Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Pros and Cons

Android OS v7.1 (Nougat)
Exynos 9 Octa 8895
Mali-G71 MP20
6 GB / 64 GB
6.3 inch (1440 x 2960 px)
12 + 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy Note 8 smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.3 inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9 Octa 8895 SoC, and 6 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) operating system. The smartphone features a high-end AMOLED screen. They offer a wide range of colors. This allows for more accurate and vivid color. The multi-camera setup has specialized features. It has multiple cameras with different focal lengths, like wide-angle, standard, telephoto, and macro. Let's explore what sets this device apart.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 / 1

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 specifications

BrandSamsung
NameGalaxy Note 8
ModelSM-N950F
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight7.76 oz
Dimensions6.4 x 2.94 x 0.33 inch
Colorsblack, blue, gold, gray
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.1 (Nougat)
SoCExynos 9 Octa 8895
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.3 GHz Exynos M2 Mongoose, Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUMali-G71 MP20

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 comes with Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Many people consider ARM Mali GPUs a good option for mobile devices.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeSuper AMOLED
Screen size6.3 inch
Resolution1440 x 2960 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays are famous for their vibrant colors. They also have high contrast and are energy efficient. The 6.3 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 / 3

Memory, storage

RAM6 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. You can expand the internal storage of the Galaxy Note 8 (64 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 + 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

Using multiple cameras has advantages. They provide more versatility and creative possibilities. They let you capture a wider range of subjects. The Galaxy Note 8 offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This Samsung phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Galaxy Note 8 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The Galaxy Note 8 comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Galaxy Note 8 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, heart rate, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Wireless charging, Certified IP68 dustproof and waterproof

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Galaxy Note 8 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

The Galaxy Note 8 is safe and durable. It's IP68-rated, so it's dustproof and waterproof. It's built for outdoor use. With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. The wireless charging is a convenient feature for smartphones. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Samsung phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • Super AMOLED display
  • appropriate screen size
  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • multicamera setup
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Dual SIM support
  • IP68 certified protection
  • wireless charging
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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