Musings on the Galaxy Note9 after 2 months of use: A phone that's 'Stunning and Robust'

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Stunning and robust are perhaps the most succinct and complete phrases about a phone in Samsung's highest-end segment.

1. Musings on the Galaxy Note9 after 2 months of use: A phone that's 'Stunning and Robust'

Stunning and robust are perhaps the most succinct and complete phrases about a phone in Samsung's highest-end segment.

Previously, I thought the Galaxy Note9 was an upgrade without many significant improvements compared to the Note8, both in terms of design and performance. However, the small yet positive changes have made the Note9 a perfect smartphone in the Android world at the current time. So what are these improvements that have made me truly satisfied with it to this extent? Let me invite you and the readers to the detailed review after 2 months of use below:

DESIGN

The first thing that excites users when holding a new phone is its design - And the Note9 is a model that has the potential to captivate 'countless admirers'. First off, after two years of loyalty to the design language of the Note8, the Note9 still impresses with its edge-to-edge display, ultra-thin bezels, and the curved edges which have been the brand's strength so far.

Compared to the Note8, the Note9 is 0.1 inches larger but overall size remains almost intact thanks to the thinner bottom bezel.

What's even more special is that while the world is following the 'notch' design trend, the Note9 goes against the tide. The product still has a full top bezel containing sensors and the front camera system. Overall, it remains tidy, balanced with the overall design of the device, and still brings something different from the rest of the world.

A small detail of change on the Note9's design is the softer-edged bezels, making the grip firmer and less prone to hand fatigue compared to the Note8. This change is even more advantageous when I use the device for a long time. This is one of the small yet valuable changes compared to its predecessor.

“BIG” 4000MAH BATTERY

4,000 mAh - An impressive and rarely seen figure on flagship models for many years. I can use it freely all day long, keep 4G on continuously, perform many heavy tasks continuously like gaming, taking photos, shooting videos, presenting slides, and the device can still hold up until I return home after 8 p.m.

Compared to the Note8, which I had been closely associated with for quite some time, with similar intensity of usage, around 6 to 7 p.m., the device would start showing signs of 'breathlessness' and make me resort to minimizing heavy tasks, turning off data services, unnecessary location services to save battery, ensuring the device still operates until I get home. But with the Note9, I no longer have to worry about that.

If you're a user with moderate usage, I assure you the Note9 can last until the second day.

Moreover, the fast charging capability through Adaptive Fast Charging technology, taking less than 2 hours to fully charge the 4000mAh battery, is one of the top advantages of the Note9.

UNLIMITED STORAGE

The large 512GB internal memory and the ability to expand up to 1TB via microSD card slot is one of the major improvements on the Note9. This worthwhile upgrade relieves me from worrying about full internal storage. I'm someone who loves taking photos, shooting 4K videos, storing movies on my device, downloading music in 320Kbps quality. Therefore, a massive storage capacity is something I really need in a smartphone.

The Note9 with up to 512GB of memory is perhaps the perfect choice for those who have and share the same needs as mine, and perhaps the needs of the majority of users today.

NIGHT MODE, PORTRAIT MODE SHOOTING

The crucial criterion to evaluate a camera's quality is perhaps its low-light shooting capability. And the Note9 exceeds even my initial expectations.

In sufficient lighting conditions, the Note9 is more than capable of handling most situations. Combined with AI camera, the Note9 easily captures scenes, then, thanks to intelligent hardware and processing algorithms, delivers vivid, detailed images with excellent light metering.

In low-light conditions, the Note9 continues to impress me with its fast, responsive shooting performance, minimal color distortion, and significantly reduced noise levels commonly seen in other high-end mobile models on the market.

A worthwhile upgrade on the Note9 is its portrait mode shooting capability. Compared to its predecessor, the handling of yellow skin tones has been completely refined, with subjects and backgrounds displayed distinctly and smoothly. Additionally, the quality of portrait shots in low-light conditions is also superior to the Note8.

MAGIC 'S-PEN' STYLUS

I absolutely 'dig' the S-Pen on the Note9 more than ever. Firstly, it's one of the significant upgrades from its predecessor by adding slide control features for presentations, meetings, or product demos. I feel truly confident with the pen by my side, easy to use, compact, and ultra-fast charging capability (just 40 seconds for half an hour's use). All I need to do then is focus on the content of the presentation, everything else is taken care of by the S Pen!

Furthermore, the remote photo shooting capability with the S Pen is also a small yet very useful improvement on the Note9. When taking 'selfie' photos from a distance to capture more faces, I was thrilled when pressing the shutter button on the gigantic Note9. At this point, the remote photo shooting feature on the S Pen becomes more practical than ever.

PERFORMANCE

With a flagship device, I never have to worry about performance, and the Note9 is no exception! It goes without saying, but it must be said. Because the Note9 is not only powerful but also 'cool.' The device can operate for hours on end for gaming, web browsing, chatting with friends, yet without overheating. To achieve this, Samsung had to equip it with a carbon heat pipe with 3.5 times better heat conductivity, the heat pipes positioned right behind the processor to ensure efficient cooling. As a result, when using the device for an extended period, the heat gradually increases on the left edge, but only slightly and without affecting the user experience.

CONCLUSION

Users need a beautiful design befitting a premium mobile product, a good camera to handle all challenging situations, high performance to deliver fast and smooth processing, a smart S Pen useful in everyday life. And the Note9 is what we're all aiming for. I believe not only businessmen, but also tech journalists like me who check emails, read news, love taking photos, enjoy gaming, the Note9 is still a perfect phone in every aspect, every user experience. Therefore, 'Stunning' and 'Robust' are perhaps the two phrases entirely deserving of the latest generation Note from Samsung.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Samsung Galaxy Note9 a top choice for users?

The Samsung Galaxy Note9 stands out due to its stunning design, powerful performance, and impressive features like a 4000mAh battery, extensive storage options, and advanced camera capabilities. Users appreciate its robust build and the added functionalities of the S-Pen, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.

How does the Galaxy Note9's battery life compare to its predecessor?

The Galaxy Note9's 4000mAh battery significantly outperforms the Note8, lasting all day even with heavy usage, such as gaming and streaming. Users can enjoy up to two days of moderate usage, along with fast charging capabilities that can fully recharge the device in under two hours.

What are the camera improvements in the Note9 over the Note8?

The Galaxy Note9 features enhanced low-light performance, improved portrait mode, and better handling of skin tones compared to the Note8. With AI capabilities and advanced processing algorithms, it captures detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions, delivering superior quality in all scenarios.

Can you explain the benefits of the S-Pen for Note9 users?

Yes, the S-Pen in the Galaxy Note9 offers several benefits, including remote photo shooting, slide control for presentations, and fast charging within 40 seconds. This stylus enhances productivity and creativity, allowing users to focus on content while effortlessly controlling their device.

How does the design of the Galaxy Note9 differ from the Note8?

The design of the Galaxy Note9 has subtle yet impactful changes compared to the Note8, including a slightly larger edge-to-edge display, thinner bezels, and softer edges. These improvements enhance grip and comfort, making the device feel more premium while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.

What are the storage options available for the Samsung Galaxy Note9?

The Samsung Galaxy Note9 offers an impressive 512GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card. This vast storage capacity is perfect for users who enjoy taking photos, recording videos, and downloading media without the worry of running out of space.