At the MWC 2018, Samsung took the wraps off its next flagship, the Galaxy S9, revealing several improvements in terms of the cameras, software and the chipset. Featuring a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ curved Super AMOLED display, this is the first Galaxy S series smartphone to come with a dual camera setup.
In our #GTUMWC2018 coverage, we are working hard to bring you all the news coming out of the annual MWC event being held in Barcelona.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Full Specifications
| Key Specifications | Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ |
| Display | S9 – 5.8-inch; S9+ – 6.2-inch, Super AMOLED |
| Screen Resolution | Quad HD+ 2960 x 1440 pixels |
| Operating System | Android 8.0 Oreo |
| Processor | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Exynos 9810 (India and other markets)
Snapdragon 845 (US and other markets) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP18 or Adreno 630 |
| RAM | S9 – 4GB, S9+ – 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB UFS2.1 |
| Expandable Storage | Yes |
| Primary Camera | S9 – 12MP, f/1.5-f/2.4, OIS, LED flash
S9+ – Dual 12MP+ 12MP, f/1.5-f/2.4, OIS, LED flash |
| Secondary Camera | 8MP, f/1.7 |
| Video Recording | 4K and super slow-motion recording |
| Battery | S9 – 3000mAh, S9+ – 3500mAh |
| 4G VoLTE | Yes |
| Sim Card Type | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Price | S9 – Rs. 57,900
S9+ – 64GB – Rs. 64,900; 256GB – Rs. 72,900 |
Samsung Galaxy S9 Physical Overview
The Galaxy S8 represented a major change in the design language of Samsung‘s smartphones. Up until then, the company was working with its Galaxy A, Galaxy C and Galaxy Note series to introduce meaningful changes in designs. However, the Galaxy S8 was the culmination of all these changes across different series.
The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ continue in the same vein as the S8. There are no major changes in design except the placement of the fingerprint sensor – it is now back where in belongs, below the camera module instead of next to it. This should address complaints of a lot of users of the Galaxy S8.
The front of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ houses the stunning curved display, the earpiece and the camera. On the back, Samsung has placed the camera module and the fingerprint sensor, with the stereo speaker towards the bottom.
Samsung Galaxy S9 – Unique Selling Points
Dual Cameras
This is the first Galaxy S series flagship that comes with a dual rear camera setup. The first Samsung flagship to come with a dual camera setup was the Galaxy Note 8, and keeping with tradition, Samsung has brought this feature in the next Galaxy S series flagship, but this is restricted only to the bigger S9+. The regular Galaxy S9 continues to feature a single 12MP camera setup, sadly.
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ comes with a dual 12MP + 12MP camera on the back, variable aperture support, Optical Image Stabilisation and Super Speed Dual Pixel technology. The dual cameras also come with features like 4K video recording, super slow-motion video recording and portrait mode.
AR Emojis
Additionally, Samsung has also announced features like AR Emoji that lets you customize emojis based on your personal characteristics. This feature can be used with both the front as well as the rear cameras.
Samsung Galaxy S9 FAQ
Question: What is the display size, resolution and aspect ratio?
Answer: The Galaxy S9 comes with a 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch (S9+) Super AMOLED display with Quad HD+ resolution and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio and Gorilla Glass 5 on top.
Question: What is the Android version?
Answer: Android 8.0 Oreo with Samsung Grace UX.
Question: Which chipset powers the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+?
Answer: The phone is powered by an octa-core Exynos 9810 chipset in most markets (including India) and Snapdragon 845 in the US and other markets.
Question: What are the special camera features on the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+?
Answer: Samsung has added features like super slow motion video recording, and other features like Intelligent Scan, AR Emojis and new enhancements to Bixby vision, allowing users to make better use of the updated optics in the new Samsung flagship smartphones.
Question: What is the RAM and storage available on the phone?
Answer: The phone comes with 4GB (S9) and 6GB (S9+) RAM and 64GB UFS 2.1 storage, with support for microSD cards.
Question: What is battery capacity on the Galaxy S9 and S9+, does it support fast charging?
Answer: The Galaxy S9 comes with 3,000mAh battery and comes with fast charging and Qi wireless charging support.
The Galaxy S9+ comes with a 3500mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ – Things We Like
- Dual rear cameras (only on S9+)
- Refined design and improved fingerprint sensor position
- AR Emojis, Intelligent Scan
- Stereo AKG speakers, Dolby Atmos support
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ – Things We Dislike
- No major hardware upgrade
- Single camera on Galaxy S9
Conclusion
The Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+ see some much needed improvements and refinements. The addition of a dual camera setup is very much required, but it’s disappointing to see Samsung locking it out on the Galaxy S9+ only – the regular Galaxy S9 does not offer a dual camera setup, much like what Apple does with its regular and Plus version of iPhones.
This generation of Samsung Galaxy S flagships is definitely an evolution of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, but still offers meaningful upgrades. The AR Emoji, super slow motion video recording, stunning displays and the overall value addition is certainly good, but it may not be enough to entice a Galaxy S8 user. Still, this is probably the best that any company could offer in a single package in 2018. So far.
