Credit: Fergus Halliday | IDG
Though it lacks the glitzy backdrop of CES, Mobile World Congress is no less of a big deal for the tech world. In recent years, it’s become a battleground where the biggest brands compete for attention and debut their flagship mobile devices. Last year alone saw the debut of the LG G6, Huawei P10 and Sony Xperia XZ Premium and this year is shaping up to be just as chock-full of announcements.
Here’s what Samsung brought to this year’s MWC.
Samsung Galaxy S9
What is it?
Samsung’s next flagship smartphone and the follow-up to last year’s Galaxy S8. It’ll be available in four color variants: Midnight Black, Titanium Gray, Coral Blue and Lilac Purple.
What’s exciting about it?
At first glance, the Galaxy S9 looks a lot like last year’s S8. However, under the surface, it’s packing a payload of internal upgrades that might just make it worth the (expensive) upgrade. It’s got a slightly refined QHD Infinity Display, it’s got Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, it’s got a faster wireless charging, supports MicroUSB storage expansions and it’s got new AR-powered emojis.
Credit: Fergus Halliday | IDG Then there’s the camera. Both the S9 and S9+ feature new variable apertures on their primary 12-megapixel cameras. This allows them to toggle between and aperture of f/2.4 and f/1.5. In addition, the Galaxy S9+ adds a second 12-megapixel rear module, albeit one with a regular fixed aperture, that enables it to take better bokeh and portrait shotss.
All told, it seems like it’ll offer significant - albeit predictable - upgrades to everything that Samsung brought to the table with the S8 and S8+.
When will it be available?
In Australia, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be available starting in March 16.
How much will it cost?
The Galaxy S9 costs $1199 for 64GB of storage and $1349 for 256GB of built-in storage. The S9+ is priced at $1349 for 64GB of storage and $1499 for 256GB of on-board storage.
DeX Pad
What is it?
A refreshed take on last year’s Samsung DeX stand, which allowed you to use your smartphone’s processor to power a desktop-like experience on a connected monitor.
What’s exciting about it?
This time around, the the DeX is less of a hub and more of a DIY-trackpad. It also drops the ethernet jack found on its predecessor. It’ll be interesting if Samsung make any significant software improvements to the DeX experience to go with the new hardware.
Credit: Fergus Halliday | IDG When will it be available?
Sometime in 2018.
How much will it cost?
Local availability and pricing is to be confirmed.
For a longer look at everything that happened at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, click here.
Disclosure - Our coverage of MWC 2018 was sponsored by Intel who covered the cost of our flights and accommodation.
