Galaxy S8 Active Vs S9 Plus Is The Newer S9 Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung released the Galaxy S9 Plus in 2018, it arrived as a refined evolution of the already impressive S8 series. For owners of the rugged Galaxy S8 Active—particularly those who rely on its military-grade durability—the question isn’t just about specs. It’s whether the incremental improvements justify stepping away from a device built for resilience. This deep dive compares both phones across key categories to determine if upgrading makes practical sense.

Design and Durability: Built for Different Lifestyles

The most immediate difference between the two lies in their design philosophy. The Galaxy S8 Active was engineered for users who demand toughness. With its MIL-STD-810G certification, reinforced corners, and ruggedized body, it's designed to survive drops, dust, and moisture far beyond typical smartphones. Its flat display (unlike the curved screens on standard S8 models) also reduces vulnerability to edge cracks.

In contrast, the S9 Plus returns to a sleek, premium glass-and-metal design. While it carries an IP68 water resistance rating—meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes—it lacks the structural reinforcement of the S8 Active. Drop tests consistently show that without a case, the S9 Plus is more prone to screen and frame damage.

Tip: If you work in construction, travel frequently, or have kids, the S8 Active’s durability may outweigh the S9 Plus’s aesthetic appeal.

Performance and Hardware: Incremental Gains, Not Leaps

Under the hood, the S9 Plus features the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 chipset (depending on region), compared to the S8 Active’s older Snapdragon 835. Benchmarks show a 25–30% improvement in CPU and GPU performance. In real-world use, this translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better gaming performance—especially with high-end titles.

Both devices come with 4GB of RAM and similar storage options (64GB base, expandable via microSD). However, the S9 Plus introduces dual-aperture camera technology and stereo speakers tuned by AKG—features absent on the S8 Active.

Battery life remains comparable. The S8 Active packs a 4,000mAh battery, slightly larger than the S9 Plus’s 3,500mAh unit. Yet thanks to software optimizations in Android 8.0 Oreo (upgradable to later versions), the S9 Plus manages efficient power usage. In daily mixed-use scenarios, both last around a full day, though heavy users may still need midday charging.

Camera Comparison: Where the S9 Plus Shines

This is where the S9 Plus pulls significantly ahead. The S8 Active features a single 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus—a solid performer in daylight but limited in low light and lacking depth-sensing capabilities.

The S9 Plus, meanwhile, boasts a dual-camera setup: a primary 12MP variable-aperture lens (f/1.5–f/2.4) and a secondary 12MP telephoto lens. The variable aperture allows more light in dim environments, making night shots noticeably brighter and less grainy. The telephoto lens enables true 2x optical zoom and powers Live Focus mode for portrait-style bokeh effects.

Front-facing cameras are identical (8MP with autofocus), but software enhancements on the S9 Plus improve facial recognition accuracy and low-light selfies.

“Smartphone photography has shifted from megapixels to intelligent optics. The S9 Plus’s adaptive aperture was a game-changer for low-light performance.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Display and Audio: Subtle but Meaningful Differences

Both phones feature 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED displays with excellent color reproduction and viewing angles. However, the S8 Active uses a flatter panel, which some users prefer for reduced glare and easier screen protector application.

The S9 Plus improves upon audio with stereo speakers tuned in collaboration with AKG, offering louder output and richer bass. It also supports Dolby Atmos for immersive sound during video playback—a feature absent on the S8 Active.

While the visual differences are minimal, the enhanced audio experience on the S9 Plus benefits media consumers, especially when watching HDR content or playing spatial audio-enabled games.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Galaxy S8 Active	Galaxy S9 Plus
Release Year	2017	2018
Chipset	Snapdragon 835	Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810
RAM	4GB	6GB
Rear Camera	12MP (Single, f/1.7)	12MP + 12MP (Dual, f/1.5–f/2.4)
Front Camera	8MP	8MP
Battery	4,000mAh	3,500mAh
Durability	MIL-STD-810G, Rugged Design	IP68 Only
Audio	Stereo Speakers (Standard Tuning)	Stereo Speakers (AKG-Tuned, Dolby Atmos)
Software Support	Ended (Android 9)	Ended (Android 10)

Real-World Example: A Field Technician’s Dilemma

Carlos, a telecom field engineer based in Arizona, relied on his Galaxy S8 Active for three years. He used it daily on towers, in deserts, and during monsoon season. Despite multiple falls onto gravel and exposure to sandstorms, the phone survived without major issues. When it began slowing down in 2020, he considered upgrading.

He tested the S9 Plus with a rugged case. While he appreciated the better camera for documenting installations and the improved speaker clarity during remote troubleshooting calls, he noticed the glass back cracked after a six-foot drop onto concrete. After replacing it twice, he reverted to buying a refurbished S8 Active. “The S9 takes prettier pictures,” he said, “but my job doesn’t reward aesthetics. It rewards survival.”

Upgrade Checklist: Is the S9 Plus Right for You?

Before deciding, consider your priorities. Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:

• ✅ Do you prioritize photo quality and low-light performance?
• ✅ Are you mostly using the phone indoors or in controlled environments?
• ✅ Do you want access to slightly better multitasking and future-proofing (at the time of release)?
• ✅ Are you willing to use a protective case and accept higher repair costs if damaged?
• ❌ Do you work in rugged conditions (outdoors, industrial sites, frequent travel)?
• ❌ Do you dislike relying on cases for protection?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first four and “no” to the last two, the S9 Plus offers tangible benefits. Otherwise, the S8 Active’s resilience may still serve you better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S9 Plus replace the S8 Active for outdoor use?

Not inherently. While the S9 Plus has IP68 water resistance, it lacks shock absorption and reinforced framing. Even with a rugged case, the glass front and back remain vulnerable to shattering under impact. The S8 Active was purpose-built for such conditions; the S9 Plus was not.

Is the camera difference noticeable in everyday use?

Yes, particularly in dim lighting or when using zoom. The S9 Plus captures brighter night photos and allows optical zoom without quality loss. Portrait mode and background blur are also more natural due to the second lens. Casual photographers will appreciate these upgrades.

Does the S9 Plus still receive software updates?

No. Both the S8 Active and S9 Plus reached their end of official software support with Android 10. Security patches are no longer guaranteed, so users should exercise caution when downloading apps or visiting untrusted websites.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If Photography and Performance Are Top Priorities

The Galaxy S9 Plus is objectively the more advanced phone. It delivers better cameras, richer audio, and snappier performance. But technological superiority doesn’t always equate to real-world value. For users who depend on their phone surviving harsh conditions, the S8 Active remains a compelling choice—even years after its release.

The upgrade makes sense only if your environment is relatively safe, your usage leans toward media creation and consumption, and you’re ready to invest in protection. If durability, longevity under stress, and peace of mind matter more than marginal gains in camera tech, staying with the S8 Active—or choosing another rugged device—is the smarter move.

💬 Have experience with both phones? Share your story in the comments—your insights could help someone decide whether to upgrade or hold steady.