Similar Yet Different

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ were a big step up in terms of design and performance compared to its predecessors – the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. This year’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ look and feel very similar to the S8 and S8+ but it is the underlying hardware, specifically the camera that has got an upgrade. But is it enough to grab consumers attention? Read on.

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Design and Build Quality Everyone preferred the curvy look of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ with the edge-to-edge Infinity Display along with glass back design and Samsung have maintained a similar design for the Galaxy S9. You’ll still find the Infinity Display dominating the front with no physical buttons and hidden sensors to give users an immersive view with curves on the sides that blends with the glass back and also offer a proper grip. The back is all glass, which as expected, is a fingerprint magnet but it’s a trade-off that we’ll have to live with if we want wireless charging support. Another major change at the back is the position of the fingerprint sensor. It took Samsung three phones to move the position but now the sensor is placed beneath the camera lenses that make it easier for the fingers to reach the sensor. The phone also meets the IP68 standard that protects the device against water for up to 30 minutes and also from dust.

Overall, we feel Samsung has played it safe with the Galaxy S9+’s design and rightly so. The Galaxy S8+ was beautiful to look at and Galaxy S9+ carries the same design genes but with minor improvements.

Key Features Just like the Galaxy S8+, the Galaxy S9+ sports a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display and it’s a visual treat. The screen is vibrant with deep blacks and excellent viewing angle. There’s blue light filter to protect from eye fatigue as well as customisation options to adjust the colour balance. The phone supports Quad HD+ (2960x1440) resolution but Samsung defaults it to Full HD+ (2220x1080), which can be changed easily under the display settings.

The Galaxy S9+ also supports Always On Display that shows off important information, notifications on the lock screen. The feature allows checking the schedule, control music as well as alarm.