THE COMPETITION

SAMSUNG GALAXY S9+

Samsung’s second-biggest, second-flashiest phone of 2018 has an equally good display, is equally fast, and has essentially the same camera system. You don’t get the S Pen, but you can find the S9+ for close to $1,000 online. $1,199, samsung.com.au

APPLE iPHONE X

It’s not as big as the Note, and there’s no stylus or split-screen apps, but this is the only phone that has it beat for premium feel and speed, thanks to the stainless steel and glass body, plus Apple’s blistering A11 processor. $1,629, apple.com/au

HUAWEI P20 PRO

Again, not as big as the Note 9, and not as focused on productivity, but if you want the best Android camera system we’ve tested yet, you need this triple-lens system. The rest of the phone is also excellent, of course. $1,050, consumer.huawei.com