Your First In-Hand Look at the Samsung Galaxy Note8

A mobile photographer’s dream to overthrow Apple.

Tech & Gadgets 
6.2K 0 Comments

On a hot summer day in New York City, Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung took to the Park Avenue Armory to unveil the all-new Galaxy Note8. With a presentation that not only debuted the new product but also apologized for the let down of the previous generation, Samsung was eager to move on and once again provide its loyal fanbase with a multi-tasking beast of a smartphone. Immediately following the presentation where all the new functions and hardware was explained by Samsung gurus, the audience was given the chance to get hands-on with the new phone.

At first glance, it’s hard not to notice the vibrant 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display and four colors that dress the device — Midnight Black, Orchid Grey, Maple Gold and Deep Sea Blue, of which the latter two won’t make it stateside. When you pick up the phone, it’s light and thin but feels comfortable in your fingers and palm, making a transition into the S Pen seamless. Writing and drawing with the pen is simple and straight forward as a menu for different modes like Live Messages allow you to write out a text message or draw your own emoji. On-screen highlighting and writing is made simple with a menu that let’s you change the size, color and type of utensil you’re using. The best part about the S Pen is that you use it to highlight words or phrases in another language via a screenshot and it will translate it for you.

Samsung Galaxy Note8 Note 8 Closer Look Official

Even in low light, the Dual Pixel sensor on the wide-angle lens takes sharper photos than the Apple iPhone 7.

Sliding the S Pen back into its slot, the other major piece of hardware we needed to test out for ourselves was the camera. Billed as the first smartphone with two 12MP rear cameras featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), the Galaxy Note8 set a high image expectation for itself. But both the wide-angle and telephoto lenses pass the test once you open up Live Focus mode within the camera app and experience for yourself the professional level of bokeh at your disposal. In Live Focus, you’re given the ability to control depth of field both before and after you take a photo and on not only a close-up shot, but also a wide-angle shot — because both cameras will capture a photo simultaneously. Even in low light, the Dual Pixel sensor on the wide-angle lens takes sharper photos than the Apple iPhone 7.

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 and its S Pen is water and dust resistant, which is important for any user constantly on the move. Its rapid wireless charging capability ensures that you are able to multitask at will throughout the day. Also, adidas cases were spotted at the event, possibly throwing shade at Apple’s partnership with Nike. Preorders start tomorrow, August 24 for the unlocked version of the phone with a price tag of $929 USD. In the U.S., former Note7 owners can receive an instant trade-in value of up to $425 USD when they upgrade to the Galaxy Note8 on samsung.com.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Samsung Galaxy Takes Wearable Tech From Reality to the Runway During NYFW
Fashion 

Samsung Galaxy Takes Wearable Tech From Reality to the Runway During NYFW

Presented by Samsung Galaxy
Collaborations with LaQuan Smith, Colin LoCascio and MSCHF explored artistic applications of the brand’s smart devices.

Unboxing: Emma Winder's Trippy Side Quest Leads Her to the MSCHF x Samsung Galaxy Mystery Box
Tech & Gadgets 

Unboxing: Emma Winder's Trippy Side Quest Leads Her to the MSCHF x Samsung Galaxy Mystery Box

Presented by Samsung Galaxy
The ’70s fashion vixen receives a ‘Gift from the Galaxy,’ containing celestial tech for her adventures ahead.

First Look at the 2025 Air Jordan 8 "Aqua" Retro
Footwear

First Look at the 2025 Air Jordan 8 "Aqua" Retro

A 1:1 re-creation of the 1993 classic, save for one detail.


On-Foot Look at the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "What The"
Footwear

On-Foot Look at the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "What The"

The legendary design is releasing again next year.

Nike's Air Max 95 Sneakerboot Returns in "Triple Black"
Footwear

Nike's Air Max 95 Sneakerboot Returns in "Triple Black"

Battle tested, battle proven.

Uno The Activist Shares New 'Sorry for the Wait (Brooke’s Interlude)' EP
Music

Uno The Activist Shares New 'Sorry for the Wait (Brooke’s Interlude)' EP

Produced, mixed and mastered by legendary duo Mike Dean & Staccato.

Freemans Sporting Club Is Dropping an Exclusive Seiko PSX Fieldmaster
Watches

Freemans Sporting Club Is Dropping an Exclusive Seiko PSX Fieldmaster

In two tried-and-true color options.

Thundercat’s 'Drunk' Album Gets Chopped and Screwed by OG Ron C & DJ Candlestick
Music

Thundercat’s 'Drunk' Album Gets Chopped and Screwed by OG Ron C & DJ Candlestick

“Of course we had to rename it ‘Drank’ for the culture.”

Anti Social Social Club's Latest Asian Exclusive Drops This Weekend
Fashion

Anti Social Social Club's Latest Asian Exclusive Drops This Weekend

Expect a selection of highly-coveted pieces for the eastern hemisphere only.


Sign up Now for the Virgil Abloh x Nike "Off Campus" Pop-Up Launch
Footwear

Sign up Now for the Virgil Abloh x Nike "Off Campus" Pop-Up Launch

Your first step towards copping the Ten Icons Reconstructed.

Audi Is Developing a Solar-Embedded Panoramic Roof
Automotive

Audi Is Developing a Solar-Embedded Panoramic Roof

Solar power is coming to an upcoming Audi electric vehicle.

Off-White™ Shows Us the Right Way to Wear Its "Industrial Belt"
Fashion

Off-White™ Shows Us the Right Way to Wear Its "Industrial Belt"

The proper way to flex.

Sushi Burritos Are Now Being Sold at Select Starbucks Locations
Food & Beverage

Sushi Burritos Are Now Being Sold at Select Starbucks Locations

This makes more sense than its beef jerky cold brew.

OAMC Drops a New Team Shirt & Unique Padded Short-Sleeve Full-Zip
Fashion

OAMC Drops a New Team Shirt & Unique Padded Short-Sleeve Full-Zip

Luke Meier flips the script on traditional blue and white stripes.

More ▾