Samsung Galaxy S9

[LukinLedbetter]

About to go pick up a coral blue S9+ at my local Best Buy. Just too many things about this phone that are calling my name to overlook it. Coming from Pixel 2 and 2XL, I’m going to be scrutinizing the camera and battery life closely. If those are up to par then it may just be a keeper.

Some of the other exclusives on the Pixel line such as AR kit and even the monthly updates are not high on my list. I’ve read too many instances of the monthly updates causing more problems than they fix. Could be nothing, but noteworthy.

Also grabbing the Alcantara case with the S9+. I love the Pixel 2 fabric cases and this seems like a case I’d really like. I’ll snap pics and use for a few days and report back on my experience. I appreciate all the personal experiences being reported in this thread. Of course, it also has cost me a lot of money today.

 

[Harthag]

About to go pick up a coral blue S9+ at my local Best Buy. Just too many things about this phone that are calling my name to overlook it. Coming from Pixel 2 and 2XL, I’m going to be scrutinizing the camera and battery life closely. If those are up to par then it may just be a keeper.

Some of the other exclusives on the Pixel line such as AR kit and even the monthly updates are not high on my list. I’ve read too many instances of the monthly updates causing more problems than they fix. Could be nothing, but noteworthy.

Also grabbing the Alcantara case with the S9+. I love the Pixel 2 fabric cases and this seems like a case I’d really like. I’ll snap pics and use for a few days and report back on my experience. I appreciate all the personal experiences being reported in this thread. Of course, it also has cost me a lot of money today.

Nice! As great as stock Android is, it just feels so unpolished compared to the S9 experience I'm getting so far. I get crashes when sending / receiving text messages sometimes on the Pixel 2 XL. Not to mention the blinding bright white screen flashing that happens randomly when the screen locks / turns off. Google says "they are aware and it'll be addressed..." still waiting. And I hate adaptive brightness, it is truly awful for me. I thought about it yesterday, as long as the S9 continues to get security updates I'll be fine. Sure it'll be nice to upgrade to Android P later this year, but really, what will that bring me that Oreo + tons and tons of Samsung features can't provide? If the Pixel 3 fixes all that is wrong with Pixel 2 I'll jump back to that as my daily driver. Google is so close to hitting it out of the park, yet so far away...

 

[5105973]

Ah but there is a fast and fluid feel to the Pixel 2 and stock Android. I'm on my Pixel 2 at the moment while I apply the software update to my S9+.

I do think there's something still a bit wonky going on with screen protectors and the keyboard. I restarted my s9+ and when prompted to enter my PIN I have to press down really hard to get the presses to register. I'm reading similar complaints all over the internet. For starters I'm removing my Ringke Wave case to see if pressure on the edges of the screen protector is doing something weird.

Okay now I'm back on the freshly updated S9+ with the case off and the Luvitt tempered glass screen protector still on. And the smoothness and fluidity of my interaction with the phone is back and it's lost the hint of stutter I just had. So something about some cases pressing down on the sides of some screen protectors is causing a bit of a user interface problem.

I can see on Amazon the display protectors are taking the blame but it seems a bit more complicated than that. There is nothing non-standard about this glass protector. I do have the setting OFF that is supposed to nullify as accidental edge touches. Having it on with my last case made it worse, which is why I turned it off.

This phone is going to be a tricky bugger to protect. I have four cases I can test with it.

The screen protector itself seems ok. Screen protector and case combo gives varied strange results. I blame edges. It's not a practical feature, but it really is gorgeous and unobtrusive on this phone.
[doublepost=1521479851][/doublepost]Sorry don't mind me, I'm testing my Ringke clear case. It's got less aggressive edge protection. Yeah that's better. It looks like I'll be testing a lot of variables. The rest of the day I'll keep testing this less bulky case and see how it goes.

 

[jamezr]

Well I had to replace the stock keyboard with Google's GBoard. I thought all the bizarre typos I was getting were due to using a glass screen protector but no, my husband says he was having the same bizarre insertions of weird random typos with the stock keyboard. So I installed G board and normalcy seems to have returned to my typing. Now I'm making my own typos

I'm glad I get to keep this screen protector. It was dirt cheap but looks nice enough.

I love Gboard...it is the best keyboard around

 

[widgeteer]

Ah but there is a fast and fluid feel to the Pixel 2 and stock Android. I'm on my Pixel 2 at the moment while I apply the software update to my S9+.

I do think there's something still a bit wonky going on with screen protectors and the keyboard. I restarted my s9+ and when prompted to enter my PIN I have to press down really hard to get the presses to register. I'm reading similar complaints all over the internet. For starters I'm removing my Ringke Wave case to see if pressure on the edges of the screen protector is doing something weird.

Okay now I'm back on the freshly updated S9+ with the case off and the Luvitt tempered glass screen protector still on. And the smoothness and fluidity of my interaction with the phone is back and it's lost the hint of stutter I just had. So something about some cases pressing down on the sides of some screen protectors is causing a bit of a user interface problem.

I can see on Amazon the display protectors are taking the blame but it seems a bit more complicated than that. There is nothing non-standard about this glass protector. I do have the setting OFF that is supposed to nullify as accidental edge touches. Having it on with my last case made it worse, which is why I turned it off.

This phone is going to be a tricky bugger to protect. I have four cases I can test with it.

The screen protector itself seems ok. Screen protector and case combo gives varied strange results. I blame edges. It's not a practical feature, but it really is gorgeous and unobtrusive on this phone.
[doublepost=1521479851][/doublepost]Sorry don't mind me, I'm testing my Ringke clear case. It's got less aggressive edge protection. Yeah that's better. It looks like I'll be testing a lot of variables. The rest of the day I'll keep testing this less bulky case and see how it goes.

Your post detailing this reminds me why I have never and will never use screen protectors. I hate the way they feel and I don't care what anyone tells me, I'm convinced they screw with input after long enough use.

I also hate cases. Long ago I decided these things were meant to be *handled* so I don't much sweat it. I also get insurance soooo the hell with cases and screen protectors.

 

[WabbalaFlumpkin]

Sammysung needs to bring back TouchWiz!
#BringBackTouchWiz

 

[nviz22]

Are the extra 2gb RAM, dual camera setup, faster processor, and bigger battery worth it over the S9? What about the bigger screen, bigger battery, older processor, dual camera setup, S-Pen, 2gb RAM extra, and older software worth it over the S9?

I was going to try to get the Note 8 for $600-$620 range. Maybe $650 for the S9 or wait for $700 for the S9+.

 

[5105973]

Are the extra 2gb RAM, dual camera setup, faster processor, and bigger battery worth it over the S9? What about the bigger screen, bigger battery, older processor, dual camera setup, S-Pen, 2gb RAM extra, and older software worth it over the S9?

I was going to try to get the Note 8 for $600-$620 range. Maybe $650 for the S9 or wait for $700 for the S9+.

I’m a little bit mystified about RAM usage and need to have hubby explain how this all works when he gets home. I checked on the maintenance utility that comes as part of the Samsung User Experience which I shall shorten to the rather ominous SUE and see that I have a little under 2 GB of RAM free. AT&T bloat eats up more than I’d like. Now that is on a 6GB phone. How on earth would this RAM allotment work on an S9 with only 4GB? This is more than I understand about how the phone works.

 

[Puddled]

I’m a little bit mystified about RAM usage and need to have hubby explain how this all works when he gets home. I checked on the maintenance utility that comes as part of the Samsung User Experience which I shall shorten to the rather ominous SUE and see that I have a little under 2 GB of RAM free. AT&T bloat eats up more than I’d like. Now that is on a 6GB phone. How on earth would this RAM allotment work on an S9 with only 4GB? This is more than I understand about how the phone works.

Unused ram is useless.

 

[torana355]

After a few days the S9+ battery is pretty much exactly the same as my S8+. To be honest i expected a bit of an improvement since it has the same battery but the more efficient processor and Oreo. That being said my god this phone runs smooth, that new Exynos 9810 is a beast!!
[doublepost=1521500702][/doublepost]

S9+ or Note 8? I am leaning towards Note 8 since I had a bad experience with a Pixel 2 purchase. Also prefer bigger screens, so Note 8 is cheaper than a Pixel 2XL right now.

I would go the S9 for that CPU bump and Stereo speakers alone. Unless you really need that Spen.

 

[4RunnerHeaven]

I have had it recommended to me several times but have been hesitant because it sounds tricky to apply and expensive to mess up. However you say its glass and maybe I am thinking of a different kind that needs to be cured to set. I'll go look at what they have. Thank you.
[doublepost=1521459679][/doublepost]
No way! I'm incognito! And I deleted the Pixel one for damn sure!

I'd get either of these two for your s9+ if they have it. It works great on my Note 8.

The one I have on my Note 8:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074G1W2RC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They have one on the s9+

https://www.amazon.com/Protector-amFilm-Tempered-Application-Friendly/dp/B079YC1TRH?ref=ast_p_ep

And here is the other brand that people recommend other than the whitedome ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Protector-Co...words=s9+plus+tempered+glass+screen+protector

Pictures of mine and no loss of sensitivity at all!


[doublepost=1521501346][/doublepost]

Are the extra 2gb RAM, dual camera setup, faster processor, and bigger battery worth it over the S9? What about the bigger screen, bigger battery, older processor, dual camera setup, S-Pen, 2gb RAM extra, and older software worth it over the S9?

I was going to try to get the Note 8 for $600-$620 range. Maybe $650 for the S9 or wait for $700 for the S9+.

You can easily get a Note 8 for $600. I got mine for $620 and he even threw in a Google Mini, and the Samsung Wireless Charger Dock (the newest one) with all oem accessories except the headphones. Just make some reasonable offers to some of the swappa advertisements in the comments and many will accept.

 

[LukinLedbetter]

Ok, time.for a few first impressions of the S9+ compared to my Pixel 2XL

• Screen is stunning! Best I've ever seen
• I really like.the edge app thing
• Audio is a nice surprise
• Advanced messaging on AT&T is a welcome addition
• Feel in hand is good and feels less combersome than the P2XL

That's all for now

 

[SapperMike]

1 day in with S9 and I must say that between Oreo and Samsung UI improvements, I am pleased so far. They seemed to improve on “the little things “ to make the S9 a more well rounded device.

 

[nviz22]

After a few days the S9+ battery is pretty much exactly the same as my S8+. To be honest i expected a bit of an improvement since it has the same battery but the more efficient processor and Oreo. That being said my god this phone runs smooth, that new Exynos 9810 is a beast!!
[doublepost=1521500702][/doublepost]
I would go the S9 for that CPU bump and Stereo speakers alone. Unless you really need that Spen.

Problem is the S9+ is too expensive. It is becoming more like regular S9 (I don't want 4gb RAM at that price) and the Note 8.
[doublepost=1521517597][/doublepost]

I’m a little bit mystified about RAM usage and need to have hubby explain how this all works when he gets home. I checked on the maintenance utility that comes as part of the Samsung User Experience which I shall shorten to the rather ominous SUE and see that I have a little under 2 GB of RAM free. AT&T bloat eats up more than I’d like. Now that is on a 6GB phone. How on earth would this RAM allotment work on an S9 with only 4GB? This is more than I understand about how the phone works.

Samsung devices will always eat up RAM no matter the quantity. I read the Note 8 is a bit more optimized too.

 

[5105973]

Problem is the S9+ is too expensive. It is becoming more like regular S9 (I don't want 4gb RAM at that price) and the Note 8.
[doublepost=1521517597][/doublepost]

Samsung devices will always eat up RAM no matter the quantity. I read the Note 8 is a bit more optimized too.

The Note 8 sounds like a really nice phone. If you’re not bothered that it lacks stereo speakers, and can find good deals on it, it seems like the one to get. I’ve heard so many nice things about it. Assuming you’ve ruled out the Pixels and the upcoming Essential phone and other contenders.

 

[The Game 161]

The Note 8 sounds like a really nice phone. If you’re not bothered that it lacks stereo speakers, and can find good deals on it, it seems like the one to get. I’ve heard so many nice things about it. Assuming you’ve ruled out the Pixels and the upcoming Essential phone and other contenders.

surprised you have never gone for the note 8? too similar to the S8 plus/S9 plus and don't use the S pen?

 

[jamesrick80]

surprised you have never gone for the note 8? too similar to the S8 plus/S9 plus and don't use the S pen?

IMO, its always best to stick with the Note series if you are into having the most high tech advanced phone on the market without limitations. By the end of this year, everyone with a S9 plus will be raving about the Note 9. The Note 8 is still the most complete phone ever and the Oreo update will give it most of the extra software related features that the S9 has. It really makes no sense to switch from the Note 8 to the S9 plus currently. It's time for people to start at least keeping your phones for at least a year. Otherwise, you are never utilizing the true value of your smartphone. People who switch phones several times a year will still do the same things they typically do on a smartphone although they act like its something new and amazing yet its really not.

You want stereo sound: get a decent bluetooth speaker
You want a better camera: all high end phones since last year of March have good cameras
Screen technology is peaking....so displays do not matter much now......
Snapdragon 845: didn't really do much...do you really notice the small increase in performance...most likely not.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Whilst I do not play around with themes much but with my old eyes and sunny climes I find a high contrast black background especially on emails a must

however

Sammy updated the excellent email app today and its overridden the background back to white and re applying the theme fails

I also noticed whilst browsing themes when you go back to the main viewing menu the KB annoyingly pops up each time

 

[5105973]

surprised you have never gone for the note 8? too similar to the S8 plus/S9 plus and don't use the S pen?

The Note 8 struck me as too tall and I was honestly so disappointed with how things were going with my S8+ and my husband's that I decided to take a break from Samsung. I didn't pre-order the S9+ until I handled one at Best Buy and it knocked my socks off. I was impressed and frankly amazed they managed to change the edges just enough to actually like them. I still think they are impractical. But they don't actually get in the way now.
[doublepost=1521551420][/doublepost]

Your post detailing this reminds me why I have never and will never use screen protectors. I hate the way they feel and I don't care what anyone tells me, I'm convinced they screw with input after long enough use.

I also hate cases. Long ago I decided these things were meant to be *handled* so I don't much sweat it. I also get insurance soooo the hell with cases and screen protectors.

I do think in this instance your theory is holding up. The screen became so wonky and the most recent post I attempted to make was so difficult to make that I removed the screen protector and the Ringke case that previously caused no noticeable issue and am now using the phone in the Samsung LED wallet case. If this fails the phone will have to go naked.

However that's a last resort after what happened last night. I was in the kitchen talking to one of the kids and my husband walked in and I heard some nasty thuds and swearing and my kid's jaw dropped. I turned around and saw him picking up the S9+, his iPhone X and his iPad Pro. He dropped the phones first from about 3 feet onto hardwood flooring and then dropped that big ol iPad Pro on top of them. I think he meant to set them down on the kitchen island and somehow missed. It was like being in an Everything Apple Pro drop test video.

Luckily they all were in folio style cases with the covers closed so there didn't appear to be any harm done. He didn't test his camera and wouldn't let me take the cases off to check out the back glasses on either phone. So whatever. That's his problem.

This is the man who told me he wasn't getting Apple Care Plus for his X because he didn't think it likely he would drop his phone. He just said it was a one time thing when I reminded him he is the same man who dropped his Note 7 twice within days of getting it. If it had not been for the recall, he would have been stuck with a screen repair. He also dropped his iPhone 6 Plus but luckily didn't break that one. There is not an eyeroll emoji for this forum that can express the eyeroll I want to give that man.

It would be fine if he said he doesn't want the insurance, end of story. But to stand there and tell me he doesn't drop his damn phones? Does he think I just met him last week?

Sorry I just had to vent. Well at least we know you can drop a cased S9+ and a cased X and drop an iPad Pro on top of all of them and they won't necessarily break. But now I think I don't want his hand me downs anymore.

 

[nviz22]

IMO, its always best to stick with the Note series if you are into having the most high tech advanced phone on the market without limitations. By the end of this year, everyone with a S9 plus will be raving about the Note 9. The Note 8 is still the most complete phone ever and the Oreo update will give it most of the extra software related features that the S9 has. It really makes no sense to switch from the Note 8 to the S9 plus currently. It's time for people to start at least keeping your phones for at least a year. Otherwise, you are never utilizing the true value of your smartphone. People who switch phones several times a year will still do the same things they typically do on a smartphone although they act like its something new and amazing yet its really not.

You want stereo sound: get a decent bluetooth speaker
You want a better camera: all high end phones since last year of March have good cameras
Screen technology is peaking....so displays do not matter much now......
Snapdragon 845: didn't really do much...do you really notice the small increase in performance...most likely not.

https://www.phonearena.com/news/Sam...omparison-vs-s8-iphone-lg-pixel-note_id103071

S8 battery life is better than the S9.

 

[5105973]

I can't really evaluate battery life yet. I'm still getting lots of updates to various things and syncing a bunch of stuff and customizing settings and themes and testing text features. I estimate battery life is better than my iPhone X was and not as good as my S8+ and iPhone 8+ yet. It's more complex to test than an iPhone or my Pixel 2 has been.

I just know it's dazzling and got me interested in Samsung again.

 

[jamezr]

a few thoughts after almost a week with the S9+

Great feel in the hand and build quality. Samsung really makes great hardware! The phone is balanced and has a little heft to it. I love the Coral Blue. I like the fact that the blue color wraps around the frame.

Sammy has perfected the curved display imho. I have not had one false touch.
The display is absolutely beautiful...nothing new here as Samsung produces the best displays in the business.
The speakers and sound system is a big step forward from the Note 8 and S8.

Not a fan of Bixby so I have it remapped to open Google Assistant.

I love the new FPS...it is super fast and accurate. I would like it better if it were a little lower and round to be honest but it is big step up from the Note 8 FPS location for me.

The camera is a little better but not that much better than say the Note 8 or Pixel 2 phones. I think we are reaching a saturation point with smartphone cameras. I am not sure how much better they can get with each model. Unless google comes up with another post processing algorithm that is

Battery life so far has not been as good as the Note 8 or Pixel 2 XL. It is not by much but I can tell just going through a normal day that it is short by about 10% in my daily use so far for the week. It still gets me through the day of course but with about 10% less left over than the N8 or P2XL.

Samsung Experience has been great! They are evolving SE to be quite nice in fact. I have had no trouble finding the settings or any option i need. There has been zero lag or hiccups what so ever.

I like that they kept the headphone jack! I use it quite frequently at work.

Thats all for now.... I will add more as I use the phone more

 

[Aneres11]

Good thoughts @jamezr.

Seems like they've refined what was already a great device in the S8 / + but managed to make it even better.
Glad it's treating you well!

 

[SapperMike]

I just switched to the S9 from an iPhone 8. I turned off iMessage prior to changing my SIM card but my wife can only text me via iMessage. Do any of you folks know how to eliminate this so I can get her text messages?

 

[jamezr]

I just switched to the S9 from an iPhone 8. I turned off iMessage prior to changing my SIM card but my wife can only text me via iMessage. Do any of you folks know how to eliminate this so I can get her text messages?

Try this..

https://selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage/