When the Samsung Galaxy S9 launched in early 2018, it was celebrated as one of the most elegant and capable Android phones ever made. With its curved AMOLED display, fast Snapdragon 845 chip, and premium glass design, it was a standout device that set the bar for mobile innovation at the time.
But in 2025, things have changed dramatically. Technology moves fast — and while the Galaxy S9 still holds a nostalgic charm, it’s now well past its prime. Most professional refurbishers have stopped supporting it, and even individual sellers struggle to provide reliable units. According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S9 models are rarely available today. For buyers seeking performance, security, and long-term value, the S9 is no longer a smart investment — especially when newer and affordable options like the Galaxy S22 exist.
The Galaxy S9 has become one of those models that’s simply too old for professional refurbishers to handle. Most Certified Resellers have stopped listing it because refurbishing older devices is no longer profitable or practical. Replacement parts are scarce, batteries are well past their lifespan, and it’s nearly impossible to offer a reliable warranty on such an old phone.
While you might find some listings from individuals on secondary marketplaces, they’re often untested, uncertified, and lack any warranty, making them risky purchases.
The Galaxy S9 runs on the Snapdragon 845 — a chip that was blazing fast in 2018 but feels sluggish by 2025 standards. With only 4GB of RAM and aging architecture, it struggles with multitasking, app updates, and modern games. Even basic system responsiveness can feel slow compared to today’s mid-range devices, not to mention the flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Galaxy S22.
The Galaxy S9’s 12MP single rear camera was one of its key selling points in 2018, offering variable aperture and solid low-light performance. However, in 2025 it’s easily outclassed by modern smartphone cameras featuring advanced sensors, AI optimization, and night photography modes.
Its 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display still looks sharp and vibrant, but it lacks the smoother 120Hz refresh rate and higher peak brightness found on newer Samsung models.
Design-wise, the S9 still looks sleek, with its curved edges and premium glass build. But that glass body also makes it more fragile, and many refurbished or used units show scratches, wear, or replaced parts. It lacks 5G connectivity and the durability upgrades introduced in Samsung’s newer flagships, such as Gorilla Glass Victus+.
Battery life is one of the Galaxy S9’s biggest drawbacks today. Even with light use, most batteries are degraded after years of charging cycles. While you could replace the battery, doing so isn’t always easy or reliable for a phone of this age. Expect around 3–4 hours of screen time, which is far below what modern users demand.
This is where the Galaxy S9 truly falls short. The device is stuck on Android 10, with no further major updates or security patches from Samsung. That means it’s missing years of improvements in performance, privacy, and security. Many popular apps are starting to require newer Android versions, making the S9 increasingly incompatible for daily use.
For anyone concerned about privacy or long-term usability, this lack of software support makes the S9 a poor choice in 2025.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 isn’t just newer — it’s a massive leap forward in every meaningful category compared to the aging Galaxy S9. From speed and camera quality to battery life and long-term software support, nearly every area has been redefined in the seven years separating them.
Specs Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2018 | 2022 |
| Display | 5.8" QHD+ Super AMOLED, 60Hz | 6.1" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1300 nits |
| Processor (U.S.) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / up to 256GB (UFS 2.1) | 8GB / up to 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Main Camera | 12MP (single) | 50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 10MP |
| 5G Connectivity | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Battery | 3000 mAh, 15W charging | 3700 mAh, 25W charging |
| Software Support | Up to Android 10 | Android 16 (One UI 8), supported through 2028 |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2025) | Rarely Available | ~$170+ |
The Galaxy S9’s Snapdragon 845 chip was top-tier in 2018, but by 2025 it feels sluggish and outdated. Apps open slower, multitasking stutters, and gaming performance is limited. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, offering nearly three times the processing power with improved energy efficiency. Everyday tasks like switching between apps or capturing photos feel instant and fluid, even years after launch.
The Galaxy S9’s single 12MP camera was excellent for its time, but today it lacks versatility and modern computational photography features. The Galaxy S22 features a triple-camera system — 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto — with night mode, portrait AI, and 8K video support. For anyone who values photography or social media content, the difference in clarity and dynamic range is enormous.
While the Galaxy S9’s 5.8-inch curved Super AMOLED display still looks sharp, it’s limited to 60Hz refresh rate and lower brightness. The Galaxy S22 introduces a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1300-nit brightness, making it much smoother and easier to view outdoors. The design is also flatter and sturdier, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+ instead of the fragile glass used on the S9.
After seven years, most Galaxy S9 batteries are heavily degraded, often lasting only a few hours. Even new ones are capped at 3000 mAh with 15W charging. The Galaxy S22, on the other hand, includes a 3700 mAh battery with 25W fast charging, offering longer life and shorter recharge times. Combined with the efficiency of its 4nm processor, battery performance is dramatically better.
This is the biggest deal-breaker for the Galaxy S9. It’s permanently stuck on Android 10 and receives no security patches — making it incompatible with many modern apps and potentially unsafe for online banking or sensitive accounts. The Galaxy S22 runs Android 16 (One UI 8) and will continue to receive updates through at least 2028. That’s years of guaranteed stability, security, and compatibility — something the S9 simply can’t match.
Despite all these upgrades, the Galaxy S22 has become incredibly affordable. According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished models start at around $170+, offering flagship-grade performance at a mid-range price. Meanwhile, Certified Used S9 units are nearly impossible to find and not worth the risk given their age and lack of support.
In short, while the Galaxy S9 remains a nostalgic reminder of Samsung’s design excellence, the Galaxy S22 is the far smarter purchase in 2025 — combining flagship performance, modern software, and affordable pricing.
No. The Samsung Galaxy S9 was a remarkable phone when it launched, but in 2025, it’s no longer a wise choice. Its outdated hardware, lack of 5G connectivity, and expired software support make it unreliable for modern use. Even if you find one in working condition, most units suffer from heavy battery wear and poor long-term performance.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S9 units are nearly impossible to find today because professional resellers have stopped offering them. Refurbishing an older model with no software updates simply doesn’t meet modern quality or safety standards.
If you’re considering a Samsung upgrade, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 is the clear winner. It offers exceptional performance, a 120Hz AMOLED display, outstanding cameras, and guaranteed software support through 2028 — all starting around $170+.
The Galaxy S9 was released in March 2018, making it seven years old in 2025. At this age, most units show heavy wear and outdated performance compared to modern devices.
No. Samsung ended major Android updates for the Galaxy S9 after Android 10, and security updates stopped years ago. It no longer receives official patches or improvements.
Not really. Since it no longer receives security updates, the Galaxy S9 is vulnerable to malware, exploits, and modern security threats. It’s best to avoid using it for sensitive tasks like online banking or storing personal information.
Yes. The Galaxy S9 has officially reached its end of life in Samsung’s product cycle. It no longer receives software updates, replacement parts are difficult to find, and Samsung has shifted full support to newer models.
Yes — by today’s standards, the S9 is severely outdated. It lacks 5G, runs an old version of Android, and doesn’t support many modern apps and features. Even mid-range phones now outperform it easily.
The Galaxy S9 launched in 2018 at a retail price of $719 (USD), while the larger S9+ started at $839. Those were flagship-level prices for the time, reflecting its premium position in Samsung’s lineup.
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Many newer apps no longer support older Android versions, and the lack of security updates poses privacy and safety risks.
Because it’s too old for professional refurbishers to maintain or warranty. Replacement parts are scarce, and the cost of restoring the phone outweighs its market value.
The Galaxy S22 has a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, triple cameras, 5G support, better battery life, and long-term Android updates through 2028. It’s a massive upgrade in every category.
The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 is the best replacement. It offers flagship-level performance, long-term software support, and modern design — all for around $170+.
Not really. Most used S9 listings are from individual sellers without certification or warranty. To avoid risk, stick with Certified Used or Refurbished models from trusted resellers, which you can compare on UpTrade.
Its 12MP camera still performs decently in bright light, but it lacks modern features like night mode, AI optimization, and improved HDR. Phones like the Galaxy S22 easily outperform it in every scenario.
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