The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 runs Android 8.1. An update to Android 9 should take place soon, because the Note series is usually kept up to date when it comes to software. As soon as the device is turned on, an update is available, which installs the most recent security patches (security patch level: August 1, 2018). Samsung Experience 9.1 serves as the system launcher. It expands the standard Android functionality and brings optimization for the S Pen.



The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 comes with the always-on-display feature. In this mode, the display is always on, unlike with many other smartphones. Here, the screen displays the clock, the date, notifications and the music player, all in monochrome with a few accent colors. There are many additional options in the settings menu, which are not found with other manufacturers: For example, the edges of the display can be set to light up when someone is calling or when there are new notifications. There is also the ability to set the screen to stay on as long as you are looking at it. Additionally, there is a one-handed mode, plus other functions such as multi-windows (this function allows to open multiple apps in different windows), video optimization (this allows users to adjust the sensitivity of the touchscreen and to lower the resolution of the display), simple mode (in this mode, only the basic functions are available, which is why it is perfect for people who are not familiar with smartphones or those who do not need that many functions).



The Note 9 comes with a lot of apps preinstalled. Besides Samsung’s proprietary apps, there are also third-party apps such as the Facebook app, Microsoft Office and LinkedIn. These apps cannot be permanently uninstalled, they can only be disabled. The proprietary apps include Samsung’s Internet browser, an app for customizing the home screen, Samsung’s app store and Samsung Health, a fitness tracker. Fortunately, Samsung’s own apps can be completely uninstalled without any hassle.



The home screen can only be used in portrait mode. There is a bar on the right side of the screen, where most often used apps are displayed. Your favorite apps can also be added to this bar. If you swipe right on the home screen, you will get to Bixby Home, where weather forecasts, notifications and other things of interest are grouped together. There is a dedicated Bixby button on the right side of the device, which launches Bixby Assistant.



As soon as you take the S Pen out of the case, the user interface adjusts itself: Now you can write memos even in standby mode, and there is a stylus icon on the screen, which allows quick access to a number of stylus-operated apps. However, you can also add your own apps to this half-wheel. We are especially pleased with the app called PENUP, in which you can make very creative drawings. Here is something practical: If you remove the stylus too far from the device when the screen is turned off, a warning message pops up that tells you that the stylus is not inserted.

