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Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
...


9/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Note9 currently has an Informr score of 9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 100 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

The Note 9 offers one of the most refined Android phone experiences to date. While it’s not the most pocket-friendly release on the market, its excellent cameras, effortless performance, beautiful display, and useful stylus make it a powerful, flexible option for work and play alike -- albeit at a hefty price.

What's good

  • Stunning display
  • Blazing performance
  • Great cameras
  • Tons of storage
  • microSD support
  • Bluetooth LE-enabled S Pen
  • Stereo speakers
  • All-day battery

What's bad

  • Fingerprint magnet
  • Price
  • Bloatware

Samsung’s Note series has always ruled the top of the large phone charts -- apart from the Note 7 and its battery issues. But as phones continue to get larger with each generation, the lines between typical phones and phablets blur. The Note 9 packs a ton of features and beautiful design into a capable package. But it also bumps the price into the high three-figure, low four-figure range depending on your region. This begs the question, is it worth it?

The phone uses the same glass and metal chassis as the Galaxy S9 and S9+ with smooth, curved edges and soft corners. There is a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and integrated stylus holster on the bottom edge. For the first time, the S-Pen stylus is also color matched to the phone in most color variants.

Overall, reviewers loved the design though many noted it wasn’t much different from the Note 8. If you are bothered by smudges and fingerprints, you’ll want a case. The phone is a fingerprint magnet. But otherwise, the various color options pleased most reviewers. It’s also quite large despite the thinner form factor. Those with smaller hands might find one-handed use difficult.

Around front, you’re greeted by a 6.4-inch 1440-by-2960 pixel Super AMOLED Infinity display with HDR support. The software allows resolution switching for better battery life. But even in the lower resolution modes, the display offers ample detail, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. HDR support also takes Netflix and Amazon video to the next level though there are few HDR video options on the mobile front just yet.

You’ll find either a 2.8Ghz octa-core Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 processor powering the phone depending on your region. Whether you are multitasking for work, checking emails, or playing the latest games, reviews indicate that performance is stellar. Depending on the variant you choose, you’ll find 6GB to 8GB of RAM -- more than enough for power users and casual users alike.

The Note 9 offers some of the largest internal storage options available. With 128 or 512GB of internal storage and microSD support up to 512GB, you should never need to worry about running out of room for apps, games, or media.

The phone ships with Android 8.1 Oreo and the Samsung Experience 9 skin. There’s no mention yet if the phone will see an update to Android 9 Pie. Reviewers found the interface easy to use and while Samsung adds a lot to the stock Android experience, most of it is well-received. There’s a fair bit of bloatware, however. So be prepared to spend time uninstalling or disabling apps for a while if you’re not a fan.

As with most Samsung phones, the cameras on the Note 9 are some of the best available on the mobile market. The dual-lens rear camera features a 12MP adjustable aperture normal lens and 12MP telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom. 

Both include optical image stabilization. Combined with the phone’s intelligent scene detection, reviewers found the camera captured excellent images in a variety of lighting conditions. While it wasn’t as strong as the Huawei P20 Pro in low-light, it offers an experience that should delight anyone.

Other features include 4K video recording and 960FPS slow-motion recording. While the features work great, reviewers recommend plenty of light and a steady hand for slow-motion recording.

The 8MP front-facing lens also impressed and is more than enough for snapping selfies or enjoying a video chat with friends and family.

While many of the changes in the Note 9 are incremental compared to previous models, the S-Pen sees a major update introducing Bluetooth LE support. This means that the pen works all of its typical stylus magic while also functioning as a remote. Out of the box, the S Pen can activate the camera, snap pictures, control playback in YouTube or Spotify apps, and more. Additional integrations are expected soon as Samsung only recently released support for the feature to developers.

For video and music lovers, the Note 9 offers speakers that can match the visual splendor of the screen. Stereo speakers tuned by AKG crank out plenty of well-balanced and surprisingly rich sound while and a 3.5mm headphone jack means you can connect your favorite cans for private listening.

The phone includes one of the largest batteries available at 4000mAh. USB Type-C Quick Charge support and wireless charging also make it easy to top off the phone should you run low on power. However, reviewers had no problems hitting a full day of use on a single charge. Many estimated you could reach a day and a half with lighter use.

If you don’t mind the price, reviewers unanimously recommend the Note 9. Pocket-Lint says, “It's the S Pen that will be the biggest consideration when deciding if the Note 9 is the device for you…” Mobile Syrup praises Samsung’s latest release, saying, “The Note 9 truly is one of the first Android devices I can confidently state is nearly perfect as long as you're fond of big phones.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.8 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.8 GHz
6.4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6.4"
12+ MP, f/2.4
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/2.4
4000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is a brilliant smartphone with a lot of top-end features. It could easily be the number one choice for people who are willing to spend as much as it takes to have the latest and greatest features.

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
BGR
BGR

I would like to reiterate the fact that the Galaxy Note 9 is still a beast of a device. The S Pen fans will appreciate the fact that the smartphone allows them to jot down quick notes, doodle or even use it to remotely control media playback, click photos and selfies, control presentations, and more...

- Ritesh Bendre, BGR
Ubergizmo
Ubergizmo

The data shows that the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is the best low-light smartphone camera on the market, producing natural-looking photos with excellent data quality. For many users, low-light is where the real battleground is. Samsung uses much less filtering than its near competitors to produce photos...

- Hubert Nguyen, Ubergizmo
DxOMark
DxOMark

Enhancing the autofocus system and the HDR rendering over the S9+, Samsung has improved what was already a top-performing front-facing camera on the Note 9. Neither the autofocus nor the HDR is perfect, so there’s still work to do, but it pushes the development of selfie cameras in the right directi...

- Paul Carroll, DxOMark
Coolsmartphone
Coolsmartphone

It’s just a truly gorgeous screen to look at, with a fantastic feel in the hand ( improved in a case). The battery lasted me the whole day with plenty to spare at bedtime. The 3.5mm headphone jack is still here and even though the S Pen has its own silo, the device is still fully waterproof. The S P...

- Ian Furlong, Coolsmartphone


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy Note9 user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Galaxy Note9 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy Note9 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
6.4"

The Samsung Galaxy Note9's screen size is 6.4 inches with 1440 x 2960 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.8 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SDM845 Octa core 2.8 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 8.1 Oreo (Update Available: 10) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/2.4 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
128/512 GB

Internal memory is 128/512 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 512 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
4000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 4000 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 2280 minutes, 756 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Note9 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 24, 2018
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 8.1 Oreo (Update Available: 10)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SDM845 Octa core 2.8 GHz
Internal Storage 128/512 GB
RAM 6/8 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.27 W/kg
Body: 0.76 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Headphones, Data Cable, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 512 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/2.4
Zoom
2x optical, 10x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, White balance, Dual camera feature (12 MP 2nd camera), Slow motion recording, Time lapse mode, HDR
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 60 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Auto focus, Aperture F1.7
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1440 x 2960 pixels
Pixel Density 516 pixels
Size 6.4 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, HDR, Infinity Display
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 1260 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 756 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 676 minutes
Talk Time Up to 2280 minutes
Standby Time Up to 12 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Ocean Blue, Lavender Purple, Midnight Black, Metallic Copper, Cloud Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 16.19 x 7.64 x 0.88 cm (6.4 x 3 x 0.3 in)
Weight 201 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 68
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Samsung SM-N960U

Additional Sensors: Iris sensor, Barometer, HR sensor, Pressure Sensor

Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Note9 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Note9
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