Buzz
1. Overview of Samsung's flagship duo: S9 and S9+
1.1. General information
Release date
At the Unpacked event held in Barcelona on February 25th (Vietnam time), Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus, which look similar to the 2017 models on the outside. However, the internal power has been refreshed by Samsung. The Galaxy S9+ review shows that the screen ratio is longer, combined with 2 curved glass edges and 2 toughened glass panels to protect against impacts on the front and back of the device. The design remains unchanged, perhaps because both the recent choice between buying the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or iPhone X are considered top-tier brands and do not need to change.
Versions
There are two versions available: the 64GB and the 128GB, offered in three colors for you to choose from: purple, black, and blue. Both versions support memory cards ranging from 256GB to 1TB.
Specifications of this product
The Galaxy S9 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip, with 4GB of RAM that can be upgraded to 6GB, a 3,000 mAh battery, and a 3,500 mAh battery for the S9 Plus model. It comes with 64GB of internal storage, and Samsung also allows users to expand the storage capacity using a memory card. Therefore, the S9+ ranks among the top 15 phones with powerful configurations for smooth PUBG gaming experiences.
1.2. What sets apart S9 and S9+
Similarities
In terms of design, these two mobile phone models are completely identical, as are their colors. The buttons are also identical in shape and position. Both devices have the same thickness, measuring 8.5mm.
Regarding specifications, like recent Samsung phone models, both use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, with a 12MP camera and the ability to shoot slow-motion videos.
Differences between the two pairs
In terms of size: As expected, the S9+ is slightly larger than the standard S9. Although both devices have a screen resolution of 2960×1440 pixels, the S9 Plus has a larger 6.2-inch display compared to the 5.8-inch screen on the Galaxy S9. When purchasing and reviewing the Galaxy S9+, you'll get a device with a significantly larger entertainment screen compared to the S9. Regarding width: Both have the same thickness, but due to the larger screen, you'll have a wider phone when holding the S9+. Regarding the camera: Opting to review the Galaxy S9 Plus means opting for the dual-camera setup on the back instead of a single camera like on the S9.
Price for each model
The S9+ is slightly more expensive for each version, with the S9+ priced at 23,500,000 VND and the S9 at 20,500,000 VND. This pricing is entirely reasonable for the release period of this duo.
2. Detailed review of S9 and S9+: Which one is better?
2.1. Design
Just like other Samsung brand technology products, the designs of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ duo are modern but not much different from their predecessor, the Galaxy S8. The infinity edge display design remains unchanged in length.
Basic buttons, speaker placement positions remain unchanged, with very few changes introduced, mainly in terms of improved craftsmanship. Samsung always wants to assert its position in design, but with such a perfect design, there's no need for much change.
2.2. Screen Quality
The Galaxy S9+ review highlights the improved screen quality from the Y-OCTA screen, integrating the touch layer into the outer layer of the screen, making the device thinner, lighter, and more fashionable.
2.3. Camera Quality
To meet the expectations of consumers and tech enthusiasts who want a phone with good camera quality, Samsung has integrated a camera with adjustable aperture on the Galaxy S9 and S9+. It allows users to take photos in various lighting conditions. According to Galaxy S9 review, the S9+ features a dual camera design, while the S9 does not. With this advantage, photography enthusiasts tend to choose the Galaxy S9+. Additionally, these phones are equipped with optical image stabilization, 2X zoom, or even Super Slow-motion video recording. A facial emoji simulation app – AR Emoji also adds to the user's delight.
2.4. Sound Quality
Stereo sound system – the first time a Samsung product is equipped with 2 speakers (combining external and earpiece speakers). Not only that, the speaker system of these product lines is meticulously crafted for good sound quality, vibrant 360-degree sound effects, which is a plus for user experience.
2.5. Performance, Processing Speed
Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy S9 by Samsung are equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 and Exynos 9810 processors in the international version. Both of these chipsets are 64-bit processors. Produced by Samsung with 10nm technology, they deliver extremely powerful processing performance. Typically, the Snapdragon variant is rated to have better performance compared to other chipsets of the same kind. However, its graphics processing is slightly inferior to Snapdragon.
2.6. Battery Life
Although not as impressive as the massive battery of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, the S9 also features a 3000 mAh battery capacity. Real-world testing shows a battery life of up to 21 hours with mixed usage. If solely for watching movies, the battery life extends to 14 hours. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S9 supports fast charging via USB C port. The full charging time for this device is approximately 80 minutes. For larger-screen devices, the battery life remains the same despite some changes in battery manufacturing technology. However, the resulting efficiency is not significantly improved.
2.7. Software
The software used remains Android, but there have been improvements in additional features for users. These enhancements will enable users to interact with the phone more efficiently and intelligently compared to previous versions.
Galaxy S9+ review reveals that this is the first Samsung phone that allows users to quickly open apps from any location on the screen's left and right edges. Compared to previous generations of Galaxy products, this is seen as a significant improvement.
Moreover, users can choose any clock display style they prefer on the screen. A feature highly praised in this new generation Galaxy is that if you receive a notification, instead of having to unlock the phone, you can respond directly on your locked screen.
2.8. Security
Eye Recognition
Samsung's eye scanning technology has been integrated into the company's mobile devices since the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. The security technology of eye scanning on the two new flagship models, S9 and S9+, brings many improvements in scanning speed and accuracy of the eye sensor. Users can use it from a greater distance, and the processing speed of the sensor cluster is also significantly reduced. This is one of the intelligent technologies with high security that supports users well in today's booming information technology era.
Facial Recognition
If using this feature, users simply need to hold the phone up to their face for the camera to accurately recognize the face. Similar to taking a selfie. However, a detailed review of the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus reveals that facial security is just one of the accompanying features that help users quickly unlock the device. Its security level is lower than eye scanning, patterns, PIN codes, or passwords.
Fingerprint Scanner
The fingerprint security feature is quite convenient and has many advantages. Users can quickly activate their phones with just a touch. Additionally, Samsung supports users to unlock the device even when the screen is off. However, the fingerprint security feature is not entirely safe in certain circumstances.
Pattern Lock
This is one of the safest security tools, with tens of thousands of different patterns users can keep their device secure by creating a unique pattern lock to use. To prevent users from forgetting the pattern, Samsung provides an additional backup password option. If the pattern is forgotten, users can use the backup password to reset the device's password.
Password
Password is the most widely used security option today, combining letters and numbers with special characters. Alongside modern security options like fingerprint or eye scanning, passwords remain an essential security choice on current devices.
PIN Code
Unlike passwords or other security options, PIN codes only contain numeric characters. They are suitable for users who need quick access or temporary access protection.
2.9. AR Moji
The new feature AR Emoji was also introduced by Samsung at the same time as the launch of the Galaxy S9, a new application appearing on Samsung phones. This feature allows the phone to analyze the user's 2D image when captured on the camera. Then the device will analyze over 100 different facial gestures and create a 3D model of the user. It can even scan the face and help you create cute icons to use on social networks.
2.10. Pricing
The price Samsung offers for this duo is quite reasonable, worth the money when the S9 and S9+ duos have significant changes, likened to good quality aged wine.
In reality, the amount of money we have to spend on phones is increasing day by day, from the $1000 iPhone X to the higher-priced S9+, even more expensive than the Note 8. But upgrading is entirely reasonable and worthwhile.
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+
3.1. Advantages
The most noticeable advantage of the Galaxy S9/S9+ compared to the predecessor duo Galaxy S8/S8+ is the relocation of the fingerprint sensor from the right side to below the main camera on the back of the device. This makes fingerprint scanning easier and reduces the risk of accidental touches or smudging the lens.
The screen with nearly edge-to-edge design enhances water resistance capabilities, equivalent to other flagship devices.
The secondary camera of the Galaxy S9 or S9+ is equipped with additional features like automatic light sensor and the ability to automatically adjust the lens aperture to suit different light frequencies. This helps improve focusing and photography.
3.2. Disadvantages
The glass back of the S9/S9+ easily attracts dirt and oil from users' hands, so those who want to show off their device's exterior must accept that it will get dirty. Both sides of these flagship devices are beautifully crafted from glass, which means repair costs for any breakage can be quite substantial for tech enthusiasts. The chip equipped in the S9/S9+ duo, the Snapdragon 845, is quite powerful; however, according to many sources, Apple's A10 chip seems to have a slight edge.
Hopefully, this article has helped you evaluate the Galaxy S9+ and S9 for a more comprehensive understanding. Wishing you to soon find the most elegant and modern smartphone design that suits you.
