Samsung's Galaxy S9 Called 'Worthy Rival' to iPhone X as Reviews Hit

[Glideslope]

I’d rather buy a Samsung fridge than a phone.

I'd recommend against that. Especially the dishwashers.

 

[jcbauerca]

Galaxy S9 and S9+ reviews are officially out, and they're mostly positive. The consensus is that Samsung's latest smartphones are iterative but improved versions of its already-impressive Galaxy S8 devices.

We've linked a handful of the reviews below for anyone interested, but since we're an Apple-centric website, we've chose to specifically highlight some comparisons made to Apple and the iPhone X in particular.

Highlights

The Wall Street Journal's David Pierce believes that Samsung and the Galaxy S9 once again "set the bar for smartphone design":CNBC's Todd Haselton described the Galaxy S9 as "a worthy rival to the iPhone X" in his review. However, he said Samsung still lacks a Galaxy S smartphone that "pushes the boundaries a bit more" like the iPhone X.Samsung finally included stereo speakers on the Galaxy S9, and Haselton believes they sound "noticeably better" than those on the iPhone X.

The Verge's Dan Seifert said Samsung's new "AR Emoji" feature is "built just to compete with Apple" and "not very good":Quartz's Mike Murphy said what irks him most about the iPhone X is that it can only be unlocked with Face ID or a passcode, whereas the Galaxy S9 has a fingerprint scanner, iris scanner, facial recognition, or a passcode.

However, he adds that the Galaxy S9's iris scanner and facial recognition system are both slower than Face ID on the iPhone X.Mashable's Raymond Wong touted the Galaxy S9 camera's variable aperture, but he said low-light photos aren't necessarily better than those shot with an iPhone X or Google Pixel 2. Most reviews agree it is a matter of personal preference.More Reviews
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CNET
Engadget
Digital Trends
Pocket-lint
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T3Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ can be pre-ordered on Samsung's website for $720 and $840 respectively. The smartphones launch March 16.

Article Link: Samsung's Galaxy S9 Called 'Worthy Rival' to iPhone X as Reviews Hit

Yes they make great phone but it takes them forever to update security and software. If they allow generic Android to run on it for faster updates then they may be able to sell more. I love them but I am hesitate to purchase one because of the security and software update issue. It took 7 months to come out with Oreo for the S8.

 

[deanthedev]

Like I said 35 phones total.look it up! And they didn't stop sales.they put out the note 7r that was good to go.

Wow.

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/samsung-recalls-galaxy-note7-smartphones

This is for the US. 92 incidents out of 1 million (so I was slightly off when I rounded to 100). And this was data at the time the recall was announced (there were additional incidents over and above).

How could you be aware of the 35 number (which was true at the very beginning) and assume that was it?

 

[fairuz]

Why not? Linux is doable.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.meefik.linuxdeploy

Considering Tim Cook touts the iPad as a computer replacement and the iPhone is just a smaller iPad. Why limit your device to just Candy Crush and Facebook? Being that you live in a major tech hub, a large part of the population there know Linux for work and even middle grade students are exposed to Linux if not sooner.

Cause you can just install Linux on your laptop and have the proper hardware. The iPad isn't a computer replacement for everyone. In fact, I think it sucks for most people just because of the form factor, hence why I never see anyone use them (or the Samsung knockoffs) anymore.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

I also think the samsung group think rivals that of Apple lol

I couldn't agree more. Look up "Samsung Knights" for a good laugh!

 

[raqball]

Wow.

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/samsung-recalls-galaxy-note7-smartphones

This is for the US. 92 incidents out of 1 million (so I was slightly off when I rounded to 100). And this was data at the time the recall was announced (there were additional incidents over and above).

How could you be aware of the 35 number (which was true at the very beginning) and assume that was it?

I've asked him 4 times for proof of his claims that the iPhone suffered the same widespread and global blowing up issue and he just deflects away and never provides proof of his false claims..

 

[mi7chy]

That's a rather subjective statement, isn't it?

No, it's fact. For example, seems like every other week a new combination of characters sent to iMessage bricks the device. Never happens on Android. iOS calculator bug adding 1+2+3. Recurring iOS alarm, calendar and daylight savings bugs. Unheard of on Android. I stopped using the native iOS email app because it's too buggy with just one email account and have moved it to Android where it's solid with five email accounts and text to speech announcement so I don't have interrupt my work to look at emails.

 

[9081094]

Here's a good video review of both phones.


Showing both cameras, static and video and in different test conditions.
He always does good comparisons with both phones running at the exact same time, side by side:

Thanks for the comparison movie. Shame that iPhone X is worse than the S9. The S9 is a third cheaper, has better camera and screen.

 

[jcbauerca]

My wife has the S8. In terms of hardware, it's certainly an admirable piece of tech. However, the fact that it runs a heavily skinned version of Android that, as clearly evidenced by Samsung's prior behavior, won't see updates for quite some time makes it a non-starter for me.

I agree that is why I am not buying any Samsung phones even though they have great displays and specs.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

No, it's fact. For example, seems like every other week a new combination of characters sent to iMessage bricks the device. Never happens on Android. iOS calculator bug adding 1+2+3. Recurring iOS alarm, calendar and daylight savings bugs. Unheard of on Android. I stopped using the native iOS email app because it's too buggy with just one email account and have moved it to Android where it's solid with five email accounts and text to speech announcement so I don't have interrupt my work to look at emails.

How is this a fact? Sounds more like personal experience to me. I can dig up a ton of Android bugs as well - in fact, the Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 is a great example.

Here's another great article addressing Android bugs.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/12/05/android_december_security_bulletin/

 

[BruceEBonus]

£300 cheaper for a better spec’d and nicer looking phone? Yes please!

The joke is however my phone cost LESS than the prices of these two flagships alone!

£280 for this? Nah. Really? £1000 less than the X. I can live with that .... get worried, guys!

Honor amongst thieves? Watch this ....

 

[Toutou]

It's running Android... it's junk.
It's made by Samsung... it's junk.
Nice looking bells and whistles, but all junk.

Enough already.
It's 2018. Android is mature, stable and efficient. When used like an iPhone (no sideloading, Google services only), it's just as secure and fast, and often just as aesthetically pleasing (e.g. MIUI).
When used like a true Linux-based OS (rooted, with a custom ROM or even a custom kernel), well, the sky is the limit. Compiling C++ code? Penetration testing? Running SSH? Scripting, automation, emulators? You name it.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

"can be pre-ordered on Samsung's website for $720 and $840"
^^^Apple, can we get into a more reasonable pricing? I am all in Apple gear but the S8/S9 are really great phones at 'reasonable' prices.

Easy to make a phone cheaper when you are the OEM for the most expensive components.

 

[Drogba11]

I like my iPhone X, but I just don’t get excited over smart phone tech like I use to. From any company.

A bit stale if you ask me.

What we need are 2 notches now to really get to the next level

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

All jokes aside, pricing on those phones is where it needs to be. Apple can learn a thing or two from that. But of course, margins.

But of course, relative BOM cost. Samsung makes a tidy profit on the display assemblies it sells to Apple. They don't have to make the same tidy profit when they consume those displays themselves. This gives them a tidy price advantage, that pretty much NO ONE seems to factor into this.
[doublepost=1520544585][/doublepost]

Enough already.
It's 2018. Android is mature, stable and efficient. When used like an iPhone (no sideloading, Google services only), it's just as secure and fast, and often just as aesthetically pleasing (e.g. MIUI).
When used like a true Linux-based OS (rooted, with a custom ROM or even a custom kernel), well, the sky is the limit. Compiling C++ code? Penetration testing? Running SSH? Scripting, automation, emulators? You name it.

Please! It's a PHONE...

 

[gaximus]

iOS is like a golf cart compared to Android which is like a Tesla in comparison. iOS has fewer features but isn't easier while Android has more smarter features while being more intuitive. For example, the retirees next door come to me for help with updating iOS on their iPhone since the option is burried unintuitively deep compared to Android which is like 3 easy taps.

Setting/General/Software Update. Also 3 easy Taps. My 78 year old grandma doesn't have any issue updating her iPhone

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

I don’t disagree with that, but I doubt the average consumer sees it that way.

They do, once they talk to a friend with an iPhone...

 

[Michael Goff]

Setting/General/Software Update. Also 3 easy Taps. My 78 year old grandma doesn't have any issue updating her iPhone

I’ve noticed that people who want to cheer for their team always have an anecdote ready.

 

[RCJ]

The utter simplicity and lack of engaging features in IOS and the iPhone is actually what drove me away from iOS. My Note 8 is much more practical than my iPhone was. The iPhone got to the point where it felt simply like an expensive warehouse for apps. My Note 8 does so much more than that.

OK, I'll bite. Exactly how much more can a Note 8 do over an iPhone? They all make phone calls, text, run apps. The only thing I'm aware of that is different is the stylus. I guess if you absolutely have to have an app drawer, then you made the right choice.
[doublepost=1520545785][/doublepost]

Updates aren't comparable across different OS'. iOS is more buggy and behind on features so it needs more frequent updates. For example, Android doesn't have iOS' silly messenger DoS, alarm, time zone, calculator, etc. bugs or bugs introduced fixing other bugs so it needs less frequent updates. Also, Samsung version of Android has had split screen multitasking since around 2012 that iPad copied in 2015 and iPhone has yet to get so it needs fewer feature updates. Bad thing about frequent updates is more annoying downtime and potential bricking of device which has happened on iOS.

You forgot some of those great features that Samsung introduced like being able to scroll with your eyes. I'm sure everyone still uses that, if it is even available anymore. I remember on my wife's phone, that was happening to her and she thought the phone was broken. Useless feature.

 

[deanthedev]

No, it's fact. For example, seems like every other week a new combination of characters sent to iMessage bricks the device. Never happens on Android. iOS calculator bug adding 1+2+3. Recurring iOS alarm, calendar and daylight savings bugs. Unheard of on Android. I stopped using the native iOS email app because it's too buggy with just one email account and have moved it to Android where it's solid with five email accounts and text to speech announcement so I don't have interrupt my work to look at emails.

Sounds like you’ve got a “Top 10 iOS Bugs” post-it note stuck to your monitor ready to wield at a moments notice.

You clearly have a very selective memory if you haven’t heard of the countless Android messaging bugs over the years. Or malware issues.

https://arstechnica.com/information...-users-with-windows-malware-is-still-a-thing/

https://arstechnica.com/information...e-with-never-before-seen-spying-capabilities/

https://arstechnica.com/information...till-thrives-16-months-after-coming-to-light/

https://arstechnica.com/information...ny-as-2-6m-downloads-added-devices-to-botnet/

https://arstechnica.com/information...-so-aggressive-it-can-physically-harm-phones/

https://arstechnica.com/information...on-downloads-slip-past-google-defenses-twice/

This took me literally a few seconds to find. A few since Sept last year (last 6 months).

 

[currentinterest]

The iPhone X is the first in a new line of iPhones. The 2018 flag Samsung phones are barely comparable to the 2017 iPhones, and when comparing processors to the 2016 iPhone. They still cannot produce 3D facial recognition, and must rely on cumbersome back mounted fingerprint ID for reliable security. Soon the 2018 iPhones will arrive and they will pull even further ahead. The A12 will likely be a monster and the rumored 6.1 inch phone will likely be priced below the current Galaxys and will feature that processor.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

oh man! The notch thats biggest setback on apple design group.

That's why there are so many notch-imitators, right?

 

[Toutou]

Please! It's a PHONE...

I know it is. I was just saying that the possibility is there. An Android device can be used the way all iPhones are used, or the opposite extreme.
Surprisingly, there was a moment when I fixed a bug in the Ruby source of a daemon running on a Turris router connected to a Raspberry Pi I had SSH access to. I SSH'd into the Raspi, then SSH'd again into the Turris, fixed the thing and then restarted the service. All from my Android phone, standing, in a bus on my way from school.

 

[conceptvbs123]

I think this is the real differentiator between Apple and all the Android OEM's. You can argue specs and design until you are blue in the face. But none of the Android OEM's come even close to offering the after sales support of Apple.

Try walking into a Samsung store (if they exist in the U.S.) getting your battery replaced for US$79 or for some models US$29.

And I say this as someone who has a Samsung Galaxy S9 on pre-order to replace my Samsung Galaxy S7. I really like Samsung's devices, but they have almost zero after-sales support for their products.

That is going to change.
[doublepost=1520547253][/doublepost]

Well, Samesung has had several months to copy the iPhone X...

I'm sorry but phone design, procurement, contract signing, manufacturing, testing, evaluation, marketing, distribution and the like doesnt take "several months". It takes years of preparation. Besides, Samsung is the one who started the whole bezeless movement in mass quantity worldwide.
[doublepost=1520547408][/doublepost]

Easy to make a phone cheaper when you are the OEM for the most expensive components.

That is bull. Apple's iphone X prices are pure and simple price gouging. To replace a phone screen costs $549, half the price of the phone itself. Samsung charges $149 and $75 to replace the glass rear. The cost of OLED hasnt changed much since Samsung began mass producing them.
[doublepost=1520547681][/doublepost]

My wife has the S8. In terms of hardware, it's certainly an admirable piece of tech. However, the fact that it runs a heavily skinned version of Android that, as clearly evidenced by Samsung's prior behavior, won't see updates for quite some time makes it a non-starter for me.

All Android phones with Oreo as stock have Project Treble enabled by default. So updates will be faster.
[doublepost=1520547816][/doublepost]

The iPhone X is the first in a new line of iPhones. The 2018 flag Samsung phones are barely comparable to the 2017 iPhones, and when comparing processors to the 2016 iPhone. They still cannot produce 3D facial recognition, and must rely on cumbersome back mounted fingerprint ID for reliable security. Soon the 2018 iPhones will arrive and they will pull even further ahead. The A12 will likely be a monster and the rumored 6.1 inch phone will likely be priced below the current Galaxys and will feature that processor.

What is cumbersome is when your phone cant detect who you are when using face id. Or better yet, when your siblings can open your phone with THEIR faces (proven). There is no backup for the iphone. At least Samsung gives you choices. You dictate how you open the phone, not Apple.

 

[Seoras]

Just for the headphone jack it's superior to the iPhone.

Yawn.
<Rolls eyes>
Still flogging that old horse are we?
It's like saying one car is better than another because it has a cassette deck.