In the fast-paced world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus (codenamed star2lte ) might feel like a relic from a bygone era. Launched in 2018, it was a powerhouse of its time, boasting a brilliant Super AMOLED display and a versatile variable aperture camera. But in 2025, stock software feels heavy, updates have long ceased, and battery life on One UI 2.5 (or Android 10) leaves much to be desired.

SafetyNet / Play Integrity fails (Netflix not in Play Store). Fix: Install Play Integrity Fix Magisk module and clear Play Store data. Use Shamiko to hide root. The Verdict: Is It Worth It in 2025? Absolutely.

IMEI is unknown / No SIM card detected. Fix: You flashed a ROM for the wrong variant. Ensure it says star2lte (Plus) not starlte (S9). Restore your EFS backup if you made one.

However, if you own the (SM-G965F), you possess a golden ticket. Unlike its Snapdragon cousin with a locked bootloader, the Exynos S9 Plus is a developer’s dream.

The community is more active now than it was in 2020. With developers like AlexisXDA and Linux4 pushing Android 14 builds that are faster than One UI 2.5, there is no reason to throw this phone away.

Installing a is the only way to transform this aging flagship into a modern, secure, and blisteringly fast daily driver.