Just like last year with the Samsung Galaxy S8, Microsoft is now taking preorders for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9, with an expected launch date of March 16. Microsoft's store listing is quick to point out how well the Microsoft Launcher and Microsoft apps such as Cortana, OneDrive and Office work on the Galaxy S9, however it doesn't appear these apps come preloaded.
See Samsung Galaxy S9 at Microsoft
Related: Remember that Galaxy S8 'Microsoft Edition?' Samsung says it never existed …
The Samsung Galaxy S9 is Samsung's latest smartphone flagship, packing a Snapdragon 845, Android Oreo, and a great 18:9 display. Reviews for the device just came out today, and the verdict so far is that the Galaxy S9 is a great handset, albeit a rather small upgrade over last years S8. The handset is available in two sizes, and starts at $719.99 from Microsoft.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S9 | Samsung Galaxy S9+ |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 8.0 Oreo Samsung Experience 9.0 |
Android 8.0 Oreo Samsung Experience 9.0 |
| Display | 5.8-inch AMOLED, 2960x1440 (18.5:9) | 6.2-inch AMOLED, 2960x1440 (18.5:9) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 or 10nm 64-bit Samsung Exynos |
Snapdragon 845 or 10nm 64-bit Samsung Exynos |
| Storage | 64GB | 64GB |
| Expandable | microSD up to 400GB | microSD up to 400GB |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Primary rear camera | 12MP Super Speed Dual Pixel, OIS, f/1.5 or f/2.4 | 12MP Super Speed Dual Pixel, OIS, f/1.5 or f/2.4 |
| Secondary rear camera | n/a | 12MP, f/2.4 |
| Front camera | 8MP, f/1.7, auto focus | 8MP, f/1.7, auto focus |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac MIMO, 1.2Gbps (Cat-18) LTE, Bluetooth 5.0 LE ANT+, NFC, GPS, Glonass |
Wi-Fi 802.11ac MIMO, 1.2 Gbps (Cat-18) LTE, Bluetooth 5.0 LE ANT+, NFC, GPS, Glonass |
| Audio | Stereo speakers Dolby Atmos 3.5mm headphone |
Stereo speakers Dolby Atmos 3.5mm headphone |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 3500mAh |
| Charging | USB-C Fast Wireless Charging |
USB-C Fast Wireless Charging |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor Iris scanning Face unlock |
Fingerprint sensor Iris scanning Face unlock |
| Dimensions | 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm 163 g |
158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm 189 g |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue (U.S.) Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, Slate Grey (intl) |
Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue (U.S.) Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, Slate Grey (intl) |
Microsoft's current mobile strategy involves adopting Android smartphones and encouraging users to install things like the Microsoft Launcher and apps onto the device. Since Microsoft is no longer focused on Windows 10 Mobile, buying an Android device and loading it up with Microsoft software is now what Microsoft encourages users to do, and so far, it's working out pretty well.
Will you be preordering the Samsung Galaxy S9 from Microsoft? Let us know in the comments!
