You can now preorder the Samsung Galaxy S9 directly from Microsoft

Just like last year with the Samsung Galaxy S8, Microsoft is now taking preorders for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9, with an expected launch date of March 16. Microsoft's store listing is quick to point out how well the Microsoft Launcher and Microsoft apps such as Cortana, OneDrive and Office work on the Galaxy S9, however it doesn't appear these apps come preloaded.

See Samsung Galaxy S9 at Microsoft

Related: Remember that Galaxy S8 'Microsoft Edition?' Samsung says it never existed …

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is Samsung's latest smartphone flagship, packing a Snapdragon 845, Android Oreo, and a great 18:9 display. Reviews for the device just came out today, and the verdict so far is that the Galaxy S9 is a great handset, albeit a rather small upgrade over last years S8. The handset is available in two sizes, and starts at $719.99 from Microsoft.

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CategorySamsung Galaxy S9Samsung Galaxy S9+
Operating systemAndroid 8.0 Oreo
Samsung Experience 9.0
Android 8.0 Oreo
Samsung Experience 9.0
Display5.8-inch AMOLED, 2960x1440 (18.5:9)6.2-inch AMOLED, 2960x1440 (18.5:9)
ProcessorSnapdragon 845
or 10nm 64-bit Samsung Exynos
Snapdragon 845
or 10nm 64-bit Samsung Exynos
Storage64GB64GB
ExpandablemicroSD up to 400GBmicroSD up to 400GB
RAM4GB6GB
Primary rear camera12MP Super Speed Dual Pixel, OIS, f/1.5 or f/2.412MP Super Speed Dual Pixel, OIS, f/1.5 or f/2.4
Secondary rear cameran/a12MP, f/2.4
Front camera8MP, f/1.7, auto focus8MP, f/1.7, auto focus
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11ac MIMO, 1.2Gbps (Cat-18) LTE, Bluetooth 5.0 LE
ANT+, NFC, GPS, Glonass
Wi-Fi 802.11ac MIMO, 1.2 Gbps (Cat-18) LTE, Bluetooth 5.0 LE
ANT+, NFC, GPS, Glonass
AudioStereo speakers
Dolby Atmos
3.5mm headphone
Stereo speakers
Dolby Atmos
3.5mm headphone
Battery3000mAh3500mAh
ChargingUSB-C
Fast Wireless Charging
USB-C
Fast Wireless Charging
Water resistanceIP68IP68
SecurityFingerprint sensor
Iris scanning
Face unlock
Fingerprint sensor
Iris scanning
Face unlock
Dimensions147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm
163 g
158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm
189 g
ColorsMidnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue (U.S.)
Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, Slate Grey (intl)
Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue (U.S.)
Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, Slate Grey (intl)

Microsoft's current mobile strategy involves adopting Android smartphones and encouraging users to install things like the Microsoft Launcher and apps onto the device. Since Microsoft is no longer focused on Windows 10 Mobile, buying an Android device and loading it up with Microsoft software is now what Microsoft encourages users to do, and so far, it's working out pretty well.

Will you be preordering the Samsung Galaxy S9 from Microsoft? Let us know in the comments!

See Samsung Galaxy S9 at Microsoft

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads