Galaxy S8 v Galaxy S9 – The true cost of owning Samsung smartphones REVEALED

new was revealed last week with the all-new device already available to pre-order.

This latest flagship brings a number of improvements to the Galaxy S brand with an updated processor and better camera which now takes improved pictures in low light.

There’s also a refreshed design which sees the fingerprint scanner moved to a much more convenient position in the centre of the rear case.

Along with these upgrades the S9 includes all the usual flagship features such as a dual curved display, expandable memory and a water resistant design.

And there’s also the ability to charge the phone wirelessly and unlock it using facial and iris recognition.

Clearly, the S9 has plenty going for it but it also arrives in your hand at a very high price.

So, if you are thinking of buying this latest Galaxy here’s the real cost of owning one over the older Galaxy S8.

GALAXY S8 v S9 SIM-FREE

The Galaxy S8 officially costs £689 from Samsung but you can pick one up from stores such as Amazon for as little as £502.

The Galaxy S9, however, will set you back £739 – that’s over £200 more than the cheapest S8 deal.

Of course, these SIM-FREE deals don’t include any minutes, data or texts so you need to add this on to the overall cost for the year.

Most plans for a decent amount of data start from around £10 per month with some of the best deals below.

THREE MOBILE – 4GB data, unlimited calls and texts •

EE – 10GB data, unlimited calls and texts • £17 per month

VODAFONE – 5GB data, 500 minutes, unlimited texts • £13.50 per month

O2 – 6GB data, unlimited calls and texts • £15 per month

GALAXY S8 v S9 ON CONTARCT

One of the cheapest monthly S8 deals currently comes from Mobiles.co.uk.

This allows users to grab last year’s flagship for £23 per month which includes 4GB of data plus unlimited calls and texts.

There is a £210 upfront fee making the overall cost over a two year contract £762.

This can be reduced to £737 via the code VODA25.

If you want an S9 then expect to pay a lot more.

Fans can also pick up this new smartphone for a price of £23 per month but they will have to pay a huge £340 upfront fee.

The same 4GB of data and free calls/texts apply but the total over two years is £892 – that’s £155 more than the S8.

It’s worth remembering that the price of the S9 can be reduced via Samsung’s trade in programme with fans able to get up to £200 off the price of the new handset

Those who pre-order the Samsung S9 or Galaxy S9+ before March 15th on Virgin Mobile could receive up to £400 cashback when they recycle their old smartphone.

The limited time offer will see Virgin Mobile throw-in an additional £100 on-top of the usual cashback value of your old handset.

To qualify for the full £400 cashback on your new Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, you’ll need to trade-in last year’s flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Virgin Mobile says any handsets traded-in under the scheme need to be working order.

It also adds that the cashback amount will vary based on make, model and condition of phone.