Are you still using a Galaxy S9 in 2020?

Chatting with the AC forums.

When talking about smartphones here on AC, we tend to keep the discussion around devices that have recently launched and ones that are coming up on the horizon. These tend to be the most exciting/interesting gadgets to talk about, as they have new features, specs, etc.

For most people, however, they aren't buying a new phone every few months or every year. Instead, they'll buy a phone and hold onto it for two years or more.

One of our AC forum members recently asked if they should finally upgrade their aging Galaxy S9, with the conversation playing out as follows.

Zakjoe1234

03-25-2020 04:53 AM

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I have an S9+, where the charging wire wouldn't stay in properly and the speaker is really low on calls. Since then I've tried cleaning out the lint and dust, the wire is still loose but not as bad as it was. However, most of the times on calls I can't hear much. Cause of this I was thinking of getting a new phone unless it can be fixed. Does it make sense to get an S10+ or Note 10+? Or...

Reply

mustang7757

03-25-2020 11:15 AM

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S10+ would be a excellent upgrade , if you could swing it .

Reply

Kirstein Gourlay

03-25-2020 11:34 AM

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I concur. The S10+ is an awesome phone. Really love mine.

Reply

VidJunky

03-25-2020 08:54 PM

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Have you ever owned a Note device? There are a lot of extras that come with the Note, most famously the S-Pen. Personally I looked at the Note vs the S line and really didn't see where the S-Pen would play much of a role in my day to day. Sure it would be great to use a camera trigger and yeah writing instead of typing might come in handy once in awhile but for me the bonus features of the...

Reply

With that said, this thread got us to wondering — Are you still using a Galaxy S9 in 2020?

How to restore your apps and settings to a new Android phone

Whether you're upgrading to a new device or are resetting your phone, it's incredibly easy to restore your apps and settings. Google automatically backs up information like contacts, calendar entries, call logs, texts, Do Not Disturb settings, and more to the cloud, allowing you to pick up from where you left off. Here's how you can restore your apps and settings when moving to a new Android phone.

Products used in this guide

• Take great photos: Google Pixel 3a XL ($419 at Amazon)

How to enable the Android backup service

Before we get started with restoring data, you have to make sure that the backup service is running on your current phone. Here's how you can get started:

1. Open Settings from the home screen or app drawer.
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.

3. Tap System.

   

4. Select Backup.
5. Ensure the Back up to Google Drive toggle is selected.

6. You'll be able to see the data that is being backed up.

   

Now that you've enabled the Android backup service, your system settings and app data will be automatically saved to Drive. When you're switching to a new phone, you can rely on the service to restore your settings, apps, and associated data.

Note: The menu layout may not look exactly as above on your phone, but any phone running Nougat and above should have an equivalent of Backup & reset.

How to restore apps and settings on a new Android phone

Restoring apps is straightforward, and you'll be able to do so during the initial configuration. If you're using the Google Now or Pixel Launcher, your home screen background, icon and widget layout, as well as the folder structure, is now saved to the cloud, allowing you to restore your settings to a new handset and retain your home screen layout.

1. Select the language and hit the Let's Go button at the welcome screen.
2. Tap Copy your data to use the restore option.

3. Connect to a Wi-Fi network to get started.

   

4. At the next screen, you'll see all the restore options available. Select A backup from an Android phone if you have your old phone handy. In this instance, we'll go with the A backup from the cloud option.
5. Sign in to your Google account (if you haven't already, set up two-factor authentication).

6. Select I agree to Google's Terms of Service to proceed.

   

7. You'll see a list of backup options. Select the relevant one to restore data.
8. Hit Restore if you want all the data and settings from your previous device restored.

9. Hit Apps to choose what apps to install on your new device.

   

10. Your data will be restored in the background. In the meantime, you can set up a screen lock and biometric authentication.
11. Hit Set up screen lock to get started.

12. Choose a mode of screen unlock and add your fingerprint.

    

13. You can set up Google Assistant after you're done registering your fingerprints.
14. Select Get Started to use Voice Match.

15. Train Assistant to recognize your voice and hit Done to finish.

    

That's it! Once the initial setup is completed, apps and settings will be restored in the background.

Where does all the app data get stored? Google is backing up the app data to Drive, allocating 25MB for each app. Data used by the backup system doesn't count toward your storage quota. Meanwhile, developers can choose to select what app data gets stored in the cloud, and you can opt-out of the service at any time through your device settings.

Your privacy

Gathering data and sending it off to a remote server means it's outside the app sandbox and reliant on Google — as well as the people who made your phone — to do the right things. That may not always be the case, as phone manufacturers have a lot of leeway when they make an Android-powered phone. Google's thoughts on the issue:

Caution: Because the backup transport can differ from device to device, Android cannot guarantee the security of your data while using backup. Be cautious about using backup to store sensitive data, such as usernames and passwords.

Google provides plenty of documentation on how to use the Backup service, so developers have the means to be cautious and do the right thing with sensitive data. Don't let this scare you away from using the service, but you do need to be aware.

The ability to restore apps and settings is available on all current phones running Android 6.0 and above, and the process itself is identical regardless of the manufacturer. It doesn't matter if you're using a Samsung, LG, Xiaomi, Nokia, or Motorola phone; you'll see the same steps when restoring your settings and data to your new phone.

Take great photos

Google Pixel 3a XL

$419 at Amazon

The best camera on a mid-range phone.

The Pixel 3a XL lets you take photos that are of the same caliber as the Pixel 3 series, but at roughly half the cost. In short, this is the best camera you'll find on any mid-range phone today. Combine that with great internal hardware and fast updates and you get a fantastic phone.

Staying home has your kids feeling a little stir crazy too

We're all stuck in place, and everyone is getting a little antsy — especially kids who seem always to want to be on the move.

The current pubic health scare sucks, and we all hate how it's disrupted our lives. While getting sick is the worst thing that can happen — and we all here at Android Central wish anyone that's been infected with this horrible disease the best and a speedy recovery — doing what's needed so you don't get sick can be difficult, too.

After you've figured out how to work from home if you can or have done whatever you need so some money keeps coming in while you're stuck at home, you have to micro-manage everything else. Getting groceries is now a serious task, and all the places we usually go for fun and to socialize have been shuttered for the time being. The fight against this pandemic has become a war, and our homes are now the trenches.

Who knew sitting at home could be this difficult?

At the end of the day, all of us need some serious downtime. Take an hour or two to step away from Twitter and Facebook, where it seems like both sides are mostly interested in arguing with each other and wind down. We're adults, and we can do this. But what about the little ones in your life who might not even realize what's going on? They need some extra love and nurturing just like we do. Scratch that; they need even more.

If you have kids, you know exactly what I mean. If you don't have kids, it might be a little harder to understand. Regardless, even the most well-behaved toddler (or teenager) can get pretty darn fussy when they are stuck inside, and not everyone is lucky enough to have a yard where kids can get outside and burn off the energy. That means it's up to the parents and caregivers to help. It's a chore that's done out of love, but it can still be a chore.

Luckily, some companies realize this and have offered what little help they can, so kids of all ages have a bit of inside entertainment and might even learn something. Amazon Freetime Unlimited has opened up with plenty of videos, apps, and games for kids, and all you need is an Android device to let your kids escape the boredom. Audible has also made a long list of titles free so that storytime can be a family event.

Audible offering hundreds of kids audiobooks for free during coronavirus outbreak

Of course, Google Play is chock full of games and apps for kids, too, and we've got a list of the best compiled so you can save a bit of time searching through them all. If the kids have a Chromebook, there are also websites like Kongregate or Armor Games that have hundreds of free browser-based games to keep kids (and adults) occupied.

Have some fun: The Best Android Games of 2020

The tech in your life can go a long way towards helping your kids keep it together during these trying times. Whether it's the latest and greatest, or something with a few more miles on it, chances are you can find something for the kids to do with it. That's important for their mental health, and it's important for yours as well.

An old phone or tablet is great for letting the kids unwind.

Just don't let tech take over completely, because what the kids need now more than ever is love and understanding. Little ones don't process why they can't go to the park and play with the other kids, and older ones might think the whole mess is just silly and that they are invincible. It's our job as their caretakers to do what's best for them. A few hours a day with a phone or tablet in their hands can help.

Just don't forget the hugs.

Spice up your smartphone or tablet with the best icon packs for Android

App icons are different shapes, sizes, and color schemes and follow different design guidelines. Samsung's icons look different than Google's icons, look different from Microsoft's icons, look different from every other developer's icons. Adaptive icons have sought to bring some order to this chaos, but with little luck. Thankfully, icon packs are here to pick up the slack. Icon packs are plentiful, colorful, and they come in every style under the sun. I love Whicons, but all of these packs are fantastic.

Goes with everything

Whicons

If you only download one icon pack, make it Whicons! This free icon pack is simple, its icons are easy to identify, and Whicons goes with just about every dark and vivid wallpaper you can imagine.

Free at Google Play

Little white lines

Lines

Outline packs may take different thicknesses and sizes, but Lines remains my favorite. It's been around for a really, really long time — just look at that Settings icon! — but Lines always comes through when I need a wireframe pack.

Free w/ Ads at Google Play

Glassy gleam

Emptos

This glassy icon pack is as rare as it is beautiful. Transparent squircles give a look of consistency to your app drawer and home screen, but the white logo shapes within are still instantly identifiable.

$1 at Google Play

BYOP: Build your own pack

Icon Pack Studio

If no icon pack can quite suit your tastes, don't give up hope — just make an icon pack yourself! Icon Pack Studio lets you pick the colors, textures, styles, stencils, and more and covers every app on your phone no matter how obscure.

Free at w/ IAP Google Play

Teardrops of darkness

Oscuro

Hex black teardrop icons cut through bright and dim wallpapers alike, but the shaded stencil logos within them allow some wallpaper details to show through, as seen on the YouTube and AC logos.

$1 at Google Play

Little black icon pack

Zwart

Zwart is the yin to Whicon's yang, its evil twin, and deliciously dark standout. When light icons can't keep their definition against vivid wallpapers, Zwart stands bold and firm.

Free at w/ IAP Google Play

Sophisticated cutouts

Nimbbi

This pack turns its simple monochromatic logos and thin black border into an elegant affair. Like onyx cuff links buttoning up your home screen, Nimbbi offers a sharp contrast to vast landscapes and geometric wallpapers.

$1 at Google Play

Matte black everything

Matte Black Icon Pack

There's almost nothing better than having as many matte black things as you can. Whether it's a tablet, phone, or anything else, and with the Matte Black Icon Pack, you can add another layer of awesome to your life. There are more than 4,000 icons to choose from along with over 40 similarly-themed wallpapers.

Free w/ IAP at Google Play

Shadows and circles

Lux Dark

Circular icon packs are some of the most popular, but Lux Dark shines a diamond in the rough. The bright, gradient-steeped color accents blend well with dark and colorful themes quite well.

$3 at Google Play

Keep it mellow

Mellow Dark

This pack tries to perfectly balance shadow and vivid color in flat Material icons that use repeating shape styles to evoke consistency in an app that isn't completely forced into one particular shape.

$2 at Google Play

Can't fight the moonlight

Ineclectic

Inelectic tries to add as much depth to its Material icons; icons are steeped largely in shadowed grays with delicately chosen color pops. This pack features a lot of shadowing, shading, and angled light-play. And there are even some "special" icons included for those who like having some custom and unique icon options.

$2 at Google Play

Docked and locked

Ombre

Ombre is one of my favorite "shaped" icon packs. The bottom dock/bar is mostly plain, but for fitting icons, it transforms! The colors here are vivid enough to work with dark themes, even with the dark icon accents.

$2 at Google Play

Color on the lines

Outline Icons

Outline goes beyond the monotone of simple white to bring bright, bold colors to its neon-reminiscent icons. Being a technicolor pack, it's a little easier to lose some of the more muted detail shades in some wallpapers, but this pack is a gem that shines in dark wallpapers and app drawers.

$2 at Google Play

Pixel perfect

Pireo

Pireo keeps the layered look of the original 2016 Google Pixel's round icons alive and strong several years later. It favors white for its icon backgrounds a lot, but the small shadow keeps them distinguishable, even on pure white wallpapers.

$1 at Google Play

Flat and round

Elun

Elun also emulates some of the 2016 Pixel's style, but this pack is flatter, slicker, and far, far more colorful. Soft grays and vivid accent colors help it avoid an abundance of white, so icons like YouTube and the Dialer stand out more.

$1 at Google Play

Material magic

Urmun

Urmun is a pack built upon Material Design, one that emphasizes bold logos and sharp color palettes. Shadows add depth to this diversely-shaped, 4,300+ icon-sporting pack, and details are emphasized expertly.

$1 at Google Play

Sweet and colorful

CandyCons

Taking more of a shine to bright sugary colors and simple shapes, CandyCons is a sweet icon pack to keep around. Plentiful, colorful alternate icons make for great theming around the holidays.

Free at Google Play

Hip to be square

Krix

These ever-so-slightly-rounded square icons offer a flat look and a wide color array. Based on Xiaomi's MIUI, this pack has over 3,000 icons and a uniquely blended style.

$2 at Google Play

Touch of TouchWiz

ONE UI Icon Pack

A lot of icon packs emulate the Samsung Experience/TouchWiz look, but none do it with quite the style of the ONE UI Icon Pack. This wireframe pack's more than willing to bulk up with original logos when the outline look doesn't work, and I'm grateful for their discretion there.

$1 at Google Play

Basic beauty

Minimalist

Out of the darkness and into the light, Minimalist tends to favor square icons with its sun-faded palette and flat, minimal feel. While these icons are beautiful, it can take a moment to tell which apps are which.

$1 at Google Play

Go retro

Retrorika

Retrorika has grown in downloads and icons for years while maintaining a sepia-stained look that skews the palette in new and often fun ways. You'll get that old-timey feel across all of your icons, and the icon pack includes a few matching wallpapers to complete the ensemble.

$2 at Google Play

Magic rainbow rave

Unicorn

Unicorn very much matches the food craze that engulfed everything from cupcakes to donuts to Starbucks and beyond. Vivid pinks and purples contrast more muted blues and greens for a pack that's rave-ready, day or night.

Free at w/ IAP Google Play

All that glitters

Golden Icons

This beveled beauty of a pack is the little sister of Whicons and Zwart. While it lacks a golden mask to keep unthemed icons truly consistent, there are enough alternate icons to keep your app drawer golden.

Free at w/ IAP Google Play

Colorful gradients

Gateau

Gateau was initially made available for those in the jailbreak scene on iOS but was ported to Android. There are not too many icons as of yet, but we are hoping that the developer continues expanding the library. And the best part is that Gateau looks great on just about any wallpaper you want to use.

$2 at Google Play

Color in the lines

Crayon Icon Pack

Get the crayons out and start to color with the Crayon Icon Pack. There are almost 4,500 icons included, along with an integrated masking system, so there is some uniformity to your home screen setup even if there's not a dedicated icon. The pastel colors look great, especially if these are set to a pastel-themed wallpaper.

$1 at Google Play

Vibrantly unique

ENIX

There's just something about having vibrant icons that can really brighten your day. ENIX aims to do just that with this "shapeless" and unique set of icons. All of your standard launchers are supported, along with some that you wouldn't expect like LG Home and others.

$2 at Google Play

Shapeless dual-tone

Duo Icon Pack

Duo Icon Pack is another option with a shapeless-design in mind, but these have a bit more vibrancy. Duo works with both light or dark wallpapers, so you can fit these into any theme you are trying to create. And with the included Dashboard, you'll be to send over any icon requests that you may need.

$1 at Google Play

Fill the gaps

Adapticons

If you only need to plug one or two holes in your app drawer — or simply want to make an icon pack where every single icon can be individually customized, colored, and shaped — Adapticons is your app! Just be prepared; this can take a little while to do one by one.

Free w/ IAP at Google Play

Any shape you want

Fluidity

Fluidity doesn't try to do too much in terms of the "theme" of the icons, as that's not the primary focus. Instead, the icon pack sports a few different icon shapes that adapt to every icon that is installed on your device. All of your icons will be uniform in shape, and some may have some unique designs.

$2 at Google Play

Minimal glyphs

Worst: Icon pack

This icon pack is new to the scene, as there are just over 600 icons available right now. But the developer is super-active and is pushing updates to the Worst: Icon Pack on a regular basis. And if you have a popular app installed, the chances are that you'll be able to take advantage of some of the alternative icons that are included.

$2 at Google Play

Pick your poison

There are a lot of icon packs, and while I love and enjoy keeping a wide array of icon packs at my disposal, I do find myself coming back to Whicons — it really does go with everything! When Whicons doesn't quite fit a theme, Ombre usually does.

As for Icon Pack Studio, it gives me icons that are perfectly color-matched to my theme's palette and covers every app in my drawer, popular or not. Then there are the likes of Fluidity, which adapts to whatever shaped icon you prefer to have on your home screen, and even includes Dynamic Clocks, so you keep everything matched up.