Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) stands out with its premium build quality, characterized by a glass front and back protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, and an aluminum frame that adds a touch of elegance and durability. Weighing 183 grams and measuring 162.5 x 77 x 7.8 mm, the phone offers a good balance between sturdiness and a slim profile, enabling users to hold and use it comfortably. The dual-SIM capability provides added flexibility for users who want to separate work and personal numbers or use different networks for better coverage.

Display

The Galaxy A9 features a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display, which is Samsung's proprietary technology that offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness levels. With a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, the screen delivers a full HD+ viewing experience with approximately 393 pixels per inch, resulting in sharp and crisp image quality. The screen-to-body ratio is about 80.1%, providing an immersive viewing experience ideal for watching videos and playing games.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy A9 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, built on a 14 nm process. This octa-core processor combines four Kryo 260 Gold cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and four Kryo 260 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz, coupled with an Adreno 512 GPU. It offers a smooth and responsive user experience for daily tasks and moderate gaming performance. Available in two RAM variants—6GB or 8GB—the device ensures that multitasking is handled efficiently. The storage options, 64GB and 128GB, are expandable via microSDXC card, allowing users to store more photos, videos, and applications. Initially launched with Android 8.0 (Oreo), the phone is upgradeable to Android 9.0 (Pie), providing a more polished and feature-rich software experience.

Camera System

The Samsung Galaxy A9 made headlines as the world’s first smartphone with a quad-camera setup, intended to offer versatility in photography. The main 24 MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture is designed for crisp photos, featuring PDAF for quick and accurate autofocus. A 10 MP telephoto lens delivers 2x optical zoom, supporting detailed captures of distant subjects. For wide-angle shots, the device includes an 8 MP sensor with a 12mm ultrawide lens, while a 5 MP depth sensor assists with achieving bokeh effects in portrait photography.

The camera system is enhanced by features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, supporting video recording up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The 24 MP front camera, with an f/2.0 aperture and HDR capability, captures high-quality selfies even in low-light conditions, also supporting 1080p video recording.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable 3800 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Galaxy A9 provides an endurance rating of 88 hours, according to industry-standard battery tests. The battery supports 18W fast charging, ensuring that users spend less time plugged in and more time enjoying their device. This strong battery performance makes the phone a reliable option for users who require all-day longevity from their smartphones.

Connectivity

The device supports extensive network options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with a range of frequency bands ensuring compatibility with various networks around the globe. It boasts a range of connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support, Bluetooth 5.0 for improved range and speed, and GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for precise location tracking. NFC is available for contactless payments and data transfers, whereas a USB Type-C 2.0 port ensures modern and reversible connectivity.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by audiophiles and users with traditional wired headphones. The sound quality is bolstered by loudspeakers capable of decent clarity and volume. FM radio is integrated for those who enjoy using their smartphones as a more traditional radio receiver, and overall audio tests reflect a strong performance with low noise and minimal crosstalk.

Sensors and Additional Features

Security and ease of use are enhanced by a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, allowing quick device unlocking. Additional sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass improve user interface interactions and support a variety of applications that depend on sensor input. Models available differ slightly in terms of network capability and regional customization, but all maintain a high standard of performance.

Price and Availability

Initially released in November 2018, the Samsung Galaxy A9 was available in sophisticated colors such as Caviar Black, Lemonade Blue, and Bubblegum Pink. At launch, the device was priced around 550 EUR, occupying a mid-range position appealing to users seeking flagship-like features without the premium price tag.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, particularly appealing to photography enthusiasts due to its versatile quad-camera array. The phone leverages Samsung’s traditional strengths in display technology and offers robust performance thanks to the Snapdragon 660 chipset. Its elegant design, coupled with substantial battery life and comprehensive connectivity options, makes it a competitive choice for consumers seeking a reliable, well-rounded device in this segment.