Which one is best for you?
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ and the Samsung Galaxy S8+ are both premium large-format phones, each with a gorgeous 6.2-inch curved Super AMOLED Infinity Display, and have many features in common. However, the Galaxy S9+, released a year later, has a few significant upgrades – most notably the camera.
The Galaxy S9+ (unlike the S8+) has a main camera with two lenses that can work independently or together. Both have optical image stabilisation, reducing the effects of hand-shake. One lets you switch between two apertures, so you can get great images even in low light, and the second is set to 2x optical zoom, so you can get close to your subject without loss of quality. Combine the two and you can do even more – such as keeping part of the image in sharp focus while blurring out the background.
The S9+ has a few incremental upgrades on the S8+, too. Its Exynos 9810 chip is faster and more efficient than the previous model, leading to smoother performance and longer battery life. It has 6GB RAM (up from 4GB for the S8+) so it promises better multi-tasking as well.
Making the most of its upgraded chip, the S9+ adds face recognition to the iris and fingerprint recognition of the S8+ and gives you the ability to create new AR emojis. Map your face onto a 3D avatar, adjust your hair colour and outfit, and you’re ready to start sending personalised GIF emojis and more.
There’s no question that the S8+ is a great smartphone with plenty to offer, but the Galaxy S9+ has enough new features and upgrades to make it the clear winner here.
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Samsung
Galaxy S9 Plus
Take stunning images in any light and create pro effects with ease with Dual Aperture and 2x optical zoom lenses
Turn your selfie into an animated emoji and discover a new way to share your stories
Point the camera to discover more about the world around you with Bixby Vision
Stretch time and capture moments in vivid detail with Super Slow-mo video mode
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Samsung
Galaxy S8 Plus
Get better photos with a camera that takes multiple images and automatically chooses the best for you
View crystal clear photos and videos on the gorgeous 6.2-inch curved Infinity display
Unlock your phone quickly and securely with a glance, using iris recognition
Access advanced features with ease thanks to the Bixby personal assistant
| Name | Galaxy S9 Plus | Galaxy S8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Image |
Buy the Galaxy S9+ |
Buy the Galaxy S8+ |
| Display | 6.2 inch Infinity Display | 6.2 inch Infinity Display |
| Size and weight |
Height: 158.1 mm Width: 73.8 mm Depth: 8.5 mm Weight: 189 grams |
Height: 159.5 mm Width: 73.4 mm Depth: 8.1 mm Weight: 173 grams |
| Rear camera | 12 MP + 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video recording | 4K video recording at 30 fps or 60fps | 4K video recording at 30 fps |
| Processor | Octa-core Exynos 9810 | Exynos 8895 |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 3500 mAh |
| Storage | 128 GB | 64 GB |
| Splash, water and dust resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Buy now | Buy the Galaxy S9+ | Buy the Galaxy S8+ |