Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphone
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S9

March 16, 2018 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S9 is a compact flagship smartphone released in 2018, known for its premium design, excellent Super AMOLED display, and a camera with a unique variable aperture. It offered top-tier performance for its time, powered by either a Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 chipset.
Display5.8-inch Super AMOLED, 1440p resolution
ChipsetSnapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810
Main Camera12 MP with variable f/1.5-2.4 aperture
Battery3000 mAh with fast and wireless charging
Starting from $159

💰 Samsung Galaxy S9 Price

The Samsung Galaxy S9 lowest price is $159, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED, HDR10
Size5.8 inches, 84.2 cm² (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~570 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5

Platform

OSAndroid 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.5
ChipsetExynos 9810 (10 nm) - EMEA or Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) - USA/LATAM, China
CPUOcta-core (4x2.7 GHz Mongoose M3 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) - EMEA or Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) - USA/LATAM, China
GPUMali-G72 MP18 - EMEA or Adreno 630 - USA/LATAM, China

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only or dedicated slot - single SIM model, up to 400 GB
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM

Main Camera

Single12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie Camera

Dual8 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.22µm, AF; 2 MP (dedicated iris scanner camera)
FeaturesDual video call, Auto-HDR
Video1440p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable
Charging15W wired, QC2.0; Qi/PMA wireless charging

Body

Dimensions147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm (5.81 x 2.70 x 0.33 in)
Weight163 g (5.75 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 25, 2018
StatusAvailable. Released March 16, 2018.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent Super AMOLED display
  • Premium build quality and IP68 rating
  • Versatile camera with variable aperture
  • 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers
  • Compact size for a flagship phone

Cons

  • Battery life is only average by modern standards
  • Software updates have ended (last official update was Android 10)
  • Fingerprint sensor placement can be awkward
  • Glass back is prone to breakage
  • Performance is dated compared to current flagships
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was a highly-rated flagship at its release, but its age means its battery life, software support, and raw performance are now surpassed by newer devices, though it still offers a premium experience for its price point.

The Samsung Galaxy S9, while an older flagship, can still be a good option for those seeking a premium experience on a tight budget, especially if purchased refurbished. Its Super AMOLED display, capable camera, and compact design remain appealing. However, be aware that official software updates have ceased, meaning potential security vulnerabilities and lack of new features. Battery degradation is also a common concern for older devices, so consider a unit with a new battery or factor in replacement costs. It's best suited for users who prioritize build quality and display over cutting-edge performance and long-term software support, or as a secondary device. Look for reputable sellers offering a warranty on refurbished units.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S9 handset
  • USB-C cable
  • Wall charger (15W)
  • AKG-tuned earbuds
  • SIM ejector tool
  • USB-C to USB-A adapter

Typically, new Samsung phones come with a one-year limited manufacturer's warranty, but for a device of this age, it would likely be sold without a new warranty or with a limited refurbished warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy S9 released?

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was officially released on March 16, 2018.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S9 have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S9 features a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S9 waterproof?

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is IP68 dust and water-resistant, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

What is the main camera resolution of the Galaxy S9?

The main camera on the Samsung Galaxy S9 is 12 megapixels and features a unique variable aperture (f/1.5-2.4).

Can the Samsung Galaxy S9 still get software updates?

No, the Samsung Galaxy S9's official software support ended with Android 10, so it no longer receives major OS or security updates.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S9 support wireless charging?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S9 supports both Qi and PMA wireless charging standards.