At its Unpacked event in Barcelona today, Samsung announced the long-awaited Galaxy S9 and S9+. The latest iteration in the Galaxy series incrementally improves on the S8/S8+ in a few small but crucial ways. The S9 and S9 plus feature a new low-light optimized dual aperture camera system (f/1.5-f/2.4), 960 FPS slow-motion video, and AKG-branded stereo speakers. Physically, it might look a lot like the Galaxy S8—and pricing matches last year's at $719.99 and $839.99—but there's one significant distinction. The fingerprint sensor is finally in the center, below the camera module, where it always should have been.
S9+ (left), and S9 (right)
Most of the S9 and S9+ specs leaked earlier a while back, so the table below shouldn't have any major surprises for those that have been paying attention.
SPECS
|
SoC
|
8-core Snapdragon 845 (4 at 2.8 GHz, 4 at 1.7 GHz).
|
|
RAM
|
4GB (S9), 6GB (S9+).
|
|
Storage
|
64GB + microSD.
|
|
Display
|
2960x1440 Curved Super AMOLED: 5.8" (S9), 6.2" (S9+).
|
|
Battery
|
3,000mAh (S9), 3,500mAh (S9+).
|
|
Cameras
|
Rear: "Super Speed Dual Pixel" 12MP with OIS f/1.5-f/2.4, Telephoto 12MP w/OIS f/2.4 (S9+); Front: 8MP f/1.7 AF.
|
|
Software
|
Android 8.0 Oreo.
|
|
Dimensions
|
147.7mm x 68.7mm x 8.5mm, 163g (S9), 158.1mm x 73.8mm x 8.5mm, 189g (S9+).
|
|
Audio
|
Stereo AKG speakers, headphone jack.
|
The international version of the S9 and S9+ will be mostly similar, but with Samsung's in-house Exynos SoC—likely the 9810 announced earlier this year—and other storage sizes.
S8+ (left), S9+ (right)
Compared to the S8 and S8+, it might not look like very much has changed when it comes to specifications. Battery sizes remain the same, camera and screen resolutions are identical, and dimensions have only shrunk the tiniest bit for each. They have the same IP68 water and dust resistance, fast wireless charging, and the same Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0.
Samsung's S9 and S9+ do make one significant improvement, though. The fingerprint sensor has been relocated. It's no longer an afterthought slapped on the side of the camera module, now it's centered beneath it. That might seem like a small change, but the previous location was exasperating for many.
The S9+ also has an almost token increase to 6GB of RAM (from 4GB, as in the case of the smaller S9 and S8), but based purely on paper metrics the biggest difference in this new generation of phones is the camera.
The new S9 phones have an adjustable aperture camera, able to transition between fixed f/1.5 and f/2.4 sizes, in comparison to the fixed f/1.7 aperture on the previous generation. That wider aperture should translate to improved low-light performance.
Both phones feature a new "Super Slow-mo" mode that can record slow-motion video at 960 FPS, like Sony's XZ phones. The larger S9+ even gets a secondary 12MP telephoto camera this time around (the same one found on the Galaxy Note8), further differentiating it from the smaller S9.
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also have stereo speakers via the earpiece and a downward-firing speaker on the bottom. They're tuned by AKG (i.e., Harman; i.e., Samsung) and support Dolby Atmos surround sound for a 360-degree sound effect.
The S9 and S9+ also thankfully still feature headphone jacks.
On the software side, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a new AR Emoji feature, sort of like Apple's Animojis, which uses a bit of 3D modeling to allow you to create customized animations based on your own facial expressions.
Samsung's shipping these handsets with Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, so in addition to all the sweet new Oreo features like background activity restrictions execution limits and picture-in-picture mode, it should also support Treble. Even if an unlocked bootloader isn't in the cards, it might help with the frequency of software updates.
Like was previously rumored, the new phones also have a new Intelligent Scan feature that combines Samsung's iris scan tech with facial recognition, and Samsung's still pushing Bixby just as hard as it did on the S8.
Samsung's Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be available in Lilac Purple, Midnight Black, and Coral Blue. Preorders begin March 2, with AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Metro PCS, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon, and XFINITY Mobile all carrying the new handsets in stores starting on March 16th, though not all colors will be available on all carriers. Best Buy, Amazon, Costco, Sam's Club, Target, and Walmart will also stock the handsets on the same date. And, of course, you can purchase the phones directly from Samsung, including 24 month financing options ($30/mo for 24 months for the S9, $35/mo over 24 months for the S9+). Unlocked pricing for the handsets is the same as last year, with the Galaxy S9 running $719.99 and the S9+ at $839.99.
PRESS RELEASE
Built for the Way We Communicate Today: Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ fuel new discoveries with Super Slow-mo video, best-in-class low light camera and AR Emoji for a more personalized way to express yourself
SEOUL, Korea – Feb. 25, 2018 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. introduces the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, the smartphones that reimagine the way we communicate, share and experience the world. Made for the ways we increasingly communicate and express ourselves with images, videos and emojis, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ drive innovation with Samsung’s most advanced camera ever. Redesigned with a new dual aperture lens that powers an innovative low light camera, Super Slow-mo video capabilities and personalized AR Emoji, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ ensure you never miss a moment and make your everyday epic.
The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ deliver an enhanced entertainment experience with powerful stereo speakers tuned by AKG, surround sound supported by Dolby Atmos and a refined edge-to-edge Infinity Display – a key staple in Samsung’s design heritage. In addition, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will come with the new SmartThings app, which unites Samsung’s existing IoT services into one single, smart experience.
“The way we use our smartphones has changed as communication and self-expression has evolved,” said DJ Koh, president and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy S9 and S9+, we have reimagined the smartphone camera. Not only does the Galaxy S9 and S9+ enable consumers to shoot the best photos and videos anywhere, it’s a smartphone that’s designed to help them connect to others and express themselves in a way that’s unique and personal to them.”
Today’s cameras are for more than taking pictures – they’re for connecting and communicating. Consumers want a smartphone camera with state-of-the-art technology, so they can express themselves with high-quality images and tools to tell their own, unique story. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ cameras are built with these consumers in mind, with a Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor with dedicated processing power and memory that can combine up to 12 distinct images into one amazing, high quality photo. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ camera features include:
-
Super Slow-mo: Make every day moments epic with dynamic, slow-motion video that captures 960 frames per second. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ also offers automatic Motion Detection, an intelligent feature that detects movement in the frame and automatically begins to record – all users have to do is set up the shot. After capturing the Super Slow-mo video, users can select background music from 35 different options.
-
Low Light Camera: Good lighting is the secret to any great photo. But often, photos are taken in less-than-ideal lighting conditions and most smartphone cameras have a fixed aperture that can’t adjust to low or bright lighting environments resulting in grainy or washed out pictures. Similar to the way the iris of a human eye expands and contracts, Samsung’s Dual Aperture[1] (F1.5 – F2.4) automatically lets in more light when it’s dark and less light when it’s too bright, taking photos that are crisp and clear anytime, anywhere.
-
AR Emoji: Samsung lets users create an emoji that looks, sounds and acts just like them. AR Emoji uses a data-based machine learning algorithm, which analyzes a 2D image of the user and maps out more than 100 facial features to create a 3D model that reflects and imitates expressions, like winks and nods, for true personalization. AR Emoji uses a standard AGIF file format, so users can share their emojis across most third-party messaging platforms.
-
Bixby: Samsung’s intelligence platform, integrated into the camera, uses augmented reality and deep learning technologies to provide helpful information about a user’s surroundings.[2] With real-time object detection and recognition, Bixby instantly generates information directly on top of the image that the camera is pointing at. Users can translate foreign languages and currency in real time with Live Translation, learn about their surroundings, purchase products seen in the real world from retailers such as Walmart and Sam’s Club, or track calories throughout the day.[3]
Smartphones are often our go-to choice for entertainment, which is why Samsung created a device that offers premium sound experiences with stereo speakers tuned by AKG. Whether users are watching their favorite movie or streaming their favorite artist’s latest album, sounds are clear, crisp and rich in quality. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ also support Dolby Atmos enabled surround sound, giving the effect of 360-degree sound.
The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ audio experience is complemented by Samsung’s revolutionary Infinity Display. First introduced on the Galaxy S8, the bold, bright Super AMOLED Infinity Display blends right into the phone with virtually no distracting bezels. With an adaptive contrast enhancement, users can use their device even in direct sunlight.
A Device that Fits with the Connected Lifestyle
As the first smartphone to support the new SmartThings app, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are the central hub to manage every facet of the connected lifestyle at home, at the office or on the go. The SmartThings App will be introduced with S9 and Galaxy S9+ and will connect to other Samsung and non-Samsung devices.
For those constantly on the move, the next-generation Samsung DeX empowers a mobile lifestyle by bringing a large, full-screen experience to the mobile handset. With DeX Pad, a new docking system, users can easily connect the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ to a larger monitor, keyboard and mouse to expand the mobile experience with enhanced document editing or even full-screen gaming. Users can transform the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ into a Touch Keyboard[4] and Touch Pad with the DeX Pad.[5]
The Best Comes Standard with the Galaxy Foundation
Samsung sets the gold standard for smartphones including IP68 water and dust resistance, and fast wireless charging. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ go a step beyond. The devices now support expandable memory of up to 400GB and are equipped with the latest premium application processors offering powerful performance, fast network speeds and sophisticated image processing.
In addition, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ give users the peace of mind knowing that their phone is protected by Knox 3.1, Samsung’s latest defense-grade security platform. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ support three different biometric authentication options – iris, fingerprint, and facial recognition – so users can choose the best way to protect their device and applications. The devices support Intelligent Scan, a new verification mode that intelligently fuses the collective strength of iris scanning and facial recognition technology to quickly and conveniently unlock a user’s phone in any environment. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ introduce Dedicated Fingerprint, giving users the option to use a different fingerprint to access Secure Folder than the one used to unlock the phone.
Preorder and Availability
In the U.S., Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will be offered in Lilac Purple, Midnight Black and Coral Blue for carrier and Unlocked by Samsung versions. Preorders begin March 2, 2018. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Xfinity mobile will carry Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in stores beginning March 16, 2018, as well as at Best Buy stores and BestBuy.com, Amazon, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart. Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS will offer Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Midnight Black. Samsung Galaxy S9 Enterprise Edition will be available in Midnight Black. The new devices will be available beginning March 16, 2018.
Available through Samsung.com and the Shop Samsung app, the Unlocked Galaxy S9 is $719.99 or $30/month for 24 months financing, and the larger Unlocked Galaxy S9+ is available for $839.99 or $35/month for 24 months financing[6].
Starting March 2, 2018, consumers who pre-order a Samsung Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ can save up to $350 with qualifying trade-in[7]. The promotion will last for a limited time and is available at Samsung.com, the Shop Samsung app and select retailers. Visit samsung.com/us/trade-in for more information.
With Samsung Premium Care, you get more than just protection for your device, you get a team of Samsung pros ready to come to you. Just pick the time and place, and they’ll provide one-on-one technical support and assistance for everything from the setup of your device, to troubleshooting, to hand delivery of a replacement should anything happen to your phone. Premium Care is part of Samsung’s commitment to ensure that your location is our location, anywhere in the U.S. Enroll your new Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ and get one month of protection free. For more information, please visit: https://shop-links.co/link/?exclusive=1&publisher_slug=androidpolice&article_name=Samsung%27s+Galaxy+S9+is+official%3A+Fingerprint+sensor+finally+in+the+right+place&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.androidpolice.com%2F2018%2F02%2F25%2Fsamsungs-galaxy-s9-official-fingerprint-sensor-finally-right-place%2F&u1=UUapUeUpU35011&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fus%2Fsupport%2Fsamsung-care-plus%2F&ourl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fus%2Fsupport%2Fpremium-care%2F.
For more information about the Galaxy S9, visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/, news.samsung.com/us/galaxy-s9/ or www.samsung.com/galaxy.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Product Specifications
|
|
Galaxy S9
|
Galaxy S9+
|
|
OS
|
Android 8 (Oreo)
|
|
Display
|
5.8-inch Quad HD + Curved Super AMOLED, 18.5:9[8],[9] (570ppi)
|
6.2-inch Quad HD + Curved Super AMOLED, 18.5:9 8, 9 (529ppi)
|
|
Body
|
147.7mm x 68.7mm x 8.5mm, 163g, IP68[10]
|
158.1mm x 73.8mm x 8.5mm, 189g, IP6810
|
|
Camera
|
Rear: Super Speed Dual Pixel 12MP AF sensor with OIS (F1.5/F2.4)Front: 8MP AF (F1.7)
|
Rear: Dual Camera with Dual OIS- Wide-angle: Super Speed Dual Pixel 12MP AF sensor (F1.5/F2.4)- Telephoto: 12MP AF sensor (F2.4)- Front: 8MP AF (F1.7)
|
|
AP
|
[11]10nm, 64-bit, Octa-core processor (2.8 GHz Quad + 1.7 GHz Quad)
|
|
Memory
|
4GB RAM64GB + Micro SD Slot (up to 400 GB)[12]
|
6GB RAM64GB + Micro SD Slot (up to 400GB)11
|
|
Battery
|
3,000mAh
|
3,500mAh
|
|
Fast Wired Charging compatible with QC 2.0Fast Wireless Charging compatible with WPC and PMA
|
|
Network
|
Enhanced 4X4 MIMO / CA, LAA, LTE Cat.18
|
|
Connectivity
|
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), VHT80 MU-MIMO, 1024QAM, Bluetooth® v 5.0 (LE up to 2Mbps), ANT+, USB type-C, NFC, Location (GPS, Galileo, Glonass, BeiDou)[13]
|
|
Payment
|
NFC, MST
|
|
Sensors
|
Iris sensor, Pressure sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Fingerprint sensor, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, HR sensor, Proximity sensor, RGB Light sensor
|
|
Authentication
|
Lock type: pattern, PIN, passwordBiometric lock type: iris scanner, fingerprint scanner, face recognition, Intelligent Scan: biometric authentication with iris scanning and facial recognition
|
|
Audio
|
Stereo speakers tuned by AKG, Dolby Atmos enabled surround sound,Audio playback format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA, APE, DSF, DFF
|
|
Video
|
MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM
|
|
Virtual Reality
|
Gear VR with Controller (SM-R325NZVAXAR), Google Daydream View
|
|
DeX
|
DeX Pad: Cooling Fan, HDMI, USB 2.0 (2), USB C-type port for chargingDeX Station: Cooling Fan, HDMI, Ethernet, USB 2.0 (2), USB C-type port for charging
|
|
|
|
|
|
*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without
*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, N.J., Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA) is a recognized innovative leader in consumer electronics, mobile devices and enterprise solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SEA is pushing beyond the limits of today’s technology and providing consumers and organizations with a portfolio of groundbreaking products in appliances, home entertainment, Internet of Things, mobile computing, smartphones, virtual reality, wireless infrastructure and wearables, in addition to offering leading content and services related to mobile payments, 360-degree VR video, customer support and more. Samsung is a pioneering leader in smartphones and HDTVs in the U.S. and one of America’s fastest growing home appliance brands. To discover more about Samsung, please visit www.samsung.com. For the latest Samsung news, please visit news.samsung.com/us and follow us @SamsungNewsUS.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.
