The Galaxy S9 may have been usurped by the subtle upgrades in the Galaxy Note 9, but with the future of the Note range in question, it will come as a nasty surprise to Samsung fans that this phone has instead led to the cancellation of an S9 instead…

‘Great Secret Features’ and ‘Nasty Surprises’ are my regular columns investigating the best features / biggest problems hidden behind the headlines.

Credit for this surprising spot goes to the ever-reliable SamMobile who realised the Galaxy Note 9 has killed off the popular Galaxy S9 Active. The Active range is loved not just for its military-grade durability, but also its massive battery life. Interestingly, while sudden, Samsung appears to have been planning the move for some time.

While still unofficial (I have asked Samsung for comment), SamMobile has put the pieces together in convincing fashion.

Firstly, there has never been an Active release this late in the year. The Galaxy S5, S6, S7 and S8 Active models launched in May 2014, June 2015, June 2016 and early August 2017 respectively. To launch now would run the S9 Active directly into the Galaxy Note 9, which has been released earlier than normal this year.

Secondly, Samsung releases firmware for Galaxy S Active models shortly after the standard models launch and this has not happened in 2018.

Thirdly, Galaxy S Active phones are far more expensive than normal Galaxy S models due to the aforementioned durability and massive batteries (4,000mAh has been standard since the Galaxy S7 Active). Given Galaxy S Active models are based on the smaller Galaxy S model and this year Samsung gave the Galaxy S9 an inferior camera setup for the first time, charging a premium price for the Active range looks harder to justify.

Fourthly, the Galaxy Note 9. This year Samsung brought the Note 9 launch into the Active’s typical launch time frame, fit it with a 4,000 mAh battery and thickened the bezels from the Note 8, which should increase durability. The Note 9 also sits at roughly the same price point at the Active range.

Fifthly, and finally, leaks. There have been none, and these days no major Samsung phone comes to market without any leaks. Many of which emanate from Samsung itself.

All of which is ultimately bad news. The Galaxy Note 9 is a very capable smartphone, but stuffing in a big battery and slightly improving the chassis strength does not make it a suitable replacement for a range with military-grade durability and a die-hard fanbase.

Yes, Samsung has already confirmed plans for a game-changing Galaxy smartphone in 2019, but nothing the company makes can replace the Active…

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