Samsung Galaxy Note 9: Getting the Galaxy Note 9 in 2022 isn’t a good idea. Note 9 is an older device that will not receive any Android updates in the future. For a little more money, you can get newer devices (e.g., Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy S20 FE) with considerably better long-term support.
Since we’re talking about a smartphone that’s over three years old, getting a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 in 2022 won’t be easy. If you want to buy something fresh, Amazon is your best chance. The popular online retailer now has a large number of unlocked units in stock, with prices ranging from $400 to $700 depending on the hardware configuration.
If you don’t mind obtaining a refurbished smartphone, though, you have a lot more possibilities. Unlocked and certified refreshed Galaxy Note 9 smartphones are available for $400 on Samsung’s webshop, which is a tad on the pricey side. If you buy a refurbished Galaxy Note 9 from Amazon, you can get one for as little as $240. Refurbished Galaxy Note 9 units are also available at Walmart, with prices ranging from $225 to $240.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Software and Hardware
The Galaxy Note 9, like most of Samsung’s flagship smartphones, has held up well over time, at least in terms of hardware specifications. It includes 6/8GB of RAM and 128/512GB of internal storage, as well as a microSDXC expansion slot, and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC.
These components are still powerful enough for resource-intensive applications (e.g., gaming, split-screen multitasking) and should last a few more years.
The smartphone’s 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen is great for multimedia viewing, and it also comes with dual speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack. Even though it’s not near as capable as some of the greatest Android camera phones on the market today, the dual-lens camera system can easily fulfill your daily photographic demands.
IP68 water/dust resistance, a 4,000mAh battery with quick and wireless charging capabilities, iris and fingerprint scanners, and more are all included in the mix.
However, as good as the hardware is, it is the software that is the major flaw. The phablet, which originally came with Android 8.1, has now been updated to Android 10 (with version 2.5 of Samsung’s One UI overlay).
However, as far as OS upgrades are concerned, that’s all it’ll ever be. There isn’t much optimism beyond this year, even if we talk about security improvements. Furthermore, by spending a little more money, you can buy much better devices.
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Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Update April 2022
Samsung switched its top Note phone from 2018 to a quarterly upgrade schedule in September 2021. It should only have been modified twice since then, according to theory.
However, the phone has been updated three times in the last six months, in December, January, and February. We now have a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 update for April 2022 that includes the Android security patch for March 2022. (per Droid-Life). In the last six months, there have been four updates.
Even though Samsung doesn’t have to keep this nearly four-year-old smartphone updated as frequently as it does, it’s wonderful to see it doing so.
Only Verizon-branded variants of the phone have received the update thus far. However, it’s likely that other versions will get it in the coming days and weeks.
- The build number for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 upgrade is QP1A.190711.020.N960USQS9FVC5.
Unfortunately, it appears that the update consists primarily of the March 2022 patch. Despite Samsung’s generosity in providing updates for its aged flagship, the company lacks the resources to provide new Android updates or features.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was chosen as the best smartphone of 2018 by both Android Authority and our readers.
- A new update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is now available.
- The March 2022 Android security patch is included in the upgrade.
- Samsung switched to a quarterly update schedule for the phone, but it is still updated virtually monthly.
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Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Alternative
The Galaxy Note 9‘s immediate successor, the Galaxy Note 10, is a better alternative. Samsung’s 2019 flagship, while being over two years old, is still a well-rounded gadget with a modern design and powerful technology.
Its 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen is bordered on all sides by thin bezels and supports HDR10+. The punch-hole display also contributes to the phablet’s overall dimensions being kept small.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 CPU, as well as 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. While this should be sufficient for the majority of users, there is no expansion slot.
Thanks to capabilities like a 123-degree field of view and 2x optical zoom, the triple-lens rear camera arrangement can still compete with modern smartphones.
Even the S-Pen has been upgraded, and it now supports motions for controlling on-screen content, switching between camera modes, and more. An under-display fingerprint sensor, a 3,500mAh battery with quick and wireless charging compatibility, and reverse wireless charging capability that let you charge up some of the best wireless earbuds with ease are also notable improvements.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 debuted with Android 9.0 and has since been updated to Android 11 (with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 overlay). It will also receive security updates and will be eligible for the impending Android 12 release, making it a reasonably future-proof device. All of these upgrades, however, increase the price of the Galaxy Note 10.
The tablet can only be purchased new if you choose Amazon’s limited stock option, which will set you back roughly $590. Samsung’s own internet site has a few refurbished units available for $550. A refurbished Galaxy Note 10 is also available from major shops including as Walmart and Amazon, with costs ranging from $350 to $450.
You can also get the Galaxy Note 10+ if you’re ready to spend a little more money. The Galaxy Note 10+ has a larger 6.8-inch display, a microSDXC card slot, and a large 4,300mAh battery with faster-charging support than the standard Galaxy Note 10.
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In a sleek yet small body, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 offers a top-tier camera experience, upgraded S-Pen capability with gesture controls, and much more. It’s still eligible for the impending Android 12 update, as well as future security updates, despite its age.