Samsung Galaxy Note9 (8GB + 128GB) review. Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartphones and if it's worth buying.
Overall score
What it is: An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score components:
90.0%
Technical Score
10.0%
User score
Technical Score
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
User score
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity

(Reviews last updated: Mar 2026)
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.
#65 in Best Samsung Phones
#131 in Best Smartphones Under £250
#206 in Best Smartphones Under £300
#208 in Best Camera Smartphones
#305 in Best Smartphones Under £400
#360 in Best Smartphones Under £500
#394 in Best Value Smartphones
#510 in Best Android Smartphones
#520 in Best NFC Smartphones
#547 in Best AI Smartphones
#548 in Best Smartphones
#1042 in Best Battery Life Smartphones
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity

(Reviews last updated: Mar 2026)
What it is: An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score components:
60.0%
Overall score
40.0%
Price
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >256 GB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3.2 GHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >4000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 8+
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >950 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >700
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >2500
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >6000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >8000
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >5000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1800
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3200 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 5
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: > 50 GB/s
Importance: LOW
Good value: 4
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >16 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <6 nm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >9 W
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >8192 KB
Importance: LOW
Good value: >2048 KB
Importance: LOW
Good value: >512 KB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >100000 million
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.3
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.2
Importance: LOW
Good value: 2.0/3.0
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
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Importance: LOW
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Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
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Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >50 MP
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥1.2 µm
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2.5x
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >16 MP
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >130
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >120
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >5.2
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.1/3.2
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >400 ppi
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >300 Hz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1300 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1000 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60 W
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <45 min
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >40 W
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: >10 W
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥3
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: <162 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <75 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <8 mm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <190 g
Importance: LOW
Good value: <98cm³
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥1.5 m
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >8
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >400 ppi
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2.5x
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥3
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >256 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >16 GB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >950 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3200 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
(Reviews last updated: Mar 2026)
(Reviews last updated: Mar 2026)
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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,...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
According to a 2018 review, The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is described as a feature-rich device with a high-quality 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen, a large 4,000mAh 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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
According to the Spiegel Online review, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is a top-tier "power user" device featuring a superior 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, improved battery life, and a versatile, Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. Key benefits include the new, more ergonomic rear fingerprint sensor and convenient DeX mode functionality. However, the device's high, luxury-tier price point is a...Read more
Handyhase characterizes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a premium "powerhouse" designed for all-day productivity, highlighting its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, 4,000 mAh battery, and Bluetooth-enabled S Pen as standout features. Key performance pros include the powerful processor, excellent display quality, and retention of a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot, though it is noted...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is reviewed by Heise as a powerful "workhorse" featuring a 6.4-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display and a 4,000 mAh battery, delivering significant performance upgrades despite a lack of aesthetic innovation. Key improvements include a re-positioned fingerprint sensor, a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for remote functions, and easier DeX desktop connectivity. While...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is characterized as a "powerhouse" that refines the Note 8's formula, featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for remote control functionality. Key performance improvements include a 4,000 mAh battery, a water-carbon cooling system, and a dual-camera system with variable aperture. Despite these strengths, the device has a...Read more
According to the Spiegel Online review, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is a top-tier "power user" device featuring a superior 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, improved battery life, and a versatile, Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. Key benefits include the new, more ergonomic rear fingerprint sensor and convenient DeX mode functionality. However, the device's high, luxury-tier price point is a...Read more
Handyhase characterizes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a premium "powerhouse" designed for all-day productivity, highlighting its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, 4,000 mAh battery, and Bluetooth-enabled S Pen as standout features. Key performance pros include the powerful processor, excellent display quality, and retention of a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot, though it is noted...Read more
According to a 30-day review on Xataka, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is lauded for its "beast" performance, highlighting exceptional build quality and a top-tier 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display. Key strengths include the versatile Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, a robust 4,000 mAh battery that easily lasts a full day, and a capable dual-camera system with strong low-light performance. However,...Read more
The Gadgerss review portrays the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a refined, top-tier device featuring a superior 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and improved ergonomics, including a better-placed fingerprint sensor and AKG-tuned stereo speakers. Key pros highlighted include the S Pen's new Bluetooth functionality for remote control, robust performance, a large 4,000 mAh battery, and a...Read more
According to a 30-day review on Xataka, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is lauded for its "beast" performance, highlighting exceptional build quality and a top-tier 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display. Key strengths include the versatile Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, a robust 4,000 mAh battery that easily lasts a full day, and a capable dual-camera system with strong low-light performance. However,...Read more
The Gadgerss review portrays the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a refined, top-tier device featuring a superior 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and improved ergonomics, including a better-placed fingerprint sensor and AKG-tuned stereo speakers. Key pros highlighted include the S Pen's new Bluetooth functionality for remote control, robust performance, a large 4,000 mAh battery, and a...Read more
The August 2018 review from Wired characterizes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as an "extreme" evolution, focusing on massive internal upgrades—including a 4,000 mAh battery and up to 1TB storage—rather than a radical redesign. The device is highlighted as a high-performance, 6.4-inch "powerhouse" with a vastly improved, Bluetooth-enabled S Pen that functions as a remote control. Key...Read more
In his review for AndreaGaleazzi.com, Andrea Galeazzi highlights the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a top-tier phablet, emphasizing the refined design with improved fingerprint sensor placement and the highly functional, Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. The device shines with a superb 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and an excellent camera system, though the 4,000 mAh battery performance fell...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is a high-performance device featuring a 6.4-inch Infinity Display and a 4,000mAh battery that addresses previous endurance issues. The S Pen now features Bluetooth, enabling useful remote control functions, though the camera hardware is largely similar to the S9 Plus and lacks 4K HDR video. While offering massive storage options and a refined, ergonomic...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is positioned as a refined "super flagship" featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a water-carbon cooling system, focusing on high-performance essentials like 8GB RAM, 128GB base storage, and a large 4,000 mAh battery. Key strengths include the enhanced Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, a dual 12MP camera with variable aperture, and the retention of the 3.5mm...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is characterized as a high-substance flagship that refines the Note 8, featuring a refined design with a improved rear fingerprint sensor and a top-tier 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display. Key strengths include the new Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for remote functionality and a significantly larger 4,000 mAh battery that resolves previous longevity issues. However,...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is positioned as a luxury, high-productivity tool designed to challenge the iPhone XS Max, featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a significantly upgraded Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. Key advantages include a robust 4,000 mAh battery that easily lasts a full day under heavy usage, top-tier performance, and the retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack....Read more
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is identified as a top-tier, "no-compromise" smartphone, featuring a 6.4-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED display, a 4,000 mAh battery, and high-fidelity stereo speakers. Key advancements include the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, which acts as a remote control, and a dual 12MP camera with variable aperture and AI scene optimization. Despite strong performance, the device...Read more
The TuttoAndroid review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 highlights the device as a refined, productivity-focused "workhorse" featuring a massive 4,000 mAh battery and a Bluetooth-enabled S-Pen for remote functions. Top-tier hardware, including an Exynos 9810 processor and a superior 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, makes it a, high-performance, durable, and highly storage-capable device...Read more
The August 2018 review from Wired characterizes the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as an "extreme" evolution, focusing on massive internal upgrades—including a 4,000 mAh battery and up to 1TB storage—rather than a radical redesign. The device is highlighted as a high-performance, 6.4-inch "powerhouse" with a vastly improved, Bluetooth-enabled S Pen that functions as a remote control. Key...Read more
In his review for AndreaGaleazzi.com, Andrea Galeazzi highlights the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a top-tier phablet, emphasizing the refined design with improved fingerprint sensor placement and the highly functional, Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. The device shines with a superb 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and an excellent camera system, though the 4,000 mAh battery performance fell...Read more
Tweakers identifies the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as a refined, high-end "power user" device featuring a top-tier 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, significant performance capabilities, and a 4,000 mAh battery. Notable pros include the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, retained headphone jack, microSD support, and improved ergonomic design with stereo speakers. However, the review highlights the...Read more
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