Late last week, Samsung introduced its Galaxy smartphone S9, which became the most talked about at MWC 2018.

What technical bells and whistles has the new product received and how does it differ from last year’s flagship Galaxy S8? We have collected all the main differences.

1. Expected design evolution

From the front, the new product can easily be confused with last year's model. Hint - S9 on the left.

Still the same frameless design and signature rounded edges of the display. True, this time it ends a little earlier. Apparently, the Koreans received negative feedback about the beating edges of the smartphone.

The identification mark of the new product on the front side is that the bottom/top edges have become slightly smaller.

By the way, although the new smartphones are similar to last year’s models and have new sizes, Galaxy S8 cases will not fit.

2. Fingerprint scanner. Finally where you need it

After last year's hack, Samsung engineers did everything right.

The fingerprint scanner is now located on the back panel not to the right of the camera, as in the Galaxy S8, but below. No more smudges on your camera glass. Perhaps this is the main external change between the S9 and the S8.

It is curious that the displacement of the fingerprint sensor is associated with reviews from S8 owners. This was said right during the presentation.

Apple, maybe it’s also worth listening to the opinions of its customers sometimes?

3. Updated body shades. New women's version

During the announcement of the Galaxy S8, five body colors were shown (Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Coral Blue, Arctic Silver, Maple Gold). Later they added pink (Rose Pink) and red (Burgundy Red).

This year, the flagship lost the golden version of the case, but received a new interesting one purple shade (Lilac Purple). The other three options are black (Midnight Black), gray (Titanium Gray), blue (Coral Blue). For some reason, the latter will not be available in our country.

4. Unlocking your device - a smart combination of technologies

The new flagship simultaneously uses both a face scanner and an iris scanner.

The company talks about intelligent system unlocking (Intelligent Scan). The smartphone itself determines in what conditions which technology is best distributed. It can be assumed that each of them is far from perfect, and the Koreans are simply playing it safe in this way?

In the Galaxy S8, each unlocking method is separate.

5. New cool camera from marketers

The new flagship boasts major camera improvements.

The S9 has a 12 megapixel main camera with variable aperture - f/1.5 to f/2.4. You can “twist it by hand” or trust the automation.

If the ambient light brightness does not exceed 100 lux (dark room), the aperture mechanically opens to f/1.5. Accordingly, more light falls on the matrix, and the pictures are higher quality and more detailed with a minimum of noise.

The Galaxy S8 had a 12-megapixel camera with a constant f/1.7 aperture.

The smartphone can shoot video in 4K resolution (3840×2160) at 60 frames per second. No changes compared to last year. But the built-in memory module allows you to record video in Super Slo-Mo, that is, 960 frames per second.

Moreover, this is not a separate regime, but certain “Korean crutches”. When shooting, you need to choose a place where movement is expected and keep the camera motionless. Then the camera will do everything itself. There is no option to make Super Slo-Mo recording in manual mode, and the shooting duration in this mode is only 0.2 seconds.

The interface of the Camera application has been completely redesigned.

The Galaxy S9+ has a second 12 MP f/2.4 module with optical image stabilization for 2x optical zoom without loss. Also, the second camera allows you to take photos with the Live Focus function (bokeh effect). Thanks to which you can focus on a person or object in the frame, the degree of blur can be adjusted.

6. AR emoji is a hyped thing that is not needed

Samsung, following Apple, introduced its own useless “play around” technology - AR emoji. This is a direct response to Animoji, but rather a parody of it.

New devices can make personalized emoji based on a photograph taken. They can be supplemented with accessories, changed hairstyles, and so on. A kind of simplified mobile and clumsily made version of character creation in The Sims.

It is also possible to use additional face masks. The S8 can't do all this, and it doesn't hurt.

7. Performance is expectedly better

As we already wrote, American versions of smartphones are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor with a frequency of 2.6 GHz. European and Russian modifications will receive the branded Exynos 9810.

The G8 is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895, respectively.

The LTE modem integrated into the processor can now download data up to 20% faster (LTE Cat 18, 6CA). 1.2 GB Gb/s versus 1 Gb/s for Exynos 8895 from S8.

A logical increase in productivity, without revelations.

8. microSD slot for the most demanding

The Galaxy S8 was offered in two versions: 64/128 gigabytes of internal memory, the slot supported microSD flash drives up to 256 gigabytes.

The 2018 flagships will be available in variants with storage capacity of 64, 128 and 256 GB. The memory slot supports microSD up to 400 gigabytes! In other words, you can get royal 600+ gigabytes of free space!

9. Stereo speakers with Dolby support

Compared to the Galaxy S8/S8+, the volume of the device is increased by 1.4 times.

The new product has two speakers, top and bottom. The stereo speakers are AKG certified. Support for Dolby Atmos is declared.

10. Updated Bixby

Now intelligent branded Bixby assistant endowed with machine learning, which allows you to assess the situation and analyze objects in it.

True, he still does not understand the Russian language*, and, in principle, is useless.

11. Samsung S9 can measure blood pressure

According to the manufacturer, new flagship was equipped with a special optical sensor with which you can measure blood pressure.

The application with which it is supposed to measure pressure is called My BP Lab. It will be freely available on March 15th.

The S8 can't do that.

12. Improved version of the Dex branded station

In the new proprietary docking station, the smartphone is placed horizontally, its screen will serve as a touchpad. The station itself has become more compact and lighter (135 versus 230 grams).

13. The autonomy of the flagship has been increased

Despite the fact that the battery capacity has not changed - the battery of the standard model is 3000 mAh, Plus models - 3500 mAh, devices work longer their predecessors.

Autonomy of the last two generations Samsung flagship clearly compared in the table. Among the interesting figures, we note that with the Always-On display turned off, the S9 will play music 13 hours longer than the S8. The new processor in action.

Each new smartphone model from Samsung becomes almost a bestseller and gathers a huge number of reviews. But while some models are famous for their problems, such as the Galaxy S7, others are gaining popularity due to their advantages. One of the main advantages of the new smartphone Samsung Galaxy The S8 is a screen, but since it is almost impossible to surprise the average user with its dimensions alone, the Korean manufacturer has really invested in its product good characteristics. Let's see what features it has Samsung screens Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Quick jump:

Screen options

Samsung has equipped its new smartphones with stunning screens, which have already received many awards and are considered one of the best.

Users can enjoy not only high-quality images, but also ease of use, since this element is rounded at the edges, which means that new gadget will lie in your hand as comfortably as possible, regardless of size.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ have a Super AMOLED display with a maximum resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. The difference between the models is the screen diagonal (5.9 inches in S8 and 6.2 inches in S8+), as well as pixel density. In the regular version this figure is 586 ppi, and in the extended version 531 ppi.

Galaxy S8+ pink screen?

One of the advantages of a smartphone is the ability to fine-tune image quality. Owners can independently change the resolution, color tone and many other characteristics.

However, many people are concerned about the question - why, instead of white, the screen in the Galaxy S8 is pink? The owners of some devices discussed this issue in detail, see the video below.

Video: why the pink display in the Galaxy S8

Conclusion: the screen really turns pink, this is a feature of the matrix manufacturing technology and Samsung representatives offer users the following options for solving the problem:

1. Try adjusting the screen using the available color sliders
2. If you don’t like it, return your smartphone for a replacement, fortunately it’s free and fast

Impact resistant glass

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ fully comply with the IP68 protection class, which means not only that the device will withstand immersion in water, but also successfully survive falls. The screens of gadgets are protected by impact-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 5th generation, which has not only high strength characteristics, but also high throughput, that is, the image from the phone will not be distorted, and sunlight will not interfere with the user.

Display drop tests

Launching a new smartphone on the market is a rather complicated procedure, which is accompanied by many tests and checks. One of them is a drop test - checking the gadget’s resistance to falls. Since laboratory conditions are quite easy to compromise, it is almost impossible to deceive the inhabitants of the global network.

Video: drop tests and comparison with iPhone 7

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ have already passed many amateur drop tests, most of which are presented on the Internet in the form of comparisons with popular flagships from other companies. The new smartphones survive a 91 cm drop with minimal damage in the form of small chips on the edges of the display, regardless of whether the phone was dropped face down or landed on a corner. From a distance of 151 cm from the ground, external damage is much more significant and a “cobweb” can already form here. But regardless of the height, the screen still continues to function normally, although it does not look as attractive.

Is the Galaxy S8 display really shockproof?

Based on these drop tests, the screen of the Galaxy S8 can be called shock-resistant, as it continues to work normally even after several serious falls. External damage is most noticeable precisely at the corners of the gadget, where the so-called “cobweb” begins to form. But even in places where it is formed, the display remains sensitive to touch and functional. Don't forget that Gorilla Glass 5 is still glass, so small fragments can cause discomfort and even cut into your finger. Therefore, after purchasing a gadget, it is better to place it in a special case.

How to replace the Galaxy S8 display if it's broken?

The procedure for replacing the display in the new line of smartphones from Samsung will cause many problems for the average user, and this is facilitated by both the complexity of the assembly and the specifics of the element itself. Another nuance is the cost of the spare part, which is about $200-240, which is almost half the cost of the gadget.

It is better to replace it in service centers, and carrying out the procedure at home if you do not have serious skills is not recommended.

Video: how to disassemble a smartphone

The Matchnine brand, well-known in Korea, belongs to a manufacturer of accessories for mobile devices, has released a new collection for the most popular smartphones. By the way, the same factory creates such popular accessories as Spigen. It’s interesting that the presentation slides contain information about which machines are used to make the covers, as well as specifications and quality standards. True, everything is in Korean, but we will believe that everything is as it should be :)

In this material I will introduce you to cases and bumpers for Apple iPhone 7/8 Plus, Apple iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+, Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Find the full range in MVideo.

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+. Matchnine Tailor

Matchnine Tailor comes in a wide range of colours, ranging from gray and black to blue and pink. This model is positioned as shock-resistant. Of course, this does not mean that the case will protect the device from a hard fall from a height of a couple of meters, but it will be able to prevent damage to the phone in a certain way.

The frame is made of flexible polyurethane (it is easy to install a smartphone into the elastic material), and the back panel is made of tough polycarbonate, stylized as leather. On the reverse side there is a metal frame with a chrome bevel that highlights the camera eye and other elements of the S8/S8 Plus. In addition, these elements are recessed into the case, so they do not come into contact with the surfaces on which the phone is placed.

All the holes in the case are in their places: no distortions, crooked cutouts, and so on. The buttons are pressed with little effort.

The Tailor fits perfectly in the hand due to its sloping edges, pleasant-to-touch materials and rough back surface. Fingerprints are almost invisible.

The cost of the Matchnine Tailor model is about 2,000 rubles.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Matchnine Hori

Almost weightless bumper for Note 8. Weighs only 11 grams and thickness is about 0.7 mm. Available in two versions - black and transparent white. Material – polycarbonate. Despite the lightness and small thickness, the bumper is quite durable: it bends at large angles without any problems. The inside surface is slightly embossed, the outside is smooth.

With the Hori accessory, the Galaxy Note 8 smartphone feels as if the body of the device was made of plastic, that is, the case itself is not felt. The phone becomes even more angular. It should be noted that the bumper is easily soiled and fingerprints quickly cover the surface. Easily washed. The surface is a little slippery.

The Hori case is more suitable for those who want to protect the back of the phone from scratches, while the case itself should not be felt in the hand.

The average cost of Matchnine Hori is about 900 rubles.

Apple iPhone X. Matchnine Tailor

A solution similar to Tailor for Samsung. Here, too, the base is made of polyurethane (harder than for the Galaxy S8/S8+), and the reverse side is thick plastic (polycarbonate), stylized as leather. Again there is a metal nameplate near the camera with the company logo. By the way, it is not just glued to the body, but is held on special partitions inside the bumper.

There are 6 colors: grey, black, yellow, blue, green and pink.

The Tailor cannot be called compact (148x75x10.3 mm), and not light either. It significantly increases the thickness of the iPhone X. However, the case is positioned as protected, so some of the thickness and weight can be forgiven. The buttons are soft and surprisingly easy to press. The sound blocking is deeply recessed into the case.

It fits well in the hand due to the sloping edges. However, it is worth highlighting the rather slippery material.

The cost of Matchnine Tailor is about 2,000 rubles.

Apple iPhone X. Matchnine Skel

Perhaps the coolest and most original cases for the iPhone X. Their meaning is approximately the same as that of the Tailor models. The interior is made of mesh polycarbonate, the sides are relatively soft polyurethane, and the back panel is transparent plastic with a thin mesh pattern. It seems that it is really metal, but in fact, as I said, it is a three-dimensional pattern.

There are decorative holes in the corners in the form of small triangles. They are probably made to cushion the corners when the phone is dropped.

The Skel bumper is of very high quality, there is nothing to complain about. The buttons are easy to press, fits well in the hand and does not slip, and the back cover feels cool to the touch. The iPhone X camera in the case is almost recessed into the body.

The cost of a Matchnine Skel bumper is approximately 1,500 rubles.

Apple iPhone 8 Plus. Matchnine Cardla Slot Carbon

This case will probably appeal to those who need a huge thickness of their smartphone, and those who are not afraid of weighty devices. Cardla dimensions – 161x80x13 mm. The thickness of 13 mm is due to the fact that the bumper is positioned as protected; in addition, it contains a slot for cards (plastic or subway type): it is removed from the bottom.

By color: gray with pink, gray with white, black with carbon. The sides are soft and the back is hard.

It seems to me that it is advisable to use a slot only if a pass for public transport is placed there.

In general, a thick, heavy Matchnine Cardla Slot Carbon bumper with unique functionality can be found for about 2,000 rubles.

Apple iPhone 8 Plus. Matchnine Jello Pebble

Since my main phone is the Apple iPhone 8 Plus, I personally liked this particular case. Despite the dim appearance, it is extremely pleasant to use thanks to interesting materials. It uses hard polyurethane with a special coating that imitates an abrasive material. The same coating was on Highscreen phones. On the one hand, the coating feels like “sandpaper”, although in fact it is not only not rough, but, on the contrary, soft. Frankly speaking, it is quite difficult to describe feelings in words - you have to feel them with your hands.

From afar, Jello Pebble appears just gray, but up close you can see "white noise" that resembles gray marble. This color goes well with my gold-colored Apple iPhone 8 Plus (white seemed primitive to me, “space gray” was too faded).

The bumper itself is sold in three colors: white, gray and blue.

The Jello Pebble gadget increases the size of the iPhone, which is sad: 161x81x9.5 mm (the original dimensions of the phone are 158x78x7.5 mm). The iPhone 8 Plus doesn't have the best ergonomics anyway due to the thick frames, and then there's this bumper.

The buttons are relatively tight, all connectors are in their places. Jello Pebble works well with wireless charging.

The Matchnine Jello Pebble case can be found from 1,200 rubles. I highly recommend taking a closer look at this model!

Conclusion

Unfortunately, I have not tested the entire list of Matchnine accessories, but even from these models it is clear that the brand is focused on quality and originality when creating cases. Let me remind you the prices for all bumpers:

• Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+. Matchnine Tailor – 2,000 rubles
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Matchnine Hori – 900 rubles
• Apple iPhone X. Matchnine Tailor – 2,000 rubles
• Apple iPhone X. Matchnine Skel – 1,500 rubles
• Apple iPhone 8 Plus. Matchnine Cardla Slot Carbon – 2,000 rubles
• Apple iPhone 8 Plus. Matchnine Jello Pebble – 1,200 rubles

We recommend looking at phone accessories in the AngryStore online store. Here you can buy cases for Samsung S8/S8+, iPhone 7/7+/8/8+/X from Spigen. You will also find many trendy phone accessories.