Samsung smartphones are one of the most awaited devices on the planet, as they come with some compelling features, groundbreaking specs and impressive design. So, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that apart from Apple, the smartphones from the South Korean firm face the toughest competition from Samsung devices itself.
This time the competition is between the Galaxy S9 phones and the Galaxy Note 9. The Galaxy S9 phones are among the best smartphones to come out this year. However, the Galaxy Note 9 release is apparently not very far away with only a few months left. Users would usually be in a bind of knowing whether to wait for the new flagship or side with the S9, which has already proved its mettle.
Both the Note and S range of the smartphone have been incredibly successful for Samsung. Even though both are different, understanding the basic differences between them is not that simple. One of the visible differences between the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S is that while the former is a phone hybrid, the latter is more of a smartphone. The S range of phones is the direct competitor to the iPhones, loaded with smart features and is compact. Further, the Note line comes with a stylus and features such as pressure sensitive digitizers, which makes scribbling, writing and drawing more effective.
Now that we have understood the basic differences between the two product lines, let’s look at the features of the two which could help you choose between the two.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is expected to release in August, and would be shipped to stores in September. So, one would have to wait around six months to get their hands on one. Coming to the features, one of the most talked about feature coming to the Note 9 would be the in-built fingerprint scanner, a feature which is still to make its way into the mainstream models.
The buzz around the in-screen sensor should be taken with a pinch of salt because the same rumor was circulating for the S9 and S9 Plus before their release as well. Also, KGI securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo notes that the “under-display fingerprint solutions may currently have many technical issues (e.g. screen protectors and different environments affecting recognition rates and power-consumption).”
Well, if the feature does make its way to the Note 9, then it would score easily over the S9, thus making it easier for users to select between the two. Further, reports are that Samsung is working on multiple in-screen solutions and will add one of those features to the Note 9, something that would enable a larger battery in the upcoming gadget.
Talking of the camera, Samsung already gave last year’s Note a significant camera upgrade with dual-lenses at the back. So, if Samsung decides to give the same level upgrade this year as well, then it would be wise to wait a few months.
The Galaxy Note 9 camera is expected to be similar to the S9+ with dual 12-megapixel back cameras, one at f/1.5 with adjustable aperture that can switch to f/2.4 for finer details and more light. Although the Galaxy S9+ has a premium camera with good top-notch features, it is not as good as the P20 Pro, Google Pixel 2 or the Apple iPhone X. It is yet to be seen whether the Galaxy Note 9 is an improvement over the S9+ or not. So, it could be a deciding factor.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ are among the best devices by all means, and a substantial improvement over its predecessor, with the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 processor chip, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB, 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage. The camera comes with the dual aperture settings for low-light performance and 960fps slow-motion mode for videos for clearer action. While the S9 packs a 3,000 mAh, S9+ is powered with a 3500 mAh, the same as their predecessors. However, a point in favor of the S9 phones is that the upgraded Bixby 2.0 will also come to the S9 and the S9 plus, reducing the Note 9 appeal to only a bigger screen and improved stylus.
Many suggest that the Note 9 would be strikingly similar to the S9 except for the stylus. However, a few have a strong opinion that one should wait until the release of the Note 9 as the S Pen is going to be a game changer and there would be major camera and specs upgrades compared to the S9. While the S pen and the big screen could be a compelling enough reason to wait for the Note 9, the under the display fingerprint sensor seems to be far from reality.
Now that you know more about the devices that you can choose from, we hope that you make the correct choice for you. For users who want to go for the Note 9, it is advisable to try the already available Note 8 at a store near you. This would give users some idea of what they should expect from the Note 9.
