Is Galaxy S9 Still Good in 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy S9 was one of Samsung’s most refined classic Galaxy smartphones. When it launched in 2018, it improved on the Galaxy S8 with better stereo speakers, a more advanced camera system, and improved overall performance.
Even in 2026, the Galaxy S9 still looks relatively modern thanks to its premium glass design, curved AMOLED display, and compact flagship size.
Unlike older models such as the Galaxy S7, the Galaxy S9 is still somewhat usable today for basic everyday tasks. Some users still actively use the phone for calling, messaging, YouTube, and light social media.
However, despite still being usable, we do not recommend buying the Galaxy S9 in 2026.
Software Support — Ended in 2022 (Most Important)
The biggest reason we do not recommend buying the Galaxy S9 in 2026 is software support.
Samsung officially ended software and security support for the Galaxy S9 in 2022. That means the phone no longer receives:
- Android OS upgrades
- Security patches
- Bug fixes
- Performance optimizations
- Long-term app compatibility support
This is extremely important in 2026 because modern smartphones rely heavily on ongoing software updates for security and compatibility.
Without security updates, the Galaxy S9 becomes increasingly vulnerable to newly discovered Android security risks. This can become a concern for users who use their phone for banking apps, shopping apps, email, or work-related services.
App compatibility is another growing issue. While many apps still work today, some newer apps may eventually stop supporting older Android versions entirely.
As Android continues evolving, the Galaxy S9 will become increasingly outdated and less reliable for long-term daily use.
Even though the Galaxy S9 hardware still feels somewhat usable today, the lack of software support alone makes it difficult to recommend as a smart purchase in 2026.
Hardware and Performance Limitations
While the Galaxy S9 still feels more usable than older Galaxy models like the S7 or S8, the hardware is clearly starting to show its age in 2026.
For basic tasks like calling, texting, YouTube, and light social media, the Galaxy S9 can still function reasonably well. However, compared to modern Samsung phones, there are several major hardware limitations.
Chipset
The Galaxy S9 was powered by the Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810, depending on the region. Back in 2018, these were flagship-level processors with strong performance.
However, in 2026, the hardware is now significantly outdated.
The Galaxy S9 can still handle basic apps, but users may notice:
- Slower app loading times
- Lag during multitasking
- Reduced gaming performance
- More heat during extended usage
- Lower power efficiency
Modern Samsung phones are dramatically faster and more efficient, especially for gaming, multitasking, AI features, and demanding apps.
The Galaxy S9 also lacks many newer hardware features, including 5G connectivity and modern AI processing capabilities.
Display
The display remains one of the strongest parts of the Galaxy S9.
Its AMOLED display still offers sharp resolution, deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Even in 2026, the screen still looks relatively premium for everyday use.
However, the Galaxy S9 now feels outdated compared to modern Samsung displays.
The phone still uses a 60Hz refresh rate, while newer Samsung phones now offer smoother 120Hz displays that make scrolling, gaming, and animations feel much more fluid.
The larger bezels also make the design feel older compared to newer edge-to-edge Galaxy phones.
Camera
The Galaxy S9 camera was impressive during its time and introduced Samsung’s variable aperture feature.
In good lighting conditions, the camera can still capture decent-looking photos for casual use.
However, smartphone camera technology has improved dramatically since 2018.
Compared to modern Samsung phones, the Galaxy S9 struggles with:
- Night photography
- Low-light detail
- Video stabilization
- Zoom quality
- AI image processing
- Portrait photography
While still usable for basic photography, the camera no longer feels competitive by modern flagship standards.
Battery
Battery condition is another major concern for the Galaxy S9 in 2026.
Because most Galaxy S9 devices are now many years old, battery degradation is unavoidable.
Many remaining units may experience:
- Shorter battery life
- Slower charging performance
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Overheating during extended use
Even if the phone still works well, aging battery health can significantly affect the daily experience.
Modern Samsung phones are much more efficient thanks to newer processors, larger batteries, and improved software optimization.
Better Alternative — Galaxy S23 FE
If you are considering buying a Galaxy S9 in 2026, we strongly recommend getting the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE instead.
While the Galaxy S9 is still somewhat usable for basic tasks, the Galaxy S23 FE delivers a dramatically better overall experience in nearly every category.
The Galaxy S23 FE offers:
- Much faster performance
- Longer software support
- Better battery life
- Significantly improved cameras
- 120Hz smoother display
- 5G connectivity
- Modern AI features
Most importantly, the Galaxy S23 FE is still officially supported by Samsung, making it a much safer long-term purchase.
Galaxy S9 vs Galaxy S23 FE Specs Comparison
| Category |
Galaxy S9 |
Galaxy S23 FE |
| Release Year |
2018 |
2023 |
| Processor |
Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 |
| RAM |
4GB |
8GB |
| Storage |
64GB |
128GB / 256GB |
| Display |
5.8-inch Super AMOLED |
6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate |
60Hz |
120Hz |
| Rear Cameras |
12MP |
50MP + 12MP + 8MP |
| Front Camera |
8MP |
10MP |
| Battery |
3,000mAh |
4,500mAh |
| 5G Support |
No |
Yes |
| Software Support |
Ended in 2022 |
Supported Until 2028 |
Recent Price Drop Makes Galaxy S23 FE an Excellent Deal
One of the biggest reasons we recommend the Galaxy S23 FE in 2026 is its recent price drop.
Certified used and refurbished Galaxy S23 FE models now start at around $150+, making them one of the best Samsung value options currently available.
For comparison, the regular Galaxy S23 still starts closer to $190+ in certified used/refurbished condition.
That relatively small price difference makes the Galaxy S23 FE especially attractive for buyers who want modern Samsung flagship features without spending too much.
Much Longer Software Support
The biggest advantage of the Galaxy S23 FE is software support.
Unlike the Galaxy S9, which stopped receiving updates in 2022, the Galaxy S23 FE is expected to receive Android OS upgrades until 2027 and security updates until 2028.
This means better long-term app compatibility, stronger security protection, and a much longer remaining lifespan overall.
Performance Difference Is Massive
The performance gap between the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S23 FE is enormous.
The Galaxy S23 FE feels dramatically faster in gaming, multitasking, app loading, camera processing, and everyday use.
Modern Samsung processors are also much more efficient, generating less heat while providing significantly better battery life.
For users who rely heavily on their smartphone every day, the difference is immediately noticeable.
Better Display, Camera, and Battery
While the Galaxy S9 still has a respectable AMOLED display, the Galaxy S23 FE offers a much more modern viewing experience thanks to its larger 120Hz display.
The camera system is also significantly improved, especially for:
- Night photography
- Video stabilization
- Portrait photography
- Zoom quality
- AI image processing
Battery life is another major upgrade. The Galaxy S23 FE benefits from newer battery technology, larger battery capacity, and improved power efficiency.
Overall, the Galaxy S23 FE is simply a much smarter long-term purchase in 2026.
Why We Are Skipping Galaxy S10, S20, S21, and S22
Some buyers may wonder why we recommend jumping directly from the Galaxy S9 to the Galaxy S23 FE instead of choosing models like the Galaxy S10, S20, S21, or S22.
The main reason is overall value.
In 2026, the Galaxy S23 FE has become one of Samsung’s best value smartphones thanks to its recent price drop to around $150+ in certified used/refurbished condition.
At that price, many older Galaxy models no longer make as much sense.
Galaxy S10 — Still Too Old
The Galaxy S10 is newer than the Galaxy S9, but it still suffers from the same major problem: software support has already ended.
While the hardware remains decent for light use, the phone is already becoming outdated in terms of security, battery aging, and long-term app compatibility.
For most buyers, it does not make much sense to buy another unsupported Samsung flagship in 2026.
Galaxy S20 — Better, But Aging Quickly
The Galaxy S20 series introduced major upgrades like 120Hz displays and 5G connectivity.
However, the Galaxy S20 lineup is also approaching the end of its software support lifecycle.
In addition, many refurbished Galaxy S20 models are still priced relatively close to the Galaxy S23 FE, making the newer phone a better long-term value overall.
Galaxy S21 — Good Phones, But Usually More Expensive
The Galaxy S21 series is still a solid option in 2026 and remains much more modern than the Galaxy S9.
However, refurbished Galaxy S21 models are often priced noticeably higher than the Galaxy S23 FE despite offering shorter remaining software support.
Because of the recent price drop on the Galaxy S23 FE, the value proposition strongly favors the newer FE model.
Galaxy S22 — Too Close in Price to Galaxy S23 FE
The Galaxy S22 series is still relatively modern and powerful, but pricing is the main issue.
In many cases, refurbished Galaxy S22 devices are priced very close to the Galaxy S23 FE.
At that point, most buyers are better off choosing the Galaxy S23 FE because it offers newer software support, excellent performance, and stronger overall value for the money.
No Longer Receiving Monthly Security Updates
Another important reason we are skipping many older Galaxy flagship models is software update frequency.
In 2026, S10, S20 and S21 are not receiving any software updates. Althought S22 still receives Quarterly Security Updates, it's approaching the end of support.
By comparison, the Galaxy S23 FE still has access to the latest Android OS upgrade until 2027 and security updates until 2028.
Conclusion — Is Galaxy S9 Still Good in 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy S9 is still surprisingly usable in 2026 for basic everyday tasks like calling, texting, YouTube, and light social media.
Compared to older Galaxy models like the S7 or S8, the Galaxy S9 has aged better thanks to its stronger processor, better stereo speakers, refined design, and improved camera system.
However, despite still being usable, we do not recommend buying the Galaxy S9 in 2026.
The biggest reason is software support. Samsung officially ended support for the Galaxy S9 in 2022, meaning the phone no longer receives Android OS upgrades or security updates.
The hardware is also beginning to show its age. Battery degradation, slower performance, aging camera hardware, and missing modern features like 5G all make the phone feel increasingly outdated compared to newer Samsung devices.
For most buyers, spending slightly more on a newer Samsung phone provides a much better long-term experience and significantly longer remaining lifespan.
We recommend the Galaxy S23 FE, which recently dropped to around $150+ in certified used/refurbished condition. It offers dramatically better performance, modern features, longer software support, and one of the best overall Samsung values in 2026.
FAQ
How old is the Samsung Galaxy S9 in 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy S9 was released in 2018, making it around 8 years old in 2026.
Does the Galaxy S9 still get software updates?
No. Samsung officially ended software and security support for the Galaxy S9 in 2022.
Is Galaxy S9 still usable in 2026?
Yes, the Galaxy S9 is still usable for basic tasks like calling, texting, YouTube, and light social media. However, the phone is becoming outdated for long-term daily use due to aging hardware and lack of software updates.
Is the Galaxy S9 good for gaming in 2026?
The Galaxy S9 can still handle lighter mobile games, but newer and more demanding games may struggle on the older hardware.
Why do some people still use the Galaxy S9?
Many users still like the Galaxy S9 because of its compact flagship design, AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and headphone jack. It also still performs reasonably well for basic everyday tasks.
Does Galaxy S9 support 5G?
No. The Galaxy S9 does not support 5G connectivity.
What is the best alternative to the Galaxy S9?
We recommend the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. It offers much better performance, stronger cameras, longer software support, 5G connectivity, and better battery life while still being affordable in certified used/refurbished condition.
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