Galaxy S9 pre-release specs and rumors update

By Chris Burns/Dec. 26, 2017 3:35 pm EST

Today we've got an updated list of what we expect will be the Samsung Galaxy S9 specs, top to bottom. This includes the standard Samsung Galaxy S9 as well as the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, formerly known as Edge. These specs should hold mostly accurate unless Samsung throws a giant wrench in the mix before they make their devices live in full effect this February – another most-likely situation.

The Samsung Galaxy S9, first and foremost, should have a headphone jack in it. Thank goodness for that. If the rumors on that point turn out to be untrue, I'll be beyond disappointed, of that you can be sure. The removal of the headphone jack in several of the headliner phones in the 2017 smartphone release season brought many sad faces to those that roll with more than one phone in a family that connects music to a car. Bluetooth just isn't as easy.

Next we've got tips about a frontside very similar to the frontside of the Galaxy S8 here in the Galaxy S9. Not quite so similar that we'll expect the same protective cases to fit, but still. You might mistake one for the other.

Below you'll see a set of specifications gathered and edited over the past several weeks. These are not official specifications for either device. Instead, they're what we expect the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will bring to the party, based entirely on informed insight, anonymous tips, and common sense.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S9:

• Display (S9): 5.65-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED (570 PPI)• Processor in USA: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (SDM845)• Processor Internationally: Samsung Exynos 9810• RAM: 4 or 6 GB• Internal Storage: 64GB, 128GB (options)• MicroSD Slot: Yes, 256GB potential• Connectivity: Bluetooth LE, NFC, USB-C, Cat 18 LTE support• Camera (backside): Single lens: 12MP (f/2.4, 52mm, 1/3.6, 1 µm, AF), OIS, phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, LED flash• Camera (front facing): 8 MP (f/1.7, 25mm, 1/3.6, 1.22 µm), autofocus, 1440p@30fps, dual video call, Auto HDR• Sensors: Iris scanner, 3D sensor, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2• Battery: 3100 mAh, USB-C, Quick Charge 2.0 or higher, wireless charging with Qi standard• Headphone Jack: MAYBE.• Additional Features: Samsung DeX, ANT+ support, Bixby AI personal assistant, AKG stereo speakers

SAMSUNG GALAXY S9 Plus:

• Display (S9+): 6.2-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED (529 PPI)• Processor in USA: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (SDM845)• Processor Internationally: Samsung Exynos 9810• RAM: 4 or 6 GB• Internal Storage: 64GB, 128GB (options)• MicroSD Slot: Yes, 256GB potential• Connectivity: Bluetooth LE, NFC, USB-C, Cat 18 LTE support• Camera (backside): Dual lens: 12 MP (f/1.7, 26mm, 1/2.55, 1.4 µm, Dual Pixel PDAF) AND 12MP (f/2.4, 52mm, 1/3.6, 1 µm, AF), OIS, phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, LED flash• Camera (front facing): 8 MP (f/1.7, 25mm, 1/3.6, 1.22 µm), autofocus, 1440p@30fps, dual video call, Auto HDR• Sensors: Iris scanner, 3D sensor, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2• Battery: 3600 mAh, USB-C, Quick Charge 2.0 or higher, wireless charging with Qi standard• Headphone Jack: MAYBE.• Additional Features: Samsung DeX, ANT+ support, Bixby AI personal assistant, AKG stereo speakers

The images we've got above come from OnLeaks, a leakster that's been notoriously accurate over the past couple of years. Accurate down to the point at which we're kinda shocked that a major brand hasn't tried to buy him out, or something like that. Maybe next year!

All signs point toward Samsung having some sort of presence at CES 2018, but that they'll reveal their Galaxy S9 and Plus at MWC 2018. That means a February 24th or 25th reveal – somewhere thereabouts. It would not be shocking to see the Galaxy S9 in stores by mid-March 2018. Have a peek at the timeline below for additional insight.