Samsung Galaxy S9

[Fernandez21]

So after having the S9+ for about 2 days, I will say I think this is the largest i would want a phone. Was never comfortable with last year's S8+ and Note 8, they just felt too tall for me, but this one feels ok. I know, it's a very tiny difference (I put mine up against my Note 8 that my wife is using) and it's only slightly shorter, but that made all the difference with the way it feels in hand for me.

Hoping the Note 9 reduces the bezels even more so it's in my comfort zone.

 

[torana355]

So after having the S9+ for about 2 days, I will say I think this is the largest i would want a phone. Was never comfortable with last year's S8+ and Note 8, they just felt too tall for me, but this one feels ok. I know, it's a very tiny difference (I put mine up against my Note 8 that my wife is using) and it's only slightly shorter, but that made all the difference with the way it feels in hand for me.

Hoping the Note 9 reduces the bezels even more so it's in my comfort zone.

I would not want it any taller thats for sure, and to be honest I would not want out any wider either, I love the 18:9 aspect ratio as it fits great in the hand. I just wish Samsung would make it a little thicker and make the battery bigger, the extra thickness of a case actually makes it a lot easier to hold.

 

[Tsepz]

It is somewhat noticeable in a speed test, but real world usage of loading webpages feels the same on both. I will note, both devices fluctuated +/- 5MBPS from test to test.

You know when this begins to matter and becomes noticeable? It's when you are out of town, or in any sort of area that has poor reception, the Samsung ALWAYS manages to still get some sort of download in be it loading a page or an app, or downloading a song etc... Apple devices become paperweights in places where signal is low

I know this because our house has major dead spots, and between my Note8, mother's iPhone X, iPhone 6, and both our S7 Edges, the iPhones are simply not usable, where as the Samsungs will latch on as much as they can to the strongest tower and still maintain good speeds right down to that last bar.

 

[Ralfi]

You know when this begins to matter and becomes noticeable? It's when you are out of town, or in any sort of area that has poor reception, the Samsung ALWAYS manages to still get some sort of download in be it loading a page or an app, or downloading a song etc... Apple devices become paperweights in places where signal is low

I know this because our house has major dead spots, and between my Note8, mother's iPhone X, iPhone 6, and both our S7 Edges, the iPhones are simply not usable, where as the Samsungs will latch on as much as they can to the strongest tower and still maintain good speeds right down to that last bar.

There are phones that have a "Blue Tick" in Australia. The Blue Tick refers to how well the phone performs in rural areas.

iPhone X doesn't have Blue Tick. iPhone 6S does. Some Samsung devices have it, & others don't, so it's not really an accurate statement to say X manufacturer performs better than others in this department, as every manufacturer has models that perform well/poor in rural areas.
[doublepost=1527938656][/doublepost]

So after having the S9+ for about 2 days, I will say I think this is the largest i would want a phone. Was never comfortable with last year's S8+ and Note 8, they just felt too tall for me, but this one feels ok. I know, it's a very tiny difference (I put mine up against my Note 8 that my wife is using) and it's only slightly shorter, but that made all the difference with the way it feels in hand for me.

Hoping the Note 9 reduces the bezels even more so it's in my comfort zone.

Can I interest you in a notch & no chin?

That was half tongue in cheek, but in all seriousness, if you want a smaller form factor with the same size or larger usable screen, it's the only way you're going to get it, until tech allows under-screen sensors/cameras etc.

 

[Fernandez21]

There are phones that have a "Blue Tick" in Australia. The Blue Tick refers to how well the phone performs in rural areas.

iPhone X doesn't have Blue Tick. iPhone 6S does. Some Samsung devices have it, & others don't, so it's not really an accurate statement to say X manufacturer performs better than others in this department, as every manufacturer has models that perform well/poor in rural areas.
[doublepost=1527938656][/doublepost]
Can I interest you in a notch & no chin?

That was half tongue in cheek, but in all seriousness, if you want a smaller form factor with the same size or larger usable screen, it's the only way you're going to get it, until tech allows under-screen sensors/cameras etc.

Totally interested in a notch and no chin. Part of my wish list for the Note 9 (along with flat edges). But I know it won’t happen. I already own the iPhone X and Essential Phone.

 

[mjschabow]

Curious. Can anyone share their experience going from the iPhone X to the Galaxy S9? I am well experienced going back and forth between iOS and Android but just wondering what overall impressions are.

 

[4RunnerHeaven]

Curious. Can anyone share their experience going from the iPhone X to the Galaxy S9? I am well experienced going back and forth between iOS and Android but just wondering what overall impressions are.

Well, I had a Note 8, went to IP7+, then iPhone X, then back to Note 8. And my Work phone is a S9+. I can probably answer whatever your questions may be the best.

But here is a quick experience.

1. The iPhone X is very stylish, and it fits in your hands better as it is smaller than either my Note 8 and s9+.
2. With the smaller size, the iPhone X was harder to read than either of the Samsung phones.
3. Battery life was also much worse on the iPhone X when you actually hammer the device with using it compared to the Note 8 or the S9+. The S9+ battery life however is much better than my Note 8.
4. Face ID was not as good as made to believe. It worked most of the time when in day light. But at night or in bed, when it was dark, it rarely worked properly. The touch ID worked much better in instances when you couldn't look at the screen to unlock the phone (you are driving and needing to unlock to get your Pandora Radio started). Face ID makes you take your eyes off the road.
5. No Headphone jack is a real bummer honestly. From not able to use good quality headphones, to not able to use credit card payment devices any longer. The Samsungs still have it. Even though you get a dongle with the X, it was cumbersome.
6. I feel the iPhone X build was a little better than Samsungs. If I dropped it, I feel it would handle it better. However, the screen on it seemed to be more prone to fine scratches.
7. iPhone wireless or not, it's charging was half the speed of the Samsungs. When I needed to charge up fast for a long night, it sat on that charge a long time where my Samsungs are up to full fast and I am ready to go.
8. Apple Support kills Samsung support any day of the week. I just had to get my Note 8 screen fixed due to dead pixels from me dropping my car hood on it.....but it was covered under warranty thankfully. They requested priority replacement. They do not send you a phone and you send yours back at all. No option for this. So you have to be without your phone. Mine went in by 2nd day air. They got it. They ignored it for 3 days, and then fixed it. Then shipped it back GROUND where I was supposed to have it back next day air. So I was without my phone for over a week. Apple does cross ship and you aren't even down.
9. With Android, you can use your phone like a flash drive and plug it into any computer and transfer files to it. No need for the cumbersome itunes to do anything.

10. Would I go back to a iPhone X? No. Due to screen size and reading. I am however waiting for the Plus sizes of it and I may try them.

If I missed any anything, ask away.

 

[mjschabow]

Well, I had a Note 8, went to IP7+, then iPhone X, then back to Note 8. And my Work phone is a S9+. I can probably answer whatever your questions may be the best.

But here is a quick experience.

1. The iPhone X is very stylish, and it fits in your hands better as it is smaller than either my Note 8 and iPhone X.
2. With the smaller size, the iPhone X was harder to read than either of the Samsung phones.
3. Battery life was also much worse on the iPhone X when you actually hammer the device with using it compared to the Note 8 or the S9+. The S9+ battery life however is much better than my Note 8.
4. Face ID was not as good as made to believe. It worked most of the time when in day light. But at night or in bed, when it was dark, it rarely worked properly. The touch ID worked much better in instances when you couldn't look at the screen to unlock the phone (you are driving and needing to unlock to get your Pandora Radio started). Face ID makes you take your eyes off the road.
5. No Headphone jack is a real bummer honestly. From not able to use good quality headphones, to not able to use credit card payment devices any longer. The Samsungs still have it. Even though you get a dongle with the X, it was cumbersome.
6. I feel the iPhone X build was a little better than Samsungs. If I dropped it, I feel it would handle it better. However, the screen on it seemed to be more prone to fine scratches.
7. iPhone wireless or not, it's charging was half the speed of the Samsungs. When I needed to charge up fast for a long night, it sat on that charge a long time where my Samsungs are up to full fast and I am ready to go.
8. Apple Support kills Samsung support any day of the week. I just had to get my Note 8 screen fixed due to dead pixels from me dropping my car hood on it.....but it was covered under warranty thankfully. They requested priority replacement. They do not send you a phone and you send yours back at all. No option for this. So you have to be without your phone. Mine went in by 2nd day air. They got it. They ignored it for 3 days, and then fixed it. Then shipped it back GROUND where I was supposed to have it back next day air. So I was without my phone for over a week. Apple does cross ship and you aren't even down.
9. With Android, you can use your phone like a flash drive and plug it into any computer and transfer files to it. No need for the cumbersome itunes to do anything.

10. Would I go back to a iPhone X? No. Due to screen size and reading. I am however waiting for the Plus sizes of it and I may try them.

If I missed any anything, ask away.

Thank you so much for taking that time to write that.

Great point about Face ID. I actually did have the X at one pint but sold it because I needed the money. But I remember getting really frustrated with Face ID in scenarios where it wasn’t ideal to look at the phone straight on. Like when driving. At least fingerprint is an option on the S9+.

What’s also interesting is that I used to think of Android as the fun OS but not one that is stick with long term. iOS was always my OS to go back to because of its stability. But I recently owned an LG G6 and really enjoyed the Android experience this time around. Unfortunately the G6 is a crappy phone so I chose to go back to a comparable iPhone price wise. But I’m already itching to go back to Android with a top of the line phone. And it also so happens that US Cellular has a 50% deal!

 

[nviz22]

Well, I had a Note 8, went to IP7+, then iPhone X, then back to Note 8. And my Work phone is a S9+. I can probably answer whatever your questions may be the best.

But here is a quick experience.

1. The iPhone X is very stylish, and it fits in your hands better as it is smaller than either my Note 8 and iPhone X.
2. With the smaller size, the iPhone X was harder to read than either of the Samsung phones.
3. Battery life was also much worse on the iPhone X when you actually hammer the device with using it compared to the Note 8 or the S9+. The S9+ battery life however is much better than my Note 8.
4. Face ID was not as good as made to believe. It worked most of the time when in day light. But at night or in bed, when it was dark, it rarely worked properly. The touch ID worked much better in instances when you couldn't look at the screen to unlock the phone (you are driving and needing to unlock to get your Pandora Radio started). Face ID makes you take your eyes off the road.
5. No Headphone jack is a real bummer honestly. From not able to use good quality headphones, to not able to use credit card payment devices any longer. The Samsungs still have it. Even though you get a dongle with the X, it was cumbersome.
6. I feel the iPhone X build was a little better than Samsungs. If I dropped it, I feel it would handle it better. However, the screen on it seemed to be more prone to fine scratches.
7. iPhone wireless or not, it's charging was half the speed of the Samsungs. When I needed to charge up fast for a long night, it sat on that charge a long time where my Samsungs are up to full fast and I am ready to go.
8. Apple Support kills Samsung support any day of the week. I just had to get my Note 8 screen fixed due to dead pixels from me dropping my car hood on it.....but it was covered under warranty thankfully. They requested priority replacement. They do not send you a phone and you send yours back at all. No option for this. So you have to be without your phone. Mine went in by 2nd day air. They got it. They ignored it for 3 days, and then fixed it. Then shipped it back GROUND where I was supposed to have it back next day air. So I was without my phone for over a week. Apple does cross ship and you aren't even down.
9. With Android, you can use your phone like a flash drive and plug it into any computer and transfer files to it. No need for the cumbersome itunes to do anything.

10. Would I go back to a iPhone X? No. Due to screen size and reading. I am however waiting for the Plus sizes of it and I may try them.

If I missed any anything, ask away.

• If price wasn't an issue, I think the iPhone X was the best phone I have owned in the last 6 months.
• I love the feel in the hands and I agree it's really stylish.
• With the Wi-Fi/Airplane mode combo on either phone, I feel like the iPhone standby time edges out the Galaxy.
• It's hard to compare the Note 8/S9+ as those are bigger than 5.8".
• FaceID is good, but I agree it's not as reliable as TouchID since FaceID adds an extra step. However, it overcomes sweaty or wet fingers though and it's only a first gen system.
• iPhone charge times are a joke out of the box with either system. Fast charging should be supported straight out of the box. My 29W charger works fast enough for me though w/ the 8+.
• Apple support might be the best on mobile OS, but it also is a double edged sword. You are hindered by iTunes, Siri, and other aspects of the "walled garden." Samsung improved its repair timing with "UBreakIFix" locations. However, I understand you cannot always visit the repair facility in person and wait the appropriate time they may request. Apple provided me an option to wait 5-7 business days for a MBP battery replacement. Normally, I would take it. However, I need my laptop for three major projects for class and use it also for the basis for day to day affairs.
• Android is what you make of it. It is hardware ubiquitous and can be such a great experience. I like Pure Android's clean nature and flexibility to be tailored. The OP6 allows the bootloader to be unlocked and expands the phone's longevity due to the nature of the dev community. You can minimize lag on a Galaxy and still get a bevy of features.
• I definitely would go back to the iPhone X if I could afford it. Especially when I could trade in my 8+ to a carrier at a later part in the year if the device was on tremendous clearance pricing. I liked FaceID, the OLED display, the new gestures, the camera, the ergonomics. It was finally the first relevant hardware design from Apple in quite some time.
• My leading candidate for my next phone is the OP6 since it's more affordable and within my budget. However, I might go the stopgap phone route and look to sell it within 5-6 months to go after a Pixel 3 since that's my top of the list ideal phone coming out later this year. Gotta get my Android fill w/ timely updates, smooth performance, a major brand, and the best camera on the market.

 

[mjschabow]

I also have a quick question about isyncr.

One of the biggest issues that keeps me going back to iOS is that I have so many iTunes purchases. Over 100 movies and even more important, the entire Twin Peaks series.

Although I don’t watch movies or tv on my phone often (I usually use the Apple TV for that), I like having the option. Will isyncr give me the ability to access those purchases? And if so, could I even download them to an sd card?

If not, any other advice on how to access iTunes purchases on android without having to purchase it all again?

 

[FFR]

I also have a quick question about isyncr.

One of the biggest issues that keeps me going back to iOS is that I have so many iTunes purchases. Over 100 movies and even more important, the entire Twin Peaks series.

Although I don’t watch movies or tv on my phone often (I usually use the Apple TV for that), I like having the option. Will isyncr give me the ability to access those purchases? And if so, could I even download them to an sd card?

If not, any other advice on how to access iTunes purchases on android without having to purchase it all again?

iTunes movies and tv shows will not play on android.

 

[mjschabow]

iTunes movies and tv shows will not play on android.

And you’ve tried isyncr?

 

[jamezr]

I also have a quick question about isyncr.

One of the biggest issues that keeps me going back to iOS is that I have so many iTunes purchases. Over 100 movies and even more important, the entire Twin Peaks series.

Although I don’t watch movies or tv on my phone often (I usually use the Apple TV for that), I like having the option. Will isyncr give me the ability to access those purchases? And if so, could I even download them to an sd card?

If not, any other advice on how to access iTunes purchases on android without having to purchase it all again?

Here are the options I get when i hook up my Pixel 2 XL. It seems like it gives me the options to sync movies and podcasts. But i have never tried this as I only buy music through iTunes.

iSynr will sync music and playlists exactly like they are in iTunes. Exact order they are in iTunes.
Hope this helps

 

[mjschabow]

Here are the options I get when i hook up my Pixel 2 XL. It seems like it gives me the options to sync movies and podcasts. But i have never tried this as I only buy music through iTunes.

iSynr will sync music and playlists exactly like they are in iTunes. Exact order they are in iTunes

View attachment 764235

Thanks! So it looks like it may be an option.

Damn. The S9+ looks so good. I’m just so stuck in the walled garden.

 

[jamezr]

Thanks! So it looks like it may be an option.

Damn. The S9+ looks so good. I’m just so stuck in the walled garden.

Yeah the walled garden is a great place to be or a very confining place to be. Maybe you could try something with an option of returning it? Maybe add a line and see how it goes? Then you typically have 2 weeks to either keep the line and phone or return it and get a full refund.

 

[mjschabow]

Yeah the walled garden is a great place to be or a very confining place to be. Maybe you could try something with an option of returning it? Maybe add a line and see how it goes? Then you typically have 2 weeks to either keep the line and phone or return it and get a full refund.

That’s kind of what I was thinking. I’m actually taking advantage of an awesome promo wothbUS Cellular where both the iPhone X and Galaxy S9+ are 50% off and I believe they have a two week return window.

 

[Fernandez21]

Thanks! So it looks like it may be an option.

Damn. The S9+ looks so good. I’m just so stuck in the walled garden.

It will only sync movies that don't have DRM. If you want to watch those movies purchased in iTunes on Android, only way to do that is sync your iTunes account with MoviesAnywhere.

 

[FFR]

And you’ve tried isyncr?

Any tv shows and movies purchased through itunes will not transfer with isyncr.

 

[mjschabow]

Ugh. These decisions.

My heart says try Samsung but my head says stay with Apple. Lol

 

[jamezr]

Ugh. These decisions.

My heart says try Samsung but my head says stay with Apple. Lol

lol...i go through the same thing all the time. I just bought an AW and have been loving it so far. didn't think I would use it as much as i have. I love that Apple products work so well together...then hate how restrictive they are at the same time lol

 

[mjschabow]

lol...i go through the same thing all the time. I just bought an AW and have been loving it so far. didn't think I would use it as much as i have. I love that Apple products work so well together...then hate how restrictive they are at the same time lol

Exactly!!!

 

[noobinator]

I'm a serial switcher and have been using an X with no moves back to Android for 4 months now. It must be a record for me.

@mjschabow I suspect you'd be unloading the S9+ relatively quickly once the new car smell wears off. It would be fun to tinker with but I don't think you (or me) are ready to make the permanent switch yet lol

 

[raqball]

Ugh. These decisions.

My heart says try Samsung but my head says stay with Apple. Lol

I currently have an X (prob going to sell it) and the S9 (non plus).. If continuity and handoff are important to you then options on Android are somewhat limited.

I use Pushbullet and it's sorta-kinda-maybe close.. There is a free version but it's limited. I have the paid version which is $40 a year and it does what I need it to do.

Something to consider if continuity and handoff are important features to you..

 

[mjschabow]

I'm a serial switcher and have been using an X with no moves back to Android for 4 months now. It must be a record for me.

@mjschabow I suspect you'd be unloading the S9+ relatively quickly once the new car smell wears off. It would be fun to tinker with but I don't think you (or me) are ready to make the permanent switch yet lol

I think you’re right. Maybe if I have enough money down the road I’ll carry both and use android as my fun play phone. Lol!

 

[jamezr]

I think you’re right. Maybe if I have enough money down the road I’ll carry both and use android as my fun play phone. Lol!

That is the best of both worlds so to speak. I always have both an iphone and Android phones. I just swap sims depending on which one I feel like using that day
You might see some great deals on the S9 in the coming months as the Note 9 release gets closer too