The Samsung Galaxy Note8 is finally here! Samsung released a new device for all of the diehard Galaxy Note fans, especially those who were saddened to part ways with their Note7. I thought the Note7 was an absolutely beautiful device, but does the new Note8 deserve PRIME status?

Key Specs:

6.3″ QHD+ AMOLED Display

Snapdragon 835 Processor

6gb RAM/64gb Storage

Dual rear cameras with OIS – 12mp “widescreen” main camera at f/1.7 and 12mp “telephoto” lens

USB-C

S-Pen with Samsung Experience software enhancements

PRIME

PRIME Display – The AMOLED display is super-sharp, super-clear, and super-bright, with great viewing angles and colors that pop. The Infinity Display has an 18.5:9 aspect ratio which means that it’s taller than normal smartphone screens. This means more content for vertically orientated apps where you scroll a lot like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Feedly, and Reddit; less scrolling and more content. It’s also easily viewable outside. The Note8 is a content consumption MACHINE.

PRIME Creativity – The S-Pen “stylus” enables more than just off-the-cuff sketches and drawings, it allows you to use it like a mouse with pinpoint accuracy! But don’t discount the sketching and hand-written messages – the ability to scribble on your Snapchats and Instagram messages is way too fun, and the new Live Messages features is amazing. Check it out! – The S-Pen “stylus” enables more than just off-the-cuff sketches and drawings, it allows you to use it like a mouse with pinpoint accuracy! But don’t discount the sketching and hand-written messages – the ability to scribble on your Snapchats and Instagram messages is way too fun, and the new Live Messages features is amazing. Check it out!

PRIME Camera – The Note8 takes fantastic photos in daylight, bright light, or low light. The normal wide-angle camera is definitely better for those low light pics thanks to its f/1.7 aperture, but the telephoto lens is no joke either. The Note8 is an awesome device to carry around for all of your needs…I even use it to film my YouTube Videos! Check out the gallery below for some examples.

PRIME Security – Samsung has gotten a bad rap for where it placed the fingerprint sensor, and I have to agree that it’s not the best placement. But I’ve gotten used to it, and rely on it daily for unlocking my phone and for further security in a bunch of apps. I’ve found that it’s reliable and fast, although it’s a stretch and requires a hand shimmy to use once in a while. The Iris Scanner is also great, and works like a charm for me. I’m curious to see how the new Face ID feature on the upcoming iPhone X works in the real world, but I think Samsung has done a great job with its implementation of biometric security features on the Note8 and S8/S8+.

PRIME Performance and Software – The Note8 is a FAST device, and noticeably smoother than the Galaxy S8/S8+, even with the majority of the same internals. However, the extra 2gb RAM (the Note8 comes with a total 6gb RAM) must be helping, as well as better software optimization. The Note8 runs Android 7.1.1 with Samsung Experience 8.5, whereas the S8/S8+ run Android 7.0 with Samsung Experience 8.1. This has really led to better performance as I noted above, and the extra software features add tremendous value and UI design is modern and pleasing to the eye.

subprime

subprime battery life – the Note8 doesn’t have bad battery life, it’s actually quite good and can typically last a full day…so why is it subprime? Because it just barely makes it a full day of normal use, and if you’re pushing the Note8 through the use of the camera, streaming video, social media…then it runs out of steam before you do. I’m OK with the Note8’s battery life, but it could be better. I’m waiting for the day until smartphones can easily last 2-3 full days before refueling.

subprime one-handed use – Despite the Infinity Display and tiny bezels, the Note8 is one BIG device. The screen is great for watching videos, looking at photos, and browsing your favorite websites and social media apps, but the sheer size of the device makes it really difficult to use. It’s also quite a bit heavier than other devices, which you begin to notice after extended use. If you’re used to smaller phones, then think twice before adding the Note8 to your repertoire.

subprime speaker – The speaker gets decently loud and sounds fairly clear, but it’s placement isn’t ideal. A single, down-firing speaker just doesn’t cut it these days, especially in a device that costs almost $1,000! The iPhone 7 and upcoming iPhone 8 support dual speakers – I get that space is limited, but I’m hoping to see a big improvement in this space next year.

subprime price – Starting at $930 in the US, the Note8 is an expensive device. I think it offers a lot more to the user than the S8 and S8+, which the Note8 is often compared to due to the number of similarities in hardware, design, and specs. Personally, I think it’s worth it, but I also got a lot of deals on it by taking advantage of the Note7 loyalty deal ($425 off with a trade-in) and the buy-one get-one (BOGO) from T-Mobile. If you’re paying full price for this and you missed the pre-order gifts (Gear 360 camera or Fast Wireless Convertible Charger), then think hard about the extra value the Note8 offers to see if it’s worth it to you.

Image Gallery

All photos were taken in auto mode, and no edits have been made to any of these photos:

Bi Bim Bap Korean-style Tacos Bone Marrow Apple Maps Car Google Event! Old Fashion w/a clear ice ball Octopus Salad Fried Fluke New Zealand Salmon Chicago Apple Store Under Construction

The Note 8 is a great device, albeit a pricey one. There’s a lot of new smartphones on the way, including the iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone X, the LG V30, and the Google Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL. Even with these devices on the horizon, the Galaxy Note8 is an incredible device. You can’t go wrong with the gorgeous Infinity Display, and no other smartphone comes close to offering the value and features of the S-Pen.

gdgtPRIME Recommended!