The Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) Review

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S9, launched in 2018, was a carefully refined iteration of its predecessor, the Galaxy S8, carrying forward many of the same design elements while introducing several key improvements. At the heart of the Galaxy S9 is its stunning 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, delivering one of the most vibrant and sharp screens available at the time. The vivid colors, deep blacks, and immersive contrast ratios made it a standout for media consumption, gaming, and everyday use. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in select regions) and equipped with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, the S9 offered a smooth and responsive experience for multitasking, app usage, and gaming, easily handling demanding applications and games without breaking a sweat.

One of the most exciting upgrades was the rear camera, which featured a variable aperture (f/1.5 to f/2.4), a game-changer for low-light photography. This allowed the Galaxy S9 to capture bright, clear images even in challenging lighting conditions—something that set it apart from many of its competitors. Additionally, the S9 included stereo speakers tuned by AKG, providing a more balanced and richer audio experience for media playback, a notable improvement over the mono speakers found in previous models. Its IP68 water and dust resistance rating, coupled with its premium glass and metal construction, ensured the device remained both elegant and durable, capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.

Despite these strengths, the Galaxy S9 did have a few notable drawbacks. The 3,000mAh battery, while adequate for a day of moderate use, was not particularly impressive for power users who pushed their devices to the limit with heavy apps and gaming. While the S9 supported fast charging and wireless charging, its battery life could still fall short compared to some of its rivals. Moreover, despite its many strengths, the S9 lacked 5G support, which left it slightly behind the curve as 5G networks began rolling out globally. This omission made the device less future-proof in comparison to newer models, particularly in the fast-evolving mobile landscape. Another area where the S9 fell a bit flat was its design—though premium and well-crafted, the overall look didn’t stray too far from the Galaxy S8, leading some to feel that it lacked the bold innovation expected from a new flagship.

In this review, we’ll dive deeper into the Samsung Galaxy S9’s features, examining the performance of its display, camera, and overall usability. We’ll also consider its strengths in areas like design and audio quality, while weighing the limitations such as battery life and the absence of 5G. Despite being released a few years ago, the Galaxy S9 remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and high-quality smartphone, and its strong performance across core features continues to make it a contender in today’s market.

Physical Design and Usability

The Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) boasts a refined and elegant design that is both visually striking and highly functional. The phone features a 5.8-inch curved Super AMOLED display that seamlessly flows from edge to edge, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts while maintaining a compact, ergonomic form factor. The sleek glass front and back, framed by a sturdy metal band, give the S9 a sophisticated, high-end feel, while the slim profile ensures it fits comfortably in the hand. Samsung has also addressed a common gripe from its previous models by repositioning the fingerprint sensor below the rear camera, making it easier to access and reducing the likelihood of smudging the camera lens. The S9 is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes and submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, adding an extra layer of durability for those who lead an active lifestyle. The overall usability of the Galaxy S9 is excellent, with buttons placed intuitively for ease of access, and the curved edges enhance the one-handed use experience, allowing users to reach the corners of the screen more comfortably. While the design may not feel drastically different from the Galaxy S8, the subtle refinements and premium materials ensure that the S9 remains a visually appealing and highly functional device, with a user experience that is both practical and enjoyable.

Key Features

The Samsung Galaxy S9, released in 2018, packed a punch with an impressive array of features that made it one of the standout smartphones of its time. Even today, it remains a solid choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded device with excellent performance, a stunning display, and a great camera. Let’s take a closer look at the key features that made the Galaxy S9 a popular choice for users:

1. Stunning 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Display

The Galaxy S9’s 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display is one of its most impressive features. With a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, it delivers incredibly sharp, vibrant colors and deep contrasts. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing photos, or playing games, the display offers a premium experience with crisp details and rich hues. The curved edges give the device a modern, sleek look, while the screen’s near bezel-less design maximizes the viewing area, offering an immersive experience.

2. Powerful Performance with Snapdragon 845

Under the hood, the Galaxy S9 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), paired with 4GB of RAM (or 6GB in select models). This combination ensures smooth performance, whether you're multitasking, gaming, or using demanding apps. The phone runs Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, and it's upgradable to later versions, so you’ll benefit from a fast and responsive system with plenty of power for day-to-day tasks.

3. Variable Aperture Camera for Exceptional Photography

The Galaxy S9’s rear camera is a real game-changer. It features a 12MP sensor with a variable aperture (f/1.5 to f/2.4), which lets the camera adapt to different lighting conditions. In low-light settings, the f/1.5 aperture lets in more light, producing brighter, clearer images without the noise or blur that often plagues low-light shots. During the day, the camera switches to the f/2.4 setting for sharper, more detailed photos. This feature, combined with the advanced autofocus, ensures that your photos come out looking great, whether you're shooting indoors or in bright sunlight.

4. Stereo Speakers Tuned by AKG

For audio lovers, the Galaxy S9 offers an enhanced stereo speaker setup tuned by AKG. The speakers are positioned at the top and bottom of the device, providing rich, immersive sound that’s perfect for watching videos, listening to music, or gaming. The sound quality is significantly improved compared to the previous Galaxy S8, and with Dolby Atmos support, the S9 offers a more dynamic, 3D-like audio experience.

5. IP68 Water and Dust Resistance

The S9 is built to withstand the rigors of daily life, thanks to its IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This means the phone can survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, making it a great choice for those who love outdoor adventures or simply want peace of mind when using their phone near water. Whether you're caught in the rain or accidentally spill some water on your device, the Galaxy S9 is built to handle it.

6. Fast Charging and Wireless Charging

While the Galaxy S9’s 3,000mAh battery might not be the largest on the market, it still provides a full day of use under average conditions. Plus, the S9 supports both fast charging and wireless charging, giving you more flexibility in how you power up your device. With fast charging, you can get a significant battery boost in just a short period of time, while wireless charging eliminates the need to plug in cables, making it more convenient to charge overnight or while at your desk.

7. Sleek Design and Premium Build Quality

The Galaxy S9 features a sleek and premium design, with a glass back and metal frame that feels both solid and stylish. The curved edges and slim profile make it comfortable to hold, while the glass back adds a touch of elegance. The design is also practical—placing the fingerprint sensor below the camera module makes it easier to unlock the phone and reduces the likelihood of smudges on the camera lens, which was an issue on the Galaxy S8.

8. Bixby Voice and Intelligent Features

Samsung’s Bixby assistant is integrated into the Galaxy S9, offering voice commands and intelligent features that can help you control your phone and smart home devices. Bixby Vision uses the camera to translate text, identify objects, and even scan QR codes. While not as widely used as Google Assistant or Alexa, Bixby’s features are a unique selling point for Samsung users, and the integration with the device’s hardware makes it an intuitive option for those who like experimenting with voice-controlled actions.

9. Security Features

In addition to the fingerprint scanner, the Galaxy S9 offers a variety of biometric security options, including facial recognition and an iris scanner. These provide additional layers of security, allowing you to unlock your phone quickly and securely. The device also supports Samsung Knox, a robust security platform that helps protect your personal data from malicious threats, making the S9 a safe choice for those who prioritize privacy.

10. One UI and Software Enhancements

The Galaxy S9 runs Samsung's One UI, a user-friendly interface that offers a clean, organized layout with intuitive navigation. One UI optimizes the phone for one-handed use by shifting key elements to the bottom of the screen, making it easier to reach apps, settings, and notifications with your thumb. The software experience is fluid and responsive, and regular updates ensure the phone remains secure and functional over time.

Performance Analysis

The Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) delivers a well-rounded performance experience, driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810, depending on the region), both of which are built on a 10nm process, ensuring a balance between power efficiency and raw performance. The Snapdragon 845, with its enhanced Kryo 385 cores, is designed to offer high-clock speeds (up to 2.8 GHz) for demanding applications while maintaining energy efficiency during lighter tasks. Paired with either 4GB or 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, the S9 offers an extremely responsive multitasking experience. Even under heavy workloads, the Galaxy S9 delivers exceptional fluidity—apps load quickly, transitions are smooth, and there is minimal lag when switching between memory-intensive apps. For gaming, the Adreno 630 GPU (in Snapdragon models) provides stellar performance, handling graphics-heavy titles like PUBG Mobile or Fortnite at high settings with consistent frame rates, which was an impressive feat for its time.

In terms of performance, the S9 also benefits from software optimizations by Samsung. Running Android 8.0 Oreo at launch (upgradable to later versions), the device is complemented by Samsung's One UI skin, which provides a user-friendly, streamlined experience. One UI's optimizations help reduce the load on system resources, even during more demanding operations, by simplifying the interface and ensuring smoother transitions between tasks. The integration of Samsung's custom optimizations for the Snapdragon chipset also contributes to more efficient thermal management, reducing the likelihood of thermal throttling during extended gaming or intense tasks.

However, despite its strong performance in day-to-day usage, there are notable weaknesses in the Galaxy S9's ability to compete with modern devices. The most significant limitation is the 3,000mAh battery, which, while sufficient for standard use, can fall short for power users or those engaging in continuous high-demand tasks like gaming or 4K video streaming. During such activities, the battery can deplete faster than it can recharge, making it difficult to rely on the device for long periods without frequent charging. Furthermore, while the S9 does support fast charging and wireless charging, its battery management technology isn't as advanced as what we see in newer devices, which feature larger batteries and more efficient power consumption.

Another limitation lies in the absence of 5G support, which is becoming an increasingly important consideration in modern smartphones. With 5G networks gaining ground and next-generation chipsets such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 powering newer devices, the S9's performance—while still solid—lags behind in terms of future-proofing. The lack of 5G means the device is limited to 4G LTE speeds, which, while fast, cannot match the high-speed capabilities of 5G for activities like downloading large files, streaming in ultra-high-definition, or gaming with ultra-low latency.

Moreover, while the Snapdragon 845 is still a powerful chipset, it has been surpassed by more recent generations in terms of efficiency, AI capabilities, and GPU performance. The newer chipsets provide smoother experiences in AI-driven applications, enhanced gaming graphics, and better overall efficiency, which translates to longer battery life and higher sustained performance. For users looking for top-tier performance and future-proofing in areas like augmented reality, machine learning, and gaming, newer flagship devices may be more compelling.

Overall, while the Samsung Galaxy S9 remains a powerful and reliable device, it is important to understand its place in the current smartphone landscape. Its performance holds up admirably for most users, particularly for those focused on standard media consumption, productivity, and casual gaming. However, for those seeking the latest advancements in processing power, battery life, and connectivity, the S9 may start to feel a bit dated. For anyone not yet looking to upgrade to 5G or requiring cutting-edge gaming or heavy-duty multitasking, the Galaxy S9 still offers robust performance that is more than capable of handling everyday tasks with ease.

Market Positioning

The Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) was strategically positioned as a premium flagship device, catering to consumers looking for cutting-edge features, top-tier performance, and a refined design, all at a price point slightly lower than its direct competitors like the Apple iPhone X and Google Pixel 2. At launch, it stood out in the market due to its impressive Super AMOLED display, powerful internals, and versatile camera system, making it a strong contender in the high-end smartphone segment. The Galaxy S9 was particularly aimed at consumers who valued multimedia performance, boasting an exceptional display, stereo sound tuned by AKG, and camera enhancements, such as the variable aperture for superior low-light photography. These features made it a solid choice for those interested in content consumption and mobile photography.

However, the Galaxy S9’s market positioning had some inherent weaknesses as well. One of the main challenges was its lack of major design innovation compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S8. While the S9 refined the design with subtle improvements, such as repositioning the fingerprint sensor and enhancing the camera, its overall look and feel didn’t feel dramatically different, which may have made it less compelling for consumers seeking something more groundbreaking. Additionally, the absence of 5G connectivity limited its future-proofing capabilities, especially as the mobile market began to pivot towards the next generation of faster networks. The S9's premium pricing also put it in direct competition with devices like the iPhone X, which offered its own suite of advanced features like Face ID and Apple's ecosystem integration, making it a tough battle for market share.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S9’s competitive pricing relative to other flagships at the time, along with its strong performance, excellent display, and versatile camera, ensured it held appeal for those who wanted a high-end smartphone experience without the steepest premium. As the years have passed, the S9’s price has dropped significantly, making it an even more attractive option in the mid-range market, where it continues to offer high-end specs at a more affordable price. Despite the challenges of competing in a saturated market, the Galaxy S9’s positioning as a high-performance device with strong multimedia capabilities, combined with its design refinement, made it a solid choice for tech enthusiasts and media consumers, even if it didn’t completely disrupt the flagship market.

Pros and Conns

Pros:

1. Stunning Super AMOLED Display

   • The 5.8-inch display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it one of the best screens on the market. Perfect for media consumption, gaming, and everyday use.

2. Versatile Camera System

   • The 12MP rear camera with a variable aperture (f/1.5 to f/2.4) excels in low-light photography and delivers sharp, high-quality images. It’s fast and responsive, making it great for quick snapshots, even in challenging conditions.

3. Premium Design and Build Quality

   • With a sleek glass back and front, paired with an aluminum frame, the S9 feels premium in hand. It also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, making it durable and able to withstand splashes and immersion in water.

4. Strong Performance

   • Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810, depending on region), the S9 offers smooth, lag-free performance, handling gaming, multitasking, and productivity tasks with ease. It still holds up well in 2024 for most users.

5. Stereo Sound by AKG

   • The stereo speakers, tuned by AKG and enhanced with Dolby Atmos support, provide excellent sound quality for a smartphone, offering clear and immersive audio for music, movies, and gaming.

6. Fast and Wireless Charging

   • Supports fast charging (both wired and wireless) for convenience, so you can get a significant charge in a short amount of time. Wireless charging support adds a layer of convenience when you're on the go.

7. Expandable Storage

   • With 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage options, the S9 also supports a microSD card for expandable storage (up to 400GB), offering flexibility to store apps, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.

8. Excellent Front-Facing Camera

   • The 8MP front camera with autofocus and an f/1.7 aperture takes clear, detailed selfies, even in low-light environments, making it great for video calls or self-portraits.

9. Multiple Biometric Security Options

   • Includes a fingerprint scanner, facial recognition, and iris scanning, giving users flexible options for securely unlocking the device.

10. Great Value Post-Release

    • While the Galaxy S9 was a premium-priced flagship at launch, its price has dropped significantly since release, making it a strong option for those seeking a high-end device at a more affordable price point.

Cons:

1. Battery Life Could Be Better

   • While the 3,000mAh battery is adequate for average use, heavy users may find that it struggles to last a full day, especially when engaging in power-hungry activities like gaming or streaming video. Fast charging and wireless charging help, but a larger battery would have been ideal.

2. No 5G Support

   • The Galaxy S9 lacks 5G connectivity, which is becoming increasingly important as 5G networks expand. While 5G wasn’t mainstream in 2018, its absence limits the device's future-proofing, particularly as 5G becomes more widespread in 2024 and beyond.

3. Design Isn’t Drastically Different from the S8

   • While the S9 refined the design of its predecessor, the changes were relatively subtle. If you’re upgrading from the Galaxy S8, you may not feel a significant leap in terms of design, which might make it less appealing for users seeking a major redesign.

4. Limited Battery Management Features

   • While the S9 offers decent battery life, newer devices feature more advanced battery management systems and larger batteries. The absence of a more efficient power management system may make it less ideal for users who demand all-day battery life under heavy usage.

5. Fingerprint Sensor Placement

   • Although improved from the Galaxy S8, the fingerprint sensor’s position, while more intuitive, is still a bit awkward for some users, especially those with smaller hands. The sensor's location can lead to occasional smudging of the camera lens.

6. No Major Innovations in Camera (Compared to Competitors)

   • While the S9's camera is great, competitors like the Google Pixel 2 and Apple iPhone X offered exceptional image processing and unique features (like Night Sight or Portrait Mode) that made their cameras stand out more in 2018.

7. Lack of Notable Software Features

   • Samsung’s Bixby AI assistant, while functional, was not as refined or as widely adopted as other voice assistants like Google Assistant or Apple's Siri. This lack of unique software features compared to competitors made the S9’s software feel more generic.

8. Price at Launch

   • The Galaxy S9 was priced similarly to other flagship smartphones at launch, which may have been a bit high given that it didn’t offer many groundbreaking upgrades over the S8. However, the price has since dropped, making it a much better value today.

Price Range

of Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018)

When the Samsung Galaxy S9 was first released in March 2018, it had a retail price starting around $720 for the base model (64GB storage). Depending on the region and storage variant, prices could go higher, with the 128GB and 256GB models priced at approximately $750 and $850, respectively.

However, since its launch, the price of the Galaxy S9 has dropped significantly, as newer models with more advanced features have entered the market. As of 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S9 is available at a much more affordable price, typically in the range of $250 to $450 depending on the condition (new, refurbished, or used) and retailer. Prices may vary slightly based on promotions, sales events, or availability in certain regions.

Here’s a general breakdown of the current price range:

• New (Unlocked): Around $300 to $450

• Refurbished: Around $200 to $300

• Used: Starting from $150 to $250

• For budget-conscious consumers looking for a flagship-quality device at a lower price point, the Galaxy S9 remains a solid choice, offering excellent value for money compared to newer smartphones.

Comparative Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) - Comparative Analysis

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was released in 2018 and represented one of the flagship devices for Samsung that year. It offered top-tier hardware, a stunning display, and premium build quality. However, it had to contend with strong competition from other flagship smartphones from companies like Apple, Google, and LG.

Key Competitors

The main competitors of the Samsung Galaxy S9 in 2018 included:

1. Apple iPhone X (2017) - Apple's flagship device that introduced the edge-to-edge OLED display.

2. Google Pixel 2 XL (2017) - Known for its exceptional camera performance, especially in low-light conditions.

3. LG V30 (2017) - A flagship with a focus on audio and display quality.

4. OnePlus 6 (2018) - Known for offering flagship-level specs at a more affordable price point.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Key Competitors

Apple iPhone X (2017)

Strengths:

• Build Quality: Premium design with stainless steel frame and glass back.

• Face ID: Secure and convenient facial recognition system.

• Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem of devices (iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch).

• Performance: Apple A11 Bionic chip offers industry-leading performance.

• Camera: Excellent color accuracy, HDR capabilities, and Portrait Mode.

Weaknesses:

• Price: Expensive, especially at launch.

• Battery Life: Slightly less impressive battery life compared to competitors.

• No expandable storage: Limited to internal storage options.

• No headphone jack: The absence of a 3.5mm audio jack, which was a common criticism in 2017.

Google Pixel 2 XL (2017)

Strengths:

• Camera: Exceptional image quality, particularly in low light, thanks to Google's computational photography.

• Software: Pure Android experience with fast updates and great integration with Google services.

• Display Quality: One of the best OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.

• Battery Life: Excellent battery life for a device of its size.

Weaknesses:

• Design: Less premium compared to competitors, with large bezels.

• No expandable storage: Storage is limited to internal options.

• Build Quality: While decent, the build quality doesn't feel as premium as other flagship devices.

• No wireless charging: A feature missing when compared to competitors in the same range.

LG V30 (2017)

Strengths:

• Display: Excellent OLED screen with great color accuracy.

• Audio: One of the best smartphones for audio, with a Hi-Fi Quad DAC for audiophiles.

• Camera: Dual-camera system with wide-angle lens provides flexibility.

• Design: Sleek and premium, with IP68 water resistance.

Weaknesses:

• Software: LG's skin on Android is not as refined as stock Android or Samsung’s One UI.

• Software Updates: LG is slower in providing OS updates compared to Samsung and Google.

• Price-to-Performance: In terms of raw performance and features, the LG V30 was priced similarly to more polished flagships like the Galaxy S9 and iPhone X.

• Camera Software: The camera performance didn’t always match up to the competition, especially in low-light conditions.

OnePlus 6 (2018)

Strengths:

• Price-to-Performance: Excellent performance at a much more affordable price point compared to other flagship devices.

• Display: Gorgeous 6.28-inch AMOLED display with a high 402 ppi density.

• Fast Charging: Dash Charge offers incredibly fast charging times.

• Software: OxygenOS is known for being clean and fast with minimal bloatware.

Weaknesses:

• Camera: While the camera is good, it doesn't quite reach the level of competitors like the Galaxy S9 or iPhone X in terms of overall image quality, especially in low light.

• Water Resistance: Lacks an official IP rating, though it is somewhat resistant to water.

• No Wireless Charging: Unlike most flagship devices, OnePlus didn’t include wireless charging.

• No MicroSD Slot: Storage expansion is not an option.

In Conclusion, The Samsung Galaxy S9 stood out in 2018 for its gorgeous display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system with a variable aperture. While it was a strong contender, each of its competitors had their own unique strengths.

• Apple iPhone X excelled in overall performance and Face ID, though it came at a higher price point and lacked expandable storage.

• Google Pixel 2 XL led the way in terms of software and camera performance, but had some design drawbacks.

• LG V30 focused on audio and display quality, though it lacked the raw power and polish of other flagships.

• OnePlus 6 offered superb value for money, with fast performance and a beautiful display, but missed out on features like wireless charging and had a weaker camera.

Ultimately, the Galaxy S9 appealed to users looking for a balanced flagship experience with a great display, top-tier performance, and a solid camera. However, for those seeking the best software experience (Pixel 2 XL) or a more budget-friendly flagship (OnePlus 6), these devices could serve as better alternatives depending on individual needs.

Evolution from Previous Models

The Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) marked a refined evolution of the Galaxy S series, building on the foundation laid by the Galaxy S8 (2017) and the S7 (2016). While the S8 introduced the bezel-less design and Infinity Display, the S9 focused on enhancing the user experience with subtle improvements. Notably, the S9's camera received a major upgrade with a 12MP variable aperture lens, offering better low-light performance and sharper images, a step up from the S8’s fixed aperture camera. The S9 also introduced stereo speakers tuned by AKG for improved sound quality, and its rear-mounted fingerprint scanner was repositioned for better accessibility, addressing one of the S8’s major complaints. The performance was bolstered with the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and Exynos 9810 chipsets, providing faster speeds and more efficient power management than the previous generation. Overall, the Galaxy S9 refined the design and features of its predecessors, focusing on polishing the hardware and camera while maintaining the sleek, high-end appeal Samsung was known for.

Impact on the 5G Market

The Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018), while not directly associated with the launch of 5G technology, played an important role in shaping the broader transition toward 5G connectivity in several key ways. Though the S9 itself was not 5G-enabled, it was part of a larger strategy by Samsung to lay the groundwork for future 5G-enabled devices, acting as a bridge between the 4G LTE era and the upcoming 5G revolution.

First, the S9's advanced hardware and networking capabilities, including support for Gigabit LTE speeds, helped pave the way for the transition to 5G by highlighting the need for faster, more reliable wireless connections in premium smartphones. The S9 featured faster download speeds, improved performance, and better multimedia capabilities, which began to show consumers the potential of ultra-high-speed data access — a core benefit of 5G technology. By setting a high bar for mobile data speeds and performance in the industry, the S9 indirectly prepared users and mobile networks for the leap to 5G.

Additionally, Samsung’s push toward 5G was already evident in its development of 5G infrastructure and modems, with the company unveiling prototypes and laying the groundwork for future 5G smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G (released in 2019). As a leading innovator, Samsung used its experience with the S9 and earlier devices to accelerate the design and testing of 5G hardware and antennas, ensuring that later devices like the S10 could fully take advantage of 5G networks when they became available.

In sum, while the Galaxy S9 itself did not support 5G, it served as a crucial part of Samsung's broader evolutionary roadmap, helping to create the demand for faster mobile networks and better performance while directly contributing to the technological advancements that would enable 5G smartphones in the coming years.

You didn’t come this far to stop

Key Decision-Making Factors

When considering the Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018), key decision-making factors revolved around a combination of cutting-edge technology, design refinements, and value proposition in a competitive smartphone market. One of the most influential factors was its display quality—the Galaxy S9 featured a stunning 5.8-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 2960x1440 resolution, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a near bezel-less design that made it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and daily tasks. The camera was another critical decision point, with the S9 introducing a 12MP rear sensor with a variable aperture, a significant upgrade for low-light photography and overall image quality, as well as Super Slow-mo video recording, appealing to photography enthusiasts. Performance was also a deciding factor, as the S9 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), providing fast and efficient processing for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. In terms of design, the S9 built upon the sleek and premium aesthetic introduced by its predecessor, the Galaxy S8, with a glass-and-metal construction, IP68 water and dust resistance, and ergonomic improvements like a better-positioned fingerprint sensor. Battery life, while not groundbreaking, was sufficient for daily use, thanks to a 3,000mAh battery and features like fast charging and wireless charging for added convenience. Additionally, the software experience was a key consideration, with Samsung's One UI skin offering a customized Android experience, alongside features like Bixby Voice, Samsung Pay, and Samsung DeX. Finally, the price played an important role in decision-making; while the S9 was priced at a premium, it offered strong value for money when compared to competitors like the iPhone X and Google Pixel 2 XL, especially with features like a high-quality camera, fast performance, and a top-tier display. Together, these factors made the Galaxy S9 an appealing option for those looking for a well-rounded flagship device with premium build quality, advanced camera technology, and powerful performance.

Conclusion

Is the Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) Still a Strong Contender?

The Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) remains a solid choice for those seeking a premium smartphone experience without the premium price tag of newer flagship models. Despite being launched over half a decade ago, the S9’s stunning Super AMOLED display, high-performance camera system, and robust hardware continue to hold up well against modern competitors. The introduction of the variable aperture camera was a significant leap in mobile photography, especially for low-light conditions, and its stereo speakers tuned by AKG still offer one of the best audio experiences available in a smartphone. Combined with a sleek design, IP68 water resistance, and strong multitasking capabilities, the Galaxy S9 remains a well-rounded device that has aged gracefully.

While it lacks newer features like 5G support and the latest processor innovations, these are often not immediate concerns for users who prioritize day-to-day usability, display quality, and camera performance over the latest trends. In fact, its lower price point (now hovering around $300 to $450 in the second-hand market) makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a flagship-level experience without paying for the latest technology. The S9’s continued software support from Samsung (with updates to Android 10 and beyond) ensures that it won’t be left behind in terms of functionality and security, extending its longevity as a relevant device in the market.

For those looking to future-proof their device with 5G capabilities or who demand the highest-end camera and performance features, the Galaxy S9 may not be the ideal choice. However, for users who appreciate reliable performance, a premium build, and outstanding display quality without paying top dollar, the S9 remains an excellent value proposition. It’s a testament to Samsung’s design and engineering prowess that a device released in 2018 still offers so much to today’s smartphone buyers. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a device that offers solid overall performance, impressive multimedia capabilities, and premium features at a reasonable price, the Galaxy S9 remains a compelling and competitive option in 2024.