Samsung Galaxy Note 9

[Cryates]

Is this just an AT&T thing? Curious because I expect this to be an issue for my wife and I and we are both currently on AT&T, but are open to switching.

I'm on AT&T as well and video quality via MMS is degarded. Honeslty, it's so easy to share via a download link on the Note that I just send my wife a link to download any videos and it's no issue. Sharing via a link is built into the share menu. It'll upload then send the link to a contact you choose automatically.

 

[csurfr]

Is this just an AT&T thing? Curious because I expect this to be an issue for my wife and I and we are both currently on AT&T, but are open to switching.

Supposedly, but I can't confirm that.

 

[Cryates]

Supposedly, but I can't confirm that.

Do you have HD Voice? I do not, because I bought mine unlocked. It looks like the MMS limit is 1MB. If you have HD Voice enabled through AT&T, it looks like you can get advanced messaging with a 10MB MMS limit.

 

[csurfr]

Do you have HD Voice? I do not, because I bought mine unlocked. It looks like the MMS limit is 1MB. If you have HD Voice enabled through AT&T, it looks like you can get advanced messaging with a 10MB MMS limit.

I'm on Xfinity mobile, the person that sent it is using ATT. However, on mine, it specifically says lte+ when I'm on the network

 

[BigSky20]

he spent a long time ranting that the purple wasn't manly enough in that video. I still watched most of it but I was like "ok, move on about the colors" 😉

I think Samsung is making a huge mistake not offering the midnight black in the US. I agree with the comment on the purple. The blue would work if it didn’t have a bright yellow pen! They should at least offer one neutral color.

 

[mib1800]

I think Samsung is making a huge mistake not offering the midnight black in the US. I agree with the comment on the purple. The blue would work if it didn’t have a bright yellow pen! They should at least offer one neutral color.

You can buy one in the color you like at $30
[doublepost=1535861136][/doublepost]N9 really has insane battery life.
4hrs of screen on time battery only dropped 25%

 

[Lobwedgephil]

No real reason to deny it, the Note 9 is the best phone available right now, it is just expensive. For the iOS people, it is not, but for everyone else it is, only downside is its size. For me, my display is beautiful, no light bleed, the phone is fluid, fast, and fun to use. But for the record I will say I use both, now iPhone X and Note 9, and I can't wait for the iPhone XS Plus, or whatever they call it,

 

[samplez]

 

[csurfr]

You can buy one in the color you like at $30
[doublepost=1535861136][/doublepost]N9 really has insane battery life.
4hrs of screen on time battery only dropped 25%

View attachment 779180

What dark theme are you running there?

 

[mib1800]

What dark theme are you running there?

Material Black

 

[widgeteer]

Launching dev options and reducing animations to .5 shows you how fast and fluid this phone should be. All jitters I was experiencing have stopped completely.

 

[Grimham]

Been out of town, but received my Note 9 on the 24th, the day before I left town. Love it to death. Long battery life, great screen, it kills my iPhone X in every way possible.

 

[Klyster]

Launching dev options and reducing animations to .5 shows you how fast and fluid this phone should be. All jitters I was experiencing have stopped completely.

I should try 0.5, I've always just turned them off totally.

 

[widgeteer]

I should try 0.5, I've always just turned them off totally.

I've tried that but it's too...jarring? I do like some razzamatazz when I do something on my phone. 😉

 

[bgro]

My final verdict is it’s going back and I’ll stick (somewhat begrudgingly) with iOS..final thoughts:

- from a stand-alone phone perspective this is the best phone on the market. Camera quality, display, battery life, software features are A++++ in my book. You cannot get the Note experience from any other device (given the S-Pen features. It is extremely fun to use and there’s a ton of productivity and workflow features baked into the experience

My “issues” lie within mostly Android, third party software and a very few select Samsung items. I am just judging this based on my own wants and workflow. I also recognize that there may be workarounds or alternatives I’m not aware of. Don’t want to turn this into an Android vs iOS thing but coming from iOS I have nothing else to compare this to

- Google assistant (phone and “home” devices) sucks for calendar integration. All day events are not recognized, only certain calendars are supported (i.e doesn’t support subscribed calendars and a few other types). No exchange/office 365 calendars, only google based. Both Siri and Alexa have no issues supporting any and all calendar types. In addition, the assistant will only read you 3 events

- Not able to unlock or open doors (Schlage sense and LiftMaster garage). iOS handles this through device authentication so no (or very little) security issues

- Samsung seems to be going the route of Apple in some ways (pushes Samsung pass over third party password methods in Samsung browser), Samsung health dropping support for third party app integration (ie my fitness pal). Can’t delete Samsung apps etc etc. tracking fitness and food is a huge part of my life and Apple nails this with the watch and integration with third party apps

- Spotify can only stream to one device at a time. I have three small kids with speakers in all their rooms and play music to help them nap. With Apple Music I can stream to all three devices with no issues (through sonos). Spotify doesn’t allow this and I don’t like google play/YouTube music. So it’s eithet Spotify or AM for me. Don’t want to use AM on an android device because then no assistant support.

- Home automation - as I’ve mentioned before, I think Apples method (home app with widget integration) is miles ahead of googles which is basically voice only. The smarthings platform is decent but not up to part with Apple HomeKit/home app.

- no comprehensive google package for productivity apps that can match apples (reminders, notes, etc). Apples apps work perfectly with Siri and for reminders I can add to multiple lists. Goggle is all over the place with Keep, Tasks, Reminders, etc. they need to get it together to compete for those of us who want this comprehensive package

So yeah overall these are real nit picky things that just don’t work well with my workflows. I really want to keep the device but st this point it’s more of an android thing than a Note thing. I really wish google would get their **** together in some areas because if they did they would provide a hands down better platform than iOS, Apple ecosystem included.

 

[Grimham]

My final verdict is it’s going back and I’ll stick (somewhat begrudgingly) with iOS..final thoughts:

- from a stand-alone phone perspective this is the best phone on the market. Camera quality, display, battery life, software features are A++++ in my book. You cannot get the Note experience from any other device (given the S-Pen features. It is extremely fun to use and there’s a ton of productivity and workflow features baked into the experience

My “issues” lie within mostly Android, third party software and a very few select Samsung items. I am just judging this based on my own wants and workflow. I also recognize that there may be workarounds or alternatives I’m not aware of. Don’t want to turn this into an Android vs iOS thing but coming from iOS I have nothing else to compare this to

- Google assistant (phone and “home” devices) sucks for calendar integration. All day events are not recognized, only certain calendars are supported (i.e doesn’t support subscribed calendars and a few other types). No exchange/office 365 calendars, only google based. Both Siri and Alexa have no issues supporting any and all calendar types. In addition, the assistant will only read you 3 events

- Not able to unlock or open doors (Schlage sense and LiftMaster garage). iOS handles this through device authentication so no (or very little) security issues

- Samsung seems to be going the route of Apple in some ways (pushes Samsung pass over third party password methods in Samsung browser), Samsung health dropping support for third party app integration (ie my fitness pal). Can’t delete Samsung apps etc etc. tracking fitness and food is a huge part of my life and Apple nails this with the watch and integration with third party apps

- Spotify can only stream to one device at a time. I have three small kids with speakers in all their rooms and play music to help them nap. With Apple Music I can stream to all three devices with no issues (through sonos). Spotify doesn’t allow this and I don’t like google play/YouTube music. So it’s eithet Spotify or AM for me. Don’t want to use AM on an android device because then no assistant support.

- Home automation - as I’ve mentioned before, I think Apples method (home app with widget integration) is miles ahead of googles which is basically voice only. The smarthings platform is decent but not up to part with Apple HomeKit/home app.

- no comprehensive google package for productivity apps that can match apples (reminders, notes, etc). Apples apps work perfectly with Siri and for reminders I can add to multiple lists. Goggle is all over the place with Keep, Tasks, Reminders, etc. they need to get it together to compete for those of us who want this comprehensive package

So yeah overall these are real nit picky things that just don’t work well with my workflows. I really want to keep the device but st this point it’s more of an android thing than a Note thing. I really wish google would get their **** together in some areas because if they did they would provide a hands down better platform than iOS, Apple ecosystem included.

sounds to me you didn't give it enough time to work through your issues. The Note can easily do the same or more than the iPhone can with any of those apps. I do all my home automation just fine without Apple stuff using Alexa and other devices that with with Alexa. Samsung also has SmartThings that kills Apples automation.

 

[bgro]

sounds to me you didn't give it enough time to work through your issues. The Note can easily do the same or more than the iPhone can with any of those apps. I do all my home automation just fine without Apple stuff using Alexa and other devices that with with Alexa. Samsung also has SmartThings that kills Apples automation.

Help me understand a few things then:

- How do I get around Spotify steaming to only one device or using Apple Music within Google Assistant?

- Does Smarthings support unlocking the LiftMaster/Chaimberlain garage doors or unlocking the Schlage Sense (or any other) doorlock?

- i do not want to use Alexa so what workarounds are there for the Google Assistant calendar integrations?

- What workarounds are there for adding reminders to lists within Googles tasks app? From what I understand you can only add to the google shopping list which does not work for me.

I have a feeling that you did not actually think about what I wrote and instead are just blindly supporting the Note/Android over iOS which was not the point of my post. You do understand that some people want/require certain workflows/functionality don’t you?

 

[tbayrgs]

My final verdict is it’s going back and I’ll stick (somewhat begrudgingly) with iOS..final thoughts:

- from a stand-alone phone perspective this is the best phone on the market. Camera quality, display, battery life, software features are A++++ in my book. You cannot get the Note experience from any other device (given the S-Pen features. It is extremely fun to use and there’s a ton of productivity and workflow features baked into the experience

My “issues” lie within mostly Android, third party software and a very few select Samsung items. I am just judging this based on my own wants and workflow. I also recognize that there may be workarounds or alternatives I’m not aware of. Don’t want to turn this into an Android vs iOS thing but coming from iOS I have nothing else to compare this to

- Google assistant (phone and “home” devices) sucks for calendar integration. All day events are not recognized, only certain calendars are supported (i.e doesn’t support subscribed calendars and a few other types). No exchange/office 365 calendars, only google based. Both Siri and Alexa have no issues supporting any and all calendar types. In addition, the assistant will only read you 3 events

- Not able to unlock or open doors (Schlage sense and LiftMaster garage). iOS handles this through device authentication so no (or very little) security issues

- Samsung seems to be going the route of Apple in some ways (pushes Samsung pass over third party password methods in Samsung browser), Samsung health dropping support for third party app integration (ie my fitness pal). Can’t delete Samsung apps etc etc. tracking fitness and food is a huge part of my life and Apple nails this with the watch and integration with third party apps

- Spotify can only stream to one device at a time. I have three small kids with speakers in all their rooms and play music to help them nap. With Apple Music I can stream to all three devices with no issues (through sonos). Spotify doesn’t allow this and I don’t like google play/YouTube music. So it’s eithet Spotify or AM for me. Don’t want to use AM on an android device because then no assistant support.

- Home automation - as I’ve mentioned before, I think Apples method (home app with widget integration) is miles ahead of googles which is basically voice only. The smarthings platform is decent but not up to part with Apple HomeKit/home app.

- no comprehensive google package for productivity apps that can match apples (reminders, notes, etc). Apples apps work perfectly with Siri and for reminders I can add to multiple lists. Goggle is all over the place with Keep, Tasks, Reminders, etc. they need to get it together to compete for those of us who want this comprehensive package

So yeah overall these are real nit picky things that just don’t work well with my workflows. I really want to keep the device but st this point it’s more of an android thing than a Note thing. I really wish google would get their **** together in some areas because if they did they would provide a hands down better platform than iOS, Apple ecosystem included.

Your issues (save for Spotify) read very much like my own list of personal gripes when I try to move to Android, so your is quite reasonable and spot on, IMO.

HomeKit and the Home app are far more seamless than any other smart home integration. I use a LiftMaster garage door opener as well and it’s integration with HomeKit is terrific. To integrate with Google Assistant there is a monthly fee 😵 and its functionality is limited comparatively.

I have the same issues with Reminders/Tasks/Lists, especially in regards to how easy it is to add items via my Apple Watch.

I have plenty of experience using 1Password on both platforms and its integration on Apple, especially in iOS 12 is much better. Same goes for Apple’s very own solution (Keychain) with works across devices.

I have no experience with Samsung Health but Apple Health ties in nicely to tons of third party apps and devices and is much more robust than anything Google offers.

So again, I know exactly where you’re coming from.

 

[nrvna76]

sounds to me you didn't give it enough time to work through your issues. The Note can easily do the same or more than the iPhone can with any of those apps. I do all my home automation just fine without Apple stuff using Alexa and other devices that with with Alexa. Samsung also has SmartThings that kills Apples automation.

Can you do more with an echo and android phone than an echo with an iPhone? Wondering if my echo will get more use when my Note arrives.

 

[bgro]

Your issues (save for Spotify) bread very much like my own list of personal gripes when I try to move to Android, so your is quite reasonable and spot on, IMO.

HomeKit and the Home app are far more seamless than any other smart home integration. I use a LiftMaster garage door opener as well and it’s integration with HomeKit is terrific. To integrate with Google Assistant there is a monthly fee 😵 and its functionality is limited comparatively.

I have the same issues with Reminders/Tasks/Lists, especially in regards to how easy it is to add items via my Apple Watch.

I have plenty of experience using 1Password on both platforms and its integration on Apple, especially in iOS 12 is much better. Same goes for Apple’s very own solution (Keychain) with works across devices.

I have no experience with Samsung Health but Apple Health ties in nicely to tons of third party apps and devices and is much more robust than anything Google offers.

So again, I know exactly where you’re coming from.

Glad it's making sense to someone lol. I actually don't mind paying the $10/yearly fee for the liftmaster/GA integration but yeah the functionality is crippled and clunky compared to Homekit. If there's a third party app that integrates with GA the way Reminders integrates with Siri then I'm all ears but I haven't found one yet. Google's implementation is terrible imo in comparison. After 10 days with the Note I don't mind the 1password integration as much as I did in the beginning but again the iOS 12 integration is fabulous.

I think I could actuskky get around the Samsung health thing but it's just a terrible decision to remove third party app integration with their app. Not sure the motive behind it or if it will be reintroduced down the line.

That said, I'm typing this out on my Note right now, I really don't wanna box it up. I'm slowly becoming less caring about certain apple things especially iMessage and FaceTime which is why I wish Google would get it together with some of my other gripes. I want to switch!
[doublepost=1535927771][/doublepost]

Can you do more with an echo and android phone than an echo with an iPhone? Wondering if my echo will get more use when my Note arrives.

I think the actual echo functionality works the same regardless of which phone you have.

One thing that is so much better about using Alexa deviceS/skills with Note (or any Android device for that matter) is that it is much easier to invoke Alexa on the Note, you can set up a widget on the homescreen so it's much faster. With the iPhone you have to open the Alexa app.

 

[koigirl]

One thing I will say to all the iPhone converts out there who are trhinf to make the switch is to give it time, research, and fool around with different workflows. This phone can do some amazing things. One of the main features I missed from the iPhone was the swipe gesture to go back. Absolutely hated browsing on the note without it. Found out that the Samsung good lock app replaced that function laity of the iPhone perfectly and in fact better because you can customize certain aspects of it.

I'm still not sure if this phone is for me as I still miss iOS but the more I use it the more I like it. Crazy amount of features and the performance is excellent.

Yes I truly think you have to give it at least 2 weeks and spend lots of that time tinkering with it to truly appreciate the switch, maybe longer. At one week, I would have gone back to iOS. At 14 days, I was liking my Note 8 well enough to switch for the year, and 2 months later and even now i much prefer this phone and Android OS to iOS.

 

[bgro]

Yes I truly think you have to give it at least 2 weeks and spend lots of that time tinkering with it to truly appreciate the switch, maybe longer. At one week, I would have gone back to iOS. At 14 days, I was liking my Note 8 well enough to switch for the year, and 2 months later and even now i much prefer this phone and Android OS to iOS.

It's also important to remembers that it's possibke that there are going to be things that you can do on your iPhone that you just won't be able to replace the on your Note and vice versa. It's just a matter of what are dealbreakers for you and overall which platform you enjoy using more.

 

[Grimham]

Help me understand a few things then:

- How do I get around Spotify steaming to only one device or using Apple Music within Google Assistant?

- Does Smarthings support unlocking the LiftMaster/Chaimberlain garage doors or unlocking the Schlage Sense (or any other) doorlock?

- i do not want to use Alexa so what workarounds are there for the Google Assistant calendar integrations?

- What workarounds are there for adding reminders to lists within Googles tasks app? From what I understand you can only add to the google shopping list which does not work for me.

I have a feeling that you did not actually think about what I wrote and instead are just blindly supporting the Note/Android over iOS which was not the point of my post. You do understand that some people want/require certain workflows/functionality don’t you?

I don't use spotify, so I can't help you there. But I use Amazon Music.

I also don't have smartthings, I have only read about it. I personally use Alexa with my Chamberlain Garage door. It opens and closes when I ask Alexa too do it. Alexa will also unlock/lock my doors, turn on my porch light, turn on or off my lights/fans in my house.

Alexa also intergrates with your calendars on the phone. I assume it does it on the iPhone as well.

You need to think outside the box a bit. Any phone can do what you want, it all depends on how and which way you go. I went the Alexa way because most things support Alexa and it has the biggest choice of automation devices.
[doublepost=1535929300][/doublepost]

Can you do more with an echo and android phone than an echo with an iPhone? Wondering if my echo will get more use when my Note arrives.

I just switched from iPhone to Note 9. I can't know for sure if you can do more. I use to do most of my automation with my iPhone X, but like I said, Alexa is what controls it, not iOS or Android.

 

[bgro]

I don't use spotify, so I can't help you there. But I use Amazon Music.

I also don't have smartthings, I have only read about it. I personally use Alexa with my Chamberlain Garage door. It opens and closes when I ask Alexa too do it. Alexa will also unlock/lock my doors, turn on my porch light, turn on or off my lights/fans in my house.

Alexa also intergrates with your calendars on the phone. I assume it does it on the iPhone as well.

You need to think outside the box a bit. Any phone can do what you want, it all depends on how and which way you go. I went the Alexa way because most things support Alexa and it has the biggest choice of automation devices.
[doublepost=1535929300][/doublepost]
I just switched from iPhone to Note 9. I can't know for sure if you can do more. I use to do most of my automation with my iPhone X, but like I said, Alexa is what controls it, not iOS or Android.

Yeah there are definitely workarounds for lost everything. I am not a huge Alexa fan but I do see that there's an unofficial garage door sklilk and door unlocking skills. Maybe I need to give Alexa another look as they support full calendar integration as well. However, the main point of my original post was basically that I want Google to do it. Seems like Alexa and iOS have no issues with some things but Google Assistant does and Google Assistant is baked into Android so I would prefer to use that. I'll check out Alexa tho as I have a few dots lying around

 

[1BadManVan]

You realize you can download Apple Music for Android?...