Samsung Galaxy S9

[Michael Goff]

They are extreme tests, using the most demanding Apps (games mostly).

I'd like tests with more of the Apps I use often (don't play many games). Therefore, they're not as accurate as they could be for my use. But they hint at the user experience, which I appreciate - both snappy performance & memory management combine to make the phone a pleasure to use. Many may not notice it, as the Apps they use aren't memory hogs, but even the lesser demanding Apps slow down now & then if the hardware isn't up to the task, which can happen as the phone ages & software integration deteriorates.

Having as snappy a phone from the outset means you have that buffer to cover slow downs over time.

But has there been a flagship phone in the past two years that isn’t snappy at the outset?

 

[Sparky2012]

Just preordered the black S9 on Amazon. Totally unsure whether I’ll like it or not, but I have been eyeing an Android phone for a while. The S9 has the hardware sorted, it’s the software that worries me. Heard Samsung’s software isn’t great, and has bloat, etc. The only other choice is the Pixel 2XL but that has meh screen, and build and is now running an older chip (SD835). Ahh it’s so hard to get an Android phone which suits me perfectly, if only the S9 had stock Android...

Edit: Pulled out, can’t see the worth of spending that much on the S9 with minor improvements, and the Samsung software being something that can be irritating.

 

[widgeteer]

They are extreme tests, using the most demanding Apps (games mostly).

I'd like tests with more of the Apps I use often (don't play many games). Therefore, they're not as accurate as they could be for my use. But they hint at the user experience, which I appreciate - both snappy performance & memory management combine to make the phone a pleasure to use. Many may not notice it, as the Apps they use aren't memory hogs, but even the lesser demanding Apps slow down now & then if the hardware isn't up to the task, which can happen as the phone ages & software integration deteriorates.

Having as snappy a phone from the outset means you have that buffer to cover slow downs over time.

I’d be much more interested in these tests if they did them 4-6 months into the phones cycle after daily usage.

 

[nviz22]

Just preordered the black S9 on Amazon. Totally unsure whether I’ll like it or not, but I have been eyeing an Android phone for a while. The S9 has the hardware sorted, it’s the software that worries me. Heard Samsung’s software isn’t great, and has bloat, etc. The only other choice is the Pixel 2XL but that has meh screen, and build and is now running an older chip (SD835). Ahh it’s so hard to get an Android phone which suits me perfectly, if only the S9 had stock Android...

Willing to give the S9 a try. Gets here on Friday and have 14 days to decide if I keep it.

Honestly, the S9 is just a S8S since it only adds very few additions. It's a safe upgrade over the S8 since there is only so much to improve before the vaunted Galaxy X comes out. I would go Galaxy S8, especially in a continent where phones are very expensive.

 

[Sparky2012]

Honestly, the S9 is just a S8S since it only adds very few additions. It's a safe upgrade over the S8 since there is only so much to improve before the vaunted Galaxy X comes out. I would go Galaxy S8, especially in a continent where phones are very expensive.

My mind is still very unsure about the S9 so I may cancel before it gets here. Stereo speakers is the main reason I’d prefer the S9 over the S8 but that alone isn’t worth £300+ difference. Guess the speed improvements are worth something too. Tbh I am leaning on cancelling it now that I type this post and think how much it is extra over an S8 which is still a very good phone.

I’m an iOS guy and always have been, and wanted an Android phone comparable to my 8 Plus to help me feel like I’m not missing anything by trying an Android device.

 

[nviz22]

My mind is still very unsure about the S9 so I may cancel before it gets here. Stereo speakers is the main reason I’d prefer the S9 over the S8 but that alone isn’t worth £300+ difference. Guess the speed improvements are worth something too. Tbh I am leaning on cancelling it now that I type this post and think how much it is extra over an S8 which is still a very good phone.

I’m an iOS guy and always have been, and wanted an Android phone comparable to my 8 Plus to help me feel like I’m not missing anything by trying an Android device.

Want an Android device comparable to the 8+? There are only a few options I would recommend: Pixel 2/2XL, OnePlus 5T, Moto Z2 Force, HTC U11 or U12.

Basically you want something with fast software updates, unadulterated Android or slim skinned Android, and strong hardware. I tried the Moto X4 recently. I enjoyed Pure Android and will be coming back to Android with a Pixel device myself. I am just waiting to see if I buy the Pixel 2 XL or just the regular Pixel 2.

 

[Sparky2012]

Want an Android device comparable to the 8+? There are only a few options I would recommend: Pixel 2/2XL, OnePlus 5T, Moto Z2 Force, HTC U11 or U12.

Basically you want something with fast software updates, unadulterated Android or slim skinned Android, and strong hardware. I tried the Moto X4 recently. I enjoyed Pure Android and will be coming back to Android with a Pixel device myself. I am just waiting to see if I buy the Pixel 2 XL or just the regular Pixel 2.

Exactly yeah, you got my requirements spot on. Haven’t checked out the Motorola devices so will look into them. Have looked considerably at the OnePlus 5T, but it lacks water resistance, stereo speakers, and a good camera. HTC I’ve never bothered with for some reason, but I’ll also look into them a bit more.

The Pixel 2 XL is the other device I’ve been looking at (especially as it’s on sale now) but the issues with quality overall have plagued it since the beginning. Sorta want to hold out for the Pixel 3 but that’s a while away unfortunately.

To keep this relevant to the thread somewhat, I wish Samsung would release a version of the S8 or S9 with stock Android.

 

[nviz22]

Exactly yeah, you got my requirements spot on. Haven’t checked out the Motorola devices so will look into them. Have looked considerably at the OnePlus 5T, but it lacks water resistance, stereo speakers, and a good camera. HTC I’ve never bothered with for some reason, but I’ll also look into them a bit more.

The Pixel 2 XL is the other device I’ve been looking at (especially as it’s on sale now) but the issues with quality overall have plagued it since the beginning. Sorta want to hold out for the Pixel 3 but that’s a while away unfortunately.

To keep this relevant to the thread somewhat, I wish Samsung would release a version of the S8 or S9 with stock Android.

I am in the same boat. I am anxious for the Pixel 3. I might get the Pixel 2 since the 2XL has screen concerns and is a bit more expensive. I expect an 18:9 aspect ratio Pixel 3 with a similar body (5.5-5.8" screen, whatever the math adds up to).

Samsung would be able to capture the Android purist market if they made a Google Play edition like the past. I would love a pure Android S9 or S8.

 

[Ralfi]

But has there been a flagship phone in the past two years that isn’t snappy at the outset?

Wouldn't have thought so. But they could always be better, as that video demonstrated with the S9. It should be quicker at first loading Apps than the X, but the X shouldn't perform so badly when re-opening Apps.

I’d be much more interested in these tests if they did them 4-6 months into the phones cycle after daily usage.

Should be a few on YouTube I would've thought (for past models), & I'd expect more S9 performance review vids to pop up later in the year also.

 

[kkh786]

So after going through a few tempered glass screen protectors I came across a wet applied one. This is much better and looks good with the curved screen of the S9.

Additionally I am currently using my black S9 with a black Spigen Thinfit if case.

The stealthy combo gets a thumbs up from me!

 

[Ralfi]

So after going through a few tempered glass screen protectors I came across a wet applied one. This is much better and looks good with the curved screen of the S9.

Additionally I am currently using my black S9 with a black Spigen Thinfit if case.

The stealthy combo gets a thumbs up from me!

I like me a stealthy setup. Got a few photos handy?

 

[Breaking Good]

So after going through a few tempered glass screen protectors I came across a wet applied one. This is much better and looks good with the curved screen of the S9.

What brand of screen protector did you go with?

 

[TechnicallyTee]

Sup folks, not as active that much anymore but you know the S9+ is on preorder for me!

 

[co.ag.2005]

I just got the notice via FedEx Delivery Manager that my S9+ (unlocked from Samsung.com) has shipped and will be here on Wednesday (14th)!

 

[Sparky2012]

I am in the same boat. I am anxious for the Pixel 3. I might get the Pixel 2 since the 2XL has screen concerns and is a bit more expensive. I expect an 18:9 aspect ratio Pixel 3 with a similar body (5.5-5.8" screen, whatever the math adds up to).

Samsung would be able to capture the Android purist market if they made a Google Play edition like the past. I would love a pure Android S9 or S8.

Cancelled the S9 order after thinking about it overnight, due to mainly the Samsung software/skin and the price difference for sorta minor upgrades from the already good S8. Hope Samsung goes back to making a Play Edition variant.

Looks like back to the waiting game for the time being... Pixel 3 looks to be the device I’ll get when it comes, so long as it doesn’t have the issues of the Pixel 2.

 

[4RunnerHeaven]

Cancelled the S9 order after thinking about it overnight, due to mainly the Samsung software/skin and the price difference for sorta minor upgrades from the already good S8. Hope Samsung goes back to making a Play Edition variant.

Looks like back to the waiting game for the time being... Pixel 3 looks to be the device I’ll get when it comes, so long as it doesn’t have the issues of the Pixel 2.

Samsung use to have issues with their skins, but not since the Note 8 really. It runs fast and smooth on everything I do with my Note 8, and I can tell you the s9 will be better with that processor. It runs better than any iPhone I have owned including the X. I think you are worrying over nothing and all the naysayers that like to bash Samsung. Samsung isn't the same like it use to be.

 

[Dave.UK]

Samsung use to have issues with their skins, but not since the Note 8 really. It runs fast and smooth on everything I do with my Note 8, and I can tell you the s9 will be better with that processor. It runs better than any iPhone I have owned including the X. I think you are worrying over nothing and all the naysayers that like to bash Samsung. Samsung isn't the same like it use to be.

Totally agree. I find vanilla android so boring compared to the new touchwiz.

Samsung have done such a great job in refining touchwiz over the years. I've for the S9+ (Upgraded from the s8) and its silky smooth.

As for bloat, theres nothing that can't be uninstalled or disabled. I think I have only uninstalled a couple of apps - I actuallly like and use quite a lot of the Samsung apps. (Gear/Health/Browser/Pay etc)

 

[nviz22]

Struggling S9 sales mean aggressive deals in the near future. The S9+ is oh so tempting.

 

[Kiezpirat80]

Comparison between iPhone X (Top) and S9+ (Bottom).
This only a example but nearly every photo i take looks more pleasing on the iPhone X.

 

[samven582]

Comparison between iPhone X (Top) and S9+ (Bottom).
This only a example but nearly every photo i take looks more pleasing on the iPhone X.

s9 pics are way to warm. I wonder if that can be fix via pro mode?

 

[5105973]

s9 pics are way to warm. I wonder if that can be fix via pro mode?

I liked the Samsung pictures better except for that barbecue picture. And for that one I have to ask if the glaze on the meat really was that yellow color or did the camera get it all wrong? Which one is the closest to what the eyes actually saw?

Having said all that, I see Samsungs are still turning patches of grass and lawns their patented shade of asparagus green. They do add yellow hues to green. I suspect that’s also what happened in the barbecue photo; there was a hint of yellow from seasonings and the Samsung processing amplified it. That’s just a guess.

 

[Eduardboon]

So I;ve noticed that the high performance mode in the game launcher doesn't work. When playing arena of valor I get so many dropped frames. When I put the mode on battery saving I get way less. What gives?

Also; I'm spoiled by a locked 60fps on this game when playing on iPhones. My god, the framedrops are everywhere. Also in Mobile Legends and Hearthstone.

 

[5105973]

So I;ve noticed that the high performance mode in the game launcher doesn't work. When playing arena of valor I get so many dropped frames. When I put the mode on battery saving I get way less. What gives?

Also; I'm spoiled by a locked 60fps on this game when playing on iPhones. My god, the framedrops are everywhere. Also in Mobile Legends and Hearthstone.

I think game launcher may be messing my game up, I don’t know. I put the new Sims Mobile game on my iPhone 8 Plus and my S8+ (don’t have the 9+ yet). The game plays nicely on both, except for one part in which I have to assign stickers to passing characters with blue plum bobs over them. Then on the Samsung the action freezes for several moments. Sometimes the game crashes altogether. Everything is fine on iOS.

I don’t notice any dropped frames but this isn’t like the games you are playing.

 

[kkh786]

Has anyone else had their fingerprint sensor become unresponsive needing a reboot to fix?

Seen some others have the same issue at XDA.

I hope it's a software issue as I really like the phone.

 

[Kiezpirat80]

I liked the Samsung pictures better except for that barbecue picture. And for that one I have to ask if the glaze on the meat really was that yellow color or did the camera get it all wrong? Which one is the closest to what the eyes actually saw?

Having said all that, I see Samsungs are still turning patches of grass and lawns their patented shade of asparagus green. They do add yellow hues to green. I suspect that’s also what happened in the barbecue photo; there was a hint of yellow from seasonings and the Samsung processing amplified it. That’s just a guess.

There was no yellow Color on the Meat. The S9+ got it wrong. It‘s way to warm.