Last month, Samsung took the wraps off its two new flagships, the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. They feature many expected upgrades, including Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 845 processor and Google's Android 8.0 Oreo software.
But the phones also pack a few unexpected things that once started out as only rumors. The Galaxy S9 Plus, for example, now has a second 12-megapixel rear-facing camera. Samsung also preloaded the devices with AR Emoji, its own version of Apple's animoji, and the company added a new, vibrant lilac color option. They go on sale on March 16 with preorders beginning March 2.
In the US, you may get some cash back if you trade in your old phone with the purchase of a Galaxy S9. The specific dollar amount and deal depends on what carrier you go with. Keep in mind, these deals (like those that offer $350 for your $1,000 iPhone) may not be very good in the end, so be sure to read the fine print. For more information, read CNET's guide on how to get the best deal on the Galaxy S9.
Of course, the Galaxy phones are competing in a highly saturated market. They'll have to go against Apple's top-tier phone, the iPhone X, which also boasts superb dual rear-cameras. The Pixel 2 XL is a formidable Android phone too, with perks from Google like unlimited cloud storage and Google Lens.
To see how these phones lineup spec-to-spec, check out the chart below. Also be sure to check out CNET's full Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus review.
Editors' Note: This was originally published on Feb. 25, 2018 and has been updated on March 15 with US carrier information.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus vs. iPhone X and Pixel 2 XL
Samsung Galaxy S9 Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus Apple iPhone X Google Pixel 2 XL Display size, resolution 5.8-inch; 2,960x1,440 pixels 6.2-inch; 2,960x1,440 pixels 5.8-inch; 2,436x1,125 pixels 6-inch; 2,880x1,440 pixels Pixel density 570ppi 529ppi 458ppi 538ppi Dimensions (Inches) 5.81x2.70x0.33 in 6.22x2.91x0.33 in 5.7x2.79x0.30 in 6.2x3.0x0.3 in Dimensions (Millimeters) 147.7x68.7x8.5 mm 158.1x73.8x8.5 mm 143.6x70.9x7.7 mm 157.9x76.7x7.9 mm Weight (Ounces, Grams) 5.75 oz; 163g 6.66 oz; 189g 6.14 oz; 174 g 6.17 oz; 175 g Mobile software Android 8.0 Oreo Android 8.0 Oreo iOS 11 Android 8 Oreo Camera 12-megapixel Dual 12-megapixel Dual 12-megapixel 12-megapixel Front-facing camera 8-megapixel 8-megapixel 7-megapixel 8-megapixel Video capture 4K 4K 4K 4K Processor Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor (2.8GHz + 1.7GHz), or Octa-core Samsung Exynos 9810 (2.7 GHz + 1.7 GHz) Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor (2.8GHz + 1.7GHz), or Octa-core Samsung Exynos 9810 (2.7 GHz + 1.7 GHz) Apple A11 Bionic Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (2.35Ghz + 1.9Ghz) Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB RAM 4GB 6GB Unlisted 4GB Expandable storage Up to 400GB Up to 400GB None None Battery 3,000mAh 3,500mAh Unlisted 3,520mAh Fingerprint sensor Back Back None (Face ID via TrueDepth camera) Back Connector USB-C USB-C Lightning USB-C Headphone jack Yes Yes No No Special features Dual-aperture camera, water-resistant (IP68); super slo-mo video; wireless charging; iris scanning Dual-aperture camera, water-resistant (IP68); super slo-mo video; wireless charging; iris scanning Water-resistant (IP67), wireless charging, Face ID Google Assistant; unlimited cloud storage; Daydream VR-ready Price off-contract (USD) Varies: $720-$800 (64GB) Varies: $840-$930 (64GB) $999 (64GB), $1,149 (256GB) $849 (64GB), $949 (128GB) Price (GBP) £739 £869 £999 (64GB), £1,149 (256GB) £799 (64GB), £899 (128GB) Price (AUD) AU$1,199 (64GB), AU$1,349 (256GB) AU $1,349 (64GB), AU$1,499 (256GB) AU$1,579 (64GB), AU$1,829 (256GB) AU$1,399 (64GB), AU$1,549 (128GB)
Galaxy S9 review: Two steps forward, one step back
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