Top Reasons People Still Love the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus in 2026

Even in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus continues to hold a surprising amount of love from users across the UK. This article explores why this Android phone still matters today, looking at hardware performance, Super AMOLED display quality, and dual-aperture camera reliability.

We will cover Galaxy S9 Plus popularity, honest Samsung S9 Plus user reviews, and whether this technological juggernaut still makes sense as a modern flagship alternative. Drawing from hands-on repair experience at iRepair Mobiles UK, this guide explains why many choose to repair and keep the S9+ instead of replacing it with a more high-priced iPhone or Note 9.

A Phone That Refuses to Feel Old

The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus was released with a premium design masterpiece that still turns up regularly at iRepair Mobiles UK. While most phones from the Android 8.0 Oreo era are forgotten, the S9 Plus keeps showing up.

From personal experience, the S9+ does not feel like a “cheap old phone.” The curved glass, metal frame, and luxurious build still give it a premium feel that many newer mid-range phones struggle to match. The thin bezels and futuristic curved edge ensure it remains elegant even alongside a Pixel 3 XL or iPhone XR.

Display Quality Still Impresses in 2026

Samsung OLED panels have always been a standout feature, and the S9 Plus is no exception. Even by today’s specifications, the 6.2-inch display holds up extremely well.

Display Feature	Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
Screen Size	6.2 inches
Type	Super AMOLED
Resolution	1440 x 2960 (Quad HD+)
Pixel Density	529ppi
HDR Support	Yes (HDR 10)

In daily use, the vibrant colors remain gorgeous without looking artificial. Text is sharp with 529ppi density, and media content looks stunning in widescreen format. This drop-dead gorgeous panel is a major reason behind the continued Galaxy S9 Plus popularity.

Performance That Still Handles Everyday Life

For normal use, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus in 2026 still performs with lightning speed. Powered by the Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), and paired with 6GB RAM, the user experience remains slick and rapid.

For tasks like:

• WhatsApp and social media messaging
• Email and web browsing via 4G connections
• YouTube, Netflix, and 4K films
• Online banking apps

The phone remains smooth and delay-free. Many performance complaints are actually battery-related; once the 3500mAh battery is replaced, the Exynos or Qualcomm silicon ensures apps load quickly and run smoothly.

Camera Quality That Aged Gracefully

The dual-lens rear camera system on the S9 Plus features innovative dual-aperture technology.

Camera	Specification
Rear Camera	12MP Dual Aperture + 12MP Telephoto
Front Camera	8MP with Autofocus
Video	4K at 60fps / Super Slow-mo 960fps
Optical Zoom	2x

Images in low-light are vivid, and Pro mode allows for manual fidgeting to get the perfect image. Based on Samsung S9 Plus user reviews, the Super Slow-mo video and AR Emoji features still provide a fun social experience.

Headphone Jack and Practical Features People Miss

The S9+ offers hardware features that have disappeared from the contemporary flagship market:

• A 3.5mm headphone jack for stereo speakers and AKG audio
• MicroSD card slot supporting up to 400GB external storage
• Rear fingerprint scanner (centre-back) and Intelligent Scan
• USB Type-C with Qi wireless charging

For a screen-space aficionado, the lack of a “notch” is a standout reason to justify the purchase.

Real User Feedback From 2026

At iRepair Mobiles UK, we see a positive reaction to the S9 Plus consistency.

What Users Like	What Users Dislike
Gorgeous AMOLED screen	Battery degradation
Premium build quality	No Android 9 Pie or latest updates
Reliable dual-aperture camera	Glass back is fragile
Slick TouchWiz / Samsung Experience	Slower than iPhone XS Max

Cost-Effective Choice in Today’s Market

The average sale price of a refurbished Galaxy S9+ makes it a technical value leader. Whether you need 128GB internal storage or an unlocked Sunrise Gold model, it is an affordable alternative to a high-priced Note 9. Repairing an existing unit is a smart savings move, costing a fraction of the original £869 price.

Software and Security Reality Check

The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus no longer receives the latest Android OS versions. However, the Samsung Experience remains stable. With responsible memory management and native app usage, the telemetry and security remain sufficient for most.

Galaxy S9 Plus Pros and Cons in 2026

Pros

• Best smartphone screen for vibrancy and contrast
• Elegant futuristic design with metal and glass
• Superior camera quality in bright-light and low-light
• 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion

Cons

• Battery juice fades with intensive usage
• Software bloat and duplication in the Samsung store
• Fragile build compared to rugged cases

Final Thoughts From an Expert Perspective

The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus in 2026 succeeds by being reliable, powerful, and luxurious. It earned the T3 Platinum Award for a reason – it is a design masterpiece.

For anyone considering repairs, replacements, or accessories, iRepair Mobiles UK – Best Mobile Phones & Accessories Shop in UK continues to support the Galaxy S9 Plus with expert hardware service and Grade A+ parts.