Samsung’s flagship line-up for 2018 is finally complete. The new Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has just arrived and it touts a large body, multitasking prowess, and more.
Due to their similarities, Galaxy Note and Galaxy S Plus devices have always been compared to each other in the last few years. Since they come from the same generation, both devices usually have the same performance, identical set of cameras, and a few new tricks and features. Not to mention that they have an identical screen size and huge batteries, which are some of the features that their target market is looking for.
Before, most people would actually prefer a Galaxy S Plus device over the Note due to its cheaper price and similar features. But this time, will the consumers be convinced to go with the Galaxy Note 9 instead of the Galaxy S9 Plus?
Here in our Samsung Galaxy Note 9 versus Galaxy S9 Plus comparison, we’ll see which between these two phablets offer the best value for the money.
| Samsung Galaxy S9+ | Samsung Galaxy Note 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.0 Oreo Samsung Experience 9 | Android 8.1 Oreo Samsung Experience 9.5 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Hybrid | Dual SIM Hybrid |
| Display | 6.2-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED 2960 x 1440 pixel resolution ~531ppi | 6.4-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED 2960 x 1440 pixel resolution ~516ppi |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 9810 octa-core | Samsung Exynos 9810 octa-core |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB expandable via microSD card up to 512GB | 128GB/512GB expandable via microSD card up to 512GB |
| Security | Iris scanner Fingerprint scanner Facial recognition | Iris scanner Fingerprint scanner Facial recognition |
| Front camera | 8-megapixel f/1.7 | 8-megapixel f/1.7 |
| Rear Camera | 12-megapixel (f/1.5-f/2.4, 2x optical zoom) 12-megapixel (wide-angle) Dual pixel sensor OIS Dual-tone flash 4K video recording 960fps slow-mo @720p | 12-megapixel (f/1.5-f/2.4, 2x optical zoom) 12-megapixel (wide-angle) Dual pixel sensor OIS Dual-tone flash 4K video recording 960fps slow-mo @720p Intelligent Camera |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Cat. 18, up to 1.28Gbps WiFi 802.11 ac, Hotspot Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX NFC GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou USB Type-C | 4G LTE, Cat. 18, up to 1.28Gbps WiFi 802.11 ac, Hotspot Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX NFC GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou USB Type-C |
| Audio | Dual AKG speakers Dolby Atmos | Dual AKG speakers Dolby Atmos |
| Others | Bixby 2.0 IP68 dust and water-resistant | Bixby 2.0 IP68 dust and water-resistant S Pen with Bluetooth Built-in Samsung DeX |
| Dimensions Weight | 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5mm 189g | 161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8mm |
| Colors | Midnight Black Lilac Purple Coral Blue | Ocean Blue Midnight Black Metallic Copper |
| Battery | 3,500mah Li-Po non-removable battery Fast charge, Wireless charging | 4,000mah Li-Po non-removable battery Fast charge, Wireless charging |
| Price | 6GB/64GB: Php52,990 6GB/128GB: Php55,990 6GB/256GB: Php60,990 | 6GB/128GB: Php55,990 8GB/512GB: Php75,990 |
Samsung only made a few improvements to the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 when compared to its predecessor. However, since it has an identical price to the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, I think you’re better of with the Note this time. After all, the Galaxy Note 9 is still better than the S9 Plus.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 price starts at Php55,990 for the 6GB/128GB model, the same price of the Galaxy S9 Plus with the same configuration. For one, it has a new Bluetooth S Pen, which now allows you to control some features of the device from a distance.
The Galaxy Note 9 is also available in 8GB RAM and 512GB internal storage, built-in Samsung DeX, plus, and a larger 4,000mAh battery. These features clearly indicate that the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is for the power users. Those are the gains that the Galaxy Note 9 has over the Galaxy S9 Plus. After that, everything between the two is almost the same.
First, there’s the dual-camera setup. Both devices use the same hardware. There are the dual 12-megapixel cameras on the back, with variable zoom, OIS, 960fps slow-more recording and so on.
While they have similar sensors, Samsung did add a new Intelligent camera on the Galaxy Note 9 to set them apart. This feature basically analyzes your subject and automatically adjusts the settings for the best possible shot.
It can also tell you if the picture you’ve taken was blurry, has lens smudges, or someone on the shot blinked. With this, consumers will be alerted to retake the picture immediately.
Moreover, the Galaxy Note 9 retains the AKG stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Iris scanner.
And if those are not enough to convince you, hear this. If you pre-order this device, you can get up to Php17,800 worth of freebies with a FREE Smart TV. That’s the price of a proper midrange smartphone.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will be up for pre-order starting August 11 until the 19th. It will be available in stores beginning August 24.