Galaxy S9: What we know

By Chris Burns/Jan. 29, 2018 3:16 pm EST

The Samsung Galaxy S9 had such a rush of leaks this past week that we know almost everything there could be to know about the hardware. We're pretty sure we know what the Galaxy S9 and the S9+ look like, and can see now the specs in full effect. Leaks from the past few months are coming together to form full pictures of these devices, both of them appearing much like their predecessors in more ways than one.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 will have one camera at its back, while the Galaxy S9 Plus will have two. In an article called You're going to want the Galaxy S9+ here on SlashGear, Chris Davies explains the big difference. In short – you're probably going to want to opt for the more magical, larger model. That's a release not unlike Apple's own iPhone and iPhone Plus, where the larger device has the more impressive camera duo.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ are rumored this week to have a pair of scanners up front, one for the face and another for the eyes. This pair of scanners was tipped to create an "Intelligent Scan." That means two forms of biometric identification at once – and what'll likely be sold as a far more secure system than any other.

On the spec tip, we know good and well there'll be two devices, each with hardware not unlike their predecessors. We're pretty sure they'll have the same displays as their predecessors, but their bodies will be a tiny bit shorter and wider. Both devices are said to be thicker, too, with just enough room for batteries that are around 100mAh bigger than before.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S9:• Display (S9): 5.8-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• Additional Features: Samsung DeX, ANT+ support, Bixby AI personal assistant, AKG stereo speakers

The specs above and below are based on rumors and tips from anonymous sources with information on the subject. These tips and rumors are in no way confirmed to be perfect – we'll know on February 25th at Mobile World Congress 2018. An event will take place there where we'll have hands-on experiences waiting up close and personal.

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 reader (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• Additional Features: Samsung DeX, ANT+ support, Bixby AI personal assistant, AKG stereo speakers

These devices will look very familiar. They've got the same design base, with slightly different measurements. Below is a set of design elements leaked and produced by one OnLeaks. See more on this in the timeline below about bezels.

Again, while the display is almost certainly the same size, and probably literally the same model, the new models will have said display set in a slightly different body than was delivered in the S8. Because the body is different, the bezels look a bit different above and below, and the display looks larger. It's like eye trickery, that is.

The event at which the device will be launched will be in Barcelona, but it'll likely be simulcast around the world. As the time approaches, we'll be posting the location of the video stream – if applicable. Either way, we'll have all the hands-on up-close videos and photos you can handle. That'll happen on February 25th, 2018 – check in and check it out.