Samsung Galaxy S9 / S9 +
With the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus, Samsung is sending two new top smartphone models into the ring, the main focus of which is primarily on the camera equipment. Using a variable aperture, low-light photos should be even better. At the same time, the main camera enables so-called super slow-mo slow-motion recordings that capture up to 960 images per second.
Display
Before we get to the main features, let's take a quick look at the display. Compared to the previous year's model, the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, there are no new features. The Infinity display still has a diagonal of 5.8 or 6.2 inches and has a high-resolution 2960 x 1440 pixels. As usual, a Super AMOLED panel is used as the display type, which is characterized by particularly high luminance, strong color rendering and a high contrast ratio.
Performance
Samsung has again decided to release the Galaxy S9 model series with different processor equipment. In Europe, the Galaxy S9 will be available with an Exynos 9810 processor. In other regions, especially the USA, the smartphone with Qualcomm's high-end processor "Snapdragon 845" will appear. A performance difference will hardly be noticeable in everyday life, as both processors belong to the current high-end class. The Exynos 9810 consists of a total of 8 processor cores. Divided into two clusters, 4 cores clock at 2.9 GHz and 4 cores at 1.9 GHz. The processor graphics of the SoC is a Mali-G72 MP18 GPU, which can also cope with particularly demanding mobile games. The storage equipment amounts to a 4GB or 6GB (S9 +) large main memory and an internal, 64GB or 256GB UFS2.1 memory, which can also be expanded with a memory card.
Camera
Last year, Samsung focused on the display. This year it is the camera that has received a decent upgrade. Among other things, Samsung has improved the ability to record in poor lighting conditions. The variable aperture (F1.5 / F2.4) of the main camera, which has a resolution of 12 megapixels, adapts to the light conditions in a similar way to the human eye. As a result, images are taken in sharp focus and yet not overexposed. Optical image stabilization (OIS) ensures shake-free photo and video recordings. A laser autofocus is responsible for precise and fast focusing.
The Galaxy S9 Plus offers an additional 12 megapixel image sensor with an F2.4 aperture and a double telephoto zoom lens. Effective portrait shots are possible with the “live focus” and the associated bokeh effect.
Another highlight is the slow-mo slow-motion recording mode. Exciting moments can be recorded with up to 960 frames per second and in HD (720p). In addition, automatic motion detection enables the moment to be captured within a predefined area. In the subsequent video editing, users can add the appropriate background music from various melody options or from their favorite playlist. GIFs can be created in three styles at the push of a button. The front camera has a resolution of 8 megapixels, has an F1.7 aperture and focuses using an autofocus.
AR Emojis, Bixby and others
With the help of face recognition, your own face becomes an emoji. Thanks to deep learning algorithms, a comprehensive 2D model is created from a 3D image, which reproduces up to 100 different facial features. Whether smiling or winking, the individual emoji hits almost every emotional moment. In order to let others participate, the personal emojis can be shared as GIF on all common platforms.
Also on board is Bixby, the more or less smart Samsung Assistant. It has not experienced many innovations and is still in the shadow of the Google Assistant or Apple's Siri. The so-called DeX station turns the smartphone into a desktop PC. Inserted horizontally in the DeX station, the Galaxy S9 starts a Windows-like user interface, which enables practical desktop operation. Whether writing or browsing the web, with the DeX station, which now also displays in 2560 x 1440 pixels, the smartphone becomes a workstation. A combination of face and iris recognition enables the smartphone to be unlocked securely. A stereo speaker system from AKG delivers crystal-clear Dolby Atmos sound.
Price and sales start
Both Samsung Galaxy S9 models appear in the colors “Midnight Black”, “Lilac Purple” and “Coral Blue”. The RRP of the Galaxy S9 is €849. The larger Galaxy S9 Plus is priced at €949. Both models are available in a single-SIM and dual-SIM variant. The price surcharge for the larger 256GB memory is €100. Pre-orders have already started today. Samsung states the delivery date as March 16, 2018.
