Released in 2018, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was hailed as one of the best smartphones of its time, pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and features. Now, as we approach 2025, many tech enthusiasts and consumers are asking: Is the Samsung Note 9 still a top contender?
In this article, we will dive deep into the camera, performance, and battery capabilities of the Samsung Note 9, and whether it can still hold its own against newer smartphones. Whether you’re a current owner looking for insights or considering buying a refurbished or used unit, we’ve got all the details you need to decide if this powerhouse still deserves a spot in your pocket.
We’ll also explore where to find the best Samsung Note 9 deals in the UAE, especially through WiseMarket, and how the phone stacks up against its competitors.
Samsung Note 9 Camera: A Legacy of Excellence
The camera of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has always been one of its standout features. Even though it's no longer the most advanced camera system on the market, it remains an excellent choice for everyday photography, especially for those who don’t want to pay the premium price for newer models.
Dual 12MP Camera Setup
The Samsung Note 9 features a dual 12MP rear camera setup, with one wide-angle lens and one telephoto lens. Both lenses are equipped with variable aperture technology—a feature borrowed from the Galaxy S9+. This allows you to switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures, depending on the lighting conditions. The f/1.5 aperture allows more light in, making it perfect for low-light conditions, while the f/2.4 is great for bright conditions where you need more depth of field.
While Samsung Galaxy Note 9's camera system doesn’t have the 100x zoom of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra or the AI-driven night modes of the latest flagship phones, its performance is still quite impressive.
Camera Features You’ll Love
Super Speed Dual Pixel Sensor: This sensor delivers fast autofocus, allowing you to capture action shots with ease.
Scene Optimizer: Samsung’s built-in software tweaks the settings automatically to match the scene you’re shooting, whether it’s a sunset, food, or portrait.
Live Focus: This feature allows you to capture portraits with a beautiful bokeh effect, making subjects stand out with blurred backgrounds.
Super Steady Video: The Note 9 also introduced Super Steady Video for smoother video capture during movement. While newer models may offer enhanced video stabilisation, the Note 9 still delivers solid performance.
Samsung Note 9 Camera Quality in 2025
Even in 2025, the Samsung Note 9’s camera is more than capable of capturing sharp, vibrant, and detailed photos, making it a great choice for casual photographers or those who want to take great photos without fuss. While it lacks some of the advanced AI features of newer models, the Note 9’s camera system is still a solid performer in most real-world situations.
Samsung Note 9 Performance: A Powerhouse That Holds Up
When it comes to performance, the Samsung Note 9 was ahead of its time, and it still holds up in 2025. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (UAE variant) or Exynos 9810 (international) processor, and paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, this phone offers flawless multitasking, gaming, and day-to-day operations.
Samsung Note 9 Performance in 2025
While newer smartphones are equipped with more powerful processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Exynos 2200, the Note 9 can still handle most tasks smoothly. Whether you're streaming content, browsing the web, or jumping between multiple apps, the Note 9’s Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 chipset ensures a lag-free experience.
Gaming Performance
The Samsung Note 9 is still a capable device for mobile gaming. The Mali-G72 MP18 GPU and 8GB RAM (in the higher-end version) provide solid gaming performance for titles like PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile, and Fortnite. While you won’t get 120Hz refresh rate gaming like newer phones, the Note 9 offers smooth graphics and a large, immersive display, making it a solid choice for gamers who don’t want to upgrade to the latest models.
Storage Options
The Samsung Note 9 comes with two storage options: 128GB and 512GB, both of which are expandable up to 1TB via microSD. In 2025, the 128GB storage model is still more than enough for most users, with plenty of room for apps, photos, videos, and games. The expandable storage option is a huge plus, especially if you like to keep a lot of media on your device.
Does the Samsung Note 9 Still Have Flagship Power?
While it might not hold a candle to the ultra-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Apple’s A15 Bionic chip in terms of raw performance, the Note 9 still provides exceptional value for users who need solid performance for everyday tasks, media consumption, and light gaming.
Samsung Note 9 Battery Life: Still Going Strong
Battery life is a critical consideration for anyone using their smartphone heavily throughout the day. The Samsung Note 9 has a 4000mAh battery, and while it's not the largest battery on the market, it was more than sufficient when the phone was released. But in 2025, does it still cut it?
Battery Performance in 2025
Thanks to its efficient chipset and optimization in the Android OS, the Samsung Note 9 can still last a full day with moderate usage, even in 2025. Heavy users may need to top up during the day, but with adaptive battery management, the Note 9 ensures you get the most out of each charge.
Fast Charging: The phone supports 15W fast charging, which was excellent in 2018 but has since been outpaced by super-fast charging options in newer models.
Wireless Charging: The Note 9 supports Qi wireless charging, making it convenient to top up without plugging in a cable. It also features Wireless PowerShare, allowing you to charge other Qi-enabled devices like earbuds or even other smartphones.
Is the Samsung Note 9 Battery Life Still Competitive?
While it may not have the ultra-fast charging speeds of newer smartphones, the Samsung Note 9’s battery life is still impressive for daily tasks, and it’s equipped with enough features to keep you powered through the day. If you’re looking for a phone with long battery life and don’t mind slower charging speeds, the Note 9 is still a solid choice.
Where to Buy Samsung Note 9 in the UAE: WiseMarket Deals
If you're considering purchasing a Samsung Note 9 in the UAE, you’ll want to check out the latest deals and prices available at WiseMarket UAE. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Samsung Note 9 Price on WiseMarket: The Samsung Note 9 price in the UAE can vary, but you’ll often find the best deals and discounts at WiseMarket. Whether you’re buying new or refurbished, they offer competitive pricing and exclusive offers that you won't find elsewhere.
Delivery Options: WiseMarket offers fast shipping within the UAE, ensuring you receive your device quickly and securely.
Return Policy: Shopping on WiseMarket also means you’re covered with a hassle-free return policy, so you can shop with peace of mind.
Samsung Note 9 Deals on WiseMarket UAE
Keep an eye on WiseMarket for limited-time deals and exclusive discounts on the Samsung Note 9. Whether you’re after the latest Samsung Note 9 deals or looking for a Samsung Note 9 bundle with accessories, WiseMarket is your go-to destination for finding the best prices.
Final Thoughts: Is the Samsung Note 9 Still a Top Contender?
While the Samsung Note 9 isn’t the most cutting-edge phone on the market in 2025, it’s far from irrelevant. It still delivers excellent camera performance, solid battery life, and smooth overall performance, making it a great option for users looking for a budget-friendly yet capable smartphone.
For those in the UAE looking to buy the Samsung Note 9, WiseMarket offers the best deals, fast delivery, and excellent customer service, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
If you’re considering a Samsung Note 9 for work or personal use, it remains a strong mid-range contender that continues to deliver a premium experience at a fraction of the cost of newer flagship models. With the Samsung Note 9, you’re getting flagship-level features, performance, and reliability—at a much lower price.