8 Impressive Features Of The Latest Samsung Galaxy S9 & S9+ Phones

We were lucky enough to be one of the first few to have dibs at previewing the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+. The new features were impressive but were they really out of this world? Read on to find out as we share more about eight impressive features of the Galaxy S9 and S9+.

1. Best Camera Samsung Has To Offer So Far

One of the key updates of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ is a brand new camera – the best of Samsung’s lineup thus far. Fitted with a super speed dual pixel sensor and dual aperture (of F1.5/ F2.4), its photo quality is probably unrivalled.

The lower aperture makes it great for low light photography, minimising graininess in shots. Simultaneously, the higher aperture ensures that day time shots aren’t overexposed and remain crisp and clear.

In addition, the camera comes with dedicated processing power and memory so you don’t have to worry about being too slow to capture a moment.

2. Super Slow-Mo Mode With Music & GIF

Speaking about being slow, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ has a Super Slow-Mo feature that’s four times slower than those in the market now.

The mode even comes with automatic Motion Detection. All you need to do is to adjust the size of the frame to ensure the motion happens within the frame.

After the video is captured, users can immediately edit the video and add music, choosing from 35 background tunes or adding their own. Afterwards, save the video as it is or as a looping GIF.

3. New AR Emoji

If you find that words alone aren’t sufficient to express yourself and sending across GIFs and memes aren’t personalised enough, the AR Emoji is the perfect solution.

The AR Emoji is essentially an avatar of yourself, something that resembles the Bitmoji function in Snapchat.

Simply take a clear snapshot of yourself and your avatar will be created in seconds.

Once your avatar is created, an array of animated GIFs featuring your AR Emoji will appear in your media library. You can even send these on 3rd party messaging apps like Whatsapp and Facebook.

4. An Improved Bixby Experience

Regrettably, I didn’t manage to test this function for myself. However, if it works as well as described, this will be a whole game changer when travelling overseas.

Bixby, which is integrated into the camera, uses intelligence technology to generate information. Features include Live Translation, where the user can point the camera at foreign languages or currency to obtain a translation in real time.

Also, users can point the camera at what they’re eating to track their calorie consumption through the day.

5. Additional Security With Three Biometric Authentication Options

Gone are the days when using a fingerprint sensor to unlock your phone and access your accounts was phenomenal. Now, Samsung has introduced two additional ways to protect your privacy.

Using the Intelligent Scan feature, users can lock their phones with Iris Scans and Facial Recognition technology.

Frankly I’m not sure why the everyday person requires this much security (apparently defense-grade security). After all, how secure is my personal information really if the websites I was browsing suddenly pop up on my Facebook timeline as ads?

Nonetheless, this is some pretty cool technology that takes protecting your privacy to the next level.

6. Surround Sound System Speakers

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ come equipped with stereo speakers tuned by AKG to offer users a premium sound experience. Recall the creepy “all around you” often heard in cinemas?

Now you can have the same experience with a smartphone as the Galaxy S9 and S9+ supports Dolby Atmos, offering the 360-degree sound effect.

7. Improved User Convenience With The Samsung Trade Up Programme

Admittedly, the next two points aren’t exactly features of the phone. However, Samsung has impressed me by taking the extra effort to improve its users’ experiences alongside improving the phones’ features.

Great news for all existing Samsung smartphone users, with the new Samsung Trade Up Programme, you can trade-in your devices from the comfort of home.

Simply download the Samsung Trade Up (SG) app and perform a series of simple evaluations to access the condition of your device. Some tests include accessing the condition of your current device’s touchscreen function, buttons and screen.

Afterwards, you’ll be offered a guaranteed trade-in price. Samsung will then follow-up by arranging for a courier to collect your phone. The trade-in price will be transferred to users via bank transfer.

Do note that the app will only be available for download from 10 March 2018 onwards and users can only trade up to either the Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+.

8. Improved Customer Care With Complimentary Samsung Concierge Care Pack (Worth S$128)

The Samsung Concierge Care Pack has undergone an update in conjunction with the release of the new models.

Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase of the new device, some key features include a one time 50% off out-of-warranty repair service, a 1-to-1 device exchange within 30 days of purchase, and a 1-to-1 box accessories exchange should any failures occur.

Con: Paying S$108 For Wireless Charging

While this is an exciting technological advancement, I find it slightly redundant.

Currently, there are so many cheap alternatives out there should the original charging cable spoil. However, this wireless charger comes at a price tag of S$108.

I don’t think it’s necessary at all, especially since it’s not like it’ll be that portable either. Granted, this is just some personal nitpicking.

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Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Samsung Galaxy S9+ begin on 1 March 2018 and will be available in local stores from 16 March 2018.

For those who purchase the Galaxy S9+ (256GB), you’re entitled to a complimentary wireless charger stand (black) upon full payment, while stocks last.

Available in three colourways — Midnight Black, Coral Blue and Lilac Purple — the S9 is priced at S$1198 for 64GB while the S9+ is priced at S$1348 for 64GB and S$1498 for 256GB.

While I’ve always been strictly #TeamApple, I’ve to admit that the new features of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ have swayed my loyalties slightly. The updated features make it such a nifty and reliable phone for those constantly on-the-go.

Will you be jumping ship?

Dates: 1 March 2018 (Pre-Order), 16 March 2018 (In stores)

Price: S$1198 – S$1498

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