Samsung Galaxy S9 launch: Price, UK Release Date, Everything We Think We Know

After months of speculation, leaks and hype, Samsung will take the wraps off its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ during a keynote event ahead of Mobile World Congress this evening.

The South Korean company first mailed-out invites for the exclusive launch event in January.

“The Camera. Reimagined,” the invitation cryptically teases, complete with a large number 9.

Samsung adds: “If a picture is worth a thousand words, the latest member of the Galaxy family has a lot to say.

“On February 25, Samsung Electronics will showcase the next generation of Galaxy devices that reimagines the camera and redefines the way you share your moments.”

Ahead of the launch event – dubbed Galaxy Unpacked – there has been a torrent of leaks from case manufacturers, reliable analysts, online tipsters, and mobile carriers.

Here is everything we think we know about the Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ ahead of the reveal tonight.

Design

Out of the box, it sounds like not a lot will have changed.

In fact, Samsung is said to have kept the industrial design extremely similar between the Galaxy S9 and its best-selling predecessor, Galaxy S8.

As a result, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will likely share the same 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch dual-curved, edge-to-edge Super AMOLED “Infinity Display” as last year.

According to the latest rumours, the only significant change will be found on the back of the phone.

Leaked images published by reliable tipster Evan Blass reveal a relocated fingerprint scanner.

It appears the scanner will be placed beneath the camera lens – instead of next to it, like it was on the Galaxy S8.

This should reduce the chance of users accidentally hitting the camera module with their digit while reaching for the rear-mounted scanner.

Samsung even included a warning inside the Galaxy S8’s default camera app telling users that “a clean lens makes for better shots.

“Clean your camera lens to keep taking better pictures.”

The Galaxy S9+ will be further distinguishable from the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ thanks to its dual-camera system.

This will include a number of features that debuted with the Galaxy Note 8, however, unlike the former the two camera lens will be aligned vertically on the Galaxy S9, like the iPhone X.

Earlier this week, WinFuture.de published a slew of new images, which purport to be official press images of the all-new flagship smartphone.

The renders reveal the aluminium finishes for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ which include Lilac Purple, Midnight Black, and Coral Blue.

Camera

From the cryptic invite unveiled by Samsung ahead of the launch, it appears the camera will be the biggest focus for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.

Samsung has already aired three teaser trailers in Korea which tease some of the new functionality coming to the camera.

The first Galaxy S9 teaser hints at a long-rumoured 3D emoji feature, similar to Animoji which launched with the iPhone X.

However, unlike the latter – which lets phone owners animate cartoon animals on-screen, Samsung looks set to create animated versions of the Galaxy S9 user.

This is similar to the Bitmojis integrated into Snapchat.

One source, speaking anonymously to 9To5Google, said the Galaxy S9’s Animoji competitor will capture a scan of the user’s face and transform that picture into a full-body cartoon character.

Apple restricts its Animoji feature to the iMessage chat app.

It’s unclear whether Samsung will impose similar restrictions, or whether the South Korean firm will allow users to share the animations more widely.

Elsewhere, the teaser trailers hint at new slow-motion capabilities, first hinted at following the debut of the Exynos 9810.

Samsung’s latest flagship phone will purportedly be capable of recording 1080p video footage at 480 fps.

For comparison, that’s twice as slow as the 1080p video capture at 240 fps the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X are capable of shooting.

WinFuture.de has also obtained pictures that appear to confirm the long rumoured camera improvements headed to the latest entry in the best-selling Galaxy S range.

The new handsets are tipped to have a variable aperture, so users can switch between either f/1.5 and f/2.4 to get the best possible shot in all light conditions.

By default, the Galaxy S9 will handle switching between these two apertures on its own, behind users’ backs.

On the front of the phone is an eight-megapixel camera with an f/1.7 aperture and autofocus – a rarity amongst front shooters.

The larger Galaxy S9+ is also expected to include a dual-camera system on the rear of the phone, enabling users to take photos with an artificial depth effect.

Samsung’s previous flagship handset, Galaxy Note 8, had a similar set-up.

Users were able to adjust the strength of the artificial bokeh effect behind the subject of the photo.

Price

According to a report by ETnews earlier this month, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will be far more expensive than their predecessors.

Speaking to the Korean news source, an official from a local mobile network revealed: “Although the domestic price of the Galaxy S9 will increase, it will be decided at a level where consumers do not feel burdened.”

The price of the Galaxy S9 in Korea is tipped be between W950,000 and W999,000, whereas the Galaxy S8 was W935,000.

At the higher of the two speculative prices it would add around £50 more to the cost of the handset.

Serial tipster Evan Blass has also published pricing for the new handset.

According to the leakster, the Galaxy S9 will starts from €841, while the Galaxy S9+ starts from €997.

That’s a significant step-up from the previous generation, which was priced at €809 for the Galaxy S8, and €909 for the Galaxy S8+.

Based on current exchange rates, that’s around £740 for the Galaxy S9 and £877 for the Galaxy S9+.

However, that’s unlikely to be an accurate reflection of pricing, since it doesn’t take into account VAT – however, it’s clear the Galaxy S9 will be more expensive than its predecessor.

Given the Galaxy S8 will currently set you back £689 SIM-only in the UK, so it’s likely the Galaxy S9 will break through the £700+ barrier.

Those who don’t buy their smartphones SIM-free can expect to see higher monthly contract costs, too.

Release Date

Samsung Galaxy S9 will be announced tomorrow, Sunday February 25th.

If the South Korean company follows the same pattern as previous years, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will likely be available to purchase the following month in select markets.

Express.co.uk is in Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress tradeshow.

We will keep you posted about all the latest announcements from Samsung, and will let you know UK pricing, release date, and more, as soon as its announced.