The Samsung Galaxy S9, released in March 2018, was a flagship smartphone that refined the design and features of its predecessor, the Galaxy S8. With improvements in camera technology, performance, and user experience, the S9 remains a notable device even years after its launch. In this article, we’ll explore its specifications, key features, and legacy, along with high-quality external references.
Overview of the Samsung Galaxy S9
The Galaxy S9 was unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 and quickly gained attention for its dual-aperture camera, improved fingerprint sensor placement, and enhanced audio capabilities. While it retained a similar design to the S8, it introduced meaningful upgrades that made it a strong contender in the smartphone market.
Key Highlights
- Dual Aperture Camera (f/1.5 & f/2.4) for better low-light photography.
- Super Slow-Mo (960fps) for high-speed video capture.
- Stereo Speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support.
- Improved fingerprint scanner positioned below the rear camera.
- IP68 water and dust resistance.
- Expandable storage (up to 400GB) via microSD.
Full Specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S9
Below is a detailed breakdown of the Galaxy S9’s specifications in table format:
1. General Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 16, 2018 |
| Status | Discontinued (as of 2019) |
| Dimensions | 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 163g |
| Build | Glass front & back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Titanium Gray, Lilac Purple, Burgundy Red, Sunrise Gold, Ice Blue |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (1.5m for 30 mins) |
2. Display
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | 5.8-inch Super AMOLED (Curved) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2960 (QHD+) |
| Aspect Ratio | 18.5:9 |
| Pixel Density | 570 PPI |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| HDR Support | HDR10 |
3. Performance & Software
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 9810 (Global) / Snapdragon 845 (USA/China) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.7 GHz + 4×1.7 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP18 (Exynos) / Adreno 630 (Snapdragon) |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB (expandable via microSD) |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 (One UI 2.5) |
4. Camera
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps (Super Slow-Mo) |
| Front Camera | 8 MP, f/1.7, AF |
| Camera Features | AR Emoji, Live Focus, Dual Aperture |
5. Battery & Charging
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3000 mAh (non-removable) |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (QC 2.0), Wireless Qi/PMA |
| Battery Life | Up to 22h talk time (3G) |
6. Connectivity & Audio
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| Speakers | Stereo (AKG-tuned) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (aptX) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band) |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 |
Key Features Explained
1. Dual Aperture Camera
The Galaxy S9 introduced a variable aperture lens (f/1.5 & f/2.4), allowing it to switch between modes for better low-light performance and sharper daylight shots. This was a first for smartphones since the Nokia N86 in 2009 .
2. Super Slow-Mo (960fps)
The 720p@960fps slow-motion feature captured ultra-fast actions in 0.2-second bursts, playing back in 6.4 seconds for dramatic effects .
3. Enhanced Audio Experience
With AKG-tuned stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, the S9 delivered one of the best audio experiences in a smartphone at the time .
4. Security & Sensors
- Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner (improved placement).
- Iris scanner (last Galaxy S model to feature it).
- Heart rate & SpO2 sensor .
Legacy & User Experience in 2025
Despite being discontinued in 2019, the Galaxy S9 remained a reliable device for years. However, some users reported battery drain and overheating issues after unofficial updates in 2025 .
Should You Still Use the Galaxy S9 in 2025?
✅ Pros:
- Great AMOLED display.
- Expandable storage (rare in modern flagships).
- 3.5mm headphone jack.
❌ Cons:
- No Android updates (last update: Android 10).
- Battery degradation over time.
- Slower performance compared to newer phones.
Further Reading
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Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S9 was a refined flagship with excellent camera, display, and audio features. While it may not be ideal as a primary device in 2025, it remains a solid secondary phone or a budget retro option.
Would you still use the Galaxy S9 today? Let us know in the comments on Mobiles Update!