Phone Review: Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Samsung

Strike a pose for one of the best smartphone cameras around. Equipped with dual 12-megapixel aperture lenses, and an AI mode that adjusts settings according to your subject matter, the Note 9’s camera takes some gorgeous shots. We spent hours messing with its emojis, backgrounds, live stickers, and its 8-megapixel selfie camera.

Note 9’s S Pen can be used to take pictures and switch cameras. You can also use it to control music, launch apps, and take notes. This Bluetooth-enabled stylus works, separated from the phone, for up to 30 minutes. Plugged back into the phone, it recharges within 40 seconds. David Lynch, the film director, once suggested that people shouldn’t watch movies on their f**king iPhones. A small screen size simply can’t do justice to a filmmaker’s vision, he argued. But on Note 9’s 6.4” screen, Lynch might make an exception. Colours leap to life on the Super AMOLED screen; shoot-em-up Fortnite Battle Royale looks incredible. Games on Samsung’s powerhouse phablet are a million years from the days of Snake.

Note 9 is a heavy device on account of its 4,000mAh battery, which ticks over for around 24 hours. It’s difficult to get to grips with, literally, and would benefit from a wrist strap. There’s a hefty €950 price for an entry-level Note 9 on prepay. That’s a lot of dough, but remember: this is less of a regular smartphone, more a super-computer for your pocket.
09/10