Sleek exterior, powerful new internal components and speakers that create phenomenal sound, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ are the perfect blend of class and functionality.
With the newest addition to the smartphone family, users can boast of a more durable handheld device owing to the thicker glass which minimizes cracks or broken screen incidents and a sturdier 7000 series aluminum.
Here is all you need to know about these impressive smartphones:
“Super Speed Dual Pixel” camera
With the S9 series, you can say hello to even clearer and brighter photos thanks to the new dual aperture feature. Selfies, using the device’s 8 – megapixel front camera, are brighter, sharper and crispy clear with the addition of the f/1.7 aperture lens.
The S9’s primary 12-megapixel lens mechanically opens the aperture at either f/1.5 or f/2.4 letting in more light resulting in brighter images when in low-lit conditions. Samsung says this feature lets in 28-percent more light. When in Pro Mode, users can manually switch the rear-facing camera between 1.5-aperture shots (for low lighting) and 2.4-aperture shots (for brighter settings). When set to Auto Mode, the smartphones are prompted to automatically switch between the two settings depending on the lighting conditions at the time.
Samsung has introduced a second 12-megapixel, telephoto lens with the S9+ with a fixed 2.4 aperture, which allows users achieve portrait effects using Live Focus, giving users 2x optical zoom for clearer shots from far away.
AR Emoji
A new feature exclusive to the S9 and S9 Plus is the AR Emoji which allows users take selfies to create emojis that look just like them. Samsung partnered with Disney, creator of some of the most beloved characters in history – to make its AR Emojis the happiest faces on earth and give users access to the most popular characters to share with friends across most third-party messaging platforms.
The camera can track a user’s face and mimic their facial expressions, head gestures, winks, nods, mouth movements as they speak, allowing users create an emoji version of themselves by simply taking a selfie, select stickers for any feeling and share across all your favourite messaging apps.
To create an emoji that looks, sounds and acts like the user. Samsung AR Emoji uses a data-based machine learning algorithm, which analyses a 2D image of the user and maps out more than 100 facial features to create a 3D model that reflects and imitates expressions like winks and nods, for true personalisation. Sounds really exciting and definitely, a feature user will be thrilled to lay their hands on. There are currently 14 pre-determined poses that can be used in GIFs.
Security-Intelligent scan
Whilst its predecessor, Galaxy S8 offers three modes of authenticating identity: iris scanning, facial recognition and the fingerprint sensor, the S9 adds a fourth, called Intelligent Scan. The new method combines facial and iris scanning, which means users will not have to pick between the two as the S9 will simply default to the other, seamlessly and interchangeably. Intelligent Scan marries the iris scanner and facial recognition to make unlocking your smartphone with your face a far, simpler task. Also, the fingerprint sensor is now beneath the camera, allowing users easily authenticate their identity.
Super Slow-Motion
Another super exciting feature of the S9 series is the Super Slow-Motion Video which allows users capture the moments within the moment. The S9 camera can slow down a video clip to 960 frames per second to create a 6-second. When shooting in this mode (super-slow-mo), the S9 camera lens detects movement in the frame, automatically begins to record and slows it down. A manual mode allows users control the action if preferred.
The best part is what you can do with the slow-mo clip after it is recorded. Users can select background music from 35 different options or add a tune from their favorite playlist; easily create, edit and share GIF files with a simple tap in three playful styles of looping to watch the action over and over again, swing the clip back and forth, or reverse it. This is a very intriguing feature and because the quality of Samsung’s new super speed dual pixel camera is so good, the clarity of well-lit super slow-mo videos is flat-out nuts, making every moments epic with dynamic, slow-motion video.
Design
The smartphones feature a 5.8-inch touch-screen display with a resolution of 1440 pixels by 2960 pixels at a PPI of 568 pixels per inch. Powered by 1.7GHz octa-core Samsung Exynos 9810 processor, the Galaxy S9 comes with 4GB of RAM while the S9+ touts 6GB of RAM. Both smartphones offer 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 400GB via a microSD card and run on Android 8.0. The S9 is powered by a 3000mAh non-removable battery while S9+ features 3,500mAH non-removable battery. Both phones support Gigabit LTE, with peak download speeds of 1.2 gigabits per second.
The big bezel is out, replaced with a larger screen that pushes right to the edges resulting in more screen space. The metal and glass body retains its curved display, the aluminum rim has been strengthened and the Gorilla Glass 5 coating the screen has been thickened to make for a sturdier and yet sleeker device.
Samsung is expected to introduce 128GB version of the Galaxy S9+ in Nigeria in June 2018, with Blue, Black, and Gold colour options for customers nationwide.
Entertainment Re-imagined
Samsung has created a device that offers premium sound experiences with stereo speakers tuned by AKG. Whether users are watching their favorite movie or streaming their favorite artist’s latest album, sounds are clear, crisp and rich in quality. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also support Dolby Atmos, giving the effect of 360-degree sound.
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ audio experience are complemented by Samsung’s revolutionary Infinity Display. The bold, bright Super AMOLED Infinity Display blends right into the phone with virtually no distracting notches. With adaptive contrast enhancement, users can use their device even in direct sunlight.
The smartphones are IP68 water and dust resistance, protecting the devices from immersion in up to 1.5m of fresh water for 30 minutes. Equipped with wireless charging, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are available in Nigeria in Midnight Black, Titanium Gray, and Lilac Purple colours.
To purchase any of the devices, customers can visit the network providers, MTN, Airtel, 9Mobile and GLO; Samsung Experience Stores, and select retail partners nationwide. Samsung has advised customers to purchase their S9 smartphones in Nigeria from authorized dealers so they can enjoy a 24-month warranty.