Just around 4 months ago, I posted the 8 month review of the Note 9. Since there aren’t many changes that occurred since then, this review is most likely going to be short and concise. Now that the Note 10 pre-order period has begun, the prices for the Note 9 will probably drop tremendously. Considering this situation, is the Note 9 still worth it after the release of the new Samsung flagship?
What about the Note 10?
Although this post is a review of the Note 9, it is impossible to ignore the new flagship. As a Note 9 user, I understood that it was a very incremental update to the Note 8. Nearly every review online mentioned how there weren’t many changes that were made from the Note 8 to the Note 9. Regardless of only having a few changes, the overall phone was still very powerful and had good specs, which is what attracted me to it. However, throughout this year, there were many phones that released that had extremely small bezel, higher refresh rate, and better phone quality. After I learned that the Note 10 released with extremely small bezels and new added features, I initially wanted it. The more reviews I watch, however, I realize that many of the added features lean more towards “wants” than “needs”. By this, I mean that the added features consist of the new spen, smaller bezels, and more cameras. Yes, the phone will also be faster, but since I am already satisfied with the speed of my phone, that wasn’t a big attracting feature. However, I came to realize that the “magic wand” feature of the new spen won’t be widely used by me, already considering the fact that I use my smart spen on the Note 9 only for taking notes. In addition, I thought about whether I really needed a smaller bezel. I realized that smaller bezels do make the phone look better, but I would need to sacrifice part of my screen with a small hole for the camera. In addition, the Note 10, not the plus, has a 1080 panel and a smaller battery, which would make it a downgrade from the Note 9. After I realized all of the downsides to the new Note, I came to realize that the Note 9 was definitely worth it in 2019. My desires for the new Note wasn’t because of its functionality but all of the useless gimmicks that were placed into the phone, which made it more high tech but not really beneficial.
One thing I forgot to mention was the headphone jack. Although I purchased the Samsung Galaxy Buds around 2 months ago (you can see a review on it in my site), before that, I heavily used my normal wired earbuds. In this case, having a headphone jack would be extremely necessary and beneficial in my day-to-day life. Especially since I don’t have a wireless charger, if I hadn’t purchased my buds, I wouldn’t be able to charge my phone and listen to music at the same time. Yes, I don’t particularly need the headphone jack anymore since I have my Galaxy Buds, but it is a shame that the Note 10 doesn’t include this feature anymore.
Aging of the Note 9
Everyone who owns a Samsung device hears this at least once: Samsung phones lag after a short period of time; they suck and cannot last for a few years. The phone that completely broke the stereotype, I believe, is the Note 9. It hasn’t been a few months since I purchased my phone; in fact, it’s been an entire year. However, I experience no slowdown whatsoever and rarely any stutters. In fact, my friends who own an iPhone, which is known to be a very capable long-lasting device, complain a lot about the constant lags on their phone. If someone handed my phone to me after a year of use, I wouldn’t even be able to notice because it performs as it did on day 1.
All of the downsides that I mentioned in my 8-month review still remain true, but there were no new downsides that got added in the additional 4 months of using this phone.
Previously, one of my favorite features of the Note 9 was the Always on Display since it prevented me from taking that extra step to turn the phone on to check the time, but there was a change that I made that made it even more useful. There are many different choices for the way to design the Always On Display and I set it to be a calendar. This proved to be incredibly useful since I can set up schedules more easily now that there is a calendar even without me turning my phone on.
The Note 9 came with so many features packed into the phone that a whole lot of people could customize it in whatever way they want and use their phone like a tool to be a part of their daily lives. I kept my phone relatively minimalistic, but this means that people with many different types of preferences can use this phone without a problem (those who want to customize their phones heavily can also accomplish that with the Note 9).
Although I changed my phone multiple times, I’ve owned a smartphone since 8th grade (so for around 3-4 years). Honestly, smartphones are mostly used as time killers, but there were a few apps that I used that I truly enjoyed using. They are not very relevant to education and being productive, but these apps are ones I really wanted to recommend to others.
1. Questions Diary
The reason I placed this app first is because it is definitely not very widely-known. I just recently discovered this app and I fell in love. What this app is that it asks you a question daily for 365 days. You type your answer to each respective question down every day. Then, a year later, it will ask you the same question again and you’ll be able to see how much you’ve changed over the year (for the better or for worse). The questions are based on your views and thoughts on certain scenarios. I think this is a great app to express your true feelings – ones that are hidden from other people – because letting it all out actually helps with relieving stress and sadness.
2. Google Opinion Rewards
This app isn’t related to psychology, but it’s related to money. Majority of the apps in the play store and the app store is free. However, the better-quality, more “pro”-like apps are not free and require money to be downloaded. However, I personally don’t have a card to input into my phone so I am unable to purchase anything that requires money (including movies, songs, and apps that cost money). As for this app, answering some questions in surveys that Google provides gives you money that is added to your Google Play account. So far, I was able to earn up to around $1 which opens up to a lot of apps that I could purchase now. Since the surveys are quick and easy, I think this is a great app to have.
3. VSCO
This is a very popular photo editing app that many, many people use. The reason I’m recommending this is because it is capable of changing the photos to match any mood and theme. For example, if you want your photo to be more calm and moody (?), then you can use the editing tools to adjust the brightness and contrast, etc., to make your photo that way. This is the only photo editing app that I use since it fits so perfectly with what I desire in a editing app. I know this app is popular, but if you love editing photos and don’t have this app, it’s a must-get.
4. Google Photos
This is another super popular app that a lot of people use as their photo backup. The reason why I use this, however, is different from many other’s usage of this app. If you own all apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, AirPods, etc., there is airdrop which is extremely convenient when sharing documents between each device. However, if you’re like me and you own an iPad (Apple device) and a Note 9 (Samsung device), it is extremely difficult to share files such as photos and videos. I found that Google Photos is the most convenient to use since you can back up all of the photos and videos to your account and then download those into your other device. For example, if I took photos on my phone and I want them on my iPad, I back up all of my photos from my phone into my Google account using Google photos. Then, I go on my iPad and download those backed-up photos from the app to my Gallery. This is still a very gruesome process, but this is the most convenient way I know. If you by any chance know a more effective way, please teach me!
As a student who was the one to preorder the Note 9 last year and got it on the actual release day, I am aware that the next Note will come out in around two to three months. Due to this, majority of the device will have been manufactured and probably they are just testing for the remainder of the time. As a result of this, some of the changes that I want made may not be present in the Note 10, but the following are changes that I want made in the future models. This will include my experience with the Note 9 and what should be improved in order to benefit the user experience of the people who purchase the next model.
Camera
I’ll start off by saying that the camera is above average. So many of my friends want to take photos with my phone due to its outstanding quality both during the daytime and nighttime. However, there were a few things that I wish would change in the camera category; if these changes are made, many more people will be willing to switch over to Samsung.
1. Shutter Speed
Due to not many professional photos being taken on smartphones, the cameras that come with these phones are normally used for point-and-shoot scenarios where you just click the shutter and move on without putting in so much time and effort into making the photo perfect. I noticed, however, that there is a slight gap between the time when I press on the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken. As a result of this, I end up moving before the photo is actually taken, meaning that the photo ends up being shaken. This problem is the worst in low-light situations so I need to keep my phone still for at least 3 seconds in order for the photo to come out decently. Due to this, I’m hoping that the future Samsung Note models will have this problem fixed and decrease the gap that exists with the shutter so that the point-and-shoot photos come out well.
2. Color
Although the quality of the camera itself is good, there is a problem that exists within not only the newer phones, but most of the previous Samsung phones as well. The problem is that the photos tend to be very unrealistic and very different from the actual scene. The photos turn out to be more yellow-toned and brighter than what we see with our eyes. I do not want to make the direct comparison, but iPhone tend to have very realistic colors, which is one of the reasons why many people opt for iPhones. Due to this, I hope that the future models will have better camera optimization so that the photos come out more realistic.
3. Live Focus
The Live Focus was one of the main reasons I wanted to Note 9 and is also one of the greatest disappointments of the phone. The same problem is present in the Note 8, s9+, and the Note 9. First of all, in situations where the lighting isn’t very good, the Live Focus mode has a terrible HDR, and so turns the entire background white. This is when I just choose to turn the HDR off and use my normal Auto mode. Even when the lighting is good, sometimes, the edge detection is terrible and may sometimes even tell you that Live Focus mode isn’t available. There are a few moments when the Live Focus mode works, which makes the photo turn out amazing, but since there were so many disappointments that came with using the Live Focus, it is something that I want to see improved. The main improvements should consist of better edge detection and HDR.
4. Social Media
Social media may seem like it’s out of the blue, but I noticed that the quality is significantly worse when using social media on Samsung devices (almost all android devices in fact) than an iPhone. Using Instagram as an example, whenever I post a story using my Note 9, all the details are gone and it’s just not very pleasing to see. Also, when I send photos through the messaging app or through Instagram DM, the details are all gone and the picture gets sent looking very grainy, which is very uncomfortable when living in a world filled with interaction. I’m not exactly sure what the problem is, but there must be a way for these photos to be sent with a better quality.
5. Skin blur
The skin blur problem actually shocked me although I heard many problems about it. The main reason is because when I’m taking the picture, the photos look very detailed and nothing seems to be blurred. However, when I click on the result, I see that the photo turned out to be much more smooth compared to when I was clicking the shutter. I feel like Samsung planned to optimize their camera that way, but honestly, it brings more discomfort to the users and if anyone does want their face to be smooth, there are apps out their that they can use so don’t bring that feature to everyone.
Spen
The Spen is a very, very, very useful feature for a student like me. After I purchased the Note 9, I used the Spen so much that now I can’t imagine having a phone without it. It can be used to take notes, draw in my free time, and save paper. Some people may never use it, but it was such an important tool for me. The changes that I want made with the Spen is not the functionality or the usability, but more towards its design and durability.
1. Durability
In order to effectively utilize the Spen into my daily lifestyle, I need to use it very often. This means that I’d need to take it out of my phone and then take notes on my phone or do whatever I want to do with it. However, taking it out often means that there is a greater chance of dropping or bending it. The Spen replacements are not cheap. This means that we need to try to keep the original one as nice as possible. However, the Spen is so weak that it is just so easy to snap it in half. Honestly, there is a such a big gap in price between the Galaxy S models and the Galaxy Note models. However, the only major difference between these two is the Spen. If the user chooses not to replace the Spen, they will just have wasted a couple hundred dollars. If they choose to replace it, another $50 will be needed to be spent, but even then, that replacement Spen may break again, so money will be spent repeatedly. Therefore, for the next model, I’m hoping that there will be an improvement in the durability of the Spen by changing the material being used to build it or use any other solution that could help with the durability.
2. Secureness
The major reason people break their Spen is because of how insecurely the Spen is placed in the phone. I have a case in my Note 9 and all of my family members do as well. However, every time one of us drops our phone, our phone is perfectly fine due to the case, but the Spen almost always falls out. I’m not sure why it constantly falls out, but it could do with the clicky button and just its inability to endure impact. Since the pen just falls out when my phone is dropped, it can end up bent or broken. Therefore, for the next model, I’m hoping that the Spen will be placed more securely into the phone. Other than that, the Spen is such an useful tool that improved my life as a whole.
Design
Photo from Mashables
I honestly, really like the minimalistic design of the Note 9. There is no notch, hole, or anything that gets in the way in the screen and nothing gets cut off. Although it may seem outdated, I personally enjoyed it. However, I know that I must let go of having a clean display because future models are probably going to come with the Infinity O display (at least for a period of time until they figure out the best way to have a full-screen display). I do enjoy the Note 9’s design, but I also found that the s10’s design is very stunning so I’m sure that the complaints about the hole punch display will die down eventually. However, there were a few aspects of the design of the Note 9 that I found to be very uncomfortable that I hope would be changed in the next model.
1. Weight
The Note 9 is around 200 grams. Honestly, just carrying my phone for a short period of time is fine. However, if I need to use it for a long period of time, I start feeling pain in my wrist and my arm. The phone itself being 200 grams is not too bad. However, we have to remember that most of the people use cases on their phone; they normally use bulky, protective cases to protect their thousand dollar phone. With these cases, the weight of the phone becomes unbearable so I hope that Samsung can adjust the weight of the phone (although I know that it’s going to be made of all glass and the size is probably going to get bigger) so that there is less fatigue in the arms even with a case on.
2. Edge Display
Although the majority of the people have problems with the edge display, I actually was fond of it. Since I’m not an expert in terms of screen quality and so, I didn’t really notice many cons to having an edge display. In fact, when I was watching videos, I found the edge to let me be more immersed into the video and focus better. In addition, the edge display panel was very useful for me, especially for the quick call feature. However, the problem, at least for me, does not come with the phone itself; it comes with the accessories. Because of the phone’s structure and design, it was just so hard to find good accessories. Firstly, there is a huge restriction on the screen protector that I can use. I previously used many glass screen protectors with my older phones, but due to the curved display, majority of them did not stick properly with my Note 9 and so I had to settle for a liquid screen protector. However, the problem became that since my screen was less protected now, I needed to find a protective case. However, due to the edge display, so many cases come with very minimal lip for protection. I’m not exactly sure this problem is going to be solved, but unless there is a way to make better accessories for the newer phone with the curved edge, I’d say it’s a better idea to go for the flat display for a while.
3. Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of this phone makes the phone much easier to grip due to it having skinnier sides and a longer length. However, I found a few problems with this. First of all, when I want to watch my videos in full, parts of it get cut off. Another problem is that since this phone has a different aspect ratio as other phones, such as the iPhone, many America-based apps have the ratio aspect that matches the iPhone. As a result of this, whenever I’m using a social media app like Instagram and my friend with an iPhone sends me a photo, since the photo is sent from their aspect ratio, the photo comes to me by cutting the sides off. Because of this problem, I asked my friends multiple times to resend the photo for me but by backing the camera a little so that even if the sides are cropped I can still see all the necessary parts of the photo. I’m hoping that in the future Note model, although the aspect ratio may stay the same since the phone needs to get bigger, there is a better way found to interact with other non-Samsung models.
Final Words
I was fond of the Note line ever since the Note 2. There were many changes that were made since the original Note that allows the Note to be one of the most feature-packed phone present-day. There are many useful tools that come with the phone that drastically improves user experience. However, there are some downsides that may interfere with the usability of the phone. In this post, I discusses some of the problems that I noticed while using my Note 9 that I wish would be changed in future models. If these changes are made, I am sure that a wider spectrum of people would be willing to spend their hard-earned money on this phone.
Recently, I purchased the White Samsung Galaxy Buds for $130. As a student, the price was slightly overwhelming, but after seeing a lot of reviews for this product, I knew I had to get one for myself. As I’m writing this impressions post, I used them for around 4 days so I have a general idea of what I like and what I think could be improved.
Pros:
1. Sound Quality
Although I’m not an expert in terms of sound and its quality, I personally really enjoy listening to music, especially bands. Bands consist of many instruments that come together with a vocal, which means that the sound needs to be full in order for it to be fully appreciated. I was able to find pleasure in listening to my music of choice with these galaxy buds. Just for everyday use, the sound has decent quality.
2. Design
Out of the three choices, I purchased my buds in white. I was attracted to all of the three colors (yellow, black, and white), but I ended up settling for white due to the pearly effect it had. I find that the white color isn’t too popping but also very pretty. Other than that, I also liked the shape of the buds because it fits very well in my ears and do not fall out. I go to the gym everyday and go on the treadmill very often. There was no circumstance where my buds fell off, which is a huge plus for me because I always watch something while I work out.
3. Compact Size
It’s hard to demonstrate it through words, but the size is very compact. It’s not too small and not too large. It fits very nicely in my pockets and is very portable. This was very beneficial because with normal wired headphones, there is not additional accessory to carry around whereas the buds come with a case that I need to carry around. Therefore, the smaller and more compact the case, the better.
4. Fit
This category goes hand-in-hand with the design, but as I mentioned earlier, it fits very nicely in my ears. The box comes with three different sized plugs and the outer rings. The different sizes of the rings help with it staying in my ear, although I opted for the original ring. Although I settled for the originals for both the plugs and the outer rings, it is a great option to have extras and have different choices for different types of ears.
5. Controls
This is a feature of the galaxy buds that I found very, very useful. At the gym with my phone settled down, when I need to control the volume, pressing on my right bud raises the volume and pressing on my left bud decreases the volume. Other than this, I found tapping on my buds to start and stop my music also useful because even when I’m not in a music app, if I just tap on one of my buds, music would start playing.
Cons:
1. Microphone
When I call people using the buds, the call quality is decent indoors. I am able to hear the others clearly and they are able to hear me clearly. However, when I step outside, my voice is not able to be heard at all by the person I’m calling to. As a result of this, if I want to call when I’m outdoors, I disconnect the bluetooth and just call directly from my phone, not using the buds. This proved to be very inconvenient since my buds, which are meant to be capable for calling, isn’t able to be used to call people.
2. Ambient Mode
The Ambient Mode feature of the buds were very, very, very helpful when I put these buds on outside. I can hear my surroundings very clearly which means that I will be safe from the cars when walking outside. However, I realized that in some scenarios, the ambient mode turns off. As a result of this, I keep thinking that there is just nothing going on around me since I can’t hear anything, where in reality, it’s that the ambient mode turned off. Because of this, there were scenarios when I wasn’t able to notice cars and people.
3. Battery
The battery was somewhat disappointing for me, especially the battery case. It only provides 13 hours and so I have do charge it every two days. On the other hand, airpods provide a much greater battery capacity, which I believe will be more useful to people that love to listen to music. In addition, I wish there was a way to know the exact battery percentage of the battery case because the only way to estimate the battery is by seeing the LED light on the case, but it’s not very precise so I don’t exactly know when it needs to be charged again.
4. Ear Fatigue
When I go to the gym and use these buds to listen to music or watch the video, I keep them on for 2 hours straight without taking them off. I found that after putting it on for a while, I feel pain in my ears because of its tight fit. Although this fit is very beneficial for keeping surrounding sound out of my ears, it brings discomfort after a long period of use.
5. Distance
I was disappointed in the amount of distance I was able to stand away from my phone to still listen to the music. I was only a little bit far from my phone when I heard a lot of static noise. I was honestly expecting the connection to be a bit better with my phone. However, the static noise doesn’t only come when I’m far away. Once in a while, even when I’m near my phone, the buds create a static noise for no reason. Although that’s not a reason why these shouldn’t be purchased, I believe this problem should be fixed.
Conclusion:
The Samsung Galaxy Buds is my first truly wireless earbuds and I’m glad I purchased it. Finally, when I’m at the gym, I don’t have wires getting in my way and due to the auto connecting method these buds have, it’s so convenient to use. Although there were a few negative aspects of these buds that I noticed, these are very well incorporated into my daily life that it makes up for all of the cons. Honestly, $130 isn’t a small amount of money, but I’d say that it was well spent on this product.
Rachel’s Reviews 