Samsung isn’t only focused on the premium flagship category. The South Korean tech giant is also busy working on and releasing new mid-range phones left and right. We’ve been introduced recently to the Galaxy J3 and Galaxy J7 2018 models, as well as, other Galaxy J and Galaxy A devices. There’s also the Samsung Galaxy S Light Luxury and the Galaxy A8 (2018) that already hit DxOMark last month. We’ve seen leaks of the smartphones before their official launch and now we’re learning about two new models: the Galaxy A9 Star and the Galaxy A9 Star Lite. This is a new duo that consists of an entry-level and a lighter variant.
Over the weekend, the Samsung Galaxy A9 Star and the Star Lite were revealed in China. These two are already part of the 3rd-gen Galaxy A series since we first saw the Galaxy A9 in 2015 and the A9 Pro back in 2016. We don’t remember a 2017 model so this pair can be considered as the third offering.
Starting with the Samsung Galaxy A9 Star, this Android phone is said to be more similar to the Galaxy A6+ revealed earlier this year. The smartphone comes equipped with a 6.28-inch Super AMOLED screen Full HD+ display, 18.5:9 aspect ratio, octa-core Snapdragon 660 processor, 64GB onboard storage, 4GB RAM, microSD card slot for storage expansion, and a 3700mAh battery. Both phones already run Android 8.0 Oreo coupled by Samsung Experience 9.0 UX.
As for the Samsung Galaxy A9 Star Lite, this mid-ranger boasts a Snapdragon 450 chipset, a 6-inch 18.5:9 Super AMOLED Infinity display, 1080 x 2220 resolution, dual camera system, rear fingerprint sensor, 64GB built-in storage, and 4GB RAM. Obviously, it also looks like the Galaxy A6 (2018). The phone features a 16MP and 5MP dual rear setup plus an impressive 24MP selfie camera with LED flash. The fingerprint reader is placed at the back. You can’t do 4K video recording though but the phone comes with Dolby Atmos audio already. The phone is powered by a 3500mAh battery.
When it comes to pricing, the Samsung Galaxy A9 has a price tag that reads CNY 2,999 which is around $468 while the Galaxy A9 Star Lite is CNY 1,999 ($312). These phones will be out starting June 15 but you can place your pre-orders now. That is, if you live in China. You can choose from either the two color options: Dark Blue and Night Sky Black.
Samsung Galaxy A9 Star Key Specs:
• OS: Android 8.0 Oreo, Samsung Experience 9.0 UX
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
• Display: 6.3-inches Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio
• Dimensions: 162.4 x 77 x 7.6 mm
• Weight: 191g
• Battery: 3700 mAh
• RAM: 4GB RAM
• Storage: 64GB
• Cam: Dual 24 MP (f/1.7) + 16 MP (f/1.7), phase detection autofocus, LED flash (rear)
• Cam: 24 MP (f/2.0), 1080p (front)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac,Wi-Fi Direct, dual-band
Samsung Galaxy A9 Star Lite Key Specs:
• OS: Android 8.0 Oreo, Samsung Experience 9.0 UX
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
• Display: 6.0 inches, 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio
• Dimensions: 160.2 x 75.7 x 7.9 mm
• Weight: –
• Battery: 3500 mAh
• RAM: 3GB or 4GB RAM
• Storage: 32GB or 64GB
• Cam: Dual 16 MP (f/1.7) + 5 MP (f/1.9), phase detection autofocus, LED flash (rear)
• Cam: 24 MP (f/1.9), LED flash (front)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, WiFi Direct, hotspot
