In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, and smartphones are becoming a predominant part of everyday lives, most consumers expect as much of a high-quality product, made to be as fast and technologically advanced as possible available to them. In the September of 2017, Apple claimed that they have made the best possible smartphone, that will set the stage for the next decade of smartphones. Now only a few months later, a new challenger arrives. Is Apple’s claim going to stand true? Will any phone be able to stand a chance against Samsung’s latest product, the Samsung Galaxy S9 (S9) and Galaxy S9+ (S9+)?

Samsung is no slouch.  They have presented us with a new smartphone containing some of the best technology available. To start off the phone is the design, which is very similar to last year’s Galaxy S8 (S8) design. The infinity display is making a return, and the organic OLED display is back once again with a resolution of 1440 x 2960p. On the S9, this translates to 568 ppi while on the S9+ it is 529 ppi. The S9 will also be increasing the screen brightness by approximately 15%. Both phones’ displays outcompete the iPhone X, Apple’s latest phone.

While the phone itself looks very similar to the S8, there are a few minor changes. One of these changes is the relocation of the fingerprint sensor to underneath the phone’s camera, a complaint from multiple S8 users last year. In addition to the fingerprint sensor, iris scanning will make a return and Samsung’s own version of Face ID will be available, making for a more versatile bio-technical phone. The bezels of the phone have also shrunk by the slightest bit on the S9 and S9+. Something that has not changed from the S8 to the S9 models is the headphone jack, which is still conveniently located on the bottom of the phone. Also in the sound industry for the S9 models is a bottom firing stereo speaker, which will be receiving help from the speaker grill (where you hear someone during phone calls) and the new Dolby Atmos in an attempt to create a more three dimensional listening experience. One more thing that will be making a return, despite users pleads is the Bixby button, which also means Bixby (Samsung’s voice assistant) is back. Besides a few software tweaks such as real-time language translation, ability to identify weather by looking at the sky with your phone, and keeping track of your calorie intake by pointing your phone at your food, Bixby will remain the same. The phone will have 3 colors in the U.S.A. known as midnight black, coral blue, and lilac purple.

Internally, the phone will be the first phone on the market with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor. In addition to that there are 4GB of ram, resulting in a 15%-30% improvement over the S8. The battery size is different on each phone, with the S9 having a 3000 mAH and the S9+ having 3500 mAH. You can charge these in numerous ways, including USB Type C with adaptive fast charging, or the option to use a wireless charging pad, with charging speeds faster than the S8’s according to Samsung. And to keep all these nice internals safe, the phone is rated at IP68 water/dust resistance. The most advertised part of the S9 models the camera has had some significant improvements. On the S9, you will receive a single lens camera whereas, on the S9+, you will have a dual-lens system, allowing for telephoto pictures, as well as portrait mode and more! Both cameras will sport the same features including Optic Image Stabilization, and becoming the first ever phone to do so, have an adjustable aperture to allow in more or less light. There are only two settings, F1.5 and F2.4. The cameras will be capable of 4K video at 60fps,  short bursts of 960fps 720p slow-motion recording, and of course, take stunning photos. Samsung has also created their own type of “animoji” which will render your face onto a virtual you, sort of like a Mii from Nintendo. The phones will be on sale March 16th, 2018. The S9 will cost $719.00, while the S9+ will cost $839.99.

It is without a doubt Samsung has out themselves again, exceeding many people expectations. Will this phone be enough to dominate the smartphone world? We will only know, this faithful March 16th. In the words of Austin Evans, a YouTube technology reviewer, “Now yes, it is not going to be a huge update over the Galaxy S8, but there are a lot of nice little improvements here that does actually add up to a pretty nice looking package.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=194URg0tkSg

What do you think of the Galaxy S9 and S9+? Make sure to vote on our poll based on your thoughts and expectations!!