The Samsung Galaxy S9+, released on March 16, 2018, was Samsung’s flagship smartphone, succeeding the Galaxy S8+. Priced at $839 for the base model, it aimed to refine its predecessor’s design with improved cameras, performance, and software. With a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, dual cameras, and a premium feature set, it competed directly with the iPhone X and other 2018 flagships. This review provides a detailed analysis of the Galaxy S9+’s hardware and software specifications, evaluates its performance, and compares it with other smartphones in a similar price range to assess its market position.
Hardware Specifications
Physical Design and Build
The Galaxy S9+ features a sleek aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back, enabling wireless charging. Measuring 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm and weighing 189 grams, it’s slightly thicker and heavier than the S8+ (173g) but feels balanced despite its large display. The curved edges and slim bezels give it a premium aesthetic, though the glass back is prone to fingerprints and scratches. Durability tests by Consumer Reports showed excellent scratch resistance but poor performance after 100 drops, with a cracked screen, suggesting a case is advisable. Repairs, such as screen replacements, cost around $229 without warranty.
Available in Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple, and Sunrise Gold, the S9+ offers a refined look. It has an IP68 rating (1.5 meters for 30 minutes), ensuring water and dust resistance, tested successfully in real-world conditions.
Display
The Galaxy S9+ sports a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display (2960 x 1440 resolution, 529 ppi), supporting HDR10 for vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a peak brightness of ~700 nits, it outperforms the iPhone X (625 nits) in outdoor visibility. The 18.5:9 aspect ratio and curved edges provide an immersive experience, with an 83.7% screen-to-body ratio. Always-On Display shows notifications and time without significant battery drain. The display covers DCI-P3 and sRGB gamuts, earning praise for color accuracy and contrast, though some noted oversaturation in default settings.
Processor and Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (US/China, 10nm, 8-core, 2.8 GHz Kryo 385) or Exynos 9810 (global, 10nm, 8-core, 2.7 GHz Mongoose M3), the S9+ delivers strong performance. Paired with 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, it handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps like Adobe Premiere Rush with ease. Benchmarks like AnTuTu (630,000) and Geekbench (Single-core: ~3,700, Multi-core: ~8,900) show it trailing the iPhone XS’s A12 Bionic (690,000) but competitive with other 2018 Android flagships. The 10nm process is less efficient than the 7nm A12, leading to slightly higher power consumption.
Storage
Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants (UFS 2.1), the S9+ includes a microSD slot (up to 400GB), a significant advantage over the iPhone XS. The 64GB base model was adequate, but heavy users benefited from expandable storage.
Battery
The 3,500mAh battery supports up to 17 hours of video playback or 80 hours of audio. Real-world tests show 6–7 hours of screen-on time, outlasting the iPhone XS (2,658mAh) but trailing the Huawei P20 Pro (4,000mAh). It supports 15W fast charging (50% in ~35 minutes with included charger) and 9W wireless charging. Battery life is solid but not class-leading, with heavy gaming or 4K recording requiring a top-up by evening.
Cameras
The S9+ features a dual 12MP rear camera system: a wide-angle lens (f/1.5–f/2.4 variable aperture, OIS) and a telephoto lens (f/2.4, 2x optical zoom, OIS). The variable aperture adjusts for low-light (f/1.5) and bright conditions (f/2.4), improving dynamic range. Super Slow-Mo (960fps at 720p) and AR Emoji are notable features, though AR Emoji was less polished than Apple’s Animoji. It records 4K video at 60fps with stereo audio. The 8MP front camera (f/1.7, autofocus) delivers sharp selfies but lacks the iPhone’s TrueDepth precision.
Camera performance is excellent, with vibrant colors and strong low-light shots, rivaling the Google Pixel 2. However, the iPhone XS’s Smart HDR and Pixel 2’s computational photography edged out in dynamic range and night shots. Some users reported oversharpening in daylight photos.
Connectivity
The S9+ supports dual SIM (hybrid slot in some regions), LTE Cat.18 (up to 1,200 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. It includes USB-C 3.1, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS. Connectivity is robust, with fewer issues than the iPhone XS’s early LTE problems. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a key differentiator, absent in Apple and some Android competitors.
Sensors
Includes a rear fingerprint sensor (improved placement from S8+), iris scanner, face recognition (less secure than Face ID), accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, ambient light, barometer, and heart rate sensor. The iris scanner struggles in low light, and face recognition is less reliable than Face ID.
Audio
Stereo speakers, tuned by AKG, deliver loud, clear sound, enhanced by Dolby Atmos. The 3.5mm jack supports high-quality audio, and bundled AKG earbuds are a bonus. Audio quality surpasses the iPhone XS but matches the Pixel 3.
Software Specifications
Operating System
The Galaxy S9+ shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo and Samsung Experience 9.0 (later One UI). Key features included:
- Bixby: Voice assistant with camera-based Bixby Vision for object recognition and translation.
- Edge Panels: Quick access to apps and tools.
- Multi-Window: Split-screen multitasking.
- Always-On Display: Customizable notifications.
- Secure Folder: Encrypted app and file storage.
It received updates to Android 9 Pie and Android 10 with One UI 2.0, but support ended in 2022, offering four years of updates—shorter than the iPhone XS’s seven years (up to iOS 18) but typical for Android at the time. One UI improved usability over Samsung Experience, though some bloatware (e.g., pre-installed apps) was criticized.
Software Issues
Early Android 8.0 builds had minor lag and battery drain, improved with Android 9. Bixby was less intuitive than Google Assistant, and duplicate apps (e.g., Samsung’s browser vs. Chrome) frustrated some users. Updates resolved most issues, but the S9+ lacks the longevity of newer Samsung flagships (e.g., S23 with seven years of updates).
Performance and User Experience
The Galaxy S9+ delivers a smooth experience, with fast app launches, fluid animations, and reliable multitasking thanks to 6GB RAM. The Snapdragon 845/Exynos 9810 handles demanding games like Asphalt 9 and video editing without overheating, though the iPhone XS’s A12 is faster in sustained tasks. The AMOLED display is a highlight, offering vibrant visuals for media and gaming, with customizable color profiles.
Battery life is solid, lasting a full day for most users, though heavy use may require a recharge. The dual cameras perform well across lighting conditions, with the variable aperture aiding low-light shots, though the Pixel 2 and iPhone XS occasionally outperform in detail and dynamic range. The 3.5mm jack, microSD slot, and features like DeX (desktop mode via USB-C) add versatility. One UI is feature-rich but less polished than iOS, and Bixby lags behind Siri and Google Assistant.
Comparison with Smartphones in the Same Range
The Galaxy S9+ launched at $839 (64GB), placing it in the premium flagship segment. Below is a comparison with 2018 competitors in a similar price range: Apple iPhone XS ($999), Google Pixel 3 XL ($899), Huawei P20 Pro (~$900), and OnePlus 6T ($549, included for value context). Prices reflect 2018 MSRP for base models.
| Feature | Galaxy S9+ | iPhone XS | Google Pixel 3 XL | Huawei P20 Pro | OnePlus 6T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Base) | $839 (64GB) | $999 (64GB) | $899 (64GB) | ~$900 (128GB) | $549 (128GB) |
| Display | 6.2″ AMOLED, 2960×1440, 529 ppi, HDR10 | 5.8″ OLED, 2436×1125, 458 ppi, HDR10 | 6.3″ OLED, 2960×1440, 523 ppi, HDR | 6.1″ OLED, 2240×1080, 408 ppi, HDR | 6.41″ AMOLED, 2340×1080, 402 ppi, HDR |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845/Exynos 9810 (10nm, 8-core) | A12 Bionic (7nm, 6-core) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) | Kirin 970 (10nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB | 4GB | 6GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 64/128/256GB + microSD | 64/256/512GB | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 3,500mAh, 15W fast, 9W wireless | 2,658mAh, 15W fast, 7.5W wireless | 3,430mAh, 18W fast, 10W wireless | 4,000mAh, 22.5W fast, no wireless | 3,700mAh, 20W fast, no wireless |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (f/1.5-2.4 wide, f/2.4 tele) | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.4 tele, 2x zoom) | Single 12.2MP (f/1.8 wide) | Triple 40MP (f/1.8) + 20MP + 8MP (3x zoom) | Dual 16MP (f/1.7 wide) + 20MP (f/1.7) |
| Front Camera | 8MP (f/1.7) | 7MP (f/2.2) | Dual 8MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.2 ultra-wide) | 24MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) |
| OS | Android 8.0 (up to Android 10) | iOS 12 (up to iOS 18) | Android 9.0 (up to Android 12) | Android 8.1 (up to Android 10) | Android 9.0 (up to Android 11) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (1.5m, 30 min) | IP68 (2m, 30 min) | IP68 (1.5m, 30 min) | IP67 (1m, 30 min) | None |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.18, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0, 3.5mm | Dual SIM (eSIM), LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Single SIM, LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.18, Wi-Fi ac, BT 4.2 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5mm, 189g | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm, 177g | 158 x 76.7 x 7.9mm, 184g | 155 x 73.9 x 7.8mm, 180g | 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2mm, 185g |
| Additional Features | Fingerprint, iris scanner, 3.5mm jack, Bixby | Face ID, stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack | Squeeze for Assistant, stereo speakers | Fingerprint, IR blaster, no 3.5mm jack | In-display fingerprint, no 3.5mm jack |
Analysis
- Galaxy S9+: Excels with its AMOLED display, expandable storage, 3.5mm jack, and versatile dual cameras. Battery life is strong, but software updates stopped at Android 10, and the Snapdragon 845 lags behind the A12 Bionic in efficiency.
- iPhone XS: Offers superior performance, seven-year software support, and a polished iOS experience. Its smaller battery and lack of 3.5mm jack or microSD slot are drawbacks, and its $999 price is higher.
- Pixel 3 XL: Stands out for computational photography, delivering unmatched low-light performance. However, 4GB RAM limits multitasking, and battery life is average. Software support (up to Android 12) is shorter than the iPhone XS.
- Huawei P20 Pro: Features a triple camera with 3x zoom and a 4,000mAh battery. The Kirin 970 is less powerful, and US availability was limited due to trade restrictions. Updates capped at Android 10.
- OnePlus 6T: A value leader with flagship specs, a larger battery, and fast charging at a lower price. Its cameras and lack of IP rating are weaknesses, and software support (up to Android 11) is shorter.
The Galaxy S9+ balanced premium features and versatility, but its shorter software support and slightly dated processor were outclassed by the iPhone XS’s longevity and performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning 6.2-inch AMOLED display with HDR10.
- Strong Snapdragon 845/Exynos 9810 performance.
- Versatile dual cameras with variable aperture.
- Expandable storage via microSD.
- IP68 water resistance and premium build.
- 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers.
- Included fast charger and AKG earbuds.
Cons
- Software updates limited to Android 10 (four years).
- Battery life trails Huawei P20 Pro and newer flagships.
- Bixby less intuitive than Google Assistant or Siri.
- Glass back prone to scratches and fingerprints.
- Iris scanner and face recognition less reliable than Face ID.
- Oversharpening in some camera shots.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ was a polished flagship in 2018, offering a vibrant AMOLED display, versatile cameras, and features like the 3.5mm jack and microSD slot that set it apart from the iPhone XS. Its Snapdragon 845/Exynos 9810 delivered strong performance, and the design remained premium, though battery life and software longevity lagged behind competitors like the iPhone XS and newer Samsung models. Compared to the iPhone XS, Pixel 3 XL, Huawei P20 Pro, and OnePlus 6T, it provided a well-rounded package with unique features but faced challenges from Apple’s ecosystem and Google’s camera prowess.
For Android users seeking a premium experience with flexibility (e.g., microSD, headphone jack), the S9+ was a top choice in 2018. In 2025, its lack of further updates limits its appeal, and newer models like the Galaxy S23 or S24 offer significant upgrades in performance, cameras, and support.