Since Samsung isn't releasing an S9 Active and not one for Verizon it looks like I'm headed back to my old iPhone 8. Screen isn't as curved as the S9. I prefer flat screens but I don't get to tell them how to make their phones. To me the curved edges just makes it easier to break.
If it weren't for the duplicate apps that you can't remove and Bixby, I'd love a Note 9. For the moment, I'm waiting on the Pixel 3 XL if I handle the "notch."
I got to use both the Note 9 and Pixel 3 XL for weeks at a time...both are excellent in what they do...ultimately, settled on the Pixel 3 XL due to the consistently good camera...but using a Galaxy Watch with it as WearOS devices don't have the awesome battery life as this has...