First impressions of Samsung Galaxy Note 8 – a formidable phablet with giant memory and fun camera features
New handset is a confident statement by Korean electronics giant after exploding-battery fiasco that sank Galaxy Note 7, brimming with useful and fun features
Samsung’s latest flagship phablet, the Galaxy Note 8, whose launch almost coincided with that of arch-rival Apple’s iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, is a bold statement of confidence on the part of the Korean electronics giant. It wants you to know that not only has it moved on from last year’s fiasco over exploding batteries in the Galaxy Note 7 (its flashy promotional video admits the company disappointed customers) but is bouncing back with a formidable device through which to restore its reputation.
Design and hardware
It is not straying too far from the truth to call the Note 8 a Galaxy SS8+ handset with a stylus pen (the S Pen). Measuring 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6mm, the handset’s 6.3-inch screen is only slightly bigger than its sibling’s 6.2-inch screen, and both share the same design language.
While it weighs 195g, the phablet feels light in the hand. Its aesthetics are pleasing, but its curved edges just might cut into one’s hand a little if held for a long time (say, while gaming).
Software and features
Needless to say, specs wise the waterproof Note 8 is quite a beast. It uses a 10nm processor, comes with 64GB, 128GB or 256GB of built-in memory, and supports dual SIMs and USB Type-C port connection.