Samsung Galaxy Note9 review: Plans | Pricing | Specs

-
- Battery Score
4.5
- Camera Score
4
- Design Score
3.5
- Performance Score
4
- Battery Score
4.5
Summary
The Galaxy Note9 is the next evolution of Samsung’s smartphone vision, but its high price could turn you away.
- Impressive battery life
- Bluetooth Stylus works well
- Up to 1TB of storage with microSD
- DeX is super-simple now and works well
- The premium price will make it unachievable for many
- Rear fingerprint scanner is still awkward
- Bixby still can’t compete with other assistants
Details
Pricing & Availability
Launch price (RRP) | $1,499 |
Launch date | 2018-08 |
Samsung’s second flagship smartphone release for the year, the Galaxy Note9, is the biggest phone the company has ever released. It has the biggest screen on a Galaxy smartphone, the biggest battery in a Samsung phone and the biggest internal storage capacity option the company has ever offered.
All that size has to come at a price though, so it’s no surprise that the Note9 also has the highest price we've seen from a Samsung device, with the 512GB variant selling for $1,799 at launch, a price tag you might associate with a decent quality full-size laptop.
The good news is there’s a lot of justification for that price tag in terms of performance and features. The biggest question you'll face when considering the Note9 is whether the features Samsung is using to differentiate the Note9 from its other flagship, the Galaxy S9+, are worth it for your needs.
Design
- Stunning 6.4-inch display.
- Bright yellow S-Pen on Blue variant not for everybody.
- Heavy for a smartphone, but sleek.

Camera
- AI shooting modes work, with variable impact.
- Default camera otherwise identical to S9 Plus.
- AR Emoji is still dumb.

Performance
- Similar performance to the Galaxy S9.
- Up to 1TB of storage is epic.
- DeX is massively improved.

S-Pen
- Low-energy Bluetooth gives remote control of your phone.
- Fully charges in 40 seconds.

Battery life
- Biggest battery Samsung has ever put in a phone.
- Top-shelf battery life.
- Most tested battery ever.

Verdict
- A seriously impressive device.
- For the price, the Galaxy S9+ may be better value, depending on your needs.
Pricing and availability
- Price: ~$800 - $900
- Where to buy: The Good Guys | eBay | Kogan
Compare Samsung Galaxy Note9 plans
Specifications
Display
Camera
Physical Dimensions
Connectivity
Power, storage and battery
Device features
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Nick Finder
Group publisher
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