The Samsung Galaxy S9 remains one of the most stylish and feature-rich smartphones, even years after its initial launch. With its sleek design, powerful hardware, and reliable performance, the Galaxy S9 continues to attract users looking for a solid Android device at an affordable price today. In this review from Mobiles Update, we’ll dive into its design, performance, camera, software, and overall value while also covering detailed specifications.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung has always been a leader in smartphone design, and the Galaxy S9 proves that. Built with a combination of glass and metal, the device feels premium in hand. The Infinity Display with curved edges makes it modern and immersive. The slim bezels and a lightweight body make it easy to use with one hand. Its IP68 water and dust resistance also adds durability, making it a great choice for everyday use.
Display Experience
The Galaxy S9 features a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display that delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness. Whether you are watching movies, browsing, or gaming, the display quality is still competitive compared to mid-range smartphones available today. Samsung’s Always-On Display feature ensures users can view notifications, time, and battery percentage without unlocking the phone.
Performance and Hardware
At its core, the Galaxy S9 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (in the US) or Exynos 9810 (globally). Coupled with 4GB RAM, it offers smooth multitasking and gaming performance. While not as fast as modern flagship devices, it still handles social media, browsing, streaming, and most games with ease.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Performance Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 |
| GPU | Adreno 630 / Mali-G72 MP18 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB (Expandable up to 400GB via microSD) |
| Operating System | Android 8.0 Oreo (Upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.5) |
Camera Performance
One of the Galaxy S9’s highlights is its 12MP rear camera with variable aperture (f/1.5 to f/2.4). This feature allows the camera to adjust automatically in different lighting conditions, producing sharp images in both bright daylight and low light. It also supports Super Slow-Motion video recording at 960fps, a unique addition that was ahead of its time. The 8MP front camera captures excellent selfies with beauty mode and wide-angle support.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Camera Specifications
| Camera Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12MP, f/1.5 – f/2.4, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/1.7, Auto HDR |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps, 720p at 960fps (Super Slow-Mo) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, Panorama, AR Emoji |
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S9 packs a 3000mAh battery. While the capacity may seem small compared to today’s standards, Samsung optimized the device well. It supports Fast Charging (15W) and Wireless Charging, giving users flexibility. For moderate use such as browsing, messaging, and social media, the phone lasts through the day. However, heavy users may need to recharge in the evening.
Audio and Multimedia
Samsung equipped the Galaxy S9 with stereo speakers tuned by AKG, offering rich sound quality. It also supports Dolby Atmos surround sound for immersive audio while watching movies or gaming. Unlike many new smartphones, the S9 retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that many users still appreciate.
Security Features
Security was a major focus for the Galaxy S9. It includes multiple options such as iris scanning, facial recognition, and fingerprint scanning. While the fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed below the rear camera, the iris and face unlock provide extra flexibility. Samsung Knox further enhances security, making it suitable for business and personal use.
Software and Features
The Galaxy S9 launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, but Samsung updated it to Android 10 with One UI 2.5. Although it no longer receives major updates, it still performs well with existing features like Samsung Pay, Bixby Assistant, and Samsung Health. The One UI interface is clean, smooth, and user-friendly.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Full Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED, 1440 x 2960 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Dimensions | 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 163g |
| Build | Glass front & back, aluminum frame |
| OS | Android 8.0 Oreo (Upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.5) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 |
| GPU | Adreno 630 / Mali-G72 MP18 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB (Expandable up to 400GB) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP, variable aperture, OIS |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/1.7 |
| Battery | 3000mAh, Fast Charging 15W, Wireless Charging |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack, Dolby Atmos |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple, Titanium Gray |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Premium build quality
- Brilliant AMOLED display
- Excellent camera with low-light performance
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Expandable storage & headphone jack
Cons:
- Smaller battery compared to modern devices
- Limited to 4GB RAM
- No longer receives software updates
Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy S9 Today?
Even though the Samsung Galaxy S9 is an older device, it still holds value in 2025 as a budget-friendly smartphone. For users who want a compact phone with a beautiful display, great cameras, and premium build, the Galaxy S9 remains a solid choice. However, if long-term software updates and bigger batteries are priorities, newer models like the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE or Samsung Galaxy S23 may be better alternatives.
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