Samsung Galaxy Note 9: what we know so far about the next Samsung phone

Are you ready for the next smartphone launch, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9?

Only a few months after the release of Samsung’s current flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S9, the South Korean company is preparing its next announcement: the Note 9.

Traditionally announced at IFA, the Berlin-based trade show for consumer electronics, which takes place at the end of August this year, it looks like Samsung could be switching it up for this year’s Note 9 reveal.

Here’s what we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9: a big update but few design changes

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is going to roughly look the same as the Galaxy Note 8 but it will be what’s on the inside that counts.

Size-wise, the phone’s screen will stay at 6.3-inches like its predecessor, though the device itself will be slightly wider and thicker.

There is no iPhone X notch the smartphone renders we’ve seen so far, instead Samsung is keeping the slim bezels from the Galaxy Note 8.

Insider, the phone is going to be powered by a Snapdragon 845 chipset, the small chip which powers the phone. This is the same as the Samsung Galaxy S9.

However, in some countries, Samsung fans will be treated to an upgraded processor, sources told Bloomberg, though we’re not sure which countries this will be.

As well, the Galaxy Note 9 will have 6GB of RAM, between 64GB and 256GB of storage, and run Android 8.1, the latest Android operating software.

If it’s battery size you care about, then the Galaxy Note 9 could be the one. Rumours are suggested that the Note 9 will have a 3,850mAh battery, which is bigger than the Galaxy S9 Plus. This should power you through your day and then some.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9: the features we’re looking forward to

When Samsung released the Galaxy S9 earlier this year, the focus was all on the camera. That means expectations are running high for the Note 9 camera.

It’s likely there will be an improved dual-lens camera on the Note 9, though not a triple-lens job like the Huawei P20 Pro.

As well, according to renders by OnLeaks and 91Mobiles, the new smartphone will have moved its rear-mounted fingerprint scanner to below the camera.

This is a good move because fingerprint scanners next to rear-cameras can be frustrating as half the time your finger automatically smudges the camera lens instead of finding the scanner.

If this is true, this will be a helpful design change by Samsung.

As well, we're hoping to see some new and improved Bixby features.

With the Samsung Galaxy S9 launch, there were some significant updates to Samsung's artificial intelligent assistant, particularly when it came to the camera features such as Bixby's food and health skills.

But, Bixby still isn't as good as the Google Assistant or Siri. So let's hope Samsung pushes out some new AI updates for the Galaxy Note 9.

How much will the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 cost?

For such a big device, that aims to be one of the best in 2018, it is going to be pricey. Rumours suggest the Galaxy Note 9 could cost round £869 for the basic level, if Samsung launches it with the same price as the predecessor.

This would make the Galaxy Note 9 over £100 cheaper than the iPhone X in the UK – making a decision between Samsung or Apple easier for smartphone fans.

This is a whole lot cheaper than the prices that have been suggested for the Samsung Galaxy X, the company’s rumoured folding smartphone, which is thought to cost around £1,500.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9: release date

Usually, Samsung reveals the new Note smartphones at IFA, at the end of August. However, this year it looks like the new phone will be unveiled on August 9 at Samsung’s own Unpacked event in New York.

This gives Samsung a headstart on getting its new flagship device out before Apple unveils its new phones in September.