Samsung Galaxy S9

Fantastic display ; Feels great ; Much improved speakers

Average battery life ; Dual-sensor only on Plus model ; Some lag with Samsung’s software

Battery life on the Samsung Galaxy S9 is almost exactly the same as last year’s S8. Even with the switch to a more efficient mobile chip, it’s a shame Samsung hasn’t really been able to squeeze any more juice from the 3000mAh battery.

Superb screen for video ; Powerful performance ; Dual-aperture camera is effective ; Well built ; Great design

Audio still lacks the last word in timing

Samsung has gone down the Apple route of only making minor tweaks, but this has resulted in one of the best Android phones this year

Brilliant display ; Stereo sound is surprisingly powerful ; Curved glass and metal is very attractive ; Comfortable to use ; Super speedy and fluid performance

Battery isn't great ; Camera over-exposes highlights regularly ; AR Emoji and Bixby need a lot of improving ; Expensive

While it’s not perfect, the Galaxy S9 is a fantastic device. It’s got a brilliant display, great camera, brilliant performance all-round, and in a body that’s easily one of the most elegant ever released. Its stereo sound makes such a difference to...

Refined, stylish design with gorgeous curved screen ; Improved low-light camera, excellent slo-mo video ; All the features you'd want in a flagship

Improved camera still can't quite beat the best ; Hard to tell the S9 apart from the S8 ; Fingerprint sensor still a bit close to the camera

Easily the best all-round Android phone you can buy today

In many ways the Samsung Galaxy S9 is a repeat performance of the Galaxy S8 and that's no bad thing. Samsung's great phone from 2017 is back and better than before.

Swift biometric security ; Awesome low-light performance ; The most powerful Android phone out

Design is identical to S8 ; Some camera snaps lack vibrancy ; Expensive

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is a great phone, but one that hasn't really kicked on from the Galaxy S8, bringing a very similar design and screen to 2017's version. The improved biometrics were sorely needed, and the camera is a leap forward, but the amazing...

If you're looking for the biggest, most luxuriously appointed handset on the market, however, the Note 9 is the one to go for – and it has enough advantages to sweeten, if not entirely justify, the extra cost.

Smart camera tech ; Premium everyday experience ; Superb performance

Limited evolution ; Pricey

So, should you consider buying the Galaxy S9?

Excellent low-light camera ; The fastest Android smartphone yet

Slightly worse battery life ; More expensive than Galaxy S8

That makes it hard to wholeheartedly recommend the Galaxy S9, either as a general-purpose smartphone or as a best-in-class camera phone. There’s some impressive technology here, but Samsung needs to offer something more to justify a wallet-wilting £739.