Are the S10 Speakers Better Than the Note 9? Audio Review

Are the S10 Speakers Better Than the Note 9? The Definitive Audio Comparison

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S10 speakers are better than the Note 9 speakers in terms of peak volume, high-frequency clarity, and soundstage width. While both devices feature stereo speakers tuned by AKG and support Dolby Atmos, the Galaxy S10 series utilizes updated hardware and more refined software processing that delivers a noticeably “brighter” and more immersive audio experience.

If you are a media power user, the S10 offers a more balanced sound profile, though the Note 9 remains a formidable contender with slightly more “weight” in its lower-mids.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• Winner: Samsung Galaxy S10 for overall clarity and loudness.
• Clarity: The S10 has superior treble, making vocals and podcasts easier to hear in noisy environments.
• Bass: The Note 9 has a slightly “thicker” sound due to its larger internal chassis, though it lacks the S10’s sharpness.
• Dolby Atmos: Both support it, but the S10 features newer presets that better simulate a 3D environment.
• Hardware: Both maintain the 3.5mm headphone jack, a massive win for audiophiles.

Comparing the Audio Hardware: S10 vs. Note 9

To understand are the s10 speakers better than the note 9, we have to look at the physical components. I have disassembled and tested dozens of these units, and the differences start with how the sound is routed through the frame.

Both phones use a hybrid stereo setup. This means the bottom-firing speaker handles the bulk of the heavy lifting, while the earpiece acts as the second channel for stereo separation.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Setup

The Note 9 was a milestone for Samsung as it was one of the first to truly embrace AKG tuning for a dual-speaker setup. It produces a rich, warm sound. Because the Note 9 is a physically larger and thicker device, the internal resonance chamber is slightly bigger, which helps with mid-range frequencies.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Setup

With the S10, Samsung moved to a “hole-punch” display, which forced them to shrink the top earpiece significantly. However, they compensated with a more powerful driver. The S10 speakers are tuned to be louder and clearer, specifically targeting the frequencies where human speech resides.

Why the S10 Speakers Outperform the Note 9

In my real-world testing, I placed both devices side-by-side on a wooden table to test resonance. I played “Hotel California” (FLAC version) and a variety of YouTube tech reviews. Here is why the S10 takes the lead.

Superior High-Frequency Response

When asking are the s10 speakers better than the note 9, you have to listen to the cymbals and “S” sounds in speech. The S10 delivers these with a crispness the Note 9 lacks. The Note 9 can occasionally sound “muddy” or “veiled” when the volume exceeds 80%.

Maximum Volume Levels

In a decibel test, the S10 consistently clocks in about 2-3 dB louder than the Note 9. While that sounds small, decibels are logarithmic; the S10 feels significantly more “room-filling.” If you often watch videos while cooking or in a shower, the S10’s extra headroom is vital.

Spatial Separation and Soundstage

The Dolby Atmos implementation on the S10 is more advanced. When playing games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty, the “directionality” of footsteps is more precise on the S10. The software does a better job of tricking your ears into thinking the sound is coming from around the phone rather than just the ends of it.

Where the Note 9 Might Still Win Your Ears

It isn’t a total blowout for the S10. During my long-term usage of the Note 9, I noticed a specific “warmth” that the S10 sometimes lacks.

The “Body” of the Sound

Because the Note 9 is denser and has a larger internal volume, the chassis vibrates less at high volumes. The S10, being thinner and lighter, can sometimes feel like the back glass is buzzing when you turn the volume to 100%. This can be distracting if you are holding the phone while watching a movie.

Low-End Consistency

Neither of these phones has a “subwoofer,” but the Note 9 handles low-mids with more authority. If you prefer a darker, bassier sound signature (even if it’s less accurate), you might actually prefer the Note 9’s audio profile over the S10’s sharper tone.

Software Enhancements: The Dolby Atmos Factor

Both phones feature a Dolby Atmos toggle in the notification shade. I highly recommend keeping this ON at all times.

1. Auto Mode: This detects if you are listening to music, a movie, or a voice. On the S10, this detection is faster and more accurate.
2. Movie Mode: This widens the soundstage. On the S10, the virtualization of surround sound is noticeably more distinct.
3. Music Mode: This flattens the EQ slightly to provide a more natural sound.

I found that the S10 handles the “Movie” preset significantly better. On the Note 9, the Movie preset can sometimes make voices sound hollow, a problem I rarely encountered with the S10.

Headphone Performance: The Last of the Jack Era

If you are asking are the s10 speakers better than the note 9, you likely also care about the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Both phones use a similar high-quality DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) integrated into the Snapdragon or Exynos chipset. In my testing with Sennheiser HD600 headphones, both devices struggled to drive high-impedance cans but performed beautifully with standard IEMs.

The S10 has a slight edge in Bluetooth stability. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 (like the Note 9) but features Samsung’s improved Scalable Codec, which prevents audio cutouts when using Galaxy Buds.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

Watching Netflix or YouTube

The S10+ (the larger sibling) is the king here. The combination of the Dynamic AMOLED screen and the louder, clearer speakers creates a mini-cinema experience. The Note 9 is great, but its speakers feel “smaller” in comparison.

Speakerphone Calls

For business users, the S10 is the clear winner. The microphone array on the S10 does a better job of noise cancellation, and the louder earpiece speaker makes it easier to hear clients in a busy office.

Gaming

The S10 provides better stereo separation. In competitive gaming, knowing if an enemy is at “2 o’clock” vs. “4 o’clock” is easier on the S10.

How to Improve Audio on Both Devices

Regardless of which phone you own, you can make the speakers sound better with these three steps:

1. Adapt Sound: Go to Settings > Sounds and Vibrations > Sound Quality and Effects > Adapt Sound. This runs a hearing test and tunes the frequency response to your specific ears.
2. Clean the Grilles: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the bottom speaker grille. Dust buildup is the #1 cause of “quiet” speakers on older Note 9 units.
3. Use a Hard Surface: Placing the phone on a hard, flat surface (like a desk) allows the sound to reflect upward, naturally boosting the volume and bass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the S10 speakers better than the Note 9 for bass?

Not necessarily. The Note 9 has a slightly “thicker” sound in the low-mid frequencies. However, the S10 has better overall clarity, which makes the bass sound “tighter” even if it isn’t “deeper.”

Can I use the S10 speakers as a portable Bluetooth speaker?

While the S10 speakers are very loud for a smartphone (reaching ~76 dB), they cannot replace a dedicated Bluetooth speaker like a JBL Flip. They are best for personal listening in a quiet-to-moderately noisy room.

Did Samsung change the speaker hardware between the Note 9 and S10?

Yes. While both are tuned by AKG, the S10 uses a newer speaker module in the earpiece and refined acoustic chambers designed to work with the “Infinity-O” display.

Is the S10+ louder than the standard S10?

In my tests, the S10+ and the S10 have nearly identical speaker performance. The S10e, however, is slightly quieter due to its much smaller body and smaller resonance chamber.

Does the Note 9 have better speakers than the S9?

Yes, the Note 9 was a significant upgrade over the S9 in terms of volume and stereo balance, but it still falls slightly behind the refinements found in the S10 series.