How Samsung's New Galaxy Note 9 Measures Up to Apple's Rumored 2018 iPhone Lineup

[Gilligan's last elephant]

I prefer to think of the iPad as a PC alternative, and it works for me because a PC has never really been able to do everything I needed it to do in the first place. Specifically, I like my iPad for its portability, ease of use and battery life. I like that I don't have to wrestle with a legacy desktop OS, or bloated desktop apps, and am more comfortable with iOS these days.

To use an analogy, I had been using a screwdriver (a conventional PC) to hammer in nails because the hammer (the iPad in this case) hadn't been invented yet. Sure, there are tradeoffs, but in general, an iPad suits me better for what I do as a teacher. I have an iMac at home for heavy lifting, a school-issued HP Elite tablet PC that I really only use for relief planning (because google docs still sucks on iOS), but for classroom teaching, it's my iPad all the way. The Apple Pencil offers a great writing experience, my Apple TV frees me up to roam around the classroom, apps like notability are a steal for the utility they provide, and I really like its thin and light form factor.

If I sound like a cult acolyte, well, how can I not be a fanboy, when my Apple products are working so well for me?

Thanks for the afternoon entertainment

 

[Abazigal]

Thanks for the afternoon entertainment

Glad to have been of service.

 

[BigSky20]

For me, the Note 9 is a non-starter based on the color options available in the US for a professional work environment. I am not going to pull my yellow S-pen out of my bright blue phone or a lavender S-pen out of my lavender phone in a business meeting. The lack of a base color model baffles me. Maybe they are holding it back until the next iPhone is announced??

 

[Wando64]

There are ways around this (documents app, icab browser on iPad, workflow app), but I can see how this can be frustrating for someone expecting this sort of functionality to come out of the box.

Yes, but it is mostly “out of the box”.
If you activate the “Save to Files” option in the Share menu you can save most files to your iPad for later use.
[doublepost=1535385644][/doublepost]

I thought Apple stuff "just works".

OK, look, I say it one last time then I am out of here.
You CAN save files from the web to your iPad.
If you have a real need to do so and don’t know how to do it, just post a request for help in the iOS forum.
On the other side i don’t have time for people that are here just to try to make a point when they have none.
Goodbye. Adios.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

Yes, but it is mostly “out of the box”.
If you activate the “Save to Files” option in the Share menu you can save most files to your iPad for later use.
[doublepost=1535385644][/doublepost]

OK, look, I say it one last time then I am out of here.
You CAN save files from the web to your iPad.
If you have a real need to do so and don’t know how to do it, just post a request for help in the iOS forum.
On the other side i don’t have time for people that are here just to try to make a point when they have none.
Goodbye. Adios.

I wasn't the person that said it didn't work out if the box. I'm the person that posed, isn't it supposed to work out of the box.

 

[chagla]

Android approach to files is not cluttered as in IOS when it comes to user files. Ever try attaching a file to email on ios device? Not pictures, files.

The one plus has got note expensive over the years as the hardware improved. In the beginning it was dirt cheap.
[doublepost=1535287925][/doublepost]
It’s clutter. If I delete an app I want everything go. I don’t want random relics to remain.

 

[lowendlinux]

You guys never get tired of this do you?

Same youtubers and the same posters making pretty much the same comments. The new A processor will be faster than the new SD, graphics on the A will likely be faster also beyond that everything else is subjective. If you have lots of Apple stuff iPhone will always be better, if you can make use of the niche stuff the Note does there is no substitute.

 

[Rocko99991]

Comparing the Note to dummy phones not released is funny.

 

[kstotlani]

Why would you waste your money if you don’t like Samsung.

Just to try it once. I am always attracted by the design but somehow Android is the deterrent. The split screen of note series is an amazing feature I feel iPhones should have.

 

[Fandroid killer]

Hahahaha. So the only way for Samsung to compete is to compare 2018 iPhones to 2019 Samsung’s, that’s supposed to be fair.

But I agree the s9/note 9 are dated and the s10 should get rid of the extra bezels on the display.

If you knew the history of tech, you would know that apple released their phone first. Then Samsung released their version in response. It has been like that since. So yes, it is fair to compare the 2019 Samsung phones that launch a few months after apples 2018 iPhones. Otherwise, I would use your logic and say it's unfair to compare the iPhone that launches 8 months after the S line, simply because one is launched more than half a year earlier. The s10 is Samsung's response to the September 2018 iPhones. The note series was meant to provide a phone for the big screen lovers, not to compete with apples next release.

 

[Abazigal]

Android approach to files is not cluttered as in IOS when it comes to user files. Ever try attaching a file to email on ios device? Not pictures, files.

Pretty straightforward for me. Why?

 

[inscrewtable]

I can't believe how hard some of us are working at this argument. Like it if you like it. Hate it if you don't. I actually don't care. The original argument was that a Samsung screen has edge glare and an Apple screen does not. The evidence offered was of the typical & extreme variety: cherry-picked extremes to try to support that as hard as it can be implied. Anyone can hop right over to Apple's own website, look at Apple's own hand-picked images of their latest & greatest flagship and see- first hand- that Apple themselves chooses to use photos that show edge glare on not one but TWO sides. In fact, Apple has ALWAYS chosen to showcase all Apple phones with various forms of glare applied, instead of striving for imagery that strongly supports the glare-free angle so passionately being pushed in this sidebar.

Curved screen or flat screen is matter of opinion- like Apple logo being on a phone vs. a Samsung logo, S-pen inside or Pencil outside, headphone jack or dongle tail, etc. I made no argument that curved is better or worse than flat, nor no argument that Samsung is better or worse than Apple. I simply pointed out that edge glare is not unique to Samsung phones or Samsung curved screen phones by referencing Apple's own hand-picked imagery of their own flagship phones showing edge glare on TWO sides. Again, regardless of how many times a crowd of us wants to try to keep hammering on this point, anyone still reading this sidebar (anyone? anyone? Bueller? Bueller?) can hop right over to Apple's own website, peruse Apple's own hand-picked images to showcase iPhone X and notice the glare on 2 edges with their own eyes right this second. The link

And thanks for going to the trouble to making a little visual for an apparent inferior mind like mine. Unfortunately, I have a bunch of actual Apple products of this ilk. As such, I have plenty of experience with taking them into well-lit room or outdoors and having the entire screen exhibit so much glare that I need to seek out some shadow to even make out what is on screen. Or sometimes- probably like with these Samsung screens- it can be a matter of ever so-slightly rotating my hand to make up to all of the glare cease.

One can certainly make exhibits that can make one thing look far inferior to another thing. But if someone is fan of the other thing, they likely can do the same to make theirs look better. I hear that's some advanced knowledge thing called marketing or sales or maybe PR in some cases. Usually the corporations that make such things go to the trouble of building exhibits to make such points... not consumers trying to convince other complete strangers that what is visible with their own eyes in corporate-chosen imagery is not there... or not as bad... or not real-world.

Thanks. I'm sure Apple appreciates your tireless efforts. I already own Apple everything, so there's nothing to (help a corporation) sell me. And everything I have that is Apple can show dramatic glare- well beyond an edge or two- in brighter lights/sun or other cherry-picked conditions. It's OK. Often the most modest of rotation of the thing- or my position- can make up to all of the glare vanish... probably just like the same actions would work with a Samsung phone.

"Like it if you like it. Hate it if you don't."

That's obvious, no one is arguing against that.

"The original argument was that a Samsung screen has edge glare and an Apple screen does not. The evidence offered was of the typical & extreme variety: cherry-picked extremes to try to support that as hard as it can be implied."

The original argument right from when the first Samsung displays were produced where the display area itself (i.e. the part that has actual rendered pixels) was underneath curved glass, meant that unless one was in a darkened room that it was *inevitable* that there will be a reflection on the curve which meant the actual *display* would have reflections and there was nothing that could be done about that.

Everyone else, not just Apple stayed with a flat screen precisely for that reason. With a flat screen if there is reflection anywhere on the screen one can position the device to eliminate it. This is not possible where the display is curved.

It's that simple. This is not a matter of opinion it's a matter of fact.

Now the question is, does one care or not. And that is a matter of preference. No one is going to want to have reflections on the display. It is not a matter of opinion that reflections on the display are bad, it's a matter of fact.

So the question is, whether the purchaser of the Samsung phone is prepared to put up with it because they like the design that causes the problem or they just like the phone. That *is* a matter of preference and that's why we have choice. I cannot fault anyone for not caring about the reflection on the display, and why would I.

However having said all that, I wonder why you keep referring to these mythical Apple photos, (link to them if you're making some point).

 

[itguy06]

If they stay at their current price point, they will sell phones. Oneplus keeps raising their prices, but the quality of their phones is also improving. Oneplus will have a very hard time if they want to compete with Samsung and the other top makers, though.

Their phones also miss the mark in many ways. Inferior screens, proprietary fast charge, no wireless charging, and now a notch. Never got the circle jerk over the OP stuff.
[doublepost=1535426697][/doublepost]

You think one of the note 9’s split screen is as big as the iPhone se.

Looks smaller than the original iPhone and 3.5 inch is tiny.

Sure It is.

I have no interest in using a 6.4 inch device in split screen, would rather use an iPad.

It's resizeable (at least on my S9+) and hugely helpful. You can put navigation on the top and media controls on the bottom, resized just to show album art, title and controls. Or you can write an e-mail and pull figures out of Excel. Yes the keyboard covers the bottom screen but you can collapse and expand the keyboard easily on Android. It works REALLY REALLY well when you need it.

Not to mention the swipe from the right shortcuts on Samsung are awesome and really handy, including being able to screenshot part of the screen and pin it over the others.

I used to be an iOS user but the latest Android OS's are so much better than iOS it's not funny. It's a lot of the little touches that Apple used to do that they get. It does have some odd areas but all in all IMHO it's the better platform

 

[nad8e]

Give me a FLAT screen instead of that curved crap any day of the week. Having no bottom bezel and a notch are pluses as well. Don't get me wrong, the Note 9 looks phenomenal and I certainly considered it for a second. But I much prefer the direction Apple's screens are going.

I hated the idea of the notch... until I owned the X for about an hour. Then I noticed how I didn't really notice it. But yes, I think the curved is total crap. I never understood how it could be a good feature for something held in a hand.

 

[mib1800]

I hated the idea of the notch... until I owned the X for about an hour. Then I noticed how I didn't really notice it. But yes, I think the curved is total crap. I never understood how it could be a good feature for something held in a hand.

I don't see any issue with the reflection of the curved screen unless there is a direct light source at the back. Otherwise it is no more reflective than your flat glass.

Otoh, the notch of X just keep pricking your eyes when you watch a video or have a full screen app.

 

[FFR]

But isn't it kind of obvious that any of us would prefer a larger screen? It's nice to have the OPTION on a smaller screen in case that's all you have. I'm a big proponent of options, even if you only rarely use them.

Plus in your picture of side by side apps both of those apps look very usable. I would have no issue at all using them like that if I needed to share information between them. Posting that picture just illustrates how nice side by side mode is in practice.

It’s a cool feature just not one that I would use.

Usable sure, but just doesn’t display enough information to be useful for me.

Honestly stop posting the same video from that Apple biased channel.

No.

This is the only video being posted where the one year old iPhone is:

1. On iOS 12 beta 8 instead of the iOS 12 beta 2 or iOS 11
2. Actually doing something other than opening and closing apps. Like processing a video.

I'm actually feeling embarrassed for you at this point. You're coming across as that little guy who tries to pick fights with the big guy to try and prove how strong he is, all the while, nobody cares. I'm gonna give you my advice one more time, don't get bitter, get better.

Be embarrassed for yourself.

If the note 9 was such a great phone you wouldn’t need to resort to being disingenuous to prove your point.

The rest of your post is pretty much gibberish.

Anyway enjoy your note9.
The iPhone X being faster shouldn’t diminish your purchase in any tangible way.

What happened to this?

“Honestly stop posting the same video from that Apple biased channel. I'm actually feeling embarrassed for you at this point. You're coming across as that little guy who tries to pick fights with the big guy to try and prove how strong he is, all the while, nobody cares. I'm gonna give you my advice one more time, don't get bitter, get better.”

I think what he meant was stop posting any videos that show the iPhone X beating the note 9.

Don’t know why he doesn’t want to post any videos with the iPhone X on the latest iOS 12 beta.
Probably same reason the you tubers don’t, doesn’t make Samsung look good.

More ram lets you multitask more. On Android, instead of watching a loading screen for the video exporting, you can switch to another app to use or even in split screen. Under iOS, if you switch to a different app, the "loading screen" doesn't continue in the background.

You could switch apps because the iPhone does multitask as well, you wouldn’t have to on the iPhone because it’s pretty quick compared to the note 9. And when the note 9 was done it purged all open apps from its memory.

What’s the point of 6gb if it can’t keep apps open while processing a video?

The iPhone X's display looks way more "immersive" than the others. To me, the notched design is truly a step in the right direction. It must have to do with the fact that the screen closely follows the contours of the phone. It looks like you're looking through a window.

It does doesn’t it.

It’s great when you can look at all devices side by side and form your own opinions.

The iPhone X plus is going to be even better.

If you knew the history of tech, you would know that apple released their phone first. Then Samsung released their version in response. It has been like that since. So yes, it is fair to compare the 2019 Samsung phones that launch a few months after apples 2018 iPhones. Otherwise, I would use your logic and say it's unfair to compare the iPhone that launches 8 months after the S line, simply because one is launched more than half a year earlier. The s10 is Samsung's response to the September 2018 iPhones. The note series was meant to provide a phone for the big screen lovers, not to compete with apples next release.

Know the history of tech...well mobile tech, pretty much been living it.

So your saying the only way Samsung can compete with Apple is if they compete with last years model.

And you think that’s fair.

And the note can’t compete with the iPhone...except Samsung Just had an ad for the note 9 comparing it to an iPhone.


Well atleast we both agree that the note can’t really compete with the iPhone.

 

[FFR]

Band 71 was not deployed in this area then nor is it available at this time.

It’s pretty much everywhere, it was purchased in April 2017 and has been deployed aggressively since.

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/extended-range-lte-puerto-rico

If you live in a rural part of America, and service has improved it’s because of band 71.

 

[DNichter]

Note 9 is $500 off at Costco for those interested.

 

[FFR]

Note 9 is $500 off at Costco for those interested.

The note 9 launched on Friday the 24 the following Monday it’s half off.

How bad are sales?

 

[tonybarnaby]

Note 9 is $500 off at Costco for those interested.

What are the stipulations? I assume you need to add a line, and no support for T-Mobile? Or is it a $500 off unlocked model with no strings attached?

Edit: It’s $500 off with a trade in.

 

[itguy06]

I hated the idea of the notch... until I owned the X for about an hour. Then I noticed how I didn't really notice it. But yes, I think the curved is total crap. I never understood how it could be a good feature for something held in a hand.

The curve is good for scrolling. Just slide your hand down the side and it scrolls. Doesn't bother me in the least. The rest of the S9+ is top of the line and bests the X in many ways.

 

[DNichter]

What are the stipulations? I assume you need to add a line, and no support for T-Mobile? Or is it a $500 off unlocked model with no strings attached?

Edit: It’s $500 off with a trade in.

Yes, trade in, no 24 month contract required though. AT&T and Verizon both have buy one get one free deals, as well as Sprint and T-Mobile offering 50% off. A lot of good deals out there on the Note.
[doublepost=1535462713][/doublepost]

The note 9 launched on Friday the 24 the following Monday it’s half off.

How bad are sales?

They can't be good, but Android fans on here have said that Samsung's goal isn't really to compete with the iPhone or sell many Note's, so I guess everything is going as planned.

 

[mib1800]

Selling with good deals are one way to win market share. I don't think Samsung is giving these great deals because Note 9 is not selling but more to get more sales. Starting a price war is good for consumers.

I got my note9 512gb at $400 provided I stay on a $35 per month phone plan for 2 years. At this price the iPhone X 256gb seems very overpriced. Then again, apple is not fazed as the fat milking continues to be guaranteed.

 

[FFR]

Selling with good deals are one way to win market share. I don't think Samsung is giving these great deals because Note 9 is not selling but more to get more sales. Starting a price war is good for consumers.

So which is it not selling well or selling well note 9 can’t be doing both. You need to make up your mind.

Doesn’t look good either way though. It’s just the first week And iPhones are incoming.

What price war?
Apple isn’t discounting their phones by over 50% during first week of launch.

You might be confusing price war with fire sale.

I got my note9 512gb at $400 provided I stay on a $35 per month phone plan for 2 years. At this price the iPhone X 256gb seems very overpriced. Then again, apple is not fazed as the fat milking continues to be guaranteed.

Yeah it’s a given that no one is getting the note 9 for retail.

That’s not a good thing.

Probably could have gotten it for $200 after the iPhone X plus launches in the next two weeks.

 

[DNichter]

Selling with good deals are one way to win market share. I don't think Samsung is giving these great deals because Note 9 is not selling but more to get more sales. Starting a price war is good for consumers.

I got my note9 512gb at $400 provided I stay on a $35 per month phone plan for 2 years. At this price the iPhone X 256gb seems very overpriced. Then again, apple is not fazed as the fat milking continues to be guaranteed.

I suppose there is no way to know for sure, but 1/2 off sales a week after release can't be a good sign. It's great for consumers though, you're right. If you want the Note, who cares how many Samsung sells or how well they are doing. Ultimately, overpriced or value is dictated by the individual. If $400 for the Note is a good buy for you, then that's awesome. Some may still prefer to spend more on an iPhone. Yes, Apple usually keeps their prices relatively consistent through the life of the product, while still selling extremely well. There really isn't a good reason to drop the price if customers still see value in the product. Any healthy company would do the same.