Buying a phone is always a bit of a risk. With new models being released so frequently, it can be tough to know whether you’re buying the right phone now, or if you should wait a while. Samsung is one of the biggest names on the mobile market, and if you’re looking for a large screened device, then you’re going to be looking at top end mobiles. But is it worth buying that big screened Galaxy S9+, or should you be waiting for the new Note 9?
The Basics
Let’s start off by saying that either of these models is likely to be a good choice, and both are going to be a big investment. Top end Samsung devices don’t come cheap. You’re going to get a solid build, glass and aluminum, plenty of power, a large screen, and tons of memory. You’re also going to be spending well over the $700 mark for either. Whilst the new Note 9 hasn’t yet been officially released, we can make some guesses as to what specs are going to look like, so let’s take a look at what these models are offering.
The Samsung Galaxy S9+
We’ll begin with what we actually know. The S9+ was released in March 2018, and has some hefty specs. You get octo core processing (a quad core 2.3 GHz unit and a quad core 1.7 GHz unit), and either 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM (on the 64 GB internal memory version or the 128 GB version respectively). You also get a 6.2 inch infinity display, meaning it curves around the edges rather than having a bezel. And that’s a Super AMOLED screen with 1440 x 2560 pixels, so around 529 PPI.
You’re also getting a 12 MP rear cam loaded down with features, and an 8 MP front cam. There’s WiFi, Bluetooth, 4G, all that good stuff. And there are two internal memory versions, either 64 GB or 128 GB, but an SD card slot allows you to add up to 256 GB of extra storage on either version. All in all, a pretty hard core mobile.
The Note 9
Now, we don’t have specs for the Note 9 yet, since it hasn’t actually been released. But we can make some solid guesses based on the differences between last years Galaxy Note 8. The Note 9 is likely to have the same high end screen, probably slightly larger than that of the S9+, but that’s not a certainty. You’re likely to see more power, with more RAM and processing power, as well as a larger internal memory version. There are rumours that the Note 9 is going to have dual rear cameras, but these are far from confirmed.
These aren’t life changing differences for most people, or aren’t likely to be anyway. However, one major difference between the Note series and the S series is the inclusion of the S pen. Designed to make the Note easier to use on the go, the S pen allows you to hand write on the Note’s screen, as well as offering shortcuts to apps and other features.
How Long is the Wait?
If you’re thinking about possibly waiting, then the wait isn’t likely to be a long one. The Note 9 is probably going to be announced officially in August and should be on shelves by September. So you’re looking at a couple of months or so.
What About Pricing?
Right now the Galaxy S9+ is selling for around 800. Obviously, we don’t have an exact price for the Note 9 yet. However, the Note is expected to sell for around $100 more, so that’s $880. Just as a reference, last year the Galaxy 7 Edge premiered at around $700, whilst the Note 8 went on sale for about $740, so there wasn’t a huge difference there. But all the rumours say that the Note 9 is likely to be a pricey bit of kit.
The Good and the Bad
Specs, price, and wait time aside, there are a couple of other concerns that you should keep in mind, one good and one bad.
When Samsung released the S9+ it came with a big new software upgrade, including the all new Samsung assistant Bixby. Given that this was such a big change from previous models there were some teething problems. But Samsung have had time to work things out, which means that the Note 9 is likely to offer a much more intuitive and overall smoother user experience.
On the downside, however, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the fate of the Note 7. For those of you with bad short term memories, the Note 7 showed a disturbing tendency to explode due to battery issues, and eventually had to be recalled and withdrawn from shelves. Of course, there’s no reason why the same thing should happen to the Note 9 (lightning can’t strike twice in the same place, right?). But it’s worth keeping in mind that even the best and most hyped devices can occasionally prove to be disappointments.
So, Should I Wait?
It’s a tough call, and really a personal decision. With either phone, you’re going to be getting a top end device that’s loaded down with features. If that S pen is what you’re looking for, then obviously you should wait. Business users, those that frequently take notes or memos, or even big email writers will probably profit from the S pen. If the pen isn’t a deal breaker for you, then there aren’t likely to be huge differences between the two so if you need the new phone, go for the S9+. There’s also the option to look around at some of the slightly cheaper models that are hitting the shelves soon, the Huawei P20 Plus leaked recently by Tiger Mobiles is coming very soon and might be a worthy competitor.
Having said that, the wait isn’t going to be a long one. So if you’ve got a current working mobile and you aren’t in a hurry to get a new one, it might be worth waiting just to see exactly what the Note 9 is going to give you.