Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus: Should You Recommend This Smartphone?

When it comes to recommending the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, opinions vary widely depending on your needs and preferences. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses, to help you make an informed decision.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus Worth Recommending?

Yes, if you are a media consumer and a photography enthusiast. The Galaxy S9 Plus offers decent overall performance and provides more value compared to many mid-range smartphones. It is a smart choice if you prioritize camera quality and a premium build. However, if you prefer a more up-to-date experience with the latest features, you might want to consider alternative options.

Pros:

Water Resistance: IP68 rating ensures protection against water and dust.Wireless Charging: Convenient and adds to the smart design.Best Display: Quad HD resolution provides excellent visual clarity.Processor Performance: Capable of handling demanding tasks efficiently.Build: Beautiful glass build makes it a joy to hold and use.

Cons:

Generation Old: Despite its features, it feels a bit outdated by today's standards.Display Design: While the screen is good, it lacks the punch hole or waterdrop design found in newer models.

At around 25k (approximately US$347), the Galaxy S9 Plus is an excellent value if budget is a concern. However, if you are looking for something that is more current and up-to-date, consider the Asus 6z, which is highly underrated and offers great value for money. For those who prioritize OLED screens, Samsung remains the chosen brand. However, the display is still among the best in its class.

Reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S9 Phone

The Galaxy S9 is still a solid choice, especially for those who need a reliable device with excellent performance. Even in late 2019, it held its own against more recent models like the Galaxy S10 or Note 10. If you are willing to pay a little extra, I would recommend the Note 9 instead, as it has a 500 mAh larger battery and comes with the added feature of the S Pen, which enhances usability and productivity.

Alternative Option: If you are interested in an updated model, consider the new Samsung A-series that will be released in March. This model will likely offer better performance and a more current user experience.

User Experiences and Recommendations

Deploying the Galaxy S9 is a fantastic choice for its displays and performance. The QHD and infinity display make everything look stunning, and the Dolby Atmos sound system is exceptional. The AR Emoji feature is fun, and the UI is significantly improved over stock Android.

However, there are concerns about the reliability of Samsung handsets. Sharing personal experiences, I have encountered severe reliability issues with the S9 after rooting and installing custom firmware. Two different devices, a mid-range S4 mini and a flagship Note 5, both suffered from a fatal EMMC fault. This issue was similar in nature and occurred in different years, indicating a potential systemic problem with Samsung's hardware or firmware. The root cause was a corrupted internal memory allocation table.

Despite the firmware being repairable, Samsung does not supply the necessary files, leading to expensive repairs. This issue extends to multiple models and years, indicating a widespread problem. Given these reliability concerns, I would strongly advise against purchasing any Samsung handset, as the potential for hardware failure is high, and the repair costs can be substantial.