Samsung Galaxy S9

[jamezr]

I just read over on Android Central that on May 1 only on Samsung’s online store they are going to offer 128 GB and 256 GB models. I wanted those!

It’s only $50 per bump up to the next level. I totally would have gone 128 had it been available when I ordered mine. That’s what I get for being an early adopter. I don’t know if they give as good of a trade in allowance as they did with my preorder, though. That was what got me to preorder.

In other news, I think two cups of coffee is probably too much for a small person like me. That’s a lot of emojis for one post.

You can never have too much coffee.....

 

[Breaking Good]

I just read over on Android Central that on May 1 only on Samsung’s online store they are going to offer 128 GB and 256 GB models. I wanted those!

It’s only $50 per bump up to the next level. I totally would have gone 128 had it been available when I ordered mine. That’s what I get for being an early adopter. I don’t know if they give as good of a trade in allowance as they did with my preorder, though. That was what got me to preorder.

In other news, I think two cups of coffee is probably too much for a small person like me. That’s a lot of emojis for one post.

I just read this on Sammobile. This is complete crap. I just bought an AT&T version S9+ because it was $200 off. Now I find out that they are offering 128 GB and 256 GB models.

Really, Samsung?! Penalizing early adopters is bad business.

 

[5105973]

You can never have too much coffee.....

I’m torn on that opinion. Giving small hyper people too much caffeine can lead to trouble.


[doublepost=1525196564][/doublepost]

I just read this on Sammobile. This is complete crap. I just bought an AT&T version S9+ because it was $200 off. Now I find out that they are offering 128 GB and 256 GB models.

Really, Samsung?! Penalizing early adopters is bad business.

Oh wow they still have the trade in terms on old devices. Well that sucks. Had I known I maybe would have waited. Especially since AT&T devices don’t seem to be getting updates. I’d get the unlocked now if I could. I’m pretty po’d. I thought maybe they’d release a new color or even the bigger storage sizes eventually. But this soon? Sheesh.

My only consolation is that in preordering when I did, I got once in a lifetime stereo footage of a very special Easter with my ailing mother-in-law. I hope for many more Easters with this wonderful woman but she’s in her late 80’s and in poor health. Every moment with her that I can document with the best possible tech I can get my hands on at the moment is precious to us all.

Just...this all should have been an option from the start.

I much rather have everything stored in the onboard storage rather than writing to the card. Don’t get me wrong, I want both options. Since this was meant to be a “keeper” for a couple of years, I wanted as much storage as I could comfortably afford. That would have made the 128 GB the sweet spot for me.

Pfft. Shaking my head. Rolling my eyes.

 

[co.ag.2005]

Samsung, seriously, get out of bed with the carriers / bloatware makers and stop doing stupid crap like this. If you want to be like Apple, then copy their no carrier / company bloat apps strategy.

https://www.droid-life.com/2018/05/...ng-all-the-yahoo-bloatware-to-your-galaxy-s9/

Samsung and Verizon booked a deal that will place four apps on all Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ devices in the US. The bloatware infestation will expand globally at some point too. In case you missed it, I just said “all,” not “Verizon Galaxy S9 phones.”

And we’re talking all models, not just Verizon’s. The deal also opens up advertising space within the Oath apps and Samsung’s Galaxy App that the two companies will share revenue from.

smh

surely we'll be able to uninstall them but still...

 

[jamezr]

check this guide is highly informative

https://www.thebroketown.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-s9/

That is NOT a Galaxy S9 in that picture...notice the FPS location. I mean if they can't get that simple thing right......

 

[Vegastouch]

I have TMobile and have very little bloat on my phone. I think there is two apps for which I use, for one thing to pay my bill.

 

[koigirl]

I too heard so much re: lag, bloatware, bad battery life and app disparity. Pleasantly surprised none of the above has been my experience at all switching to the ATT Note 8 (my first Android phone). And I can choose my own default browser, map, messaging, etc! I understand this may have been a major issue in the past but things have changed. My phone is snappier, has a better camera, and takes better photos than my kids' iPhone 8's for sure.

 

[belvdr]

I just ordered an S9 to replace a 6s. I just hope the thing works as expected. You never know when you get a new phone.

 

[5105973]

Samsung, seriously, get out of bed with the carriers / bloatware makers and stop doing stupid crap like this. If you want to be like Apple, then copy their no carrier / company bloat apps strategy.

https://www.droid-life.com/2018/05/...ng-all-the-yahoo-bloatware-to-your-galaxy-s9/





smh

surely we'll be able to uninstall them but still...

What?!!! If that shizzle suddenly pops up on my phone one day when I can’t even get a #%€}%!! security update outta AT&T then this will be the last Samsung I own. But before I blow a gasket I’ll wait and see what happens and how it plays out. I’m already not pleased FB comes embedded in my phone. But I deactivated it and check to make sure it’s not showing any signs of life.

If this invasive drivel really does come to all S9/9+ that will be a huge injustice to a great piece of hardware.

 

[epicrayban]

I caved and preordered the S9+ in Coral Blue, 128GB.

I'm coming from the Pixel 2, and prior to that, the iPhone X.

I had the X for a while and liked it, but at the end of the day, it was too overpriced and iOS is still iOS through and through. I ultimately returned it, but for dedicated Apple users willing to spend the money, it's finally an Apple flagship that they can be proud of.

I then decided to get on the Pixel 2 bandwagon. Been enjoying that for the past few months, especially for the camera, but ultimately, when you boil it down, the only true advantage it has over Samsung is the direct line to Google for software updates. In using the Pixel 2 the past few months, that advantage just doesn't play out very dramatically in day to day use. At this point with almost all flagships, the Android version just feels like arbitrary numbers, ie. 8.1 vs 8.0. Especially when you consider that Google is ironically the one adding features that Samsung has already had. In a way, you can argue that Google is the one catching up.

More so than ever, Samsung is a force to be reckoned with in the smartphone industry. With the camera and software experience now more or less on par with the Pixel 2, along with all the added features that the Galaxy series brings that actually matter in day to day use, I'm pretty excited for the 9+.

I want that ultimate screen experience back, I miss wireless charging, I want a headphone jack for those occasions, and I just want something that feels premium but also has good value. The iPhone X is way too expensive, and the Pixel 2 doesn't feel like a premium flagship (it's so barebones).

My only gripe is that Samsung joined Apple and Google in adding more separation between the standard and Plus models. The dual camera setup and extra RAM pushed me toward the Plus.

Anyone else make the switch from the Pixel 2 to the S9 models?

 

[5105973]

I caved and preordered the S9+ in Coral Blue, 128GB.

I'm coming from the Pixel 2, and prior to that, the iPhone X.

I had the X for a while and liked it, but at the end of the day, it was too overpriced and iOS is still iOS through and through. I ultimately returned it, but for dedicated Apple users willing to spend the money, it's finally an Apple flagship that they can be proud of.

I then decided to get on the Pixel 2 bandwagon. Been enjoying that for the past few months, especially for the camera, but ultimately, when you boil it down, the only true advantage it has over Samsung is the direct line to Google for software updates. In using the Pixel 2 the past few months, that advantage just doesn't play out very dramatically in day to day use. At this point with almost all flagships, the Android version just feels like arbitrary numbers, ie. 8.1 vs 8.0. Especially when you consider that Google is ironically the one adding features that Samsung has already had. In a way, you can argue that Google is the one catching up.

More so than ever, Samsung is a force to be reckoned with in the smartphone industry. With the camera and software experience now more or less on par with the Pixel 2, along with all the added features that the Galaxy series brings that actually matter in day to day use, I'm pretty excited for the 9+.

I want that ultimate screen experience back, I miss wireless charging, I want a headphone jack for those occasions, and I just want something that feels premium but also has good value. The iPhone X is way too expensive, and the Pixel 2 doesn't feel like a premium flagship (it's so barebones).

My only gripe is that Samsung joined Apple and Google in adding more separation between the standard and Plus models. The dual camera setup and extra RAM pushed me toward the Plus.

Anyone else make the switch from the Pixel 2 to the S9 models?

Yeah I guess I made that move. It was the display that put the S9+ over the top for me above the Pixel 2. Oh yeah and the headphone jack.

But I still have the Pixel 2 and when I want a small phone like for bicycling or other summer stuff; I will put my sim back into it from the Samsung.

Honestly I’m mostly on my iPhone 8 Plus lately because of iMessage. I’ve got one in-law in the hospital and my dad is waiting on results to see if one of his cancers is back (he’s had many different kinds). So I’m counting on iPhone and Apple Watch to keep me plugged in.

I need someone on the Android side to figure out the wearables for us smaller people. It’s got to compete with the Apple Watch on every level. I’ve tried a fitness tracker. I’ve tried Samsung Watches (too big for me). I’ve looked at smaller Fitbits. I gave some stink eye to the Versa. I want something that can go toe to toe with my Apple Watch. And it’s got to look good and be practical to wear. I returned my Samsung fitness tracker because the way it was designed it was practically screaming “Bonk me against everything as you’re going about your day and shatter my display!” It also looked and felt like I wrapped a big black sock around my wrist.

Android side copies everything anyway so please let somebody copy the Apple Watch at least in practicality and features and size.

Then I will have it all and rule the galaxy!

 

[Roadstar]

Yeah I guess I made that move. It was the display that put the S9+ over the top for me above the Pixel 2. Oh yeah and the headphone jack.

But I still have the Pixel 2 and when I want a small phone like for bicycling or other summer stuff; I will put my sim back into it from the Samsung.

Honestly I’m mostly on my iPhone 8 Plus lately because of iMessage. I’ve got one in-law in the hospital and my dad is waiting on results to see if one of his cancers is back (he’s had many different kinds). So I’m counting on iPhone and Apple Watch to keep me plugged in.

I need someone on the Android side to figure out the wearables for us smaller people. It’s got to compete with the Apple Watch on every level. I’ve tried a fitness tracker. I’ve tried Samsung Watches (too big for me). I’ve looked at smaller Fitbits. I gave some stink eye to the Versa. I want something that can go toe to toe with my Apple Watch. And it’s got to look good and be practical to wear. I returned my Samsung fitness tracker because the way it was designed it was practically screaming “Bonk me against everything as you’re going about your day and shatter my display!” It also looked and felt like I wrapped a big black sock around my wrist.

Android side copies everything anyway so please let somebody copy the Apple Watch at least in practicality and features and size.

Then I will have it all and rule the galaxy!

I'd also like to see a good wearable in the Android land. I've tried Android Wear (now Wear OS) devices as well as a Pebble and a Gear S3. They ranged from OK to good, but still couldn't quite match the Apple Watch experience even though especially the Gear S3 was ahead on some individual features. The Apple Watch is also currently the only smart watch that works for payments over here, so Samsung should at least roll out Samsung Pay also in Finland to get me seriously interested in the Gear S4 or whatever they end up calling the next model.

EDIT: Coming to think of it, payments wouldn't be enough for the Gear S4 as I'd still be a bit reluctant to give up the ability to control my IKEA smart bulbs or refuel my car from my watch. Ok, the latter one is more a convenience feature and not a deal-breaker, but it's fun to use occasionally anyway

 

[Aneres11]

I caved and preordered the S9+ in Coral Blue, 128GB.

I'm coming from the Pixel 2, and prior to that, the iPhone X.

I had the X for a while and liked it, but at the end of the day, it was too overpriced and iOS is still iOS through and through. I ultimately returned it, but for dedicated Apple users willing to spend the money, it's finally an Apple flagship that they can be proud of.

I then decided to get on the Pixel 2 bandwagon. Been enjoying that for the past few months, especially for the camera, but ultimately, when you boil it down, the only true advantage it has over Samsung is the direct line to Google for software updates. In using the Pixel 2 the past few months, that advantage just doesn't play out very dramatically in day to day use. At this point with almost all flagships, the Android version just feels like arbitrary numbers, ie. 8.1 vs 8.0. Especially when you consider that Google is ironically the one adding features that Samsung has already had. In a way, you can argue that Google is the one catching up.

More so than ever, Samsung is a force to be reckoned with in the smartphone industry. With the camera and software experience now more or less on par with the Pixel 2, along with all the added features that the Galaxy series brings that actually matter in day to day use, I'm pretty excited for the 9+.

I want that ultimate screen experience back, I miss wireless charging, I want a headphone jack for those occasions, and I just want something that feels premium but also has good value. The iPhone X is way too expensive, and the Pixel 2 doesn't feel like a premium flagship (it's so barebones).

My only gripe is that Samsung joined Apple and Google in adding more separation between the standard and Plus models. The dual camera setup and extra RAM pushed me toward the Plus.

Anyone else make the switch from the Pixel 2 to the S9 models?

"With the camera and software experience now more or less on par with the Pixel 2"

Bold claim that!

It's not my personal experience (software), but the camera - absolutely.
I'd still pick the Pixels camera over it personally.

I switched from a Pixel 2 to a S9 - didn't last long.

But my reasoning was purely that I just can't get on with the S line of Samsung phones.
I just don't really like the design, I think the screen is far far too neon - even when tried to tone down. The iPhone X has the best screen on the market to my eyes. But others have had problems with it, so it's all subjective.

What I will say is that Samsung really has hardly put a foot wrong with the S9. It truly is the most complete package you can but out of any phone on the market at the moment. Camera, design, screen, headphone jack, wireless charging, performance - it basically has it all. You can't ask for much more.

I just can't get on with them for whatever reason.

 

[bnmcj1]

As long as the screen is curved, no sale, but almost perfect phone. Was close to buy one, but just cant do curved.

It creates distortion, reflections and increases risk of unintentional touches. Flat screens were never broken. Dont fix.

 

[epicrayban]

"With the camera and software experience now more or less on par with the Pixel 2"

Bold claim that!

It's not my personal experience (software), but the camera - absolutely.
I'd still pick the Pixels camera over it personally.

I switched from a Pixel 2 to a S9 - didn't last long.

But my reasoning was purely that I just can't get on with the S line of Samsung phones.
I just don't really like the design, I think the screen is far far too neon - even when tried to tone down. The iPhone X has the best screen on the market to my eyes. But others have had problems with it, so it's all subjective.

What I will say is that Samsung really has hardly put a foot wrong with the S9. It truly is the most complete package you can but out of any phone on the market at the moment. Camera, design, screen, headphone jack, wireless charging, performance - it basically has it all. You can't ask for much more.

I just can't get on with them for whatever reason.

Google's image processing software truly is second to none. They're working some real magic there.

The S9+ camera seems to be close enough based on comparisons. The extra features of the S9+ (screen, wireless charging, face unlock, headphone jack, etc.) makes up for a second-place camera.

Flagship cameras today -- whether it's Pixel 2, S9+, iPhone X, and from what I've read even the HTC U11 and Huawei P20 Pro -- are all about on par. I agree the edge goes to the Pixel 2.

 

[5105973]

What the S9 has is manual mode. It let me get shots my Pixel could not. My Pixel 2 also could not render a beautiful scene of the full moon out over the ocean. There was just too much noise in the picture and the tint was off. Even the iPhone 8 Plus got the shot somehow. Not great, but serviceable. The S9+ nailed it. I gotta go sorry don’t get to finish this post properly.

 

[5105973]

Well I tripped over the charging cable to my S9+ and sent my phone crashing to the floor. It seems fine. I was worried because of all the horror stories about the curved displays cracking from drops of just a few inches. The floor is carpeted so there is that to help. I’ve had more than a few accidents like that by my nightstand which is why my husband refuses to replace that horrid carpet with hardwoods.

All but one bedroom in our house have white carpets and the previous owners had kids as well as a dog of dubious house breaking status and I babysat a puppy that definitely was a work in progress on that front. White carpet in a family with kids and pets! I can’t roll my eyes high enough about that choice. I’ve run every cleaning machine I own over these carpets and there’s no hope for them. The one carpet that is new is honest to goodness circa 1974 style brown shag!


I’m going assume the white carpet was original to the house and chosen by the builder. Still, almost 20 years later and three families later and none of us owners have ever replaced the carpets except for one room, and with hideous brown shag at that. Another bedroom had golf ball sized holes in the carpet when we bought it. I didn’t find out until I ran the vac over it and the plugs they cut got sucked up. I don’t even want to know why the holes are there. It was a child’s room. I can just imagine.

We have recent storm damage to fix and recently broken plumbing (horrendous plumbing contractors worked on this house for the prior owner) and sofas to replace, so the carpets are going to be around for another year, catching my flying phones.

 

[jamezr]

Well I tripped over the charging cable to my S9+ and sent my phone crashing to the floor.

two words...... wireless charging.....

 

[epicrayban]

two words...... wireless charging.....

A feature I sincerely missed when I switched to the Pixel 2.

Enjoyed wireless charging on the S8 and on the iPhone X. It's one of those features you just get used to and only appreciate when it's gone. The Pixel 3 models need to correct this.

 

[Wildo6882]

A feature I sincerely missed when I switched to the Pixel 2.

Enjoyed wireless charging on the S8 and on the iPhone X. It's one of those features you just get used to and only appreciate when it's gone. The Pixel 3 models need to correct this.

Absolutely. I have it on my X and it’s one thing that’s currently leaning me towards the S9+ or an LG device. I have a charger on my desk at work, next to my bed and on a table at home. So my phone is never even close to dead. It’s so handy once you use it and really invest in it.

 

[ramram55]

Wireless charger is the way to go bought 2 chargers from samsung, enjoying a world of wireless charging.

 

[epicrayban]

Went to the store to get some hands on with the S9+ and more importantly to compare the size to my Pixel 2.

It's unbelievable that the S9+ is only a little taller and wider than the Pixel 2. So another "feature" of going back to the Galaxy S series is ergonomics. I don't know any other 6.2" screen phone that is that manageable in the hand.

 

[Roadstar]

Wireless charger is the way to go bought 2 chargers from samsung, enjoying a world of wireless charging.

I went from this largish dent in my desk:

To a wireless charging desk:

I just wish the IKEA charger I used there would be available also in a fast charging variant, but the standard one is convenient too.

 

[5105973]

two words...... wireless charging.....

Sorry. Let me clarify. Um...I sent the puck AND the wire and the phone crashing to the floor. And my glasses. And an Apple Pencil that was there hanging around.

 

[torana355]

Ive run my last few phones without a case but decided to get the Samsung Alcantara case for my S9+, I took it off the other day to clean the case and realised just how uneasy I felt holding it naked. The weird thing is I ran my S8+ without a case for a whole year, never dropped it and felt very comfortable holding it, strange how we adapt isn't it.