by The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, launched in early 2018, continues to stand as one of Samsung’s most iconic flagship smartphones. Though it’s several generations old now, the Galaxy S9 Plus 128GB model remains relevant in today’s market for users who prioritize performance, design, and value for money. With its premium build, impressive display, reliable camera setup, and solid internal storage, the Galaxy S9 Plus is more than just a nostalgic piece—it’s a testament to Samsung’s design and engineering excellence.
Premium Design That Withstands Time
The Galaxy S9 Plus features a sleek and modern design that still holds its own against newer smartphones. With its curved edges, glass back, and aluminum frame, the device feels luxurious and robust. The Infinity Display—a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel—offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and crisp resolution. The screen is nearly bezel-less, providing an immersive viewing experience for movies, games, and browsing.
Despite newer models introducing under-display cameras or thinner bezels, the S9 Plus maintains a timeless aesthetic that appeals to many users who prefer a more substantial and classic smartphone feel.
Display That Shines
Samsung has long been known for its superior display technology, and the S9 Plus is no exception. The 6.2-inch display boasts a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels with a pixel density of about 529 PPI, making it one of the sharpest displays from its time. HDR10 support ensures vivid and lifelike visuals when streaming supported content.
Whether you’re watching YouTube videos, scrolling through social media, or playing graphically intense games, the display remains one of the standout features of the phone.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy S9 Plus packs either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (in the U.S.) or Samsung’s own Exynos 9810 (in international markets), coupled with 6GB of RAM. The 128GB internal storage variant offers ample space for apps, games, photos, and 4K videos. For those who need more, the microSD card slot supports up to 400GB of additional storage.
In day-to-day usage, the S9 Plus continues to perform smoothly. Multitasking, gaming, and media consumption are all handled efficiently. While it may not compete head-to-head with the latest flagship chips, it remains more than adequate for the average user’s needs.
Camera Capabilities
One of the Galaxy S9 Plus’s most praised features is its camera system. The dual rear camera setup includes a 12MP wide-angle lens with a variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. This setup allows for detailed photos in a variety of lighting conditions. The variable aperture is particularly noteworthy—it automatically adjusts based on lighting, similar to how the human eye works.
Low-light performance is excellent for a phone of its generation, and the Live Focus feature adds a nice touch of background blur for portrait shots. The 8MP front-facing camera also performs well, making it suitable for selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S9 Plus can record 4K video at 60fps and even supports slow-motion video at 960fps in 720p, a feature that was cutting-edge at its release.
Software and Features
Out of the box, the S9 Plus shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, but it has since received updates up to Android 10. While it may not receive further Android version updates, security patches are still occasionally rolled out. The One UI skin from Samsung provides a user-friendly and clean interface.
The device includes a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner (more sensibly placed compared to the Galaxy S8), facial recognition, and iris scanning for unlocking the phone. It also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack—a feature that’s been phased out in many newer smartphones—making it a favorite for audiophiles.
Battery Life
With a 3,500mAh battery, the Galaxy S9 Plus offers decent battery life. It comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use, although heavy users may need a top-up by evening. Fast charging and wireless charging are both supported, offering convenience and flexibility.
Audio and Multimedia
The stereo speakers tuned by AKG and support for Dolby Atmos make the Galaxy S9 Plus a solid device for audio playback. Whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or gaming, the sound quality is rich and immersive.
Longevity and Value in 2025
In 2025, the Galaxy S9 Plus 128GB version can still serve as a reliable secondary phone or a budget-friendly primary device for users who don’t need the latest specs. Its build quality, display, and core functionality remain strong selling points. Refurbished or well-maintained units are available at affordable prices, making it a great choice for students, elders, or minimalists.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus 128GB is a reminder that great design and solid performance can stand the test of time. While it lacks some of the newest innovations like 5G, 120Hz refresh rates, or AI-powered cameras, it continues to offer a refined smartphone experience that meets the needs of many users even in 2025.
