Samsung went big with its new Galaxy Note 8, offering a massive display and dual camera setup meant to eclipse memories of the company’s hailed and failed Note 7. But aside from a handful of new features, the device leans heavily on tried and true technologies that originally made their debut in the Galaxy S8 earlier this year.
What’s new
The most obvious difference between the Note 7 and the Note 8 released Wednesday is sheer size. The Note 8 sports a gigantic 6.3-inch display that dwarfs the Note 7’s 5.7-inch screen spec. Naturally, that means the device is also a bit heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 6.88 ounces to the Note 7’s 5.96 ounces. Samsung clearly wanted users to not just see the difference between the two devices, but also feel it in their hands.
The other major addition to the Note 8 is the inclusion of a horizontal rear dual camera setup. This pairing includes a 12mp wide-angle lens as well as a 12mp telephoto lens, both of which include optical image stabilization technology. The camera’s hardware upgrade comes alongside some photo software boosts that offer new Live Focus and Dual Capture modes. The former allows users to control the depth of field, while the latter lets them take two photos at once – one with each lens. The device also includes an 8mp selfie camera with auto focus.
Samsung also gave the Note 8’s S Pen a boost, offering a finer tip and increased pressure sensitivity. The Note 8 also lets users create animated GIFs using the S Pen, and adds a feature that jumps right into memo mode as soon as the S Pen is removed to from the device. Those notes can then be pinned to the Always On Display and edited at any time.
Of course, Samsung also upgraded the Note 8’s processor to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 platform, and added more RAM for a total of 6 GB (to the Note 7’s 4 GB).
Notably, Samsung also walked back the Note 7’s 3,500 mAh battery – identified as the source of the fire issue – to a more comfortable 3,300 mAh in the new Note 8. In a nod to any lingering concerns, Sajeev Jesudas, president of Samsung’s safety partner UL International, released a statement indicating “the Note 8 has successfully completed a rigorous series of device and battery safety compatibility test protocols.”
The lighter battery, though, is balanced out by a steeper price tag of $930.
Tested tech
But alongside the fairly slim lineup of new features, Samsung has also included a number of tested technologies that users already saw in the S8. Those include a curved infinity-edge display, water and dust resistance, biometric security options including iris and fingerprint scanning, and compatibility with Samsung DeX, which enables a desktop experience using the handset as a PC. Bixby, which was also introduced with the S8 and recently expanded to more than 200 countries, is also baked into the Note 8.
When can I get it?
The Note 8 is due to hit shelves in the United States on September 15, and will come in Midnight Black and Orchid Gray. Preorders open on August 24.
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and C Spire have all announced plans to offer the device.
Here’s the rundown:
AT&T – Offering the Note 8 on AT&T Next for $31.67 per month for 30 months with eligible service.
Sprint – Offering switchers 50 percent off the lease price for a total cost of $0 down and $20 per month for 18 months on Sprint Flex.
Verizon – Offering the Note 8 for $40 per month for 24 months on a device payment plan or $960 retail.
T-Mobile – Offering the Note 8 for $210 down and $30 per month on an equipment installment plan or $0 down and $39 per month with Jump! On Demand.
U.S. Cellular – Offering a $300 promotional card to customers who switch and preorder the Note 8.
Xfinity Mobile – Pricing has yet to be announced.
