

The Galaxy S9 has just been announced at MWC! (Yes, like, just now! Visit our MWC 2018 microsite to see what other devices have been announced.)
One very obvious observation: The Samsung Galaxy S9 looks almost exactly like the Galaxy S8, and though this might seem like an anti-climactic move, it’s probably for good reason.
It’s been almost a year since the Samsung Galaxy S8 was released and I still remember being very impressed with that particular phone’s design. For my tiny, girly hands, the narrow phone fit perfectly and the Infinity Display looked impressively big despite this.
This year, it seems Samsung has decided to stay with a formula that works. Of course, there were a few tweaks. The fingerprint scanner has been relocated below the camera instead of beside it which will, hopefully, mean less accidental fingerprint smudges on the lenses.
There’s also a new color — it matches Pantone Color of the Year Ultra Violet, and my hair!
Another notable change comes to the cameras. The Galaxy S9+ has dual-camera rear shooters (finally) — this means you get Live Focus, which allows you to adjust the bokeh during and even after taking the photo, and a zoom feature on the device. It also has a Dual Aperture function which allows the phone to switch to the camera with a wider aperture when more light is needed in the photo. These additions are limited to the Plus version, however, which leave my small phone-loving self a little disappointed.
READ MORE: Samsung Galaxy S9 Hands-On: Same but better
Those aren’t the only improvements on Samsung’s newest premium phones, though. Here are my favorite new functions on the Galaxy S9 and S9+.
AR Emoji!
Samsung decided to take emoji to a whole new level with this phone release. In what I consider the biggest tech development since Animojis (no, really! Ha ha ha!), the Galaxy S9 now offers you the chance to turn yourself into emoji.
Yes folks, that just means you don’t only animate the emoji, you are the emoji!
If you’re a little shy, you can also animate pre-set characters on the phone.
This is a pre-set AR emoji on the Samsung Galaxy S9. Voice mine 😂 #GadgetMatchLIVE #GalaxyS9 #Unpacked2018 #MWC18 pic.twitter.com/pd7kK7fupw
— Isa Rodriguez (@sisasaid) February 25, 2018
Animojis are so last year. Karaoke AR emoji, anyone?
Super Slow-mo and video background music
Your videos will never be the same with this new feature. There’s a super slow-mo feature now, and it allows you to shoot at 960 frames per second!
Okay, those numbers don’t really mean anything to me but just know that it can capture videos like this:
Slow-mo video sample from the Samsung Galaxy S9 💁 #GadgetMatchLIVE #MWC18 #GalaxyS9 #GalaxyReimagined pic.twitter.com/I0I0j0a0Zh
— Isa Rodriguez (@sisasaid) February 25, 2018
As if that isn’t great enough, you can even edit background music in using your phone.
Imagine the cinematic possibilities!
Beauty mode and makeup mode
The S9 is stepping up the selfie game. Despite the single front shooter, the bokeh feature is available on the Selfie Focus mode.
But that’s not all!
These handsets offer a very, very detailed beauty mode — one that even includes makeup filters that you can edit all the way to your eyelashes.
There’s a number of different makeup looks you can achieve without lifting a single makeup brush.
Food mode
A camera feature made especially for Instagram foodies!
This mode is designed to enhance your food shots to make them look as good in your photographs as they are on your plate.
Notice how the pizza on the right looks yummier. The photos come out a little more saturated and there’s background blur that allows for more focus on whatever gastronomical delight you’re taking a photo of.
Bonus: Beautiful Bokeh
This feature can only be found on the Galaxy S9+. Though I personally haven’t been able to try it, I still feel this is worth mentioning. This feature supposedly allows for different bokeh shapes and effects.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know
SEE ALSO: I’ve used the Samsung Galaxy S8, and I’m now doubting my iPhone loyalty


Samsung started 2021 early with their newest Galaxy S21 series.
Unlike last year where the S20 models were announced last February, these new S21 units were unveiled as early as January 2021. Although we’ve covered most of the leaks and rumors about Samsung’s latest flagship trio, we still need to confirm them.
Head over to our latest hands-on video to find out more.
Hands-On
ASUS ZenBook Duo (2021) Unboxing and Hands-on: Double The Fun!
Is it still the laptop of tomorrow?

ASUS launched their first first dual-screen laptop, the ZenBook Pro Duo last 2019 at Computex Taiwan.
This 2021, the Full HD LCD display might be a drawback from the 4K OLED display. Still, it has a new and improved ErgoLift Hinge that ASUS is proud of. And with power-packed specs, pen support, and dual displays, this laptop might just be for a creative or content creator like you.
More of ASUS’ latest ZenBook Duo in our latest unboxing and hands-on video right here.

Last year, Motorola was able to deliver a promising 5G smartphone that costs less than the usual 5G flagships with their midranger Moto one 5G.
This 2021, Motorola has launched a cheaper variant, still with a nifty Snapdragon 765G chipset, 5G support, 5000mAh battery, but lesser cameras. With that being said, will you still consider it over other phones in the same price range?
Click here to watch our Motorola one 5G ace hands-on video.
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