The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus was one of the most talked-about flagship phones of 2018, and it still holds its own even today. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything that matters: the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus specs, design, display, camera setup, software experience, battery performance, and real-world usability.
From its stylish curved glass and metal build to its dual-camera system with variable aperture, the Galaxy S9 Plus aimed to set new standards. I’ll also share my personal experience using this device as a daily driver, covering both the highlights and the minor frustrations.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how the Galaxy S9 Plus compares in terms of features, performance, and long-term value.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Samsung announced the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus at the Mobile World Congress in February 2018. The S9 Plus was the bigger sibling, featuring a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, dual cameras, and a larger 3,500 mAh battery compared to the smaller S9.
Even after years, people still search for Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus specs because this phone was considered a benchmark for design, performance, and durability. Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S9 Plus continued Samsung’s tradition of premium design. It features a glass and metal body with curved edges and a bezel-less Infinity Display. Holding it in hand, the phone feels sleek but slightly slippery without a case.
The fingerprint scanner placement was improved compared to the S8 series — now center-aligned below the camera, making it easier to reach. Samsung also kept the 3.5mm headphone jack, which many users still appreciate today.
Key design details:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 189 g |
| Material | Glass + Metal |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Colors | Lilac Purple, Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Titanium Gray, Sunrise Gold |
In my experience, the build feels extremely durable. I did once drop it from desk height, and although the glass back cracked, the phone continued working flawlessly.
Display Experience
The 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display is one of the biggest highlights. Samsung’s Infinity Display covers nearly 90% of the front, with a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels. The curved edges give a futuristic look, though sometimes I found accidental touches happening when holding the phone tightly.
Colors are vibrant, brightness is strong enough to handle direct sunlight, and with a pixel density of 529–570 ppi, text and images look razor sharp. Watching YouTube or Netflix on this device still feels immersive today.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus Specs Table
| Specification | Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.8-inch, 529 ppi | 6.2-inch, 570 ppi |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 | Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB (expandable to 400 GB) | 64 GB (expandable to 400 GB) |
| Rear Camera | Single 12 MP | Dual 12 MP (wide + telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh | 3,500 mAh |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo, upgradable) | Android 8.0 (Oreo, upgradable) |
Galaxy S9 Plus Camera Review
The dual-camera setup was Samsung’s first in the S-series. It features a 12 MP wide-angle lens with a variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) and a 12 MP telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom.
I noticed the low-light shots are particularly impressive — photos taken in dim lounges or streets at night looked surprisingly detailed. The Super Slow Motion feature (960 fps at 720p) felt gimmicky but fun when used at family gatherings.
The front 8 MP camera performs decently for selfies, though in comparison, Huawei’s P20 Pro (released around the same time) edged ahead in sharpness.
Galaxy S9 Plus Features and Performance
Running on Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 depending on the region), paired with 6 GB RAM, the Galaxy S9 Plus still performs well for everyday use. Apps open quickly, multitasking feels smooth, and gaming is enjoyable without noticeable lag.
Samsung also included stereo speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos, which noticeably improved audio quality compared to the S8. Personally, I found the sound loud enough for watching movies without headphones.
Some notable Galaxy S9 Plus features include:
- Fast wired and wireless charging
- Expandable storage up to 400 GB
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Bixby assistant (though I found myself rarely using the dedicated button)
Samsung S9 Plus Battery Life
One of the big reasons to choose the Plus model was the larger 3,500 mAh battery. In real usage, I averaged 10–11 hours of continuous use, which included social media, messaging, taking photos, and light gaming.
Compared to the smaller S9, the Plus version definitely lasted longer, though heavy users might still find themselves charging by evening. Wireless charging was a big convenience; I often just placed the phone on a pad at night instead of plugging it in.
Ease of Use and Daily Experience
At 6.2 inches, it is definitely a big phone. Typing with one hand can be tricky, but the edge-to-edge design keeps it manageable. Face unlock and iris scanning worked fine but weren’t as seamless as later phones.
The UI felt polished with Samsung Experience (formerly TouchWiz), though at times, Samsung’s extra apps felt unnecessary.
From my personal experience, one of the biggest pros was the screen quality — even after years, it looks better than many mid-range phones launched today.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus was a flagship that got most things right: an elegant design, top-tier display, dual cameras with variable aperture, stereo sound, and IP68 water resistance. While its battery life was only average compared to some rivals, it still stood out for its combination of features and build quality.
If you’re comparing with iPhone X or Huawei P20 Pro from the same era, the Galaxy S9 Plus remains a well-rounded choice, especially because of expandable storage and a more affordable price.
For anyone considering a refurbished unit today, it still delivers strong Galaxy S9 Plus performance, a reliable camera, and solid Samsung S9 Plus battery life — making it a practical option if you don’t need the latest flagship.
At iRepair Mobiles, we often see customers still using this phone, which says a lot about its durability and long-term value.
