Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus (6GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The Mashable review hails the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus as a near-perfect refinement, featuring a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display, 40% louder stereo speakers, and a more accessible, centered fingerprint sensor. Driven by the Snapdragon 845 chip and 6GB of RAM, the device delivers high-end performance with a revamped, variable-aperture camera capable of superior low-light shots, 2x optical zoom, and 960 fps slow motion. However, downsides include unchanged, average battery life, lackluster AR Emojis, a still-underperforming Bixby assistant, and a high $840 price tag, despite the minor design changes.

The Reviewed review of the Samsung Galaxy S9+ highlights it as a top-tier, large-screen flagship with a refined, comfortable design. Key improvements include the relocation of the fingerprint sensor to a more accessible spot and a stunning 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display. Pros feature exceptionally fast performance, all-day battery life, and a versatile dual-lens camera with a unique variable aperture for low-light scenarios. Cons noted in the review center on the underperforming Bixby assistant, excessive bloatware, and the fact that features like AR Emoji are gimmicky. Furthermore, the variable aperture offers subtle improvements rather than groundbreaking changes, and the portrait mode does not match DSLR quality. While the camera is top-tier, the review suggests these updates are only incremental. Ultimately, the S9+ is described as a refined, powerful device that offers a superior user experience, but it may not be a necessary upgrade for Galaxy S8 owners. The device is highly recommended for its display and performance despite the minor software complaints.

In 2018, Consumer Reports ranked the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ at the top of its smartphone ratings, driven by superior durability, faster processing speeds, and upgraded audio quality. Both models achieved 81 points in testing, featuring improved, durable designs, a better-placed fingerprint sensor, and enhanced stereo sound. Key pros highlighted included exceptional physical resilience, with the S9 surviving 100 drops in a tumble test, along with high-speed performance powered by the Snapdragon 845 processor. However, notable cons were identified, specifically a reduction in battery life compared to the Galaxy S8 and, in some cases, excessive camera photo sharpening. While the cameras performed well in low light, the report noted the image processing sometimes created unnatural, oversharpened effects. Additionally, new software additions like AR Emoji were described as less practical, but the improved build quality and performance made them top contenders in the market.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is characterized as a refined, incremental update to the S8, featuring an industry-leading 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display, repositioned fingerprint scanner, and stereo speakers. Key advantages include the innovative dual-aperture camera for superior low-light, excellent build quality, and retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Conversely, the device suffers from disappointing battery life that struggles to last a full day, and the AR Emoji feature is deemed a lackluster gimmick. Additionally, the standard S9 lacks the dual-camera system found on the larger S9+ model, making it a less compelling, though still highly functional, flagship option.

According to Tech Advisor, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is a polished flagship phone that emphasizes refinement with key hardware upgrades like a dual-lens camera and a relocated fingerprint scanner, though its design is a fingerprint magnet and can be unwieldy. The device excels with its 6.2-inch Quad HD+ SuperAMOLED Infinity Display, 6GB RAM, Exynos 9810/Snapdragon 845 processor, and welcomed features like stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and microSD card support. However, drawbacks include a 3500mAh battery offering only minor improvements and underperforming software features like AR Emoji and Bixby Vision, while the facial recognition is less secure than competitors.

According to Tom's Guide, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ are considered strong Android phones with key improvements over their predecessors, including bright OLED displays, Snapdragon 845 performance, a relocated fingerprint sensor, and powerful stereo speakers. The S9+ features a dual-lens camera with variable aperture for better low-light shots and Super Slow-mo video. While the S9+ has excellent battery life, the standard S9's endurance is only decent. Tom's Guide notes that software features like AR Emoji and Bixby Vision feel underdeveloped and Intelligent Scan is less secure than Apple's Face ID. Samsung Galaxy S9 64GB£147.75& more prices4.4(17.6k)Samsung Galaxy S9+ G965F£205.00& more prices4.5(14.1k)

The Engadget review describes the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus as excellent but incremental updates to the previous models, featuring a repositioned fingerprint scanner for better ergonomics, a powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset, and an industry-leading Super AMOLED display. The primary focus is the "reimagined" camera with a dual-aperture system, praised for exceptional low-light photos and Super Slow-mo video, with the S9 Plus specifically noted for its superior telephoto lens. However, the review critiques software features like "wonky" AR Emoji and non-essential Bixby Vision additions, ultimately suggesting the S9 and S9 Plus are top-tier flagships but potentially "skippable" for Galaxy S8 owners who don't prioritize the camera improvements. Samsung Galaxy S9 64GB£147.75& more prices4.4(17.6k)Samsung Galaxy S9+ G965F£205.00& more prices4.5(14.1k)

The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is described as a well-built flagship with notable photographic features, including an industry-leading display and high-quality video capabilities. Pros include a vibrant HDR screen and impressive 4K/60p video capture, but cons highlight disappointing telephoto lens performance and inconsistent low-light portrait mode.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus offers powerful performance with its Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 chipset and 6GB of RAM, resulting in a smooth experience for apps and games, though it trails some rivals in raw benchmarks. Its software provides high customization and features like landscape mode and game optimization, but is marred by occasional lag, particularly with Bixby and some Samsung apps. Audio quality is improved with AKG-tuned stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, while the "Intelligent Scan" biometric feature is less sophisticated than competitors like Face ID.

The TechRadar review describes the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus as a refined update with a standout 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display and improved design features like a relocated fingerprint sensor and stereo speakers. However, it notes drawbacks such as the curved display's propensity for false touches and the glass body being a "smudge magnet". The device's dual-lens camera with variable aperture and 960fps Super Slow Mo is highlighted as a pro, while the AR Emoji feature is deemed an "overrated" con. The S9 Plus offers strong performance and retains a headphone jack and microSD slot, but battery life is a notable con, and the Bixby button is cited as a frustration.

According to The Verge's 2018 review, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus was a "predictably great" flagship, refining its predecessor with a notable pro: a "head-turning" curved glass design and an improved display. A significant hardware win was the dual-aperture camera for better low light and the move of the fingerprint scanner to a more ergonomic position. However, key cons included Samsung's signature heavy image processing compared to rivals like the Pixel 2, the underperforming Bixby assistant, and unpolished features like AR Emoji. The review concluded that while a solid device, it offered marginal upgrades over the S8.

CNET's review of the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus highlights its elegant design, bright 6.2-inch OLED display, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and stereo speakers as notable pros. While the dual-aperture camera system performed well generally, cons included a tendency to overexpose low-light photos and a lack of sharpness with moving subjects, alongside "underbaked" AR Emoji and less secure facial recognition features. Despite having a larger battery than the standard model, lab tests showed the S9 Plus lasting less time than its predecessor, and its high launch price made it a less clear recommendation upon the release of newer models.

PCMag awarded the Samsung Galaxy S9+ an Editors' Choice, noting its gorgeous 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display, refined dual-lens camera, and top-tier connectivity. Pros include exceptional camera performance with a variable aperture for low-light shots, superior multimedia features like AKG-tuned stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and industry-leading LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, cons involve disappointing software like AR Emoji and Bixby, potentially oversaturated images from aggressive JPEG processing, and a high cost ($839.99) for an incremental upgrade over the S8.