Samsung Leak Reveals Galaxy S9 Nasty Surprises
‘Great Secret Features’ and ‘Nasty Surprises’ are my regular columns investigating the best features / biggest problems hidden behind the headlines.
Let’s break these down:
- Battery Stagnation
In a somewhat disappointing exclusive, eagled-eyed SlashLeaks obtained images of both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus batteries - and they aren’t the upgrades you’re looking for. In fact, they aren’t upgrades at all.
Just like the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will have 3000 and 3500 mAh capacity batteries respectively. In fact this stagnation goes further back as the 2016 Galaxy S7 (3000 mAh) and Galaxy S7 Edge (3600 mAh) matched or bettered these capacities despite having much smaller displays to power.
The good news is Samsung did manage to squeeze out decent - if not world-shattering - battery life from its 2017 models so hope will be high that new efficiencies in the new Galaxies can extend this further. To Samsung’s credit, it does also have very long battery life cycles (just 5% degradation after two years), something one rival in particular seems to think is witchcraft.
- Price Bumps
While Samsung may not be increasing battery capacities in 2018, it is again increasing the asking price. The consistently reliable ET News reports the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will retail for between 950,000 - 999,000 won ($895 - $935) in South Korea.
But don’t panic yet. While these figures are higher than last year (the Galaxy S8 was 935,000 won), it only equates to a circa $20 increase. Meanwhile, Samsung priced the Galaxy S8 at $750 in the US so it may only go up to circa $775-800 (though remember most countries around the world list prices including tax).
So yes, you should expect to pay more and yes it might not be a lot more, but it’s still frustrating after prices were already hiked in 2017, but it’s not substantially more. And given Apple has a potential $1,400 iPhone launching this year, things could be a lot worse.
Ultimately Samsung seems to be taking a leaf out of Apple’s ‘iPhone S’ strategy for 2018. This is understandable. Samsung got a lot right in 2017 and with the right tweaks, the 2018 models should be successful as well while also setting the stage for something much bigger later in the year…
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">The hot take on the Galaxy S9 is mixed. Core specifications are solid, the display upgrades and camera improvements are promising. On the flip side the final design is conservative and now new leaks have revealed two of the biggest considerations for users will disappoint…
‘Great Secret Features’ and ‘Nasty Surprises’ are my regular columns investigating the best features / biggest problems hidden behind the headlines.
Let’s break these down:
- Battery Stagnation
In a somewhat disappointing exclusive, eagled-eyed SlashLeaks obtained images of both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus batteries - and they aren’t the upgrades you’re looking for. In fact, they aren’t upgrades at all.
Just like the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will have 3000 and 3500 mAh capacity batteries respectively. In fact this stagnation goes further back as the 2016 Galaxy S7 (3000 mAh) and Galaxy S7 Edge (3600 mAh) matched or bettered these capacities despite having much smaller displays to power.
The good news is Samsung did manage to squeeze out decent - if not world-shattering - battery life from its 2017 models so hope will be high that new efficiencies in the new Galaxies can extend this further. To Samsung’s credit, it does also have very long battery life cycles (just 5% degradation after two years), something one rival in particular seems to think is witchcraft.
- Price Bumps
While Samsung may not be increasing battery capacities in 2018, it is again increasing the asking price. The consistently reliable ET News reports the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will retail for between 950,000 - 999,000 won ($895 - $935) in South Korea.
But don’t panic yet. While these figures are higher than last year (the Galaxy S8 was 935,000 won), it only equates to a circa $20 increase. Meanwhile, Samsung priced the Galaxy S8 at $750 in the US so it may only go up to circa $775-800 (though remember most countries around the world list prices including tax).
So yes, you should expect to pay more and yes it might not be a lot more, but it’s still frustrating after prices were already hiked in 2017, but it’s not substantially more. And given Apple has a potential $1,400 iPhone launching this year, things could be a lot worse.
Ultimately Samsung seems to be taking a leaf out of Apple’s ‘iPhone S’ strategy for 2018. This is understandable. Samsung got a lot right in 2017 and with the right tweaks, the 2018 models should be successful as well while also setting the stage for something much bigger later in the year…
___
Follow Gordon on Twitter, Facebook and Google+
More On Forbes
Samsung Leak Shows Significant Galaxy S9 Changes
Galaxy S9 Exclusive: Samsung’s New Design 'Confirmed
Samsung Delays Release Of Radical New Galaxy Smartphone
Samsung Galaxy A8 Vs Galaxy A8 Plus: What's The Difference?
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