Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. introduces the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ this month. The new phones are redesigned with a new Dual Aperture lens that powers an innovative low light camera, Super Slow-mo video capabilities and personalized AR Emoji.
First Impression – What’s New in Galaxy S9 and S9+ compared to S8 and S8+?
In terms of hardware, the most notable difference is the overall dimension and weight. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ is slightly shorter and wider than its predecessor making the device looks less elongated.
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ are also slightly thicker and heavier than the S8 and S8+. (S9/S9+ is 8.5mm thick and weighs 163g and 189g respectively, S8/S8+ is 8.0mm thick and weights 155g and 173g) . This is probably due to the new Super Speed Dual Pixel 12MP AF camera sensor with OIS (F1.5/F2.4) used in the Galaxy S9 and S9+. Despite the slight difference in the overall dimension, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ shared the same display size of the Galaxy S8 and S8+.
The camera, which is the main selling point of this year’s Galaxy S9 and S9+, is packed with Samsung’s Dual Aperture (F1.5 / F2.4) that automatically lets in more light under low-light condition. Like Sony’s Xperia range of smartphones, Samsung has included Super Slow-mo features in Galaxy S9 and S9+ to allow users to take dramatic slow-motion video.
Having packed with new enhancement in Galaxy S9 and S9+, faster processors (10nm, 64-bit, Octa-core processor (2.7 GHz Quad + 1.7 GHz Quad) 10nm, 64-bit, and Octa-core processor (2.8 GHz Quad + 1.7 GHz Quad) respectively ) are used to power the devices.
Samsung adds AR Emoji in Galaxy S9 and S9+ which allows users to create an emoji that looks, sounds and acts like them. AR Emoji analyzes a 2D image of the user and maps out more than 100 facial features to create a 3D model that reflects and imitates expressions, like winks and nods, for true personalization.
Overall, my first impression on Galaxy S9 and S9+ – the phone looks and feels like the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Comparing the specifications, slight enhancement made in Galaxy S9 and S9+ may not attract consumers. Nonetheless, first impression may not do any justice to Samsung.
Price and Availability
The Galaxy S9 (64GB) is selling at SGD 1,198 whereas Galaxy S9+ is selling at SGD 1,348 (64GB)/SGD 1,498 (256GB). Pre-order commerce from 1 March 2018, Thursday 12pm.
Also published on Medium.