The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, released in March 2018, remains one of Samsung’s most iconic flagship smartphones. With its sleek design, dual-camera setup, powerful processor, and vibrant display, the S9 Plus was ahead of its time. Even in 2025, it continues to be a popular choice among users looking for an affordable yet high-performing device.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Samsung S9 Plus and explore its specifications, performance, features, advantages, and whether it’s still worth buying today.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung S9 Plus features a premium glass and metal design, making it one of the most stylish smartphones in its era. The curved edges and Infinity Display add a touch of elegance, providing a seamless and immersive viewing experience.
Key Design Features:
- Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back for durability
- Aluminum frame for a sturdy grip
- IP68 water and dust resistance, making it perfect for outdoor use
- Dual stereo speakers tuned by AKG for enhanced audio quality
- Fingerprint scanner repositioned for easier access compared to the S8 Plus
Despite being an older model, the Samsung S9 Plus still holds up well in terms of design, especially when compared to many budget and mid-range smartphones available today.
Display: A Stunning Visual Experience
The 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display of the S9 Plus was one of the best in 2018 and still remains impressive today. With vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR10 support, the display provides a cinematic experience.
Display Specifications:
- Size: 6.2 inches
- Resolution: 1440 x 2960 pixels (Quad HD+)
- Aspect Ratio: 18.5:9
- Panel Type: Super AMOLED
- Pixel Density: ~529 PPI
- HDR10 Support for enhanced color and contrast
The Always-On Display feature adds convenience by displaying notifications, time, and battery percentage without waking the phone.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Samsung S9 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (USA) or Exynos 9810 (Global), coupled with 6GB of RAM, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience even today.
Hardware Specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon 845 (USA) / Exynos 9810 (Global)
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Battery: 3500mAh with fast charging and wireless charging support
- Operating System: Upgradable to Android 10 (One UI 2.5)
The Samsung S9 Plus is still capable of handling gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, although newer devices have more efficient chipsets.
Camera: A Dual-Lens Powerhouse
One of the standout features of the Samsung S9 Plus is its dual-camera setup, which introduced variable aperture technology, allowing users to switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 for better low-light photography.
Camera Specifications:
- Primary Camera: 12MP (f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS)
- Telephoto Camera: 12MP (f/2.4, 2x optical zoom, OIS)
- Front Camera: 8MP (f/1.7, autofocus)
- Super Slow-Mo: 960fps at 720p
The variable aperture enhances low-light photography by allowing more light in dark conditions and reducing exposure in bright conditions. The Live Focus mode adds a professional touch to portrait shots by blurring the background.
Even by 2025 standards, the Samsung S9 Plus camera still holds up well, offering high-quality images and video recording features.
Battery Life and Charging
The 3500mAh battery in the S9 Plus provides decent performance, although battery life has likely diminished over the years due to wear and tear. However, the phone supports fast charging and wireless charging, making it convenient for daily use.
Battery Performance:
- Screen-on Time: ~5-6 hours on moderate usage
- Fast Charging: 15W wired charging (USB-C)
- Wireless Charging: Qi-certified
To extend battery life, battery replacement is a good option for users planning to use the device for a few more years.
Software and Updates
The Samsung S9 Plus launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and received its final major update to Android 10 (One UI 2.5). While it no longer gets official Android updates, custom ROMs such as LineageOS allow users to install newer versions of Android.
Software Features:
- Samsung One UI 2.5 for a refined user experience
- Edge Panels for quick app access
- Bixby Voice Assistant (although less popular than Google Assistant)
- Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor
Although the lack of official software updates is a downside, many users still enjoy a stable experience with the Samsung S9 Plus through third-party ROMs and security patches.
Is the Samsung S9 Plus Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Even though it’s an older model, the Samsung S9 Plus still has plenty to offer, especially for users looking for a budget-friendly yet capable smartphone.
Pros:
✅ Premium build quality ✅ Vibrant Super AMOLED display ✅ Still decent camera performance ✅ Wireless charging and IP68 resistance ✅ Expandable storage
Cons:
❌ No official Android updates beyond Android 10 ❌ Battery life has degraded over time ❌ Lacks 5G support
For users who prioritize affordability, solid camera quality, and a premium display, the Samsung S9 Plus remains a viable option in the used or refurbished market.
Conclusion
The Samsung S9 Plus was a powerhouse when it launched and still holds up remarkably well in 2025. With its stunning display, solid performance, and versatile camera system, it remains a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the latest features.
If you’re considering buying the Samsung S9 Plus, it’s best to get a refurbished model with a replaced battery to ensure the best experience. For those wanting 5G connectivity and longer software support, upgrading to a newer Samsung model might be a better option.
Would you still consider using the Samsung S9 Plus in 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
