The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, launched in early 2018, was a breakthrough device that showcased Samsung’s innovation and commitment to producing high-quality flagship smartphones. Packed with advanced features like a powerful dual camera setup, a brilliant Super AMOLED display, and a sleek design, the Galaxy S9 Plus quickly became one of the most popular devices in the Galaxy lineup. Although a few years have passed since its release, the Galaxy S9 Plus remains a viable option for those seeking flagship-level performance on a budget. This article explores its standout features, performance, and why it remains a worthy choice.
1. Design and Build: Sleek, Durable, and Timeless
Samsung designed the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus with a focus on elegance and durability. It features a sleek glass and metal build, rounded edges, and a polished finish, giving it a premium look and feel. With its IP68 rating, the Galaxy S9 Plus is resistant to dust and water, capable of withstanding submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The device is slightly larger than the standard Galaxy S9, with dimensions of 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm, and it weighs 189 grams, making it substantial but comfortable to hold.
The Galaxy S9 Plus comes in several color options, including Midnight Black, Coral Blue, and Lilac Purple, each adding a unique touch of style. The design remains timeless, as it maintains a classic look that still feels relevant in today’s smartphone market.
2. Display: Vibrant 6.2-Inch Super AMOLED Screen
The Galaxy S9 Plus boasts a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels. This screen delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it one of the best displays on the market at the time of its release. The HDR10 support further enhances the viewing experience, especially when streaming content from services like Netflix and YouTube.
The Infinity Display, a Samsung hallmark, curves around the edges to create an immersive experience with minimal bezels. This design choice maximizes the screen-to-body ratio and provides an almost edge-to-edge viewing area, ideal for gaming, watching movies, or browsing photos.
3. Performance: Powerful Hardware with Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus runs on either the Exynos 9810 (in global markets) or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (in the United States), both of which are high-performance processors that deliver smooth and efficient performance. Paired with 6GB of RAM, the S9 Plus is capable of handling demanding applications, games, and multitasking without lag or stutter.
The device comes with internal storage options of 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB, which can be expanded up to 400GB via a microSD card. This makes the Galaxy S9 Plus a versatile choice for users who require ample storage for media, apps, and files.
4. Camera System: Dual-Lens Setup with Impressive Low-Light Performance
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S9 Plus is its dual-lens rear camera system. It was the first Galaxy model to feature this setup, which includes:
12MP Wide-Angle Lens: The primary 12MP sensor has a variable aperture of f/1.5 to f/2.4, automatically adjusting based on lighting conditions. This feature enables the camera to capture more light in darker settings, producing clear, detailed photos even in low light.
12MP Telephoto Lens: The secondary 12MP telephoto lens offers 2x optical zoom, allowing users to zoom in on subjects without sacrificing image quality. This lens is especially useful for portraits and close-up shots.
With features like Super Slow-mo, which records at 960 frames per second, the Galaxy S9 Plus adds a creative edge to video recording. Other notable features include AR Emoji, which creates animated emojis based on the user’s face, and Live Focus, which enables users to adjust background blur for a bokeh effect. Samsung’s camera software includes various modes and settings to further enhance the photography experience.
5. Front Camera: Crisp 8MP Selfies
The Galaxy S9 Plus is equipped with an 8MP front-facing camera with an aperture of f/1.7, delivering clear and detailed selfies. The front camera also supports autofocus, which is rare in front-facing cameras and helps to improve image sharpness. The camera’s wide aperture enhances low-light performance, making it a great choice for selfie enthusiasts.
Samsung’s AR Emoji feature is also available on the front camera, allowing users to create personalized emoji characters that mirror their facial expressions. This feature adds a fun, interactive element to the front camera.
6. Battery Life: 3,500mAh Battery with Fast and Wireless Charging
The Galaxy S9 Plus houses a 3,500mAh battery, which provides a full day of moderate use on a single charge. Samsung includes both wired and wireless fast charging capabilities, allowing users to recharge the battery quickly. The device supports 15W wired fast charging via USB-C and 10W wireless charging, adding convenience for users who prefer a cordless charging option.
Battery life is enhanced by Samsung’s power-saving modes and the efficiency of the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 processors, allowing users to get the most out of each charge. With adaptive battery features in later Android updates, battery management has improved further, extending the device’s usability.
7. Software: One UI with Android Updates
Originally launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, the Galaxy S9 Plus has received updates to Android 10, featuring Samsung’s One UI. One UI is designed to make large-screen devices easier to use, with an interface that places interactive elements within thumb reach and an overall cleaner design.
Samsung has incorporated features like Night Mode, which provides a system-wide dark theme, and Digital Wellbeing, which helps users track and manage their screen time. One UI offers a smooth, user-friendly experience, bringing the Galaxy S9 Plus up to speed with more recent devices in terms of software capabilities.
8. Security: Intelligent Scan and Rear Fingerprint Sensor
The Galaxy S9 Plus includes Samsung’s Intelligent Scan, which combines facial recognition and iris scanning to unlock the device. This feature adapts to different lighting conditions, making it easier to unlock the phone quickly and securely. The device also has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor located below the camera module, providing an alternative for those who prefer fingerprint unlocking.
Samsung Knox, Samsung’s security platform, is also integrated into the device, offering enhanced protection for personal data and enabling secure access to applications. These security features make the Galaxy S9 Plus a reliable choice for users who prioritize data protection.
9. Audio and Multimedia: Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos
Samsung partnered with AKG to equip the Galaxy S9 Plus with stereo speakers, providing a rich and immersive audio experience. With Dolby Atmos support, the device delivers surround sound, making it an ideal choice for multimedia consumption. Whether watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, the Galaxy S9 Plus provides impressive audio quality.
Additionally, the device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature many users appreciate, as it allows for easy compatibility with wired headphones and other audio devices without the need for adapters.
10. Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is a suitable choice for users who want a powerful, feature-rich device without the price tag of a newer flagship model. Its high-quality display, advanced camera features, and reliable performance make it a compelling option for those who value a premium experience. Additionally, the Galaxy S9 Plus offers great value for users who need a robust multimedia device with stereo sound, expandable storage, and versatile security options.
Conclusion: A Flagship That Stands the Test of Time
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus may not be the latest model, but it remains a powerful and capable device that stands the test of time. With its brilliant display, strong camera performance, and premium build, it offers much of the functionality of more recent devices at a fraction of the cost. For users who want a high-quality smartphone experience and aren’t concerned about having the newest model, the Galaxy S9 Plus continues to be a valuable option.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a gamer, or simply someone who appreciates a sleek and durable design, the Galaxy S9 Plus delivers a well-rounded experience. Samsung has crafted a device that appeals to a wide range of users, making the Galaxy S9 Plus a versatile and enduring choice in today’s smartphone market.
