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Samsung Unveils Galaxy S9 and S9+ Smartphones at MWC 2018, Highlighting New Camera Tech

The latest Samsung phones were just announced at Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona. Check out the details and specs!

Asif Khan

February 25, 2018 11:00 AM

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Samsung just announced their brand new Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ smartphones during their Unpacked live stream event at the Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona. The phones definitely take aim at Google Pixel 2's stunning camera as well as the iPhone X's AR functionality. Check out the announcement video here.

The Samsung Galaxy S9's dimensions are 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm, weighing in at 163 grams. It features at 5.8 inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED (2960x1440) display with 570 ppi. 

The Samsung Galaxy S9+'s dimensions are 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm, weighing in at 189 grams. It boasts a 6.2 inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED (2960x1440) display with 529 ppi. 

Both new phones feature front-facing cameras with 8 MP AF sensors, a 80 degree field of view, and F.17 apertures. The rear cameras differ between the S9 and S9+ models with the Galaxy S9+ showcasing two camera sensors, similar to iPhone X.

Samsung is definitely taking aim at Google Pixel 2 with their updated camera technology.

Front & Rear Cameras will support VDIS (Video Digital Image Stabilization), AR Emoji, Grid lines, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Motion photo, Location tags, Full view, Filters, Timer, Floating camera button, Stamps, and Quick launch features.

Apple's Animoji are clearly an inspiration for Samsung's AR Emoji.

Video recording support includes the following features: 

• 4K video recording at 30 fps or 60fps
• QHD video recording at 30 fps
• 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps
• 720p HD video recording at 30 fps
• Super Slow-mo video support 720p at 960 fps
• Slow motion video support 1080p at 240 fps
• Hyperlapse video support 1080p
• VDIS (Video Digital Image Stabilization)
• Digital zoom up to 8x (Galaxy S9) or up to 10x (Galaxy S9+)
• High CRI LED Flash
• Continuous autofocus video
• Face detection
• Tracking AF
• Take 9.1-megapixel still photos while recording 4K video
• Playback zoom
• Video location tags

Both the S9 and S9+ smartphones will feature 10nm 64-bit Octa-Core processors with 4 high performance cores running at 2.8/2.7GHz depending on the market with the other four cores running at 1.7GHz. The Galaxy S9 will come with 4 GB of RAM and the S9+ will ship with 6GB of RAM. Both phones will have 64, 128, and 256GB storage options with an option to expand an additional 400GB of storage using a Micro SD card.

The S9 family of phones will be available in four colors: Coral Blue, Titanium Gray, Lilac Purple, and Midnight Black

The new Samsung phones will both run on Android 8.0 (Oreo) and are IP68 rated for water resistance. The Galaxy S9's battery capacity is 3000 mAh with the S9+ getting an added bump up to 3500mAh. Both phones will feature fast wired and wireless charging. 

But wait, there's more! Samsung's latest and greatest smartphones feature an improved Bixby virtual assistant. Bixby's new AR functionality includes vision allowing for translation of signs, shopping features, and image detection.

Shackers can preorder the Samsung S9 and S9+ smartphones March 2 at prices starting from $720 in the U.S. for the standard S9 and $870 for the S9 Plus, depending on your carrier. They are expected to begin shipping on March 16.

Asif Khan

CEO/EIC/EIEIO

Asif Khan is the CEO, EIC, and majority shareholder of Shacknews. He began his career in video game journalism as a freelancer in 2001 for Tendobox.com. Asif is a CPA and was formerly an investment adviser representative. After much success in his own personal investments, he retired from his day job in financial services and is currently focused on new private investments. His favorite PC game of all time is Duke Nukem 3D, and he is an unapologetic fan of most things Nintendo. Asif first frequented the Shack when it was sCary's Shugashack to find all things Quake. When he is not immersed in investments or gaming he is a purveyor of fine electronic music. Asif also has an irrational love of Cleveland sports.