Key Features
- Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Samsung Experience UI
- 6.4 inch QHD+ display- Always-On Super AMOLED
- 128 or 512GB storage & microSD support (up to 512GB)
- Dual 12MP rear camera with OIS, dual pixel phase-detection autofocus
- 8MP selfie camera with autofocus
- Super Slo-mo video recording
- 4,000 mAh battery with fast charging and wireless charging (Qi or PMA)
- Gorilla Glass 5 front & back
- IP68 water and dust resistant
Overview
Every time Samsung release a Galaxy Note device, new ground is trodden. In some ways, we know what to expect in terms of incremental performance boosts, although there's always something different about a Note device. The Note9 is no different.
Design
The Infinity Display was the first successful mainstream move towards the now commonplace trend of having extended 'bezel-less' displays. At 6.4 inches, this is Samsung's largest example of the technology to date. Always-on Super AMOLED technology delivers incredible colour contrast with excellent power efficiency. All the required front-facing sensors such as the selfie camera, iris scanner, proximity sensor and others are all neatly tucked away in the smallest possible space at the top of the phone. A pressure-sensitive section at the base of the phone mimics the feel of a traditional home button. Unlike many of their contemporaries, Samsung retains the 3.5mm audio jack. Elsewhere on the phone are the usual control keys as well as a dedicated button for launching and interacting with Bixby, Samsung's AI assistant. A fingerprint sensor is mounted on the rear of the handset underneath the cameras.
S Pen
It is the S Pen that sets the Galaxy Note range apart from every other smartphone on the market. More than just a simple stylus, the S Pen can completely rework the way you interact with your phone. With it, you can make short work of otherwise laborious tasks and turn the Note 9 into a true productivity booster for the corporate or creative professional. The tip on the S Pen measures just 0.7mm thin, with the whole unit capable of recognising 4096 distinct levels of pressure. Perfect for doodling or writing notes.
But it's more than just a writing, drawing or highlighting tool! You can also use the S Pen to interact with the Note 9 remotely. For instance, the button on the side of the S Pen can be used to remotely activate the shutter when taking a picture! It will also integrate with presentation software, letting you transfer between slides. Perhaps you want to pause and restart video? Done. Some apps will even let you make your own custom controls for the S Pen. Beyond these features, S Pen can be used to doodle over pictures and messages, as well as opening the Notes app without having to unlock the phone.
Camera
The Dual Aperture technology first seen on the Galaxy S9 returns to the Note9. This intelligent technology adapts automatically to your surroundings, choosing between two f-stop modes. The overall effect is to brighten up shots taken in dark environments or make the most of brighter environments to enhance detail. HDR capabilities now work in low light, better-preserving details and avoiding unwanted noise in shots that have high contrast or competitive light sources.
Make the most of having two lenses; one is a telephoto lens, the other a super-wide angle. Together you'll find that the camera may have actually taken more image than your current filter, mode or zoom level shows on screen. When you go to edit pictures after taking them, you might find there's a whole lot of extra image around the edges you can play with!
Dual lenses also allow you to play with editing effects such as Bokeh, background blur and defocusing. You can also choose from up to 20 preset modes and filters when taking your pictures. Not the best photographer? Do you often have to retake due to a shaky hand or bad timing? Samsung have you covered. Intelligent software will recognise blinking, motion blur, smudges on the lens or bright backlights, suggesting a retake or change of mode.
Performance
Battery life is the bain of all modern smartphone owners. We're dependent on lithium batteries technology, so there's only so much we can do until new technology arises. Until then, manufacturers like Samsung will continue to eke out not only the density and performance of their cells but also optimise the hardware and software for ultimate efficiency. The 4,000 mAh cell on the Note9 is a great start but it's more than just numbers that produce excellent battery life.
The new Exynos processor is fine-tuned and optimised for the best possible performance in conjunction with Note9's software. Both CPU & GPU are faster than ever before and will only use the requisite amount of power for the task at hand. If you're just reading the news, the phone doesn't need to work as hard as if you're playing a game. So it won't.
Speaking of gaming, if it's your thing then sit back and play safely in the knowledge that Samsung has introduced a unique water-carbon cooling system. With games such as Fortnite becoming a multiplayer sensation with cross-play enabled on console & mobile, should you want to jump in for a session on the go, Galaxy Note 9 will make sure you still have an edge.
