As has been the case for several years now, Samsung's flagship phones cannot be ignored. The firm, together with Apple, looms large over the industry. And while Samsung was originally nipping at Apple's heels from innovation and design perspectives, those roles have reversed in recent years. Now, it is Samsung on the leading edge of both innovation and design. And Apple is the one playing catch-up.

Last year, I almost pulled the trigger on Samsung with the Galaxy S8+.