Samsung Galaxy Note9 (8GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9, scoring 92 in DXOMARK’s front camera tests, excels with its 8MP autofocus sensor, delivering sharp images, accurate face exposure, and good noise reduction. Key strengths include a wide dynamic range in bright scenes and pleasant, natural skin tones. Conversely, the camera struggles with low-contrast, "flat" HDR rendering, occasional color casts, and visible color shading in various lighting conditions. Video performance features good exposure and detail, yet suffers from exposure instability, autofocus hunting, and noticeable "steps" in lighting adjustments.

The HotHardware review hails the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a refined, high-performance Android device featuring a stunning 6.4-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED display and a corrected, ergonomic fingerprint sensor. It is powered by the Snapdragon 845 processor and features a significantly upgraded 4,000mAh battery that sets new longevity benchmarks, along with a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen that acts as a wireless remote. While praised for its performance, the phone is noted for having a slippery, "fingerprint magnet" glass body and launching with an older Android 8.1 version. Additionally, the dual-aperture camera occasionally produces inconsistent video stabilization, and the dedicated Bixby button remains a minor annoyance for users.

Consumer Reports ranked the Samsung Galaxy Note9 as its top-rated smartphone, highlighting exceptional battery life (29 hours in tests), a superior 6.4-inch OLED display, and high durability. Key pros included a versatile, Bluetooth-enabled S Pen and a camera system with fast autofocus, though photos in very dim lighting showed slight darkness. Despite its premium performance, the device's high cost, large size, and weight were noted as potential drawbacks for some users.

Android Headlines describes the 2018 Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as an "evolutionary" device that delivers a "full-featured, well-rounded" experience, boasting an industry-leading 6.4-inch display, improved 4,000mAh battery, and a versatile S Pen. The review praises the 128GB base storage and the retention of the headphone jack, marking it as a top choice for power users. Key cons include the high $1,000 price point, the inclusion of older Android 8.1 software at launch, and a sometimes inconsistent "Scene Optimizer" camera feature. Despite these points, the phone is deemed "almost too good," overcoming previous limitations with faster charging, a better-placed fingerprint sensor, and enhanced DeX functionality.

PCWorld describes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a powerful, feature-rich device tailored for power users, featuring a superior 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a largely familiar design similar to the Note 8. Key advantages include a large 4,000mAh battery, 128GB base storage, and a new Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. Despite these strengths, the review notes the high price, recycled camera hardware, and lack of significant innovation as drawbacks.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is positioned as a "super flagship," featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a 4,000mAh battery that delivers all-day usage. Key advantages include the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, the retention of the headphone jack, and a relocated fingerprint sensor. Performance is driven by the Snapdragon 845, while the camera offers dual-aperture capability and AI-driven scene optimization. Criticisms focus on the high $1,000 starting price and lack of revolutionary design changes compared to the Note 8. The device features outdated Quick Charge 2.0, causing slower charging speeds, and retains the frequently criticized, non-remappable Bixby button. Additionally, the phone launched with Android 8.1 Oreo, lagging behind the contemporary Android 9 Pie release.

The GearBrain review highlights the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a "no-holds-barred flagship" featuring a superior 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a liquid-cooled processor for intense performance. Pros include massive 1TB potential storage, the versatile Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, a long-lasting battery, and smart home control via the SmartThings app. Cons center on its large, heavy, and cumbersome design, a fingerprint-prone glass body, and a bloated software UI with duplicate applications.

SamMobile characterizes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as "power user perfection," featuring a stunning 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a significant 4,000 mAh battery for all-day endurance. Key pros include the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for remote functionality, top-tier performance with the Exynos 9810/Snapdragon 845, and a 512GB storage option. The device also boasts an improved water carbon cooling system and a refined camera, despite the high $1,000 price point and a somewhat high-placed fingerprint sensor.

The Business Insider review positions the $1,000 Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a premium "powerhouse" justified by its all-in-one capabilities, featuring a top-tier 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a corrected, accessible fingerprint scanner. Key advantages include the versatile Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, robust performance with the Snapdragon 845, and a high-performing dual-camera system with AI scene optimization. Conversely, the device is criticized for the non-remappable Bixby button, a 4,000 mAh battery that lacks expected longevity, slow wired charging, and a large, unwieldy form factor.

The TechCrunch review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a refined, performance-focused device for power users that improves on its predecessor through a 4,000mAh battery, a 6.4-inch display, and a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. Pros include this enhanced battery life, top-tier display, and improved, lower fingerprint sensor placement, while cons focus on the high $1,000 price point and lack of significant design innovation. Despite its power, the large, heavy form factor makes it difficult for one-handed use, and the Bixby software experience remains limited, making it a "phablet to beat" only for those willing to pay for premium specs.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is praised as a "no-compromise" flagship, featuring a 4,000 mAh battery, a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, and a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. Key strengths include top-tier performance with the Snapdragon 845, 1TB storage capability, and a refined camera system. However, the $1,000 price point and lack of a new design are notable drawbacks, with the device launching on older Android 8.1 software. The persistent, un-remappable Bixby button remains a point of frustration for users. MashableUltimately, Mashable positions the Note 9 as the most feature-complete, albeit expensive, Android phone for power users. Mashable

PCMag reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, calling it a powerful, feature-rich productivity phone and an Editors' Choice, praising its large battery and unique S Pen. The defining feature is the S Pen stylus with Bluetooth Low Energy for remote control, noted for its precision and "screen off memo" feature. Pros include a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display (rated A+) and a 4,000mAh battery providing exceptional battery life, along with a Snapdragon 845 processor, extensive storage options, excellent call quality, and a headphone jack. Cons include its high launch cost (around $1,000), large size and weight, a non-remappable Bixby button, launching with Android 8.1 instead of Pie, and sometimes underwhelming AI camera features.

review, The is described as a feature-rich device -inch Super AMOLED screen,, mAh battery offering all-day power, and a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen that serves as a wireless remote. However, the phone's significant size makes it difficult to handle, and the software experience is slightly hindered by the Bixby assistant and Oreo OS at launch. The review concludes that is a solid, albeit expensive, upgrade for users who need a stylus and productivity features like DeX, its size and cost may be excessive for average users. The Guardian + g Inch Smartphone£ ( k) £ & ( k)

WIRED describes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a "superphone" featuring a large 4,000mAh battery that lasts a full day and an A+-rated Super AMOLED display. The S Pen stylus includes Bluetooth LE for remote control functions. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 845 processor with improved cooling and offers substantial storage starting at 128GB, expandable via microSD. WIRED notes the high price, lack of 5G support, and cumbersome size as drawbacks, along with outdated software (Android 8.1 Oreo) and an intrusive Bixby button.

Tom's Guide described the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as the "best big-screen phone" for power users, highlighting its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and the new Bluetooth-enabled S Pen as key strengths. Pros included a large 4,000 mAh battery, a Snapdragon 845 processor with enhanced cooling, 128GB base storage, and an AI-enhanced dual-lens camera with "Flaw Detection". Cons noted were its high $999 starting price, heavy design, battery life slightly short of some rivals in specific tests, a non-remappable Bixby button, and a camera not considered the absolute best in its class in all conditions.

According to a CNET review, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is a powerful superphone for users desiring many features in one device, notable for its large 4,000mAh battery, at least 128GB of storage, 6.4-inch display, and Bluetooth S Pen. However, its high launch price of $1,000, lack of significant innovation over the Note 8, poorly placed fingerprint reader, slower AI camera tools, and locked Bixby button are identified as cons. CNET concludes the Note 9 is a safe refinement lacking cutting-edge features like an in-screen fingerprint reader, suggesting that unless the S Pen is essential or the user is upgrading from an older phone, waiting for a successor might be preferable due to the cost.

TechRadar’s review describes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a premium "power user" phone with a high price and only minor upgrades over its predecessor. The phone features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, a 4,000mAh battery, robust performance, and up to 1TB of storage, along with stereo speakers and IP68 water resistance. Key features include a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for remote control and a dual-aperture camera good in low light, though the AI can over-process images. Drawbacks include its large size, older Android software, and the Bixby button.