Nintendo is bringing ‘Super Smash Bros.’ to the Switch this year

During today’s Nintendo Direct stream, the company closed it out by using Splatoon characters to reveal that a version of Super Smash Bros. will come out for Nintendo Switch in 2018. The year and the title, plus glimpses of Mario and Link are all we have to go on for now, but that should be enough for fans of the star-studded brawler to start making their holiday plans.

Super #SmashBros is coming to #NintendoSwitch in 2018! pic.twitter.com/S6WOSuR8rL

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 8, 2018

Source: Nintendo (YouTube)

‘Okami HD’ arrives on Nintendo Switch July 10th

The gorgeous Zelda-style adventure game Okami originally debuted on the PlayStation 2 in 2006, but its paintbrush gameplay came alive with the Wii’s controls in a version released the next year. On today’s Nintendo Direct, the company announced that an HD edition of the divine wolf’s classic journey is coming to the Switch.

The gorgeous remaster of the classic action-adventure game, #okami HD, is coming to #NintendoSwitch #eShop this summer! pic.twitter.com/khKOCMYyWe

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 8, 2018

Switch owners get the HD remastered version, which was released for the Xbox One, PC and PS4 last September — hopefully at the same $20 price. But thankfully Nintendo’s console will let you handle those troublesome brush controls either on the touchscreen or using the Joy-Con’s motion controls. Those who breezed through Breath of the Wild and yearn for another Zelda adventure should definitely pick up the beautiful game when it’s added to the Nintendo eShop on July 10th.

Source: Nintendo (Twitter), Nintendo Direct (YouTube)

The first ‘WarioWare’ game in five years comes to 3DS in August

We last saw a new WarioWare title, Game & Wario, way back in 2013 on the Wii U. During today’s Nintendo Direct the company finally ended that drought and announced WarioWare Gold for the 3DS. Yes, you read that right — it’s heading to Nintendo’s eight-year-old handheld, which is still going strong even as the Wii U has been replaced by the Switch.

The company touts WarioWare Gold as the largest collection in the series, with 300 zany micro-games to play. The quick reflex actions range from old classics like the nose picking challenge, to one where Wario does his best Vitruvian Man impression to knock away watermelons. The title looks to take advantage of the 3DS’s wide range of inputs: you’ll push buttons, use the touchscreen, tilt the system and blow into the microphone. Favorite characters from past titles will be back with new character designs, including Ashley, Kat and Ana.

While it’s disappointing that this isn’t being released for the Switch, last year’s 1-2 Switch did share a lot of DNA with the WarioWare series, thanks to its range of weird mini-games that took advantage of the Joy-Cons’ motion controls. But Nintendo hasn’t added anything to the title’s roster of 28 games since release. It also never had any of the things that make WarioWare games distinctive, like crazy characters, scenarios and great music. If you’ve missed any of those and still rock a 3DS, WarioWare Gold will hit shelves August 3rd.

‘Mario Tennis Aces’ hits the Nintendo Switch on June 22nd

Nintendo said that we’d get Mario Tennis Aces on the Switch this Spring, and now it looks like the company is stretching that deadline a bit. The game will actually land on June 22nd, one day after the season officially ends. We won’t hold that against Nintendo too much though, because it looks to be a unique entry in the Mario Tennis franchise.

It’ll feature more than 15 characters, and, of course, you’ll be able to play it with multiple Switch controller configurations with four players. In addition to the basic swing types, Nintendo is also introducing Zone Shot, a special move that lets you use motion controls to aim your shot precisely. Those moves are also powerful enough to damage your opponent’s racket, and instantly knock them out after taking three. As a countermeasure, there’s a new blocking move that lets opponents hit Zone Shots without hurting their rackets, it just requires precise timing.

The new Zone Speed move lets you run quickly around the court while slowing down the world around you. Even better, the Trick Shot move practically teleports you around the court. It’s also the fastest way to charge up your energy meter, which powers all of these special moves. If all this sounds too much, there’s also a classic mode that lets you play without these powers.

Judge suggests Trump should mute followers instead of block them

Last year, the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University sued Donald Trump, then White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and White House Director of Social Media Daniel Scavino claiming that the president’s blocking of individuals on Twitter is a violation of their First Amendment rights. The group argues that Trump’s account constitutes a public forum and therefore, blocking US citizens from accessing it is unconstitutional.

“Because of the way in which President Trump uses @realDonaldTrump, the account has become an important channel for news about the presidency and the US government,” the complaint states. “Those who are blocked from the account are impeded in their ability to learn information that is shared only through that account.” Today, a judge suggested the two parties settle and offered muting as a way to appease both sides.

As the Associated Press reports, US District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald told the court during a hearing today, “Isn’t the answer he just mutes the person he finds personally offensive? He can avoid hearing them by muting them.” Both parties’ attorneys said they would need to bring the idea to their clients, but Katherine Fallow, a Knight Institute lawyer said, “It’s not a perfect solution, but certainly, it is a pretty good one.”

Additionally, Judge Buchwald warned that if the two can’t agree to a settlement, they would have to rely on her decision and it could set a precedent that one or both parties may not like. “Like with every case, there is always a risk you can lose,” she said. “If there’s a settlement that serves the interests of all parties, it’s often considered the wisest way to go.”

Source: Associated Press

‘Fortnite Battle Royale’ is coming to phones and tablets soon

Fortnite has rapidly gained ground on the battle royale-style champ, PUBG, and now Epic Games has announced it will launch a mobile version on iOS and Android. Amazingly, it’s supposed to be the same 100-player PvP game we’ve seen on other platforms, and there’s even a promise to support cross-play and cross-progression with the PC and PS4 versions.

Unfortunately, the Android version is coming “in the next few months,” but sign-ups to play on iOS will open Monday with invites to play rolling out soon after. Compatible iOS devices include iPhone 6S/SE, iPad Mini 4, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and iPad 2017 running iOS 11.

Surprise! https://t.co/AXOXkhfriX

— Wes Phillips (@WesPhillips) March 9, 2018

Source: Fortnite

Love TV shows? Try these games inspired by popular series

Do you ever feel sad and empty after you finish binge-watching a great TV series? Do you find yourself actually missing the characters from the show?

The good news is that you might able to bring them back to your Android smartphone and tablet in a form of game characters. And this time around, you won’t be just a spectator, you’ll be allowed to get into the action too.

Below we’ve rounded up some of the best Android games out there that were inspired by popular TV shows. Hopefully, they will help you keep the post-binge-watching blues away.

Desperate Housewives

What it is:

A game inspired by ABC’s drama series that follows the story of neighbors Bree, Lynette, Gabrielle, and Susan, who appear to live a postcard-perfect suburban existence. But it doesn’t take long before viewers realize things aren’t what they seem. 

Why you might want to try it:

• As the player, you’ll be thrown in the intricate universe of suburbia as the newest resident of Wisteria Lane. Team up with your favorite characters from the show in order to solve a dark murder case, but also to build a life for yourself.
• The app lets you create your own story. You can decorate your house, expand your wardrobe and collect items.
• The game also has a romantic component that allows gamers to mastermind their own fairytale relationship.

Install Desperate Housewives

Narcos: Cartel Wars

What it is:

Narcos represents a major achievement for Netflix in its endeavor to produce original content. The show is based on the life of larger-than-life drug lord Pablo Escobar whose criminal career continues to amaze to this day. And now there’s also an Android game inspired by Escobar’s tumultuous life. 

Why you might want to try it:

• Think you have what it takes to become a powerful Capo? Inspired by the award-winning TV show, Narcos: Cartel Wars challenges gamers to develop a successful operation on their mobile.
• Create your empire by taking over rival cartels or teaming up with other players to form alliances.
• Develop your operations in the jungle, while building defenses and hiring sicarios.

Install Narcos: Cartel Wars

CSI: Hidden Crimes

What it is:

The app is based on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation which is part of the CSI franchise. The show follows a team of crime-scene investigators, employed by the Las Vegas Police Department, who use physical evidence to solve murders.

Why you might want to try it:

• CSI: Hidden Crimes has you playing detective, as you try to solve intricate murder mysteries.
• This is a hidden object game in which you find clues and interrogate suspects to get to the truth.
• The app lets you customize your avatar, and as you progress through the game unlock all sorts of achievements and bonuses.
• The game is perfect if you’re looking to develop your logic and observational skills.

Install CSI: Hidden Crimes

Doctor Who: Legacy

What it is:

A game inspired by the iconic Doctor Who television show. The story follows The Doctor, an interstellar time traveler, who always seems to get into trouble.

Why you might want to try it:

• Are you a huge fan of the longest-running Sci-Fi TV Series on TV? Then installing this app on your Android is a must. It’s a gem-match game, but you won’t be simply swapping gems here, there’s a backstory too.
• You are tasked to create a party of characters and match gems to help them fight Daleks and Weeping Angels.
• You level up characters as you go and earn points which you can be put into one of the three states: attack, health or healing for countless hours of fun.

Install Doctor Who: Legacy

Fear the Walking Dead: Dead Run

What it is:

Fear the Walking Dead is a companion series to The Walking Dead. It follows a dysfunctional family who is living Los Angeles when the zombie apocalypse begins.

Why you might want to try it:

• Inspired by the Walking Dead spin-off set in Los Angeles, the game lets you play alongside your favorite character from the show.
• Your goal is to stay alive by using your extensive weapon arsenal (up to 50 different arms).
• The game gives you access to levels that expend the TV shows’ storyline.
• Dark gloomy atmosphere and graphics, so gamers can easily immerse themselves in the apocalyptic scenario.

Side note: The Walking Dead has been turned into a game a few times too. If you want to check out the best The Walking Dead-inspired games for Android check out our earlier piece on the topic.

Install Fear the Walking Dead: Dead Run

X-Files

What it is:

A game inspired by the popular 90s show which stars agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who are always investigating unexplained and mysterious cases classified as “X-Files”.

Why you might want to try it:

• It’s a hidden object game placed in the X-Files universe in which you uncover clues, collect and process new evidence in order to solve cases.
• The app lets you use your moral compass to determine the outcome of the case.
• Players can customize their appearance and unlock achievements as they play.

South Park: Phone Destroyer

What it is:

The app brings the big world of South Park to your Android device. Developed by Ubisoft, it’s a free-to-play collectible card game with a focus on PvP gameplay.

Why you might want to try it:

• Players have to assemble a card deck that features their favorite South Park characters and face their opponents in PvP matches.
• Cowboys and Indians are the stars of the game, but other characters such as cyborgs and wizards are also part of the package. Oh, and you get the ability to kill Kenny too!
• South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone are voicing their characters, along with another member of the TV show’s voice cast.

Did we miss something?

Know any TV shows that has been turned into a fun Android game? Can’t find it on our list? Share it us in the comment section below!

Netflix lands ‘Deadpool’ creator’s comic universe

Netflix is pushing hard to stay relevant in the comic-based movie business, especially after Disney announced plans to shun the streaming service and make its own. Now, just a few months after Netflix’s big acquisition of Mark Millar’s comic publisher, Millarworld, the streaming company has landed a big splashy deal for Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld’s Extreme Universe set of comic book characters.

According to Deadline, the rights deal is seven-figures, and will allow producer Akiva Goldsman (Batman & Robin, I Am Legend, A Beautiful Mind) to oversee the planning and writing of several movies based on the comics universe for Netflix. The deal covers six Extreme Universe books and include more than 50 characters, all of which tend to the edgy, extreme style of comic character Deadpool. The deal gives Netflix quite a leg up in the world of comic book IP, of course, with high-profile names attached to it.

“Rob Liefeld’s Extreme Universe features gritty stories and distinctive characters,” said Netflix’s Scott Stuber in a statement to Deadline. “Akiva’s creative voice has been behind some of the largest movie franchises, making him uniquely capable of helping bring these superheroes from the Extreme Universe to life for Netflix.”

Source: Deadline

Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus review

Research Center:
Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus

Polished. Refined. These are the words that come to mind when holding the Galaxy S9 Plus, the larger version of Samsung’s latest Galaxy S9 flagship smartphone. Samsung introduced a fresh design language with the Galaxy S8 in 2017 — a design it’s been heading towards for the past few years — and it’s not yet ready to present something new. That’s perfectly fine, because the Galaxy S9 Plus remains undeniably sexy. Are the minor design and hardware improvements worth the high price tag? We think so, because it’s all about the camera with the Galaxy S9 series, and it certainly does impress.

Refined design

If you have used or seen a Galaxy S8 Plus, you’ll have a hard time identifying the differences of the Galaxy S9 Plus at a quick glance. From the front, both phones look the same. The Galaxy S9 Plus is marginally shorter, while retaining the same 6.2-inch screen. That’s only possible because Samsung shaved down the bezels surrounding the display ever-so-slightly, improving the screen-to-body ratio. The array of sensors and iris scanner on the top of the S9 Plus are now hardly visible. That panel stuck out like a sore thumb on the S8, but we didn’t find it jarring. Still, it does help make the S9 Plus look a little sleeker.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The power button is in a perfect position on the right edge of the phone, but the volume rocker is on the left edge above the Bixby button. We’ll get to Bixby later, but we’ve already turned off the button’s functionality. Since Samsung doesn’t let you remap it to anything else, the button sits unused, which is frustrating. We’d prefer the volume rocker on the right edge with the power button, because it is a little hard to press without shifting the whole phone lower, reducing your grip.

Flip the phone to its back, and you’ll start to see more distinguishing features. There’s the “Galaxy S9+” label on the bottom, of course, but there’s also a dual-camera system — a first for the Galaxy S series. The flash sits on the right side of the camera.

Like the Galaxy S8, the S9 Plus feels like a smooth pebble capable of skipping across water.

The fingerprint sensor, which drew a lot of criticism on the Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, is below the camera, in a far more accessible position. While we appreciate the new location, we still think Samsung could refine it more, as it’s easy to smudge the camera lens. The sensor feels a little too small for our fingers, but it’s quick to react, and does the job well. You can even use fingerprint gestures to pull down the notification drawer with a swipe on the sensor, which is handy for such a large phone.

The 6.2-inch screen is great for videos. To enhance the experience, Samsung for the first time has added stereo speakers tuned by AKG — the top earpiece works in tandem with a bottom-firing speaker — and support for Dolby Atmos technology. Music can fill a large room at maximum volume. There’s not much bass, but the audio is clear and rich. Sadly, we occasionally covered the bottom-firing speaker when holding the phone in landscape mode (dual front-facing speakers, anyone?).

Like the Galaxy S8, the S9 Plus feels like a smooth pebble capable of skipping across water. The phone fit comfortably in our palms, but it may be unwieldy if your mitts aren’t as massive as ours. We do love the phone’s curved edges, as they make it feel smaller and ergonomic. The rear glass easily attracts fingerprints, which we’re not fans of, so make sure you have a microfiber cloth at all times, or nab a case. We’ve found the midnight black color option reveals more fingerprints, which is why we recommend purchasing the lilac or coral blue.

Beautiful Infinity Display, great performance

The Infinity Display hasn’t changed much from last year’s Galaxy S8 Plus, but it’s still a standout feature. The Galaxy S9 Plus’ AMOLED screen boosts Quad HD+ (2,960 x 1,440) resolution, cramming 529 pixels into every inch. The result is an incredibly sharp, bright screen.

Colors are gorgeous, and they don’t feel oversaturated, as we’ve noticed with previous Samsung panels. Watching HDR10 content in apps like Netflix is a binge-watchers dream, as the improved contrast really makes dark shows pop. This is undoubtedly the best screen on a smartphone right now.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Do note, though, that Samsung sets the default resolution to 2,220 x 1,080 pixels when you first start up the phone, likely to help conserve battery life. You can increase it in display settings, which is also where you can tweak the screen’s color to your liking.

The Galaxy S9 Plus is the first smartphone we’ve fully tested with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 845 processor, and its improved graphics performance shows. Games like Tekken, The Sims: Mobile, and Sonic Forces run without flaw, offering a fluid experience.

Day-to-day performance is great, with apps opening quickly, and smooth split-screen operation. We did notice a rare stutter, which reminded us of Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface days, but we’re happy with what the Snapdragon 845 offers. The S9 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM, which is more than enough for almost everyone, but you should know the regular S9 only has 4GB.

Here are the results from a few benchmark apps:

• AnTuTu 3D Bench: 263,591
• Geekbench 4 CPU: 2,415 single-core; 8,191 multi-core
• 3D Mark Slingshot Extreme: 4,552 OpenGL; 3,685 Vulkan

The S9’s scores are impressive. For example, the Galaxy S8’s AnTuTu score is 155,253, and the iPhone X’s 206,010 — the S9 Plus is far ahead.

That doesn’t necessarily mean vastly improved real-world performance, though. We found the software experience a little more fluid on the Google Pixel 2 and the iPhone X. However, all these phones are tremendously fast and have no problem dealing with even the most demanding apps. The Samsung S9 Plus stuttered a tad more often, but not nearly enough to be a demerit.

Reimagined camera; eliminating noise

The highlight feature of the Galaxy S9 is the “reimagined” camera. Both the S9 and the S9 Plus have a 12-megapixel lens with a variable aperture. We’ve explained what that means in our in-depth guide, but here’s the basics.

The camera has two circular plates on the lens which constrict the amount of light the camera can absorb. One is a f/1.5 aperture, which means the hole is wider, allowing more light in for better low-light shots. However, the camera can switch to f/2.4 aperture, constricting the hole so less light comes in, which is great for most lighting conditions during the day. The narrower the hole (or aperture), the sharper the photograph. That’s why photographs taken with a f/1.5 aperture are not as detailed or sharp as photographs taken with the f/2.4 aperture. That’s why the camera predominantly uses the f/2.4 aperture, and only automatically swaps to the f/1.5 aperture in poor lighting.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Thankfully, you don’t need to know any of that to snap good photos. It all happens automatically, and the user experience remains incredibly simple. If you really want to control the aperture yourself, however, there’s a Pro mode that lets you swap it manually. The camera app has been redesigned for ease of us, slightly mimicking the app on an iPhone. It’s fast to react, and we’ve seen virtually no shutter lag.

What about the results? Photos captured during the day are detailed, with good color accuracy. But low-light photographs captured with the f/1.5 aperture are where the Galaxy S9 Plus shines. Yes, there’s a good amount of detail lost and some photos can appear to be too fuzzy, but we’ve taken photos of dark objects at night, and the S9 Plus still manages to produce a photo worth sharing. We took some photos with the Pixel 2 XL for comparison, and the S9 Plus outshines the Google phone in color accuracy (though not necessarily in detail).

Pixel 2 XL

Galaxy S9 Plus

Pixel 2 XL

Galaxy S9 Plus

Wait, there’s more! Samsung has also added a featured called ‘multi-frame noise reduction.’ It’s an image processing technique that takes 12 photos at the same time when you tap the shutter button, then compiles them all to eliminate as much noise as possible. If you look at all the Galaxy S9’s photos and compare it to the competition, the difference in graininess and noise is stunning. The photo of Barcelona Cathedral above, for example, shows a clear, even sky. Most smartphone cameras, like the Pixel 2, would add substantial noise to that shot, adding grain to the sky’s smooth gradient.

For more photos taken with the Galaxy S9 Plus, check out our test at Mobile World Congress, and a low-light follow up in Barcelona.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The S9 Plus also has a second, 12-megapixel camera that offers 2x optical zoom and a Live Focus mode, which is much like Apple’s Portrait Mode on the iPhone. This dual-camera system is almost the same as the Galaxy Note 8. The optical zoom photos are well-detailed, and it’s a handy feature to have for objects that are far away. Check out the photos above.

We’ve had some issues with Live Focus, however. Even in good lighting, photos with blurred backgrounds are often fuzzy and lacking detail. We’re not sure what the problem is, and Samsung told Digital Trends we should not be experiencing this problem. Some of the software is still being finalized, so we’ll update this section when we see any improvement. At the current moment, the Pixel 2 and the iPhone X take superior Portrait Mode photos.

Galaxy S9 Plus

Pixel 2 XL

The same rings true for selfies taken with the Galaxy S9 Plus. The 8-megapixel front-facing camera is nothing to write home about, even with the new “Selfie Focus” feature, which tries to add a blur around your face for the bokeh effect. It’s trounced by the Pixel 2 and the iPhone X.

There’s also a Super Slow Motion camera mode, which can capture 960 frames per second (32 times slower than real life), like recent Sony Xperia phones. It takes a little getting used to because you need to time the slow motion accurately on manual mode, or need to learn how auto mode works. Once you have it down, though, it’s a fun feature to have, and we’ve found ourselves trying it on a variety of fast-moving scenes. The resolution is only 720p, however. Sony’s upcoming Xperia XZ2 can handle the same slow-mo shots at 1080p.

AR Emojis are a new addition to the S9, and unlike Super Slow Motion, it’s likely a feature we’ll avoid using.

AR Emojis are another new addition to the S9, and unlike Super Slow Motion, it’s likely a feature we’ll avoid using. You can create your own emoji to animate using motion tracking technology — like Apple’s Animoji — but the tracking isn’t great, and we’re not fans of the emoji design. If they’re not cute, who would want to share them? Still, at least one of our staffers was happy with how the AR Emojis look. If Animojis are any indication, people will stop talking about AR Emojis after a month.

The Galaxy S9 Plus snaps great photos, and its low-light capabilities is best-in-class. The Super Slow Motion video feature is a fun addition, and we constantly use the 2x optical zoom for distant objects. The jury is still out on Live Focus. If you don’t care much for 2x optical zoom or Live Focus, you’re better off buying the smaller Galaxy S9 as it doesn’t come with that second camera. You still get access to Super Slow Motion, as well as the variable aperture, and multi-frame noise reduction image processing.

We still think the Pixel 2 XL keeps its title as the best camera phone, but Samsung easily beats Google’s phone in challenging lighting conditions, and often wins out in color accuracy — it’s a close race.

Plenty of software customization

The Galaxy S9 Plus runs Android 8.0 Oreo, with the Samsung Experience 9.0 user interface layered over. It looks sleek, minimal, and much-improved over the infamous TouchWiz UI on older Samsung phones. Android 8.0 Oreo introduces a host of features such as picture-in-picture mode, unread badges on app icons for new notifications, a simplified settings app, and more. The software experience on the Galaxy S9 Plus is better than ever.

There’s plenty of customization options to make your phone feel unique. For example, you can choose from a variety of clock designs for the always-on display, and you can even pick any color from a color wheel for further personalization. Most people won’t dive into these options, but we’re happy to see it available.

Samsung has come a long way, and we’re loving how the software looks.

Another way to see the sheer amount of options is with the biometric unlocking technologies available on the phone. You can use the iris scanner, fingerprint reader, or facial recognition to unlock the S9, or use them all at the same time. Our favorite is Intelligent Scan, which primarily uses the iris scanner as the main way to unlock the phone, but it falls back to facial recognition if iris doesn’t work. The experience feels a lot like unlocking the iPhone X with FaceID. It’s not as fast as the fingerprint sensor and it doesn’t work all the time, but it’s reliable enough to feel convenient.

In our testing, the Google Pixel 2 still offers the most fluid Android experience on a smartphone, likely because Google can optimize the hardware and software. Still, Samsung has come a long way, and we’re loving how the software looks. Our biggest complaint is with updates. The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus are in the beta process for Android 8.0 Oreo, more than 7 months since Google released the new Android version. The first developer preview of Android P is now available and should officially launch in August, but it’s sad that we likely won’t see it on the S9 and S9 Plus until early next year. If you want the fastest security or version updates, buy a Pixel 2 or an iPhone.

Bixby remains a nuisance

When we talked about performance, we mentioned the occasional stutter. The easiest way to see this is to slide right from the home screen to open Bixby. Opening Bixby Home is slow, and there’s a lot of lag. The artificially-intelligent was first introduced on the Galaxy S8 as a way to perform phone-specific functions via voice. After a year since launch, we still feel no desire to ask Bixby to do anything, not because it can’t, but because it’s cumbersome, and doing things manually is often faster.

Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus Compared To

Nokia 7 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S9

Cat S61

Asus ZenFone 4

Razer Phone

Huawei Mate 10 Pro

Honor 7X

Alcatel Idol 5

OnePlus 5T

Moto X4 Android One

ZTE Axon M

HTC U11 Life

Google Pixel 2

Google Pixel 2 XL

LG V30

The new additions in Bixby Vision are features we’d likely never use, even if they are neat. Our favorites are instant language translation, which can be a little wonky, as well as the Makeup tool, which layers makeup from Sephora and Cover Girl over your face so you can try products out. The Food tool lets you estimate calories when you point the camera at food, but it isn’t accurate, which kept us from using it consistently.

Overall, we like the new additions to Vision, but we also wouldn’t mind at all if Samsung just deleted Bixby and all its features in its next phone. There’s just not much to like, and Google Assistant is more reliable and faster.

Day-long battery life

If you’re a power user, you’ll likely need to juice up the phone a little towards the end of the day.

The Galaxy S9 Plus’ battery life is about average, if not a little on the low side, when compared to most smartphones in its class. After taking the phone off the charger at 7:30 a.m., we ended up with 39 percent at 3:45 p.m., and 25 percent by 6 p.m. That’s with the phone on max resolution and 50 percent brightness, with heavy usage including YouTube, video calls, photography, and web browsing.

If you’re a power user, you’ll likely need to juice up the phone a little towards the end of the day. If not, you should see it last you for a full day. There’s also a way to optimize the battery for your needs in the device management settings, so you can get the most amount of time with your phone.

The Galaxy S9 Plus supports fast wireless charging and fast wired charging, so it doesn’t take long to recharge.

Price, availability, and warranty information

The Galaxy S9 Plus costs $840 unlocked from Samsung, and there are plenty of ways to purchase the phone via a monthly payment plan, or through all U.S. carriers. Check out our buying guide for more details. It’s available for pre-order now, and will officially go on sale on March 16.

Our Take

The Galaxy S9 Plus brings a refined design, but it’s the ‘reimagined’ camera that makes this phone stand out, and worth the high price tag.

Is there a better alternative?

Maybe. If you’re looking for stock Android phone, the Google Pixel 2 XL is still our top recommendation. Updates are important to us, and if you think so too, getting the Pixel means you’ll get fast security and version updates. We think the software experience is cleaner on the Pixel 2 XL, as well, and it’s more fluid. The Pixel 2 XL has a stellar camera, and while the Galaxy S9 may beat it in low-light photography, there are plenty of other areas where the Pixel 2 comes out on top. Daylight photos, and even some nighttime shots, are more detailed, and Portrait Mode produces stunning images.

Obviously, iOS fans will need to take a look at the iPhone X. From its gorgeous design, strong camera, and fluid software, there’s plenty to like with Apple’s latest flagship. If these phones are out of your budget, check out our best cheap phones guide for plenty of other great options.

How long will it last?

The Galaxy S9 Plus will last you about three years, perhaps more. It’s IP68 water- and dust-resistant, which means it can survive dips in water, but it is sandwiched in glass, so you’ll want to make sure you have a case or a screen protector. Samsung will likely offer software updates up to two years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Samsung S9 Plus is a statement of best-in-class hardware.

Leica pursuing a 3D-sensing camera for smartphones via new partnership

Future smartphone cameras could have both a tiny Leica lens and depth-sensing capabilities. On Wednesday, March 7, Leica Camera announced an alliance with Pmdtechnologies Ag, a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor company, to develop a depth-sensing camera for smartphones. With the agreement, the two companies will work together to create a 3D-sensing camera for smartphones while reducing the size of the lens.

The two companies together have already created a 3D-sensing imaging system that will be available for smartphone manufacturers to integrate into their devices later this year. The 3D camera module has smaller pixels and a smaller module size overall, yet the lens design will help the camera perform well in low light, Leica says. Leica says that the lens is optimized for ambient light wavelengths and also has an f-number or aperture 25 percent lower than earlier options.

With the formal agreement in place, the two companies will now work together to develop 3D-sensing camera modules. Leica will focus on creating a lens that’s efficient with light but fits in small sizes to reduce the size of the camera module. With both companies located in Germany, Leica says the alliance will also allow for faster development.

The companies did not share specifics on what, exactly, the 3D capabilities will enable. ToF cameras create depth maps by measuring the amount of time it takes for light to bounce off objects in order to estimate the distance of the objects in the photos. That 3D data could potentially be used in a number of different ways. 3D data could create options like a portrait mode without a second lens. ToF cameras are also said to have enhanced capabilities in facial ID, augmented reality, and even scanning 3D objects.

“The partnership between Pmd and Leica is an excellent example of how two globally-leading companies can combine their core competencies to drive market-oriented innovation efficiently,” Markus Limberger, Leica Camera’s COO, said in a press release. “The foremost position of Pmdtechnologies in Time-of-Flight sensor technology and Leica’s expertise in cutting-edge optical design were used to develop a very compact and powerful lens, which fits perfectly with the specific requirements and the uncompromising quality of the new 3D-sensor generation of Pmd.”

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