Skip to main content

T-Mobile shows off the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus in record fashion

T-Mobile & Samsung Galaxy S9 Set Guinness World Records

No one has ever accused T-Mobile of being subtle, especially when it comes to the company’s marketing tactics. And the latest stunt the Un-carrier pulled to show off the new Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus is certainly no exception to the provider’s over-the-top practices. T-Mobile has managed to set two Guinness World Records titles with the two new Samsung smartphones, and tomorrow, you’ll be able to buy the S9 and S9 Plus at the “industry’s best prices” from Un-carrier stores across the country.

It’s not entirely clear what purpose was served by the two new world records T-Mobile now holds, but we suppose it makes for some fun video content. To achieve their spot in history, the team took to Lake Elsinore in California in order to test out the new so-called super phones. The idea was to launch “the world’s most ‘extra’ speed test,” which involved several water-skiers, a very large magenta blimp, and the fastest Samsung phones on what T-Mobile claims to be the fastest network in the country.

So what exactly were the world records? One was the fastest text on a touch screen mobile phone while water skiing (honestly, it’s shocking that anyone holds that record), while the other was the longest distance water skied while being towed behind a blimp. Again, unclear why that record exists in the first place. But regardless, bragging rights are bragging rights, and as mobile service providers continue to bicker over who’s best, it always pays to have an extra talking point.

In more useful information, T-Mobile notes that you’ll pay about 10 percent more for the Galaxy S9 if you buy it at AT&T or Sprint, and even more still if you go to Verizon. The Un-carrier, on the other hand, will offer the Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, or Coral Blue Galaxy S9 for $30 a month, or the larger S9 Plus for the same monthly payment but with a $120 down payment. You can also get half off the S9 or $360 off the S9 Plus via bill credits if you trade in your phone. So if you’re looking for a new super device, the latest from Samsung may be calling your name.

Check out our Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus buying guide for more deals and pricing details. If you’re waiting for your device to arrive or are picking it up on March 16, check out our best accessories, as well as our best S9 and S9 Plus cases to complement your new phone.

Editors' Recommendations

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Why I ditched my iPhone 15 Pro for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro in hand.

This is not another “lifelong iPhone user tries Android” story. I use and review all kinds of phones, and I prefer the flexibility of Android. That said, I’ve been on the iPhone 15 Pro since its launch — for two reasons. First, I had been getting the iPhone 14 Pro Max-level battery life on it. Second, I like the stability of social media apps like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). But the experience has been downgrading for a while now.

Samsung's "AI phone," the Galaxy S24 Ultra, tackles these two issues and gives me some extra features that I didn’t think would be important for me. It’s been a surprisingly fun experience. Here’s why I shifted to the Galaxy S24 Ultra from the iPhone 15 Pro and decided to stay on it. And no, it has nothing to do with AI.
Updates have ruined the iPhone 15 Pro

Read more
Samsung is fixing an annoying display issue on the Galaxy S24
Someone holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus.

Samsung's Galaxy S24 series is a proven hit — with all three phones securing themselves as some of 2024's best smartphones. However, not everyone has been thrilled with Samsung's latest.

Since the Galaxy S24 hit the scene, numerous reports online show people complaining about the Galaxy S24 handsets having "dull" and "bland" screens. Thankfully, Samsung has just announced a fix for this.

Read more
Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra have a curved screen?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's screen, resting on a bench.

Samsung has launched its latest range of smartphones, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra being the most advanced. The device boasts several impressive features, including an upgraded camera system with a 200-megapixel primary sensor and a 50MP 5x telephoto lens. The smartphone's display is 40% brighter than the one found in the previous Galaxy S23 Ultra model. The new handset is also made of titanium for the first time.

Speaking of the display and design, does the Galaxy S24 Ultra keep the curved screen like previous models? That's what we're here to find out.
Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra have a curved screen?

Read more