The Samsung Galaxy S9, released in 2018, is a flagship smartphone that offers an array of cutting-edge features and performance capabilities. With its sleek design, powerful processor, stunning display, and advanced camera system, the Galaxy S9 has gained a reputation as a top choice for smartphone enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of the Samsung Galaxy S9 to uncover its true potential.
Design and Display
The Samsung Galaxy S9 boasts a premium design that combines glass and aluminum to create a sleek and stylish look. The front and back of the device are protected by Gorilla Glass 5, which provides durability and resistance to scratches. The aluminum frame adds to the overall durability of the device, making it capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.
The dimensions of the Galaxy S9 are 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm, making it a compact smartphone that is comfortable to hold and use with one hand. It weighs 163g, which gives it a solid feel without being too heavy. The device also features an IP68 rating, making it dust and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, providing added peace of mind for everyday use.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S9 is its display. The device sports a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with HDR10 support, offering vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast levels. The display has a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 18.5:9, and a pixel density of approximately 570 ppi. This results in sharp and detailed visuals, making it ideal for multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks.
The Galaxy S9 also features 3D Touch technology, although it is limited to the home button only. Additionally, it has an Always-on display feature that allows users to glance at the time, notifications, and other information without unlocking the device, which can be handy for quick access to important information.
Performance
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S9 is powered by either an Exynos 9810 chipset (EMEA) or a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset (USA/LATAM, China), both built on a 10nm process. The EMEA variant features an octa-core processor with four Mongoose M3 cores clocked at 2.7 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, while the USA/LATAM and China variant has an octa-core processor with four Kryo 385 Gold cores clocked at 2.8 GHz and four Kryo 385 Silver cores clocked at 1.7 GHz.
The Galaxy S9 also packs a Mali-G72 MP18 GPU (EMEA) or an Adreno 630 GPU (USA/LATAM, China), which provides smooth graphics performance for gaming and multimedia tasks. The device comes with 4GB of RAM and is available in three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. It also supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage, although the slot is shared with the second SIM card slot on the dual SIM model.
In terms of performance benchmarks, the Galaxy S9 performs admirably. In the AnTuTu benchmark, it scores around 250,156 (v7), showcasing its raw processing power. In the GeekBench benchmark, it achieves a score of 8,830 (v4.4), indicating its multi-core performance capabilities. In the GFXBench benchmark, it achieves a frame rate of 41 fps in the T-Rex test and 32 fps in the Manhattan test, which demonstrates its impressive graphics performance.
In real-world usage, the Galaxy S9 delivers smooth and snappy performance, whether it’s navigating through the user interface, multitasking between apps, or running resource-intensive tasks. Apps load quickly, and there is no noticeable lag or stuttering during day-to-day use. The device also handles demanding games with ease, providing an immersive and lag-free gaming experience.
Camera
The camera system is one of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy S9. The device features a 12MP Dual Pixel rear camera with an aperture of f/1.5-f/2.4, which is capable of capturing stunning photos in various lighting conditions. The Dual Pixel technology allows for fast and accurate autofocus, resulting in sharp and clear photos.
One of the unique features of the Galaxy S9’s camera is the variable aperture, which can switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 depending on the lighting conditions. The wider aperture of f/1.5 allows for excellent low-light performance, capturing bright and detailed photos even in dimly lit environments. On the other hand, the smaller aperture of f/2.4 provides greater depth of field, making it ideal for portrait and landscape photography.
The Galaxy S9 also features optical image stabilization (OIS) for both photos and videos, which helps to reduce motion blur and produce sharp and steady shots. It also has a dual-tone LED flash for better color reproduction in low-light conditions.
In addition to the rear camera, the Galaxy S9 also sports an 8MP front-facing camera with an aperture of f/1.7, which is capable of capturing high-quality selfies with excellent detail and color accuracy. The front camera also features autofocus, which allows for sharp and focused selfies, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The camera app on the Galaxy S9 offers a plethora of shooting modes and settings, including Pro mode, Panorama, Slow Motion, Hyperlapse, and more. The Pro mode allows for manual control over settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, giving photography enthusiasts more creative control over their shots.
The Galaxy S9 also introduces the new AR Emoji feature, which allows users to create personalized emojis based on their own facial expressions. This feature uses the front-facing camera and facial recognition technology to create animated emojis that can be shared via messaging apps or social media.
Overall, the camera performance of the Galaxy S9 is impressive, delivering stunning photos and videos with excellent detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance.
Display and Audio
The display of the Samsung Galaxy S9 is one of its standout features, offering a stunning visual experience. The 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with HDR10 support provides vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast levels, making it ideal for multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks.
The display also features an Always-on display feature, which allows users to view the time, notifications, and other information without unlocking the device. This can be handy for quickly checking important information at a glance without having to wake up the device.
The Galaxy S9 also boasts impressive audio capabilities. It features dual stereo speakers, with one speaker at the bottom of the device and the other integrated into the earpiece. The speakers are tuned by AKG, a renowned audio brand, and provide a rich and immersive audio experience.
The device also supports Dolby Atmos technology, which enhances the audio experience by providing a surround sound-like effect. This is especially noticeable when watching movies or playing games, as it adds depth and dimension to the audio, making for a more engaging and immersive experience.
In addition to the stereo speakers, the Galaxy S9 also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a feature that many users still appreciate. This allows for easy and convenient connection of wired headphones or external audio devices for an enhanced audio experience.
The audio quality during phone calls on the Galaxy S9 is also excellent, with clear and crisp voice reproduction, thanks to the dual microphones and noise-canceling technology. Users can also take advantage of the built-in equalizer settings to customize the audio output to their preferences.
The combination of the stunning Super AMOLED display and impressive audio capabilities makes the Galaxy S9 a great device for multimedia consumption, gaming, and audio-intensive tasks.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy S9 comes with a 3000mAh non-removable battery, which is sufficient for a full day of moderate to heavy usage. The device also supports fast charging, both wired and wireless, which allows for quick charging times and minimizes downtime.
The Galaxy S9 also introduces a new feature called Adaptive Fast Charging, which analyzes the usage pattern and charging habits of the user and adjusts the charging speed accordingly. This helps to optimize the battery charging process and extend the overall battery life of the device.
In addition to fast charging, the Galaxy S9 also supports wireless charging, which is a convenient feature for users who prefer to charge their devices wirelessly. The device is compatible with both Qi and PMA wireless charging standards, making it compatible with a wide range of wireless chargers available in the market.
The battery life of the Galaxy S9 can vary depending on individual usage patterns, such as screen brightness, app usage, and network connectivity. However, in general, the device offers decent battery life for everyday use, and the fast charging capabilities help to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Software and User Experience
The Samsung Galaxy S9 runs on the Android operating system with the Samsung Experience user interface on top. The device ships with Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, but it is upgradable to the latest version of Android at the time of writing.
The Samsung Experience user interface offers a clean and intuitive user experience, with a host of customization options to tailor the device to individual preferences. The interface is easy to navigate, and the settings menu is organized and straightforward.
One of the notable features of the Samsung Experience UI is the Edge Screen, which provides quick access to frequently used apps, contacts, and other shortcuts. Users can customize the Edge Screen to their liking, making it a handy tool for multitasking and accessing commonly used features.
The Galaxy S9 also comes with a host of preloaded apps from Samsung, including Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, and Bixby, Samsung’s virtual assistant. While some users may find these apps useful, others may prefer to use third-party alternatives. Fortunately, most of these preloaded apps can be uninstalled or disabled, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred apps.
Speaking of Bixby, the virtual assistant has been improved on the Galaxy S9 with enhanced capabilities, such as Bixby Vision, which uses the camera to identify objects, provide translation, and offer shopping suggestions. Bixby Voice allows users to control the device with voice commands, and Bixby Home provides a personalized feed of news, weather, and other information.
Overall, the software and user experience on the Galaxy S9 is smooth, intuitive, and highly customizable, providing users with a pleasant and efficient operating system.
Security and Privacy
The Samsung Galaxy S9 offers a range of security features to protect user data and privacy. It includes a fingerprint scanner located at the rear of the device, which allows users to quickly unlock the device with their registered fingerprint.
In addition to the fingerprint scanner, the Galaxy S9 also offers facial recognition technology for and biometric authentication. Users can set up facial recognition to unlock their devices by simply looking at the front-facing camera. While facial recognition is convenient, it may not be as secure as fingerprint authentication, as it can be easily fooled with a photo or video of the user’s face. Therefore, users may need to use caution when relying solely on facial recognition for device security.
Another security feature of the Galaxy S9 is the Secure Folder, which allows users to create a private, encrypted space within their device to store sensitive data, such as personal photos, documents, and apps. This provides an additional layer of protection for sensitive information, ensuring that it remains safe and secure.
The Galaxy S9 also features Samsung Knox, a defense-grade security platform that provides real-time protection against malware, viruses, and other security threats. Samsung Knox helps to secure the device and its data, providing users with peace of mind when it comes to their privacy and security.
In terms of software updates, Samsung has been known to provide regular security updates for its devices, including the Galaxy S9, to address known vulnerabilities and ensure that the device remains secure. However, the frequency and duration of software updates may vary depending on the region and carrier, which is something users should be aware of.
Overall, the Galaxy S9 offers a range of security features to protect user data and privacy, though it is important for users to be vigilant and take appropriate measures, such as setting up secure screen lock methods and being cautious of the apps and content they download and interact with.
Connectivity and Networking
The Samsung Galaxy S9 comes with a wide range of connectivity options, making it a versatile device for staying connected to the world. The device supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for fast download and upload speeds on compatible networks. It also supports a variety of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, making it compatible with most global networks.
In addition to cellular connectivity, the Galaxy S9 also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards, providing fast and stable wireless internet connectivity. It also supports Wi-Fi Direct, which allows for quick and easy file sharing and device-to-device communication without the need for a Wi-Fi hotspot or router.
The Galaxy S9 also supports Bluetooth 5.0, which provides faster data transfer speeds and improved connectivity range compared to previous Bluetooth versions. Users can connect a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as headphones, speakers, smartwatches, and more, for a seamless wireless experience.
NFC (Near Field Communication) is another connectivity feature of the Galaxy S9, which allows for contactless payment options, such as Samsung Pay and Google Pay, as well as quick pairing with other NFC-enabled devices, such as speakers or headphones.
The Galaxy S9 also includes a USB Type-C port for wired connectivity, charging, and data transfer. The USB Type-C port offers faster data transfer speeds and more versatile usage compared to the older micro-USB ports, making it a convenient feature for users who need to connect their device to other devices or accessories.
Overall, the Galaxy S9 offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it a versatile device for staying connected to the internet, other devices, and for making mobile payments.
Camera Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S9 boasts a powerful camera system that is one of its standout features. The device features a 12-megapixel dual aperture camera on the rear, which can switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 aperture, depending on the lighting conditions. This allows for exceptional low-light performance and improved image quality in challenging lighting situations.
The Galaxy S9 also features optical image stabilization (OIS) on the rear camera, which helps to reduce camera shake and blur, resulting in sharper and clearer photos. The rear camera also supports 4K video recording at 60fps, providing high-quality video capture for users who enjoy capturing memories in motion.
The front-facing camera of the Galaxy S9 is an 8-megapixel sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, which allows for good low-light performance and high-quality selfies. The front camera also features autofocus, which ensures that users can capture sharp and focused selfies, even in challenging conditions.
One of the unique camera features of the Galaxy S9 is the Super Slow-mo mode, which allows users to capture slow-motion videos at 960 frames per second. This feature is perfect for capturing action moments in slow motion, adding a creative and dynamic element to videos.
Another notable camera feature of the Galaxy S9 is the AR Emoji, which uses the front-facing camera to create personalized animated emojis that mimic the user’s facial expressions and movements. Users can customize their AR Emoji with different hairstyles, clothing, and accessories, and use them in messages or social media posts, adding a fun and personalized touch to their communications.
The camera app of the Galaxy S9 also includes a Pro mode, which gives users manual control over various camera settings, such as ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, allowing for greater creativity and customization in their photos.
The overall camera performance of the Galaxy S9 is impressive, with its dual aperture, optical image stabilization, Super Slow-mo, and AR Emoji features, making it a top choice for users who are passionate about photography and videography.