Samsung Galaxy S9+

Revisiting a Classic: My Time Re-Evaluating the Samsung Galaxy S9+

I've spent the past few weeks revisiting a phone that once sat at the very top of the Android food chain: the Samsung Galaxy S9+. It feels a bit like digging into a tech time capsule, especially in today's rapidly evolving market. At its launch in 2018, it was a powerhouse, and even now, holding it in my hand evokes a certain sense of premium design. Targeting the high-end consumer at the time, its original price point reflected its flagship status. Having used it as my daily driver for a while now, I've gained a clear perspective on where it still shines and where the years have taken their toll.

A Look Back: Where the Galaxy S9+ Fits Now

The Samsung Galaxy S9+ occupies an interesting space in today's market. It's no longer a contender for the bleeding edge, but it serves as a potent reminder of Samsung's design and engineering prowess. Back in 2018, Samsung was confidently iterating on its flagship formula, refining the curved display and pushing camera technology forward. From my viewpoint, the S9+ represents a high point in that era – a device that felt complete and polished. The current second-hand market price reflects its age, making it an accessible option for those prioritizing specific features over the latest silicon.

Design and Hardware: Holding Up Remarkably Well

Picking up the Galaxy S9+ again, the first thing that struck me was the enduring quality of its design. The glass and metal sandwich, while a familiar formula now, still feels undeniably premium. The curved edges of the display melt seamlessly into the frame, making it comfortable to hold, even if at 189 grams, it leans towards the heavier side. The Midnight Black variant I tested, while a fingerprint magnet, exuded a sophisticated aesthetic. While not as robust as some modern, more ruggedized phones, the build quality suggests a device designed to last, and in my experience, it feels solid and well-constructed.

Display: Still a Visual Treat

The 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy S9+ remains a visual treat, even when compared to newer devices. In my testing, the colors were vibrant and deeply saturated, a hallmark of Samsung's display technology. The QHD+ resolution (1440 x 2960 pixels) ensures excellent sharpness for everything from browsing to watching videos. While it lacks the buttery smoothness of the 120Hz refresh rates now commonplace, the scrolling and animations still felt fluid for most daily tasks. Outdoor visibility was also commendable, the display getting sufficiently bright to remain usable under direct sunlight – a crucial factor in my real-world testing. For media consumption, the S9+'s display continues to impress, offering rich blacks and excellent contrast.

Performance: Showing its Age, But Still Capable

Under the hood, the Exynos 9810 chipset (in the EMEA version I tested) and 6GB of RAM offered a smooth experience for everyday tasks. However, pushing the phone with demanding games revealed its age. During extended gaming sessions, I noticed occasional frame drops and some heat buildup, particularly around the camera module. Multitasking was generally handled well, though loading times for launching multiple heavy apps simultaneously were noticeably slower compared to current flagships. Despite these limitations, for typical daily usage – browsing, social media, email – the Galaxy S9+ still performs adequately, although it lacks the sheer responsiveness of modern silicon. It's a testament to how well-optimized older flagship processors were for their time.

Camera System: A Standout Even Now

The camera system, even by today's standards, proves to be a strong suit of the Galaxy S9+. My experience taking photos in various scenarios was generally positive. The 12MP main sensor with its variable aperture (f/1.5-2.4) delivered impressive results, particularly in good lighting conditions. Images were sharp, with good detail and accurate colors. The secondary 12MP telephoto lens allowed for 2x optical zoom, providing welcome versatility. Low-light performance, while not matching the computational photography prowess of newer phones, was still respectable, especially utilizing the wider f/1.5 aperture. Video recording capabilities were also strong, offering 4K recording at up to 60fps with effective optical image stabilization. Comparing it to modern competitors, it lacks the advanced night modes and AI scene optimization, but the fundamental image quality holds up surprisingly well for many everyday shooting situations.

Battery & Charging: Manageable, But Not Exceptional

Battery life on the Galaxy S9+, with its 3500mAh battery, is understandably not its strongest suit in 2024. In my testing, with moderate usage involving browsing, social media, and some photography, I could generally get through a typical workday, but heavy use often necessitated a top-up by late afternoon. Charging speeds, while considered fast at the time, feel relatively slow compared to modern fast-charging standards. The inclusion of wireless charging is a welcome feature, offering convenient overnight charging. Power management seems reasonably efficient for its age, but the battery's natural degradation over time is a factor to consider. Real-world endurance is acceptable for lighter users, but power users will likely find themselves reaching for the charger more frequently.

Software: Stuck in the Past

The software experience is where the age of the Galaxy S9+ is most apparent. It's stuck on Android 10, with no further official updates expected. While the One UI skin on top is still functional and offers a familiar Samsung experience, it lacks the latest features and security patches. Daily usage felt stable, but the absence of newer Android features and the potential security vulnerabilities are definite drawbacks. From my perspective, while it's usable, the lack of up-to-date software limits its long-term viability and exposes it to potential risks.

Value Analysis: A Question of Priorities

Assessing the value of the Galaxy S9+ in today's market is nuanced. Its second-hand price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a high-quality display and a capable camera system. It's certainly a step up from many entry-level new devices in terms of build quality and display technology. However, those who demand top-tier performance, extended battery life, and the latest software features should look elsewhere. For someone who needs a reliable secondary device or a phone for basic tasks with a great screen and camera, the S9+ offers compelling value. Compared to similarly priced used phones, its brand recognition and previous flagship status might sway some buyers.

Conclusion: A Capable Relic with Enduring Charm

The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is a fascinating device to revisit. It's a testament to the engineering that went into flagship smartphones of that era. While it shows its age in terms of performance and software, the display and camera system remain surprisingly competitive. My recommendation comes with caveats: if you're on a tight budget and prioritize display and camera quality over cutting-edge speed and software, the Galaxy S9+ is still worth considering on the used market. However, for those seeking the latest features, longest battery life, and guaranteed software updates, newer devices are undoubtedly a better investment. The Galaxy S9+ remains a capable relic, a reminder of a time when Samsung was pushing boundaries, and it still holds a certain charm for those who appreciate its strengths.