOMark Image Labs rating for video.
Now what about that folding thing…
I think most people’s thoughts are: I want one but not for $2000.
Not sure if this phone is really going to be a hit with smartphone filmmakers. And yet… editing on our phones has always been limited by screen size. And people still do it. So, with the extra screen space, will this Galaxy Fold deliver truly smartphone-only filmmaking?
Add a small keyboard and a mouse…
But how do the filmmaking specs look:
Cover Display: 4.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED 21:9 aspect ratio
Main Display: 7.3-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 4.2:3 aspect ratio
Processor: 7nm 64-bit octa-core SoC
RAM: 12GB (LPDDR4x)
Storage: 512GB (UFS3.0)
Cameras:
Cover camera:
10MP selfie camera, ƒ2.2 aperture
Rear triple cameras:
16MP ultra-wide camera, ƒ2.2 aperture
12MP wide-angle camera, Dual Pixel autofocus, OIS, ƒ1.5/ƒ2.4 apertures
12MP telephoto camera, PDAF, OIS, ƒ2.4, 2X optical zoom
Front dual cameras:
10MP selfie camera, ƒ2.2 aperture
8MP RGB depth camera, ƒ1.9 aperture
That’s a total of 6 cameras… yes 6. Giving you a total of 4 different aperture settings.
Well, I’m looking forward to seeing if that is overkill or something we can engage with creatively.
The Galaxy Fold is expected to reach stores on April 26.
Update: after complaints about the screen breaking, release has been postponed.
Read more about… The Mobile Motion Film Festival
Eager to learn more?
Join our weekly newsletter featuring inspiring stories, no-budget filmmaking tips and comprehensive equipment reviews to help you turn your film projects into reality!
