When Apple took the top end smartphone over the $1K barrier they became a serious investment consideration now we are seeing a pitched battle between the Apple

Samsung already had some of the best-looking, most desirable smartphones around, so the Galaxy S9+ didn't need to do much to continue the trend.The biggest improvements are the camera, the processing performance and some software refinements.

The best screen on a smartphone; Versatile dual-lens camera; Fantastic performance; Eye-catching design

Little has changed from last year

Generation 9 in plus size - this is the Samsung Galaxy S9+. Unlike last year when the S8 and the S8+ had just size setting them apart, in 2018 Samsung's Plus means more than higher battery capacity and larger display diagonal - the S9+ has an extra camera on its back too.

The Samsung Galaxy S9+ offers out-of-the-box functionality that exceeds most other devices. It's one of the leaders of a new generation of hardware, pushing quality design with one of the best displays around.

New speakers are amazing; Great camera performance in low light; Great design and display; Out-of-the-box functionality surpasses rivals; 3.5mm headphone socket

You might never find all the features; Display can crush shadows in movies; Camera could be better with HDR; Price

Though it'd be easy to talk down Samsung's bold claim that the new Galaxy S9 and S9+ "reimagine" the camera, it's hard to argue that putting that particular aspect of their latest flagship smartphone front-and-center isn't a savvy move by the South Korean tech giant.

Great camera for both stills and video; Infinity Display still great

Battery life; Bixby still kinda mediocre; Your mileage may vary on AR emojis

The Galaxy S9+ is an iterative update, but that doesn't stop it from grabbing the top spot, at least as far as Android phones are considered.

Dual Aperture camera; Astoundingly bright display; Superior build quality

AR Emoji; Cluttered UI

Having had every galaxy S series phone since the S2, getting the S9+ was a no brainer for me. I have never had a problem with any Samsung phone I've owned and the ease of use of these phones just adds to the pleasure.

Amazing

6 GB / 256 GB; 2.8 ghz octa core; Android oreo; Super amoled display; Features; Big screen; Big battery; Gorilla glass 5 protection

Nothing

The Galaxy S9+, like its predecessor, is an excellent smartphone with a fabulous screen and great performance. It's also more power-efficient and can be charged all the way up to 100 per cent in around 80 minutes.

Gorgeous design and screen; excellent camera; blazing-fast performance

Average battery life; 'Intelligent Scan' is glitchy; duplicate apps - and Bixby still needs work

The S9+ is the new bully on the block: it's big, strong, and fast. But 2018 just started, so the Korean company's rivals will certainly not just let it rule the market. The Huawei P20's release is just around the corner and the Xperia XZ2 already has a lot up its sleeve to try and oust the Galaxy...

Best display in the world; Excellent performance; Dual camera; Variable aperture in main camera; Quick recharge; 6GB of RAM

Battery life; Still runs on Android 8.0; Iris Scanner and Face Unlock