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Samsung Galaxy S9 teardown helps explain its camera tricks
Samsung's Galaxy S9 and S9+ revolve around their camera features, but some of the hardware functionality behind them has been a little mysterious. The picture is a little clearer, however, as iFixit has torn down the S9+ and provided a better look at the phone's camera tech. To start, the signature variable aperture camera is possible thanks to a simple design -- where typical dedicated cameras have five-blade apertures, Samsung is using just two ring-like blades. That limits its functionality, of course (you can only choose from two apertures), but helps the camera stay relatively small.
Microsoft is selling customized Samsung Galaxy S9 phones (updated)
Remember those Microsoft-customized Samsung Galaxy S8 phones? Well, apparently it's happening again. Microsoft is selling both a Samsung Galaxy S9 ($720) and the S9 Plus ($840) in its online store. Hardware-wise (and price-wise), these phones are identical to any other Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. Things are basically identical on the software front, too, though Microsoft noted in a statement to Engadget that these phones can be customized with its own apps after purchase.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus review: Excellent, not monumental
When my mom asked if she should upgrade from her Galaxy S8 to an S9, I struggled to find an answer. After spending about ten days with Samsung's latest flagship, I'm still torn. Besides the fact that I'd rarely recommend people upgrade from a year-old phone in general, this generation of the S series also lacks any thrilling new features. I'm not going to fault Samsung for that, though. It's basically impossible to dream up revolutionary new technology every year. And sometimes it's the small improvements that count. But with the Galaxy S9 and S9+, none of the new additions are must-haves. That's not to say these are underwhelming devices -- the Galaxy S flagships are still among the best Android phones around.
Here's what you missed at MWC 2018
This year's Mobile World Congress has been strangely quiet. Despite Samsung's return to the event to launch its latest flagship phones and Google unveiling new Android Go devices, the convention has been almost uneventful. In fact, the most interesting thing to have happened this show has been snow falling in Barcelona, with temperatures dipping close to 38 degrees Fahrenheit (almost 0 degrees Celsius). Although Nokia's parent company tried to drum up interest by reviving an old favorite like it did before, people just didn't care as much the second time around.
Testing the Galaxy S9+ on a night out in Barcelona
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ didn't bring revolutionary changes to the table, but promised a "reimagined" camera that's supposed to change the way we use our mobile shooters. Most of the biggest changes Samsung implemented revolve around improving low-light photography, so what better way to make full use of our scenic surroundings here in Barcelona than to take the S9+ out for an evening sightseeing tour? Here's what we learned (other than that the Gothic Quarter is really pretty, and it can get pretty cold in Spain).
The Galaxy S9 vs. the competition: Under the hood
On the outside the Galaxy S9 looks pretty familiar: not only does it maintain the same basic shape as the S8, but it's kept the screen and battery size of its predecessor as well. In fact, other high-end phones like the Pixel 2 and iPhone 8 have also stuck with familiar design language, which means that you have to look at the specs to see what's been revised or refined. This year it's mostly about the S9's cameras, with the rear-facing one boasting a dual aperture and the software adding a slew of new features for better pictures and videos. But what other changes should you look at, and how do they compare to what's already on the market? We've stacked up the Galaxy S9 versus its closest competitors so you can get a better idea which one you might want to pick up this spring -- though we also advise checking out our full review of the S9 when it drops next month.
Watch Samsung's Galaxy S9 launch in under 11 minutes!
And just like that, Samsung's Galaxy S9 has arrived. Today, at MWC 2018, the company introduced its new flagship handset with the slogan "The camera. Reimagined." While the bulk of improvements to the Galaxy S9, over the S8, are imaging-focused, there are also new features like AR Emojis -- Samsung's answer to Apple's Animojis. You can watch a recap of the Unpacked 2018 event here, where you'll also learn more about the updated DeX desktop experience, which now uses the S9 as a trackpad.
Galaxy S9 US pre-orders focus on trade-in deals
Now that Samsung's Galaxy S9 and S9+ are official, American carriers are tripping over themselves to offer launch details ahead of March 2nd pre-orders and the March 16th launch... and trade-in deals are a common theme this time around. T-Mobile, for instance, is promising $360 off the price of the S9 or S9+ if you turn in an eligible phone (typically a high-end Apple, LG or Samsung phone from the past couple of years). Verizon, meanwhile, is offering between $100 to $350 in credit if you hand in a qualifying phone from Apple, Google, HTC, LG, Motorola or Samsung. Comcast's relatively new Xfinity Mobile is getting in on the action as well, with promises of at least $200 and as much as $450.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ hands-on: The devil is in the details
Getting to know the Galaxy S9 is like unwrapping a present you think you've already opened. On the surface, it looks familiar, but once you peel back the layers, you'll notice the contents are new. That's not to say that the changes between the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S8 are insignificant. There's a ton of them, and you'll have to look carefully to spot them all, but when considered as a package, this update feels more incremental than monumental. At least, based on our brief time with it.
Watch Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked 2018 event right here!
Samsung's getting ready to unveil its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S9, at MWC 2018 in Barcelona. You can watch a livestream of the Unpacked 2018 event in the video below, and don't forget to follow the action on our liveblog, as well -- where we'll have colorful commentary from our senior editors Cherlynn Low and Chris Velazco. It all starts at 9AM PT/12PM ET, so you have a few minutes to grab a drink and a snack before finding out what the Galaxy S9 looks like.
Live from Samsung's Galaxy S9 event at MWC 2018!
Today is the day Samsung will be unveiling its highly anticipated Galaxy S9, the company's latest flagship smartphone. As we discussed earlier this week, you can expect an improved, smarter camera on the handset, as well as an answer to Apple's Animojis, animated emojis that will use face recognition technology to make your phone more interactive when you message friends or family. We'll learn all about the Galaxy S9 in the next few hours, so stay tuned to this post to keep up with the action as it happens. The event kicks off at 12PM ET/6PM Barcelona time. Enjoy!
We're live from MWC 2018 in Barcelona!
Spring season is right around the corner, and that means it's time for Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the world's biggest phone show. This year, you can expect to be introduced to Samsung's next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S9, as well as a slew of other handsets from big-name companies like BlackBerry and Nokia. Yes, you know you love BlackBerry and Nokia. Of course, we'll likely also come across a bunch of other tech products, such as wearables and others things that could be revealed at the show -- Facebook has a press conference, for instance. We're on the ground for the next week, which means you need to keep your eyes peeled to the site so you won't miss a thing from MWC 2018.
Samsung Galaxy S9: What to expect from Unpacked 2018
Samsung is primed to unveil its latest flagship, the Galaxy S9. Fortunately for anyone desperate to hear what's coming on February 25th, there's been no shortage of leaks and renders before the big day. It's not good news for the secret-keepers at Samsung but gives us plenty of threads to pull at ahead of the big reveal in Barcelona. How will the Galaxy series fare against the latest trio of iPhones? Can it best the talking-poop emoji?
MWC 2018: What to expect from the world’s biggest phone show
Team Engadget is en route to Barcelona for Mobile World Congress, and while the show officially starts on Monday, you'll start to see some of this year's key news and announcements as soon as this weekend. We don't want you going into things blind, though, so here's a primer on what to expect from the world's biggest and best phone-makers once MWC 2018 gets off the ground.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus dual cameras detailed in latest leaks
At this rate, there might not be much mystery left to the Galaxy S9 when Samsung reveals it on February 25th. WinFuture and Evan Blass have posted a flood of leaked images and details that appear to confirm key features of the S9, particularly its cameras. Sure enough, the larger (6.2-inch) S9 Plus should have dual 12-megapixel rear cams that will give it a clear hardware advantage over the 5.8-inch standard S9 -- your choice won't boil down to screen size like it did with the S8.
Samsung's Galaxy S9 may offer its own version of Apple's Animoji
Samsung has a history of going toe-to-toe (or sometimes, finger to finger) with Apple on features with its Galaxy S phones, and the Galaxy S9 may be no exception to the rule. ETNews sources have claimed that the S9 will include a "3D emoji" feature that -- surprise! -- counters the Animoji you find on the iPhone X. The smartphone would reportedly use upgraded facial recognition (no word on how closely it matches the iPhone) to create 3D faces that mimic your facial expressions and add a little spice to your messages. The technology would also lead to "more secure financial transactions," which implies that you could use your face for Samsung Pay in the same way that iPhone X owners can stare at their device to use Apple Pay.
Samsung leak shows off the Galaxy S9's new DeX Pad
When reports came out late last year that Samsung was going to reveal the Galaxy S9 at CES 2018, it was bundled with rumors about a new DeX docking station. Well, the S9 reveal didn't happen at CES, but that part about a new DeX device might just be true: noted leaker Evan Blass (evleaks) has posted images of "the so-called DeX Pad" on his Twitter account. Like what previous reports said, it's a flat dock unlike the first DeX device for the S8, which looks like more like a traditional dock.
Samsung Galaxy S9 may pack more reliable face recognition
Samsung has hinted that the Galaxy S9 might include more advanced face recognition, but we're now getting clues as to what's involved. SamCentral's sleuthing in the settings APK for the Galaxy Note 8's Oreo beta has discovered a hidden Intelligent Scan feature that uses both camera-based face detection and the iris scanner in tandem for "better accuracy and security" and improved results in "low or very bright" lighting. Given that the iris scanning on the S8 and Note 8 can be finnicky, this could deliver a much more consistent experience when you're unlocking your phone or accessing secure info.
Leaked Galaxy S9 render shows a modest design update
Samsung did a pretty great job with the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus smartphones last year -- and as expected, the company isn't radically changing the design language for their successors. That's if you believe a leak published today by VentureBeat -- reliable phone leaker Evan Blass has obtained images of the front of the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus, and at first glance they look very similar to last year's models.
Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S9 on February 25th
Samsung has started sending out invites for the Unpacked event this year, where it will take the wraps off the Galaxy S9. The date? February 25th. Its upcoming flagship phone will make its debut at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, just like what DJ Koh, the Korean conglomerate's mobile chief, promised at CES. The teaser Samsung posted on Twitter hints at the S9's "reimagined camera." While the company didn't say anything more than that, one of the phone's rumored features is a variable aperture camera.
