Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S9 was released in March 2018 as a flagship phone with top-of-the-line specs for its time. Now over 4 years old, the S9 lacks some newer features but remains a solid device. Key specs include:
- 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display
- Octa-core Exynos 9810/Snapdragon 845 chip
- 4GB RAM and 64GB/128GB/256GB storage
- 12MP rear and 8MP front cameras
- 3000mAh battery with fast charging
- Iris scanner, facial recognition, fingerprint sensor
- IP68 water resistance
- Headphone jack
In 2023, the S9 no longer measures up against brand new phones but can still meet many users‘ needs with very good performance and camera quality. Read on for an in-depth look at how it stacks up today.
Display
The S9’s 5.8” Quad HD+ display with 2960×1440 resolution remains sharp and colorful even by 2023 standards. Images and video look excellent thanks to Samsung’s top-tier Super AMOLED panel technology featuring vivid colors and deep blacks.
The slim bezels around the screen also give it a modern, sleek look on the front for an older device. It doesn’t have super high refresh rates but most users likely won’t notice much of a difference from today’s phones.
Performance & Hardware
Performance is still respectable thanks to the S9’s Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 chipset with 4GB RAM, but faster flagship chips have come out since 2018 so you’ll notice some lag over time. Gaming graphics and multitasking will be good but not exceptional.
Storage stands up well with 64GB base, expandable via microSD card if more space is needed for apps, photos, videos, etc.
The rear fingerprint sensor location is outdated compared to newer under-display sensors but still works great for unlocking your device. Face unlock and iris scanning also available but slightly slower options.
With IP68 water & dust resistance, the S9 holds up for people with active, messy lifestyles as it can be submerged 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Wireless charging capability holds up well for convenience too.
Camera
The S9 introduced Samsung‘s first-ever dual aperture camera, switching between f/1.5 for low light shots and f/2.4 for brighter scenes. This produces excellent images in various conditions that still stack up reasonably today.
It has a 12MP rear camera with OIS and multi-frame processing so images come out sharp and detailed with vivid color. The 8MP front facing camera also delivers good selfies and video calls.
Video recording is solid at 4K 60fps with good stabilization from both rear and front cameras. Slow motion mode records great clips at 960fps as well.
Where the camera system shows its age is with video resolution capped at 4K 30fps and lack of telephoto or ultrawide lenses that newer phones utilize. But for most users‘ needs, it still competes.
Battery Life & Charging
The 3000mAh battery capacity is below average for 2023 flagships so users will need to charge mid-day for heavy use. Less intensive use can still provide a full days power but expect to plug in each night.
It supports fast charging that brings the phone from 0 to 100% in about 1.5 hours so quick top ups are convenient. Wireless charging is also handy for topping up without cables.
Newer phones with larger batteries simply last longer between charges, but the S9 still delivers acceptable run times. Carrying portable battery packs can offset this if battery life is a concern.
Software & Special Features
The S9 originally shipped with Android Oreo and officially supports upgrades up to Android 10. Without Android 11 or 12, you miss out on some newer OS capabilities and app compatibilities.
Samsung guarantees 4 years of security updates meaning the S9 likely won’t see updates beyond 2022. Using older unsupported software comes with privacy and malware risks over time.
Unique S9 special features like super slow motion video, AR emojis and Bixby vision can still be fun to use however even if not the latest & greatest phone tricks today.
Value & Pricing in 2023
The Galaxy S9 launched at $719 but can now be found used/refurbished on sites like eBay, Craigslist or Backmarket for roughly $100-250. For the right budget-conscious buyer, it offers good value and shouldn’t feel too outdated in daily usage.
Compared to brand new mid-range devices in the $500+ range with better specs though, the S9 may not make as strong of a case unless found under $150 used. Considering a battery or software issue could lead to pricey repairs down the road, it’s a bit risky compared to a new phone with warranty.
But for someone looking for flagship-level quality without a premium price, and you don‘t mind older hardware, the used S9 in good condition is worth considering. Just don‘t expect blazing speeds or long software support.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S9 was truly an innovative, premium phone in its prime that still offers nice display quality, decent performance and very good cameras by 2023 standards. With used prices now becoming pretty affordable, it can be a nice value if you manage expectations around battery life, newer features and overall longevity.
For people focused on social media, streaming, web browsing and basic productivity on a budget, the S9 gets the job done better than cheaper devices. But more intense mobile gamers or photographers would benefit from upgrading to a newer mid-range or flagship phone for optimal experience.
At the end of the day the S9 is only recommended for bargain hunters fine with older hardware or as a spare/backup device rather than a daily driver you depend on long term. But for the right person on a tight budget, it can still shine bright among affordable options today.