The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has finally been unveiled, revealing a smartphone that is a definite upgrade from its predecessor but not really something as revolutionary as Apple's iPhone X.
Make no mistake though, the Galaxy Note 9 still offers a lot to loyal Samsung users. Here are the most important Galaxy Note 9 features that were announced at the Unpacked event in New York.
Galaxy Note 9 Specs
The Galaxy Note 9 looks very much like its predecessor, but with a slightly bigger screen at 6.4 inches. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 like the Galaxy S9, with internal storage options of either 128 GB or 512 GB.
One of the main upgrades that the Galaxy Note 9 is offering is longer battery life, with Samsung promising that the smartphone can go all day without needing a recharge. This will be a welcome change for the Galaxy Note 9, as the line moves further away from the Galaxy Note 7 exploding battery fiasco.
Galaxy Note 9 AI Camera
The AI camera started with the Huawei Mate 10 and the LG G7 ThinQ, and it has now made its way to the Galaxy Note 9.
The feature allows the smartphone to recognize what the user is trying to take a picture of, such as whether it is a selfie or an outdoor shot. The Galaxy Note 9 will then automatically adjust the camera's settings to capture the best possible photo.
Galaxy Note 9 With Upgraded S Pen
Samsung previously upgraded the S Pen to give it a more ergonomic design and added sensitivity, but the latest changes provide much more functionality.
The new S Pen establishes a Bluetooth connection with the Galaxy Note 9, allowing the stylus to double as a remote control. Current uses include taking pictures, playing music, and navigating presentations, with developers inviting to create more applications for the upgraded S Pen.
Bixby 2.0 On Galaxy Note 9
The Galaxy Note 9 will be the first Samsung smartphone with the upgraded Bixby right out of the box. Samsung claimed that the digital assistant is now better at processing natural, predicting the needs of users, and answering with quick response times.
Bixby had a rough start, and while the improvements are significant, Bixby 2.0 might have a hard time catching up to the likes of Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant.
Galaxy Note 9 And 'Fortnite Mobile'
Contrary to previous reports, Fortnite Mobile will not be exclusive to the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Tab S4.
Fortnite Mobile for Android is now available for the Galaxy S7 and later. The mobile game's exclusivity to Samsung will only last for a few days though, with Fortnite Mobile to launch for other Android smartphones on Aug. 12.
Galaxy Note 9 Release Date
The Galaxy Note will be available for preorders starting Aug. 10, and it will then roll out on Aug. 24.
Does the Galaxy Note 9 have enough to make customers look at its direction, away from the Huawei P20 Pro, the Oppo Find X, and Apple's upcoming 2018 iPhone models? That remains to be seen.
