Innovative Emoji function that creates a 3D character using a user’s face and captures even small movements will be included for the first time into Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus, which will be introduced by Samsung Electronics on the 25th in Spain. They are also equipped with rear dual-cameras and dual speakers at the top and the bottom of Smartphones.
Before the presale of Galaxy S9 series that is expected to take place on the 2nd of March, three South Korean mobile network providers are testing quality of Galaxy S9 series while some accessory manufacturers and suppliers of surrounding devices obtained Galaxy S9 series (including mock-up) and are manufacturing products just for Galaxy S9 series.
Multiple representatives said that Galaxy S9 series inherit the design of Galaxy S8 series. Although they are applied with bezel-less design without a home button, they explained that edges of Galaxy S9 series seem more gradual than Galaxy S8 series. They also added that Galaxy S9 series seem thinner than Galaxy S8 series.
Galaxy S9 series are installed with ‘3D Emoji’ function, which is an improved version of iPhone X’s Animoji function. Exact name of this function will be announced on the 25th. This ‘3D Emoji’ function can be used while using texts or messengers instead of emoticons. One can also select animal characters that are stored.
Range of selection of biometrics has become wider for Galaxy S9 series as they have improved security by being able to implement 3D facial recognition and iris recognition at the same time. They also support safer financial transactions. However, location of fingerprint recognition sensors is moved below of their rear cameras.
Galaxy S9 Plus will be the first Galaxy S Smartphone to be equipped with a rear dual-camera, which enhances selfie and out-focusing functions. It also has additional functions that can create various atmospheres while filming videos. It can also take clear and bright pictures even in dark settings as it has F 1.5 aperture value.
Galaxy S9 series now have additional speakers at the top of their sides. Samsung Electronics included dual-speakers to Galaxy S9 series to enhance multimedia functions such as games, videos, and music.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) assistant called Bixby now provides differentiated services in various areas such as camera, application, shopping, and finance. Bixby 2.0 is the signal that notifies evolution of Smartphone’s UI (User Interface) on full-scale. Button for Bixby is still remained at the left of Galaxy S9 series.
Genuine plastic cases will be included as basic components of Galaxy S9 series. They were first introduced when Galaxy Note 8 was released and they protect Galaxy Smartphones from cracks and debris while emphasizing their designs. However, because application method is different per country, there is a chance that they will not be included as a basic component for Galaxy S9 series that will be released in South Korea.
Samsung Electronics and mobile network providers are currently negotiating so that the store price of Galaxy S9 does not go over $920 (1 million KRW). Their plan is to set them lower than the price of Galaxy Note 8 ($1,007 (1,094,500 KRW)). However, it is most likely that the store price of Galaxy S9 Plus will go over $920.
Stock firms are predicting that Galaxy S9 series will enjoy sole lead for a while as Huawei and LG Electronics have decided not to introduce their next strategic Smartphones at MWC 2018 and as effect of iPhone X sales starts to diminish. They are estimating that 78.8 million units of Samsung Electronics’ Smartphones will be shipped during the first quarter of 2018 which corresponds to 7.8% increase from the previous quarter.
Staff Reporter Choi, Jaepil | jpchoi@etnews.com