Are the S9+ Dual Speakers Worth It? The Definitive Audio Guide
Yes, the S9+ dual speakers are absolutely worth it, even by today’s standards, because they offer a stereo soundstage tuned by AKG and Dolby Atmos support that outperforms many modern mid-range phones. For users seeking a budget-friendly device with rich, immersive audio for media consumption, the Samsung Galaxy S9+ remains a top-tier choice.
Having tested dozens of flagship and mid-range devices over the last decade, I’ve found that the S9+ was a pivotal moment for mobile audio. It was the first time Samsung successfully integrated a loud, clear, dual-speaker system that didn’t sound “tinny” at high volumes. Whether you are watching Netflix, playing Genshin Impact, or catching up on YouTube, the difference between the old mono setups and this dual speaker configuration is night and day.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways on S9+ Audio
- Audio Quality: Stereo speakers tuned by AKG provide a balanced, rich sound profile.
- Loudness: Roughly 1.4 times louder than its predecessor, the Galaxy S8.
- Immersive Tech: Features Dolby Atmos, which creates a virtual 360-degree surround sound experience.
- Value: In the current used/refurbished market, the S9+ offers the best “audio-per-dollar” ratio.
- Hardware: Uses the earpiece as a secondary channel to create a spatial stereo effect.
Are the S9+ Dual Speakers Worth It for Media Lovers?
If you consume a lot of video content without headphones, the answer to are the s9+ dual speakers worth it is a resounding yes. Most budget phones today still use a single bottom-firing speaker that is easily muffled by your palm. The S9+ avoids this by utilizing the earpiece as a front-facing tweeter and the bottom port as a woofer.
I have spent hundreds of hours streaming high-fidelity audio on this device. The AKG tuning ensures that the mids are clear, which is crucial for hearing dialogue in movies. Unlike newer mid-range “A-series” phones from Samsung, the S9+ retains a level of clarity at 100% volume without the distortion or “crackling” often found in cheaper hardware.
The implementation of Stereo Speakers on this device wasn’t just a marketing gimmick; it was an engineering overhaul. By balancing the output between the top and bottom, Samsung created a centered “phantom” image of sound that makes the screen feel much larger than its 6.2-inch diagonal.
Technical Breakdown: AKG Tuning and Dolby Atmos
To truly understand why the S9+ dual speakers are highly regarded, we have to look at the partnership with AKG. This collaboration focused on frequency response and harmonic distortion.
The S9+ supports Dolby Atmos, which can be toggled in the notification shade. When active, it uses psychoacoustic processing to make the sound feel like it is coming from all around you. In my experience, this is particularly effective for gaming and action movies, where directional cues are essential.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S9+ Specs | Impact on User Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Type | Dual Stereo (Earpiece + Bottom) | Balanced sound, hard to muffle. |
| Tuning | AKG Acoustics | High clarity, natural vocal reproduction. |
| Enhancement | Dolby Atmos | Virtual surround sound for 3D depth. |
| Max Volume | ~82-84 Decibels | Loud enough for a small quiet room. |
| Codec Support | LDAC, aptX, Scalable Codec | High-quality Bluetooth audio when needed. |
Step-by-Step: How to Optimize Your S9+ Speaker Performance
Even though the hardware is excellent, you need to configure the software to get the maximum “worth” out of these speakers. Follow these steps to ensure you are getting the best audio possible.
Enable Dolby Atmos for Instant Depth
- Swipe down the Notification Panel.
- Find the Dolby Atmos icon.
- Long-press the icon to enter the settings menu.
- Select “Auto” for general use, or “Movie” for the widest soundstage.
- Pro Tip: I recommend leaving this on “Auto” as it intelligently adjusts for music vs. speech.
Configure the Advanced Equalizer
- Go to Settings > Sounds and Vibration.
- Scroll down to Sound Quality and Effects.
- Tap on Equalizer.
- Switch to “Custom” and slightly boost the Bass (60Hz – 150Hz) and Treble (8kHz – 16kHz).
- This creates a “V-shape” sound profile that makes the S9+ speakers sound more punchy and dynamic.
Use Adapt Sound for Personalized Audio
- In the same Sound Quality menu, tap Adapt Sound.
- This feature tests your hearing and adjusts the speaker (and headphone) frequencies accordingly.
- Select the age bracket that fits you, or perform the “Test My Hearing” setup for a tailored profile.
Comparing the S9+ Speakers to Modern Devices
Many users wonder if they should upgrade purely for audio. When asking are the s9+ dual speakers worth it compared to a newer Galaxy S23 or S24, the gap is smaller than you might think.
While newer flagships have more bass and slightly higher peak brightness in their sound, the S9+ holds its own remarkably well. I recently did a side-by-side test between an S9+ and a Pixel 7a. The S9+ actually sounded fuller and less “boxy” than the newer Pixel.
The S9+ speakers were designed as part of a premium flagship experience. In contrast, many modern “mid-range” phones cut costs by using inferior speaker components and lack the AKG refinement. If you are a student or a budget-conscious buyer, buying a refurbished S9+ specifically for its audio-visual capabilities is a smart move.
Real-World Usage: Gaming and Podcasts
In my personal testing, I found that the S9+ excels in two specific areas: mobile gaming and podcasting.
The Gaming Experience
In games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, stereo separation is vital. Being able to hear footsteps coming from the left or right can be the difference between winning and losing. The S9+ dual speakers provide distinct left/right channels that are surprisingly accurate.
The Podcast Experience
If you listen to podcasts while doing chores, you need a speaker that can cut through background noise like running water or a vacuum. The S9+ hits higher frequencies clearly, making voices pop. I’ve found that I don’t have to reach for a Bluetooth speaker nearly as often as I did with the older S8 or iPhone 7 models.
Maintaining Your S9+ Speakers for Longevity
Since the S9+ is an older device, speaker performance can degrade due to dust and debris. To ensure your dual speakers remain “worth it,” you must keep them clean.
- Compressed Air: Use short bursts of compressed air on the bottom speaker grille and the earpiece. Do not stick needles or pins into the mesh, as you will puncture the waterproof membrane.
- Soft Bristle Brush: A clean toothbrush can help remove earwax and oils from the top earpiece, which often gets clogged and muffles the stereo balance.
- Software Reset: If you notice one speaker is quieter than the other, check Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Enhancements and ensure the Left/Right Sound Balance slider is centered.
Common Issues: Troubleshooting S9+ Audio
Even though the S9+ dual speakers are robust, they aren’t invincible. Here are the most common issues I have encountered and how to fix them:
Muffled Sound After Water Exposure
The S9+ is IP68 rated, meaning it can handle water. However, water often gets trapped in the speaker mesh, causing a muffled sound.
- The Fix: Play a “speaker cleaner” sound (high-frequency tone) from YouTube for 2-3 minutes to vibrate the water out.
Distortion at High Volumes
If your S9+ sounds “fuzzy” when the volume is maxed out, it’s usually a software glitch or a blown driver.
- The Fix: Disable Dolby Atmos and see if the distortion persists. If it does, your speaker hardware may be physically damaged.
Expert Perspective: Why the S9+ Still Matters
From a professional audio engineering perspective, the Samsung Galaxy S9+ represents the “Golden Era” of smartphone features. You get dual speakers, a headphone jack, and expandable storage.
When we analyze the question are the s9+ dual speakers worth it, we have to consider the context of today’s market. We have seen a trend where manufacturers remove features. The S9+ was a “no-compromise” device. The speakers were designed to compete with the iPhone X at the time, and they still deliver a high-resolution experience that satisfies audiophiles looking for a secondary media device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the S9+ dual speakers better than the regular S9?
The speaker hardware is nearly identical, but because the S9+ is physically larger, the internal “acoustic chamber” is slightly bigger. This results in a marginally deeper bass response on the S9+ compared to the standard S9.
Does the S9+ have a headphone jack along with the dual speakers?
Yes! This is one of the biggest reasons the S9+ is still worth it. You can enjoy the dual speakers for casual viewing and switch to high-end wired headphones for critical listening without needing a dongle.
Can I use Dolby Atmos with the built-in speakers?
Absolutely. In fact, Dolby Atmos on the S9+ was specifically tuned to work with the dual speaker hardware to create a wider soundstage than what is physically possible with the speaker placement.
How do S9+ speakers compare to the iPhone?
The S9+ is comparable to the iPhone XS Max. While Apple usually has slightly better bass, the S9+ offers more customization through its Equalizer and Adapt Sound settings, allowing you to tune the audio to your specific preference.
Are the speakers loud enough for outdoor use?
While they are loud for a phone (~84 dB), they are not a replacement for a dedicated Bluetooth speaker in noisy outdoor environments. They are best suited for indoor use or quiet outdoor settings.
