Samsung uses the Unpacked 2018 event to launch the next flagship Note-- the Galaxy Note 9, offering what are arguably the best specs for an Android device yet, together with a bigger display and S Pen stylus.
As one might expect, the Galaxy Note 9 is an oversized device with a 6.4-inch SuperAMOLED 2960 x 1440 resolution display. It does not have a notch, since the front-facing 8MP camera resides within a traditional bezel. Inside are a Snapdragon 845 processor with an optimised GPU, 6/8GB RAM, 128/512GB storage (expandable via microSD slot), rear-facing 12MP dual-camera array and a 4000mAh battery Samsung claims allows for all-day use. The OS of choice is Android 8.1 Oreo with the usual selection of Samsung additions, such as Samsung Pay and the Bixby assistant.
In what is a curious move, the smartphone features a "water carbon cooling system" Samsung promises will allow for optimum performance in any application, including demanding games such as Fortnite. Speaking of the battle royale phenomenon, Fortnite first arrives on Android on Samsung devices, and devotees can even order a preorder package with in-game bonus items.
The other feature typical to the Note line is the stylus-- the S Pen gets a Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity allowing a variety of interesting use cases, such as camera remote shutter, slide clicker or music app controller. The stylus slides into the smartphone when not in use, and has a supercapacitor rapid battery charging. Also included is DeX, the Samsung software allowing users to turn the handset into a traditional PC complete with mouse and keyboard by plugging an external display via HDMI adapter.
The Galaxy Note 9 is available by end August 2018 in black, purple, copper and blue colours.