5 Reasons Samsung’s Galaxy S9+ Is My New Go-To Smartphone
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Until recently, I was a pretty happy iPhone X user. There was one ever-present bug that drove me up a wall, as I'll explain a bit later on, but Apple's latest smartphone offers a fantastic camera, plus a slew of other features — like a long battery life and a sharp and vibrant screen — not to mention the ability to add just about any app a frequent traveler desires.
Then I got to try the Samsung Galaxy S9+ this month, which I paired with my Google Project Fi SIM. Whoa, Nelly!
While I'll be keeping the iPhone around as well, these are the five things that have me convinced to make the GS9+ my new go-to — especially when I'm on the road.
1. The Camera
On Friday, I intentionally shot a flight review entirely with this smartphone. I would have never considered doing that before. Not only were the pictures and video exceptionally sharp, using a phone is also more discreet, since it's certainly not unusual for casual travelers to document a premium-cabin trip with a smartphone.
Before that flight, I covered the ITB Berlin travel trade show for our new Instagram account exclusively using the Galaxy S9+. Between my time at tech publications and now TPG, I've probably covered some 100 trade shows around the world — rarely with anything less than an interchangeable-lens camera. Naturally, I was a bit hesitant to leave my trusty Sony RX100 M3 point-and-shoot back at the hotel.
Fortunately, the GS9+ performed like a champ — the pictures captured were tack-sharp, even in low-light, with accurate colors and exposure. The video quality is out of this world: My version of the Sony RX100 doesn't shoot in 4K, but the Galaxy can even handle 4K video at 60 frames-per-second, though I kept mine set to 30fps so I wouldn't lose the integrated video stabilization. (To view the above video in 4K, head to this YouTube page, click the gear at the bottom right of the frame and select the 2160p option.)
2. A Gigantic Battery
I had my iPhone X along as a backup, and my Sony RX100 M3 in my bag at the hotel, but the GS9+ was truly all I needed — with a second 2x telephone lens, it's almost as versatile as the Sony. While I was able to travel incredibly light even with the point-and-shoot in my bag, I feel confident enough to leave it back in New York next time around:
With two full days of shooting hundreds of photos, plus a few videos, I was quite concerned about battery life, especially given all the social sharing I planned to be doing. On my busiest day, the battery only dropped to 30%, though, and I could see it lasting even a couple of days with lighter use. With a relatively gigantic 3,500mAh battery, and after my experience in Berlin, I wouldn't hesitate to head out for a day and night on the town while leaving my charger back at the hotel.
3. That Freakishly Sharp Screen
I could get very technical here, throwing around stats like pixels per inch (529), display type (Super AMOLED) and resolution (2960 x 1440), but really all you need to know is that the GS9+'s screen looks great. It's also quite large, at 6.2 inches, which makes it more appealing for viewing content than the iPhone X, which has a 5.8-inch screen.
Since I spend more time creating content than consuming it, this screen can be more of a curse than a blessing; colors appear far more saturated than on my iPhone, and when I tweak them for Instagram on the Samsung, for non-Galaxy owners, they could end up looking more dull than they otherwise would.
4. Built-In Hyperlapse
I like using the Hyperlapse app to film takeoffs and landings, but I find that the quality isn't all that great. Fortunately, the GS9+ offers the feature directly within the camera app, and it looks far better — though there is a bit of a learning curve.
My first video didn't pan out as expected — I essentially wasted a rare central London approach by misusing the feature, leaving hyperlapse in "auto" mode, which captured at variable speeds and didn't give me any control:
Lucked out with an incredible approach to London City Airport! Which I promptly wasted by misusing the Galaxy S9+ Hyperlapse mode ? Next time I won't move the camera... and maybe I'll shoot a 4K video instead. pic.twitter.com/Ganl40adwq
— Zach Honig (@ZachHonig) March 9, 2018
My second attempt was far better, after I figured out how to adjust the speed manually. I simply hit the speed button, selected 4x and I was good to go for our landing at JFK:
Figured out hyperlapse with the GS9+... you can adjust the speed manually before shooting. Duh! So much better this time. pic.twitter.com/wNVSVfv4no
— Zach Honig (@ZachHonig) March 9, 2018
5. Instagram Actually Works Pretty Well
This one might be specific to me — at least if you ask Apple — but with my iPhone X, Instagram, Twitter and the native Photos app would freeze up whenever I tried to select a photo or video to upload (basically every few minutes).
Instagram would crash constantly too, so I ended up spending far too long preparing each post. I finally "fixed" the bug by formatting my device, ditching my entire iCloud account and setting up a new one, but the months-long experience certainly left me eager to move on.
Needless to say, my iCloud issues haven't been a factor with the GS9+ — I can select and upload photos instantly, and Instagram has only crashed a few times — rather than every few minutes.
The Bottom Line
While the Galaxy S9+ is my new top smartphone pick, it's also one of the most expensive devices on the market; without a trade-in, an unlocked phone will run you $840. I ended up paying $50 to add a 128GB microSD card, since I figured I'd burn through the 64 gigs of built-in storage pretty quickly.
(Note that as is standard practice at tech publications, Samsung provided me with a GS9+ review sample, as I wanted to try out the device before it hit the market.)
There you have it: I'm very happy with the GS9+ and I'm looking forward to capturing more great content on my next trip. If you're looking for a more in-depth review, I recommend heading over to my former tech home, Engadget, where you'll find detailed looks at both of Samsung's latest smartphones — including the review video above.
Regardless which phone you choose as your travel companion, be sure to use a card that offers cell phone protection, such as the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card or Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.