When it launched in early 2018, the Samsung Galaxy S9+ represented the pinnacle of Android innovation. It featured a beautiful curved-edge AMOLED display, a premium glass-and-metal design, dual rear cameras with variable aperture, and the powerful Snapdragon 845 processor. At the time, it was one of the best Android phones money could buy — offering top-tier performance, excellent low-light photography, and features like iris scanning and expandable storage.
Fast forward to 2025, however, and the S9+ shows its age. Samsung ended major software updates years ago, leaving it stuck on Android 10 (with only limited security patches after 2022). Many modern apps now require newer Android versions for full compatibility, and hardware like the camera, storage, and modem no longer meet today’s standards. While the design still looks sleek, its outdated chip, aging battery, and lack of 5G connectivity make it hard to recommend as a daily driver.
By 2025, even professional refurbishers and certified resellers have largely stopped offering the Galaxy S9+. According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished S9+ units are often out of stock — not because of high demand, but because it’s simply too old for professional resellers to maintain, refurbish, or warranty.
While you may still find a few S9+ listings from individual sellers on secondary marketplaces, those often come with uncertain condition, limited testing, and no certification or warranty. Batteries may have degraded significantly, and replacement parts for this generation are increasingly scarce.
For buyers looking for a dependable Samsung phone with long-term support, the S9+ is no longer a practical choice. Models like the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ have become the go-to alternatives — offering vastly improved performance, cameras, and 5G support, all at surprisingly affordable prices for Certified Used and Refurbished options.
While the Galaxy S9+ was once one of Samsung’s most advanced smartphones, it now faces several major limitations that make it difficult to recommend in 2025.
1. No Software or Security Updates
The Galaxy S9+ officially stopped receiving Android and One UI updates years ago. It’s capped at Android 10, meaning it misses out on newer versions like One UI 8 (Android 16) that power today’s Galaxy S22 and newer devices. Without security patches, users are also exposed to vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with modern apps and services.
2. Outdated Hardware
Powered by the Snapdragon 845 chip and 6GB of RAM, the S9+ was fast in 2018 — but it now struggles with modern multitasking, heavy gaming, and newer camera or AI features. Its 4G-only modem also means it lacks 5G connectivity, which is now standard on all modern Samsung flagships.
3. Battery Degradation
After seven years, most S9+ units have experienced significant battery wear. Even refurbished units may not deliver a full day of use without a replacement battery — and sourcing reliable replacements for a device this old can be difficult.
4. Camera Limitations
Although the dual 12MP camera setup was impressive in its day, it falls far short of the multi-sensor, AI-enhanced systems found on newer Galaxy models. Features like advanced night mode, 8K recording, and enhanced HDR simply aren’t available.
5. Lack of Warranty and Support
Most professional resellers no longer certify or refurbish the S9+, leaving only individual sellers on peer-to-peer marketplaces. These listings typically lack quality assurance, warranty coverage, or verified condition ratings — increasing the risk of poor performance or hardware failure.
In short, while the Galaxy S9+ still works for basic tasks, its aging hardware, limited software support, and lack of reliable sourcing make it a poor choice for 2025 buyers looking for longevity or security.
The Galaxy S9+ was once Samsung’s flagship powerhouse, but seven years later, the difference between it and modern models like the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ is enormous. From performance to camera technology and long-term software support, the newer models deliver a far more capable and future-proof experience.
| Feature | Galaxy S9+ | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy S22+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2018 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Display | 6.2" QHD+ Super AMOLED, 60Hz | 6.1" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1300 nits | 6.6" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1750 nits |
| Processor (U.S.) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 6GB RAM / up to 256GB (UFS 2.1) | 8GB RAM / up to 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 8GB RAM / up to 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto) | Triple 50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (telephoto) | Same as S22 |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 10MP | 10MP |
| 5G Connectivity | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery | 3500 mAh, 15W charging | 3700 mAh, 25W charging | 4500 mAh, 45W charging |
| Software Support | Up to Android 10 | Android 16 (One UI 8) | Android 16 (One UI 8) |
| Current Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2025) | Out of Stock | ~$170+ | ~$190+ |
The difference in day-to-day experience is dramatic. The Galaxy S22 and S22+ offer 120Hz adaptive AMOLED displays, vastly superior cameras, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 performance that’s nearly three times faster than the old Snapdragon 845. They also support 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Android 16 (One UI 8), ensuring years of security updates and new features.
Meanwhile, the S9+ struggles with basic multitasking, slower app loading, and limited app compatibility due to its aging chip and outdated Android version. Even if you could find one in “like-new” condition, it can’t compete in performance, display quality, or future support.
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S9+ has officially reached the end of its useful life. While it remains a nostalgic piece of smartphone history, it’s no longer a practical or safe choice for everyday use. With no software updates, limited app compatibility, and declining hardware reliability, the S9+ can’t keep up with modern standards.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S9+ units are almost impossible to find because professional resellers have stopped listing them. And even when available through individual sellers, these devices rarely include a warranty or battery replacement — making them risky purchases.
Instead, consider upgrading to a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 or Galaxy S22+, which are still fully supported by Samsung and offer flagship-level performance at affordable prices. In 2025, Certified Used Galaxy S22 models start around $170+, and S22+ models around $190+, providing far greater value, reliability, and longevity.
The Galaxy S9+ was released in March 2018, making it seven years old in 2025. At this age, most units show battery wear and outdated performance compared to newer Samsung models.
When it first launched, the S9+ was one of Samsung’s best flagship smartphones, offering a premium design, powerful performance, and an excellent camera system. However, in 2025 it’s outdated — with no software updates, weaker hardware, and limited app compatibility. It’s no longer recommended for daily use.
The S9+ can only be updated up to Android 10, the final official version supported by Samsung. You can check for updates by going to Settings → Software Update → Download and Install, but newer Android versions like 11–16 are not available for this model.
No. Samsung ended major Android updates for the Galaxy S9+ after Android 10, and security updates stopped several years ago. It no longer receives any official support.
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Many modern apps may not work properly, and the lack of security updates makes it more vulnerable to security risks.
Professional resellers rarely offer the S9+ anymore because it’s too old to refurbish and sell with a warranty. Any remaining listings are typically from individual sellers without quality assurance.
The Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ are the best alternatives in 2025. Both offer 5G, long-term software support, and flagship performance at prices starting under $200 for Certified Used or Refurbished units.
Yes — both are newer and more powerful. However, even those models are nearing the end of their software support cycles. The Galaxy S22 lineup remains the best long-term value for 2025 buyers.
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