Samsung has launched Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, the successors of last years Galaxy S8 and S8+ at MWC 2018. Similar to predecessors, both S9 and S9+ feature an 18.5:9 Infinity Display with the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. After receiving a lot of criticism regarding the placement of fingerprint scanner on Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung has moved the fingerprint scanner underneath the rear camera module, rather than next to it. Even though, both S8 and S9 series devices look identical, the bottom chin on these new flagships slightly smaller in size when compared with the S8/S8+. Out of the box, both Galaxy S9 and S9+ will boot on Android Oreo with the all-new Samsung Experience UI on top.
Coming to the processor, the variants sold on the U.S. and China come with Snapdragon 845 and Exynos 9810 in other regions. Apart from the Iris, Fingerprint, and Facial recognition both Galaxy S9 and S9+ supports new verification feature called Intelligent Scan that intelligently uses Iris scanning and facial recognition technology to quickly unlock the device in various situations. Samsung has introduced Dedicated Fingerprint feature where you can use a different fingerprint to access Secure Folder than the one used to unlock the phone.
The Galaxy S9 sports a 5.8-inch and the S9+ has a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2960×1440 pixels. Both devices have an aspect ratio of 18.5:9 and available in three storage sizes – 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The S9 comes with 4GB RAM and a 3000mAh battery wherein the S9+ has 6GB RAM and 3,500mAh battery. The batteries on both devices support Fast Charging, QC 2.0 Wireless Charging and also compatible with WPC & PMA.
Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ Camera
The front camera remains same in both of the devices i.e. 8MP f/1.7 sensor. Galaxy S9 has a 12MP rear camera and the S9+ includes a dual camera setup on the rear side. The dual setup includes a primary 12MP and a secondary 12MP f/2.4 sensor. The primary camera on both devices supports Dual Aperture mode lets you choose between two aperture – f/1.5 and f/2.4. Depending upon the lighting condition the camera automatically switches the aperture. If it’s dark, the lens opens to f/1.5 to pull in light for a bright and clear photo. In the daylight, the lens shifts to f/2.4 mode to capture sharp images. Also, both devices support Autofocus, OIS, 4K video recording and super slow-motion videos at 960fps.
Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ Key Highlights
- Edge-to-edge infinity display
- IP68 – Water and dust resistant
- Dual stereo speakers tuned by Harman
- Dolby Atmos – 360-degree sound
- Real-time translation through camera
- New SmartThings app for IoT services
- Dex Pad – Transform the Galaxy S9 and S9+ into a TouchPad
- Super Slow-motion video – Automatic motion detection, 35 different background music, Easy GIF creation
- Improved optical sensor – Keeps track of users Heart Load Factor
- AR Emoji – Create an AR version of yourself simply by taking a selfie
- Knox 3.1 – Upgraded security software
- Bixby Voice Assistant – Translate foreign languages, Currency in real time
- Bixby Vision – Augmented reality assistant
Galaxy S9 and S9+ Price, Colors, and Availability
The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will be offered in Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Titanium Gray & Lilac Purple colors and available starting on March 16, 2018. Along with these smartphones, Samsung has also introduced a slew of accessories that include Clear View Standing Cover, LED View Cover, Alcantara Cover, Protective Standing Cover, Hyperknit Cover, Silicone Cover, DeX Pad, Wireless Charger Stand, Wireless Charger Convertible and Earphones tuned by AKG. The unlocked Galaxy S9 costs $720 / £739 (Approx. ₹46,700) and the Galaxy S9+ has a price tag of $839 / £869 (Approx. ₹54,400). Price, Features, Colors, Availability, and Specifications vary by market.
You can pre-order Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in India through official Samsung Online store by paying ₹2,000. Both variants will also be made available via Flipkart. In India, the 64GB variant will be available in all colors but the 256GB variant is available only in Midnight Black. There is no official information about the price and exact date of availability.
Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ Specifications
Specs | Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9+ |
---|---|---|
Display | 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Quad HD+ 2960×1440 Pixels 18.5:9 Aspect Ratio 570 PPI, HDR 10 Dolby Vision Gorilla Glass 5 |
6.2-inch Super AMOLED Quad HD+, 2960×1440 Pixels 18.5:9 Aspect Ratio 529 PPI, HDR 10 Dolby Vision Gorilla Glass 5 |
Processor | Snapdragon 845 – US/China Exynos 9810 – Others |
Snapdragon 845 – US/China Exynos 9810 – Others |
Certification | IP68 | IP68 |
RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB |
microSD | Up to 400GB | Up to 400GB |
Front Camera | 8MP, f/1.7 | 8MP, f/1.7 |
Rear Camera | Single 12MP Dual Aperture – f/1.5, f/2.4 Autofocus, OIS 4K Video Recording Super Slow-motion@960fps |
Dual 12MP + 12MP (f/1.5, f/2.4)+(f/2.4) Autofocus, OIS 4K Video Recording Slow-motion@960fps |
Battery | 3,000mAh Fast Charging Wireless Charging Compatible WPC, PMA |
3,500mAh Fast Charging Wireless Charging Compatible WPC, PMA |
SIM Slot | Single or Dual Hybrid | Single or Dual Hybrid |
Network | CA, LAA, LTE Cat.18 2G/3G/4G |
CA, LAA, LTE Cat.18 2G/3G/4G |
Connectivity | WiFi ac (2.4/5GHz) Bluetooth 5.0 ANT+, NFC, MST VoLTE |
WiFi ac (2.4/5GHz) Bluetooth 5.0 ANT+, NFC, MST 2G/3G/4G, VoLTE |
USB Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
OS | Android Oreo | Android Oreo |
Sensors | Iris Pressure Accelerometer Barometer Gyro Geomagnetic Hall Heart Rate Proximity RGB Light |
Iris Pressure Accelerometer Barometer Gyro Geomagnetic Hall Heart Rate Proximity RGB Light |
Security | Fingerprint Scanner IRIS Face Recognition Intelligent Scan |
Fingerprint Scanner IRIS Face Recognition Intelligent Scan |
Colors | Midnight Black Coral Blue Lilac Purple Titanium Gray |
Midnight Black Coral Blue Lilac Purple Titanium Gray |
Dimensions | 147.77×68.7×8.5mm | 158.1×73.8x 8.5mm |
Weight | 163g | 189g |
Price | $720/£739 | $840/£869 |