Samsung Launches Galaxy Note 8, A 6.3-inch, Dual Camera Wonder With S Pen
We now have confirmation of all of the Galaxy Note 8’s specs, which are quite stout for a flagship Android device. As you may have already read, the Galaxy Note 8 features a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display with a WQHD+ resolution (2960×1440). For comparison, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ feature displays measuring 5.8 inches and 6.2 inches respectively. The edges of the display screen are less rounded on the Galaxy Note 8, and the overall design is more squared off compared to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. We should also mention that the near bezel-less display means that the Galaxy Note 8’s fingerprint is placed in the awkward position on the rear of the device beside the dual cameras.
Qualcomm’s fastest mobile SoC, the Snapdragon 835, powers the smartphone and is paired with 6GB of RAM (equaling the RAM included with the OnePlus 5). 64GB of internal storage is included, although it would have been nice for Samsung to include 128GB on its most expensive smartphone. But here’s a kick in the teeth for U.S. customers: Samsung will make available 128GB and 256GB versions of the Galaxy Note 8 in other locales, including its home market of South Korea.
If 64GB isn’t sufficient for your needs, you can always rely on the microSD slot to expand your storage (up to 256GB).
Despite its larger dimensions, the Galaxy Note 8 doesn’t have a larger battery than the Galaxy S8+. In fact, it’s actually smaller, coming in at 3,300 mAh compared to 3,500 mAh for the Galaxy S8+. For those keeping score, the Galaxy S8 features an even smaller 3,000 mAh battery. We should also mention that the Galaxy Note 8 is heavier than the Galaxy S8+, weighing in at 195 grams versus 173 grams.
Perhaps the biggest differentiator between the Galaxy Note 8 and its lesser siblings (well, aside from the inclusion of the S Pen) is its camera system. The Galaxy Note 8 features a dual-camera setup on the back, both of which have 12MP image sensors and optical image stabilization (OIS). One of the cameras has a wide-angle sensor with a f/1.7 aperture and dual-pixel autofocus. The other camera features a telephoto lens with a f/2.4 aperture. Selfie shots are accomplished using an 8MP front-facing camera (f/1.7 aperture).
As you would expect, the Galaxy Note 8 ships with Android 7.1.1 and is fully backed by Samsung’s Bixby digital AI assistant. Like the Galaxy S8 family, the Galaxy Note 8 includes a dedicated hardware Bixby button (which can be a pain in the butt to remap). But one of the biggest draws to the Note family has been its S Pen, and it gets a few new tricks this time around. Live Messages allows you to handwrite/hand draw images and send them within a text to someone (complete with an animation that plays back how you penned the message from start to finish). You can also highlight sentences with the S Pen and translate it into 71 different languages. The Galaxy Note 8 has also picked up the ability to capture up to 100 pages of notes with the enhanced Screen Off Memo mode with the Always On Display.
The Galaxy Note 8 will be offered in Midnight Black and Orchid Gray in the United States through all of the major wireless carriers. Preorders begin tomorrow, and the device will be available in stores beginning September 15th. If you purchase a Galaxy Note 8 between August 24th and September 24th, you’ll be able to choose from either a free Gear 360 camera or a Galaxy Foundation Kit, which includes a Samsung 128GB EVO+ memory card and Fast Wireless Charging Convertible.
T-Mobile will make the Galaxy Note 8 available for $30 per month after you put $210 down using the Equipment Installment Plan. Likewise, you can put $0 down and pay $39 per month using JUMP! on Demand. The third-place wireless carrier lists the retail price of the Galaxy Note 8 at $930.
