Samsung Galaxy S9 - Complete Review
Samsung Galaxy S9 - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy S9 represents a pivotal moment in smartphone history where refinement took precedence over radical redesign. As a Senior Technical Consultant, I have revisited this device to analyze its viability in the current market. While it shares the visual DNA of its predecessor, the S8, the Galaxy S9 introduced critical engineering changes—specifically the variable aperture camera and the relocation of the fingerprint sensor—that addressed user pain points.
This comprehensive guide goes beyond the spec sheet. We will evaluate the long-term durability of the Super AMOLED panel, the degradation curve of the 3000mAh battery, and whether the Exynos 9810 (or Snapdragon 845) can still handle modern app demands. Whether you are a budget-conscious buyer looking for a premium build on the secondary market, or an enthusiast maintaining a classic, this review provides the technical depth required for an informed decision.
Expert Opinion Snapshot
Before diving into the technical schematics, here is the executive summary for potential buyers in the current year. The Galaxy S9 is defined by its compact premium feel, which is increasingly rare in a market dominated by massive phablets.
| The Good (Pros) | The Bad (Cons) |
| - Exceptional Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Display (570 ppi). - Premium Build: Gorilla Glass 5 & Aluminum Frame. - Dual Aperture Camera still performs well in daylight. - Stereo Speakers tuned by AKG. - Retains 3.5mm Headphone Jack and MicroSD slot. |
- Battery life is poor by modern standards (3000mAh). - Official software support ended at Android 10. - 4GB RAM is a bottleneck for heavy multitasking. - Curved screen edges are prone to accidental touches. |
Expert Insight: Most reviews overlook the audio quality. The S9 was the first Galaxy S flagship to implement stereo speakers (earpiece acts as a tweeter), providing a significantly richer audio experience than many current mid-range phones.
Full Technical Specifications
Understanding the hardware architecture is essential to gauging performance longevity.
| Component | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Display Panel | 5.8-inch Super AMOLED, HDR10, 1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio. |
| Processor (SoC) | USA/China: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm) Global: Exynos 9810 (10nm) |
| Memory & Storage | 4GB LPDDR4X RAM | 64/128/256GB UFS 2.1 Storage. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1, LTE Cat.18 (1.2Gbps DL). |
| Sensors | Iris Scanner, Rear Fingerprint, Heart Rate, SpO2, Barometer. |
Ergonomics, Build & Materials
The Galaxy S9 is a masterclass in industrial design, often cited as the peak of the "glass sandwich" era before camera bumps became massive. The device features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, curved symmetrically into a rigid 7000-series aluminum frame. This symmetry makes the phone feel thinner than its 8.5mm specification suggests.
Crucially, Samsung corrected the S8's biggest flaw by moving the fingerprint scanner below the camera module rather than next to it. This ergonomic adjustment prevents users from smudging the camera lens. The device is IP68 certified, meaning it can withstand submersion in 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes—a feature still relevant for used buyers, though water resistance seals degrade over time.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming
Performance analysis requires a split perspective due to the regional chipset differences. The Snapdragon 845 variant (common in the US) has aged slightly better in terms of GPU efficiency compared to the Global Exynos 9810 version.
For daily tasks—social media, web browsing, and video streaming—the S9 remains fluid. This is largely thanks to the UFS 2.1 storage, which offers read/write speeds significantly faster than the eMMC storage found in modern budget phones. However, the 4GB of RAM is a limiting factor. Heavy multitaskers will notice apps reloading in the background more frequently than on modern devices.
Gaming Verdict: Casual games run perfectly. Heavy titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile are playable at medium settings, but the phone tends to get warm quickly. Thermal throttling is noticeable after 20 minutes of sustained load, dimming the screen to manage heat.
Camera Capabilities
The headline feature of the Galaxy S9 was its mechanical dual-aperture lens. The 12MP sensor can physically switch between f/1.5 (for low light) and f/2.4 (for bright conditions).
Daylight Photography: At f/2.4, the lens ensures sharpness across the entire frame. Dynamic range is excellent, with Samsung's signature punchy color saturation. It still rivals modern mid-range phones in sheer image clarity.
Low Light & Video: The f/1.5 aperture allows more light in, but without the modern computational photography (Night Mode) found in the S23 or S24 series, images can look slightly noisy. Video recording is a strong suit, offering 4K at 60fps—a rarity for a phone of this vintage. The OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) does a commendable job of smoothing out handheld footage.
Battery Endurance & Charging Speeds
This is the most critical section for potential buyers. The 3000mAh battery was considered small at launch; today, it is insufficient for power users.
Real-World Usage: On a brand new battery, expect roughly 3.5 to 4 hours of Screen-On Time (SOT). If buying used, battery health will likely be at 80-85%, reducing SOT to under 3 hours. You will need to charge this phone twice a day with moderate use.
Charging Specs: The device supports 15W Adaptive Fast Charging (getting you from 0% to 100% in about 1 hour 40 minutes) and Qi Wireless Charging. While 15W is slow by modern standards, it generates less heat, which is better for long-term battery health.
Market Value Guide (New vs Used)
Pricing fluctuates based on region and condition. This table provides a general baseline for the current market.
| Condition | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| New / Sealed | $250 - $350 | Collector's item only. Not recommended for daily use at this price. |
| Refurbished (Grade A) | $120 - $160 | Good value if warranty is included. |
| Used (Fair/Good) | $70 - $100 | Excellent budget option or backup phone. |
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
Buying a used Galaxy S9 carries risks. AMOLED screens are prone to "burn-in" (ghost images). Use this checklist before handing over cash.
| 1. Screen Burn-in Test | Dial *#0*# and select "Red", "Green", and "Blue". Look for faint shadows of keyboard or status bar icons. |
| 2. Touch Sensor Test | In the same menu (*#0*#), select "Touch". Draw lines across all squares. If a line breaks, the digitizer is faulty. |
| 3. Knox Security Trip | Boot into Download Mode (Power + Vol Down + Bixby). Check "Warranty Void". If it says "1", secure apps like Samsung Pay/Health will NEVER work. |
| 4. Physical Aperture | Look at the rear camera lens while taking a photo. Switch between Pro mode aperture settings. You should physically see the iris open and close. |
Top Alternatives Comparison
If the S9's battery life is a dealbreaker, consider these alternatives in the same price bracket:
- Google Pixel 3: Better still camera (Night Sight), smoother software, but suffers from similar battery issues and no headphone jack.
- LG V40 ThinQ: Offers a Quad DAC for audio, triple cameras, and a larger screen for a similar low price.
- Samsung Galaxy S10e: The direct spiritual successor. Better processor (Snapdragon 855), wide-angle camera, and slightly better battery life, though usually $50-$80 more expensive.
Critical Advice
Software Security: The Galaxy S9 is no longer receiving monthly security patches. It is strongly advised NOT to use this device for high-risk banking or storing sensitive corporate data unless you are running a custom ROM (like LineageOS) which is kept up to date by the community.
The "PWM" Factor: The S9 uses low-frequency PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to dim the screen. If you are sensitive to screen flickering, this phone might cause eye strain at low brightness levels, a common trait in older OLED panels.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S9 stands as a testament to premium build quality. In 2024 and beyond, it is an excellent choice for a secondary device, a dedicated music player (thanks to the headphone jack and DAC), or a first phone for a child. Its display remains superior to many $300 modern phones. However, the limited battery life and lack of security updates make it difficult to recommend as a primary daily driver for power users. If you can find one in good condition for under $100, it offers unbeatable hardware value per dollar.