Samsung Galaxy Note 9 - still good in 2021?

Samsung's flagship smartphone was released couple of years ago but is the Note 9 still good in 2021 - our opinion

Probably some of you are wondering why are we even discussing such an old device in 2021? Well, to put it this way - if we had all the money in the world today and we needed to buy a smartphone, it would probably be the Note 9.

Note 9 in 2021 - still with the stock cover on it...

But why would we say so for a phone that is already couple of years old? Of course it doesn't have the most advanced hardware that is available these days, neither the best camera setup. On the other hand it has everything one could possibly want from a smartphone and it all came under $1000 and these days you can find it refurbished or used (like new) for $300. 

And here are the things that make the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 such a great smartphone, even in 2021: 

• Form factor - we absolutely love how the Note 9 looks and also its premium build quality. We have tested some of the latest flagship smartphones and none of them felt like the Note 9. It is a bit on the heavier side but that makes it feel even more solid in the hand.  We also like how the front cameras are incorporated into a thin frame, not like the crazy variations with popping out cams or embedded within the display. The Note 9 also looks quite sturdy - our test device is already couple of years old but it looks and runs like new (thanks to the awesome display protector and case). 
• Speed and performance - event though it doesn't have the latest processors and 12 gigs of RAM the Note 9 performs more than adequate in every situation. During the time that we used the Note 9 we never felt the need of more powerful hardware - processing speed and memory worked flawlessly for hassle-free experience.  Packed with 128 GB for storage and additional microSD card slot and we never went short of storage space.
• Battery life -  event though the Note 9 packs a gorgeous 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, the battery keeps an adequate performance and it holds charge for a full day of active use. We have noticed that lately it drains just a bit faster than usual but that is probably expected after about two years of use.
• Display - probably still one of the best smartphone displays out there. That is probably the most impressive feature of the Samsung Note 9. The 1440 x 2960 pixel Super AMOLED display has pixel density of ~516 ppi and comes with the protective Corning Gorilla Glass 5 coating. This display still sets the benchmark for high-end smartphone displays and it would be quite hard to match this one, even on the latest 2020 models. 
• Wireless charging - Note 9 comes with both fast charging (cable) and wireless charging. Even though it doesn't have super-fast charging via USB and fast charging on wireless it still charges pretty fast.
  
  

A week with the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 - 2020 feedback

Of course features like the S-pen and the adequate camera setup complete the package of the Note 9 as a premium smartphone. Some would probably miss the ultra-wide angle camera that is included in almost every new smartphone but to be honest we never missed this feature. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 - video

Another awesome thing is that the Note 9 still receives regular updates in 2021 and constantly receives new features and also some bugs are fixed. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 showing only 5 MP front camera

The sensor package on the Note 9 is just impressive - Iris scanner, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 are all present in this device.

So, this is our honest feedback about the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 in the beginning of 2021. We would also like to hear your thoughts about it or which might be your favorite smartphone for this year (so far).