Aside from one scorching flaw, I think we can agree that the Note 7 was a remarkable Android handset. When originally launched, we sung its praises and even placed it at the top of our best smartphones hierarchy. Mind you, we did have to rescind the honour not long afterward.
For in the end the Note 7 drew headlines for all the wrong reasons. A spate of exploding batteries and the resultant bad press (it was even banned on flights) forced Samsung’s hand, and the Note 7 was recalled. There were fears the Note brand had been killed off for good.
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But Samsung isn’t taking no for an answer, and it’s now raised the curtain on the Note 7’s do-over: the Galaxy Note 8. It expands on everything we loved about its predecessor and then some. The only question remains: is the Note’s reputation still in tatters, or can it win back critical acclaim in 2017? Here’s where we find out.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review: What you need to know
With the Note 8, the Korean firm will be hoping to put last year’s fiery disaster firmly behind it. It’s still the plus-sized Android phablet we know and love, with an edge-to-edge 6.3in QHD+ display, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor (or Samsung’s own Exynos 8895, depending on region), 6GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. The major upgrade – aside from the bezel-less screen – is a set of dual 12-megapixel cameras found on its behind.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review: Specifications, UK price and release date
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 |
RAM | 6GB |
Storage | 64GB |
Display | 6.3in Super AMOLED QHD+ |
Rear camera | 12-megapixel f/1.7 wide-angle and 12-megapixel f/2.4 telephoto |
Front camera | 8-megapixel f/1.7 |
Battery | 3,300mAh |
Operating system | Android 7.1.1 |
Size | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6mm |
Weight | 195g |
Price | TBC |
Release date | TBC |
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review: Design and first impressions
The Galaxy Note 8 is a visually striking handset, but that's not really shocking, is it? After all, if there’s one thing Samsung has been nailing these past few years, it’s aesthetics.
And it’s an area where Samsung has a commanding lead. Those who are willing to pay more for the best smartphone they can get their mitts on already know exactly where to turn. The Galaxy Note 8 doubles down on that, delivering everything previous Note phones have – and even upping the ante.
Case in point: the dominating, plus-sized display on the front. Note devices have always had large screens, but something is different this year. Just like the Galaxy S8’s stunning bezel-less design, the Note 8’s front is all display, and it’s a sight to behold.
That means we’re treated to a massive 6.3in QHD+ display – 0.6in larger than last year’s effort – and it’s a great screen. Just like the Galaxy S8 and S8+ before it, it benefits from Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology, so expect effectively perfect contrast levels and an image quality like no other.
Samsung aces the ergonomics, too. The Note 8 still has the familiar perfect chamfered, rounded edges, complete with a tapered edge on either side. Pair that with a slim 8.6mm profile and you get a device that’s not only exquisitely elegant but also comfortably snug in the palm of your hand.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review: Camera
Dual-sensor arrangements aren’t new, but the Note 8’s twin-camera setup is a first for Samsung. One is a wide-angle 12-megapixel f/1.7 camera, while the other has an f/2.4 telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom; both are equipped with optical image stabilisation (OIS) for seriously stable shots.
Image quality, as you’d expect from Samsung these days, is superb. From 42 storeys above London, I managed to take some lavish, detail-rich photos. You can flick between the two cameras at a press of the button, if you’re just after a wide-angle shot of the city skyline for instance, or if you want to zoom in real close.
While I can’t deliver a definitive verdict at this point, the Note 8 looks likely to be one of the better phone cameras we’ll see this year.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review: Performance and battery life
Internally, the Note 8 is very similar to the Galaxy S8. Inside, you’ll find a 10nm CPU, the second of Samsung’s flagships using such a processor. There’s also 6GB of RAM for heavyweight multitasking, and 64GB of onboard storage, expandable by up to 256GB via microSD.
As with some previous Samsung handsets, the processor comes in two flavours depending on your region. US owners get the latest Qualcomm processor (in this case, a Snapdragon 835), while Europeans are treated to Samsung’s own Exynos 8835 chip. In the Galaxy S8, Samsung’s own chip proved to be a smidge quicker than Qualcomm’s, and I’d expect that to hold here too. We’ll have to wait until launch to fully test and confirm it for sure, though.
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The smaller manufacturing process also normally means improved power efficiency, so we can expect to see the 3,300mAh battery last a decent bout longer than its competitors. If Samsung’s previous launches are anything to go by, I certainly don’t expect to see battery life cut.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review: Early verdict
On first impressions, the Galaxy Note 8 looks ready to take the smartphone world by storm. It’s a stunning handset, both to gawk at and to clutch in your palms. Its bezel-less display is on par with the dazzling beauty of the Galaxy S8, and with bang-up-to-date internals, new and improved S Pen features and fancy dual rear cameras, the Note 8 looks like the crème de la crème of smartphone flagships.
Samsung has a lot to prove if it wants to rehabilitate the Note brand. But with the Note 8, I’d say it has every chance of success. Stay tuned for my full Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review in the near future.
