Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) smartphone

Photo: Littlerabbit506 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018)

November 2018 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) was a pioneering mid-range smartphone, notable as the world's first to feature a quad-camera setup on its rear. It combined a vibrant Super AMOLED display with a capable Snapdragon 660 processor, aiming to deliver a premium experience with a focus on versatile photography.
Display6.3-inch Super AMOLED, 1080x2220 pixels
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 660
Main CameraQuad 24MP + 10MP + 8MP + 5MP
Battery3800 mAh with 18W fast charging
Starting from $129

💰 Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) Price

The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) lowest price is $129, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED
Size6.3 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5

Platform

OSAndroid 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.1
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
GPUAdreno 512

Memory

Internal Storage128GB
RAM6GB or 8GB
Card SlotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot, up to 512GB)

Main Camera

Quad24 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm, PDAF; 10 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.9", 1.0µm, AF, 2x optical zoom; 8 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm; 5 MP, f/2.2, (depth), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single24 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 3800 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W wired, Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging

Body

Dimensions162.5 x 77 x 7.8 mm (6.40 x 3.03 x 0.31 in)
Weight183 g (6.46 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
ColorsCaviar Black, Lemonade Blue, Bubblegum Pink

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE
GPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFCYes
RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedOctober 2018
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Innovative quad-camera setup for diverse photography options
  • Large and vibrant Super AMOLED display
  • Dedicated microSD slot for extensive storage expansion
  • Retained 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Premium glass and metal build quality
  • Good battery life with fast charging support

Cons

  • Snapdragon 660 chipset was considered mid-range for its price point at launch
  • Camera performance, despite four lenses, wasn't always superior to competitors
  • No official IP rating for water and dust resistance
  • Launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, which became outdated over time
★ Our Verdict

The Galaxy A9 (2018) earns a 7/10 for its innovative quad-camera system and premium design, though its mid-range processor and inconsistent camera performance for its price held it back from a higher score.

The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) is now an older model, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking a large Super AMOLED display and a versatile camera system. While its Snapdragon 660 processor is no longer cutting-edge, it remains capable for everyday tasks and light gaming. Consider it if you prioritize camera versatility and screen quality over raw performance, and appreciate features like a dedicated microSD slot and headphone jack. Be aware that software updates are likely limited, and battery health on used models may vary. It's best suited for users looking for a secondary device or a primary phone on a very tight budget, where its original premium features can be enjoyed at a significantly reduced cost. Look for well-maintained used units.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) handset
  • Adaptive Fast Charger
  • USB Type-C Cable
  • Headset (earphones)
  • SIM Ejector Tool
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Information
  • Clear Protective Case

Typically includes a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty, varying by region.

❓ Questions & Answers

What was unique about the Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018)?

The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) was the world's first smartphone to feature a quad-camera setup on its rear, offering a wide range of photographic options.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) have a good display?

Yes, it features a large 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Is the Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) still worth buying in 2026?

While it offers a good display and versatile camera, its Snapdragon 660 processor and older Android version mean it's best considered as a budget option or secondary device in 2026.

What kind of battery life can I expect from the Galaxy A9 (2018)?

The phone comes with a 3800 mAh battery and supports 18W adaptive fast charging, providing good endurance for daily use.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

What are the main camera specifications of the Galaxy A9 (2018)?

It features a quad-camera system with a 24MP main, 10MP telephoto (2x optical zoom), 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP depth sensor.