Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+ top global smartphone ratings: Report

New York, April 16 (IANS): Newly-launched Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ have topped the global smartphone ranking by the US-based magazine Consumer Report's smartphone ratings based on durability, speed and sound.   According to the platforms's durability test, S9 made it through 100 drops with just minor scratches. The S9+ survived the first 50 drops without a problem but cracked at some point in the next 50.   Both new Samsung devices received 81 overall points each.   "The new smartphones offer stepped-up security features, super slow-motion video and a camera that can turn image into a personalised emoji. In the end, though, it was durability, speedier processing and top-quality sound that nudged the S9 and S9+ just ahead of the competition in an exceptionally crowded field," Consumer Reports said on its website.   According to Korea Times, Apple's iPhone X was placed eighth with 78 points while the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8 took sixth and seventh places respectively with 79 points each.   Huawei's Mate 10 ranked was 10th.   Samsung Galaxy S8 was ranked third with 80 overall points, followed by Samsung S8 Active (79 points) and Galaxy S8 Plus (79).   Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit member organisation that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency and fairness in the marketplace.   "It really comes down to personal preference when you are talking about high-end phones these days," Richard Fisco, Consumer Reports' head of smartphone testing, was quoted as saying.   Galaxy S9 and S9+ smartphones feature well-designed stereo speakers and are tuned by acoustic company AKG-Harman.   "...and despite their small size, the speakers reproduce audio at a good volume and create a full sound quality," the website said.