Samsung Galaxy S9 Review

Primary camera

A large number of the new capabilities of modern smartphones are due to the enhanced hardware capabilities of the chipsets that empower them. The Exynos 9810 inside the Galaxy S9 allows the usage of deep learning-based software. Based on this, the processor accurately identifies items or persons in the photos for fast image searching or categorization. It also makes possible to scan the user's face in 3D for face tracking filters as well as offers strong security when unlocking a device with one's face. The Exynos 9810 supports 4K UHD video recording and playback with a frame rate up to 120 fps. Furthermore, the advanced MFC (Multi-Format Codec) supports 10-bit HEVC and VP9 codecs that can render 1024 different tones for each primary colours (red, green and blue). Finally, the SoC features a dual-ISP (Image Signal Processor) - a high-performance and a power-efficient one that supports up to 4 image sensors. In addition, the AF statistics engine enables faster and more accurate phase-detection AF and improves various image processing algorithms, including face beautification. Аdvanced stabilization and real-time out-of-focus photography in high-resolution image and video of up to UHD resolution are supported as well.

The Galaxy S9 is equipped with a single rear camera that employs Samsung's newest ISOCELL image sensor - the Samsung SAK2L3. This is a 3-stack, 1/2.55", 12MP image sensor with a 1.4μm pixels size and an integrated DRAM layer that supports super-slow-motion video shooting at up to 960 fps, low-light shooting, real-time HDR imaging, 3-Dimensional Noise Reduction (3DNR). The Dual Pixel technology is on board as well allowing each pixel to employ to photodiodes that respectively work as a phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) agent. In addition, the camera uses a 77° wide-angle lens with variable aperture - from f/1.5 to f/2.4. It is aided by Smart OIS, Object tracking AF, HDR and a High CRI LED flash. The camera takes photos with a maximum resolution of 4032 x 3024 pixels and shoots the following types of videos: 4K at 30 fps, 2K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps, and 720p super-slow-motion ones at 960 fps.

Secondary camera

The front-facing camera is equipped with an 8-megapixel Samsung S5K3H1 1/3.6" image sensor from System LSI with a 1.22μm pixel size. It is coupled with an 80° wide-angle lens with f/1.7 aperture. The same hardware setup is used for the front-facing camera of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ The selfie camera takes photos with a resolution of 3264 x 2448 pixels and shoots 2K videos at 30 fps. It supports Auto HDR, AR Emoji, Wide selfies and improved bokeh effect on portraits.

Camera App

The Camera application is totally re-designed. On the top of the screen, the main shooting modes are listed. At the bottom, the shutter button is placed in the centre with the video recording button to its left and the shortcut to the list of photos to its right. Above them, the various shooting options are listed together with a shortcut to the camera settings, the camera switch, Bixby Vision, etc. The shooting options include the addition of selected filters, flash options, and full-screen. The shooting modes include the default Auto one, Super Slow-Mo, AR Emoji, Hyperlapse, Selective focus (for objects less than 20 inches away from the camera), PRO mode for adjusting the ISO, white balance, focus, exposure, shutter speed, filter, Panorama mode, and Food mode. When you touch the video recording button, the recording starts immediately. The Camera Settings for both shooters are listed in one place and include the photo and video resolution for both, timer, HDR settings, grid lines, video stabilisation, shooting methods, face shape corrections, location tags, edit camera modes, motion photo, voice control, etc. The interface for the front camera is largely the same. The shooting modes available for the selfie snapper include Selfie (the default one), Selfie Focus, AR Emoji, and Wide Selfie. You can also add filters and apply beautification effects. The photo editing mode from the Gallery app is revamped as well and includes transforming options, adding effects, stickers and doodling - that's a lot less compared on the editing options available on the Galaxy S8. If you open a photo with the Photos app, you get the usual editing options plus the new Google Lens that intelligently recognizes the object(s) on the photo and suggests useful search results related to the object(s).