The new Samsung S9 and S9+ don’t look much different from the previous model, S8, and S8+. But, there are many changes and new features that may be worth considering for those who are thinking of an upgrade or a purchase.
The design on the front
The infinity display was introduced along with the S8’s release. The S9 continues to have an infinity display. They look alike, but when you compare S9 and S8 side by side, you will notice some differences. The S9 is slightly shorter, but thicker and heavier than the S8. These changes come from improvements in durability. There is stiffer aluminum in the chassis which offers 20% greater drop protection. And it uses a thicker glass for the display.
- Galaxy S8 – 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm ( 5.86 x 2.68 x 0.31-inch), 155g (5.36oz)
Galaxy S9 – 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm (5.81 x 2.70 x 0.33-inch), 163g (5.75 oz)
The design on the rear
The S8 has one on the right side of the camera, and this location causes you to touch the camera with your finger accidentally and leave your fingerprint on it. The fingerprint reader is now positioned below the rear camera. This location is less likely to smear the camera lens with your finger.
New Color
There is a new color, Lilac Purple in addition to Midnight Black and Coral Blue.
Display
The size of the display and its resolution hasn’t changed, but the S9 has improvement such as a 20% increase in brightness and class-leading color accuracy.
Landscape Mode
The home screen can rotate to landscape mode when you hold the phone sideways. But, it doesn’t happen by default. You need to configure. Press and hold any empty space on the home screen > tap Home screen settings > find Portrait mode only and turn it off
Dual aperture
There are numbers of new features in the S9’s camera. The 12MP rear camera has Dual aperture system which can switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 depending on brightness in the surroundings. The aperture f/1.5 is relatively wide for smartphone’s cameras. It allows you to take a picture in low-light condition. By default, it automatically switches based on the brightness of the surroundings. But, with Pro mode, you can control manually.
Super Slow-Motion Video
Super Slo-Mo shooting is another significant addition. This shooting mode stretches 0.2 seconds to 6 seconds when the resolution is set at 720p. The camera starts shooting the Slo-Mo video automatically when it detects motion.
Dual Lens camera on the S9+
The S9+ has dual lens camera on the rear. This secondary telephoto lens offers portrait effects using Live Focus and 2x optical zoom. Dual-lens cameras are equipped on the S9+ only. The S9 has a single lens.
Related post: Samsung Galaxy S9 Camera Tips andTricks
AR Emoji
You can create a 3D character based on your face and use it an avatar for messages apps and social networks. You can even create a video of the 3D character copying your facial expressions. To be honest, videos are kind of weird and creepy, but I found avatars useful. They would enhance the message apps and your social media pages. Click here to see more details.
Live Translation
You can translate languages by using phone’s camera. It’s one of the Bixby’s features with Augmented Reality technology. Open the camera app and point the camera to a sign, menu, or anything written in a language you don’t understand. Then, tap the eye icon in the lower left-hand corner and the T on the bottom of the screen. You will see the translated text on the phone. Please note that translations are not always accurate, but it’s helpful for a menu at a restaurant or street signs. And it requires an internet connection. Especially when you are in foreign countries, remember that you need to get either a SIM card or portable WiFi router to access the internet.
Bixby Vision
Live Translation is not the only feature that is using Augmented Reality with Bixby. In the same way as Live Translation, you can also view calorie counts of various foods or even apply makeup to your face. Virtual Reality is used mostly in the entertainment industry, and it requires at least a headset. It means you need to buy something to get started. On the other hand, Augmented Reality is getting into your life inconspicuously.
Intelligent Scan
The S8 has three methods to authenticate your identity. They are Iris Scanning, Facial Recognition, and Fingerprint Sensor. The S9 has the same. However, the S9 introduced Intelligent Scan, which utilizes Facial and Iris Scanning. The benefit of it is that you don’t have to pick one of them to unlock your phone. According to Samsung, Iris Scanning is difficult in direct sunlight, and Facial Recognition can be erratic at night. Thus, Intelligent Scan works throughout the day. Please note that Intelligent Scan can’t be used to authenticate payments. It’s for unlocking your device only.
Stereo Speakers
The S9 has stereo speakers tuned by AKG. One speaker is located on the top, and the other is located on the bottom of the device. According to Samsung, the new speakers are 1.4 times louder than ones in the S8. And the S9 also has Dolby Atmos technology. When you play Atmos-optimized contents, you feel the audio is surrounding you.
Related posts