The Galaxy S9 is a modest refinement of the Galaxy S8, led by a rear camera with a variable aperture and Samsung-advertised Super Slow-mo. Samsung also highlighted stereo speakers and updated biometric and AR Emoji features. The headline display size and listed battery capacity, however, stayed the same. These comparisons use Samsung’s U.S. launch specifications from 2017 and 2018; they do not establish how the phones compare in current condition or in independent performance tests.
At a glance: Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8
| Feature | Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S8 | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.8-inch Quad HD+ curved Super AMOLED; 2960 × 1440; 18.5:9 | 5.8-inch Quad HD+ display; 2960 × 1440 | Same listed diagonal and resolution; the launch specifications do not establish identical panel behavior. |
| Rear camera | 12MP with Dual Pixel autofocus, OIS, and f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures | 12MP Dual Pixel with OIS and a fixed f/1.7 aperture | The S9 adds variable-aperture hardware and Samsung-advertised Super Slow-mo. |
| Battery capacity | 3,000 mAh | 3,000 mAh | Listed capacity is unchanged; capacity alone does not establish runtime. |
| Dimensions and weight | 147.7 × 68.7 × 8.5 mm; 163 g | 148.9 × 68.1 × 8.0 mm; 155 g | The S9 is slightly shorter, wider, thicker, and heavier in Samsung’s stated specifications. |
| Other highlighted features | Stereo speakers, customizable AR Emoji, streamlined biometric authentication | Iris scanning, face recognition, and Samsung services highlighted in launch material | Samsung emphasized refinements and additions for the S9. |
Samsung’s 2018 comparison infographic and its U.S. Galaxy S9 launch specifications and Galaxy S8 launch material are the basis for these figures. Samsung noted that product information could change; regional and operator variants may differ.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Samsung Galaxy S9, 64GB, Midnight Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $179.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
SAMSUNG Galaxy S9 Smartphone 64GB, Coral Blue | $299.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Samsung Galaxy S9 - GSM Unlocked Smartphone - Midnight Black | $115.00 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Camera: the S9’s clearest hardware difference
Variable aperture versus fixed aperture
Samsung lists a 12MP rear camera with f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures for the S9. The S8’s listed 12MP rear camera has a fixed f/1.7 aperture. The aperture describes the opening that lets light reach the sensor: the S9’s camera can use either of two openings, while the S8’s specification gives one fixed opening. Samsung presented this Dual Aperture system as an S9 feature.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Both launch descriptions list Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS). The numbers alone do not prove that S9 photos are better in every situation; no independent head-to-head image-quality test is established by these launch sources.
#1 Best Overall
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charger and charging cable that may be generic.
- Fully Unlocked: Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.), both domestically and internationally.
Super Slow-mo
Samsung also promoted Super Slow-mo as an S9 camera feature. It is a distinct addition to the camera modes, not a change in the listed rear-camera resolution: both phones are specified at 12MP. The launch comparison does not provide a basis for ranking overall camera quality or real-world results.
Display and design: similar size, slightly different body
Samsung’s U.S. launch material lists both phones with a 5.8-inch display at 2960 × 1440 pixels. Samsung describes the S9 screen as curved Super AMOLED and gives its aspect ratio as 18.5:9; the S8 launch material lists the size and resolution. Similar headline specifications do not mean every display characteristic is identical.
Rank #2
- Super Speed Dual Pixel Camera
- Wifi connectivity is 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4g plus 5ghz, vht80 mu mimo,1024 qam
- Infinity Display: edge to edge immersive screen, enhancing your entertainment experience. IP68 rating: withstands splashes, spills, and rain so it can take a dip, worry free
- Internal Memory 64 GB. Expandable Storage up to 400GB. Battery, Talk Time : Talk Time (3G WCDMA) (Hours) Up to 31. Battery Type and Size : 3,000 mAh; Music Play Time: AOD off: Up to 90 hours AOD on: Up to 51 hours
- Fast Wireless Charging: Avoid the wires and power up quickly by placing your phone on a Fast Wireless Charger.4K video recording at 30 fps or 60fps
The S9 measures 147.7 × 68.7 × 8.5 mm and weighs 163 g, while Samsung lists the S8 at 148.9 × 68.1 × 8.0 mm and 155 g. In other words, the S9 is a little shorter but wider and thicker, and it weighs 8 g more according to those U.S. launch figures. Both launch descriptions list IP68 water and dust resistance.
Audio, biometrics, and AR Emoji
Samsung highlighted stereo speakers on the S9, along with customizable AR Emoji and streamlined biometric authentication. Those are manufacturer-described launch features, not independent evaluations of speaker quality, recognition reliability, or usability. The S8 launch material already discussed iris scanning and face recognition, so biometric unlock was not wholly new to the S9; Samsung framed the S9 change as a refinement.
Rank #3
- Network Support: AT&T
- Storage Capacity: 64 GB
- Color: Midnight Black
- Cosmetic Condition: Grade B: Very Good
- 60 Day Return Guarantee
AR Emoji was another S9-era feature Samsung promoted as customizable. Software availability and the experience of either phone can change over time, so launch descriptions should not be taken as a guarantee of current service support.
Battery: same listed capacity, runtime not established
Samsung lists a 3,000 mAh battery for each phone in its U.S. launch specifications. That is an unchanged capacity figure, not evidence that the S9 and S8 last the same amount of time between charges. The cited launch material does not provide a comparable battery-runtime test.
What the launch comparison cannot tell you about buying now
The S9 and S8 are older models, and 2017–2018 launch information cannot establish current asking prices, stock, refurbished-device condition, security-update status, or whether a particular handset works with a carrier. Before considering one, verify the exact regional model and carrier compatibility, inspect the seller’s condition and return terms, and check current software-support information for that specific device. Without those current details, the launch specifications are not enough to recommend one as a purchase.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
