Samsung says that the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are the fastest phones in the market based on the data obtained from Ookla which runs Speedtest. 

While all phones in the market support LTE (or LTE-Advanced), the Galaxy S9 and S9+ come with a Cat 18 LTE modem which allows them to support download speeds of up to 1.2Gbps. Thus, on compatible networks, the handsets are capable of reaching higher download speeds than its competition.

Ookla’s data suggests that the Galaxy S9 and S9+ offer download speeds that is 37 percent higher than of the iPhone X, 17 percent higher than the Google Pixel 2, and 38 percent faster than the Galaxy S7.

The credit for the Galaxy S9’s excellent network performance can be attributed to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 chipset found inside it. The chip features Qualcomm’s latest LTE modem which can offer download speeds of 1.2Gbps along with improved network coverage.

Our Take

Interestingly, Samsung’s Galaxy S9 is the only handset to have so far launched in the United States with a Snapdragon 845 chipset. While LG and Xiaomi have also announced smartphones with the same chipset, they are yet to make their way to the United States. If anything, these smartphones should also offer LTE performance similar to that of the Galaxy S9. Until that happens though, Samsung is happy to crown the Galaxy S9 and S9+ as the fastest smartphones on the market. Sure, it might be correct in a way but it is also surely pushing the boundaries in terms of deceptive marketing.

With the Galaxy S9 and S9+ failing to make a mark with consumers, it looks like Samsung is now highlighting some core aspects of the handsets to attract buyers.