With the Samsung Galaxy Note8, Samsung is clearly aiming at buyers who want a well-rounded phone without too many compromises. Here is our take on what it brings to the table. Announced in 2017, August 23. Released 2017, September, it arrives at a time when the competition is as tight as ever.
Design & Display
The Samsung Galaxy Note8 comes with a 6.3 inches, 101.1 cm 2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) display, pushing a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~521 ppi density), which is more than sharp enough for everyday use, streaming and a bit of gaming. In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 keeps things modern and comfortable to hold. You can pick it up in a few finishes, including Midnight Black.
Performance & Software
Under the hood you will find the Exynos 8895 (10 nm) - EMEA Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) - USA & China, paired with 6GB of RAM, which means smooth scrolling, quick app switching and no real hiccups in normal use. It runs Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box, so the software experience feels current.
Camera
Photography is handled by a main 12 MP shooter that should cover most situations, from daylight shots to the occasional low-light frame. Expect solid detail in good light, with the usual softness creeping in once the sun goes down.
Battery
There is a Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable battery inside. With moderate use you can expect to end the day with charge to spare.
Our Opinion
So, what do we actually make of the Samsung Galaxy Note8? What you are getting is a device that quietly covers the fundamentals rather than shouting about them. It gets the basics right, offering a dependable main camera, a crisp display, which is exactly what most buyers are really after. If your priority is a phone that just works, day in and day out, then this one deserves a spot on your shortlist. There are rivals that beat it in one area or another, as is always the case in this segment. Overall though, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 is easy to recommend to the right buyer. If you have used this device or are planning to pick one up, do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
