Samsung Galaxy Note 8 launched: Features, specifications, availability and more

The new flagship from Samsung comes with a lot of new features like multiple functionalities, services, apps, software, improved security and hopefully no exploding batteries this time.

| Updated: Thursday, August 24, 2017, 12:44 [IST]

Well, Samsung has officially launched the much-anticipated successor to the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, the Galaxy Note 8 at its Unpacked 2017 event in New York.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 launched: Features, specifications, availability

Thanks to numerous leaks that happened ahead of the launch, we pretty much had a good idea of what Samsung was bringing to the table. However, the South Korean tech giant had some few surprises up its sleeves.

Moreover, this was an important launch event for Samsung as expectations were very high. Well, we all know what happened with Galaxy Note 7 last year.

DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics during the event stated that after Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, Note 8 is ushering in a new era of smartphone design and fantastic new services, opening up new ways to experience the world.

He further added, "The Galaxy Note 8 is our testament to regaining consumers trust by redefining what's possible in safety and marks a new milestone in Samsung's smartphone legacy." He also thanked the loyal fans for showing their continued support and love for Samsung products.

Seemingly, the new flagship from Samsung comes with a lot of new features like multiple functionalities, services, apps, software, improved security and hopefully no exploding batteries this time. So without further ado, let's get into what the smartphones are all about.

Do check out the introduction video below.

Design and Display

Galaxy Note 8 feature bezel-less display like the Galaxy S8 and S8+ and features a smooth and uninterrupted surface that flows seamlessly over the edges.

As the company has completely redesigned the phone from the inside out, Samsung has embedded the home button under the edge-to-edge screen, where it stays hidden until you need it. Users will be getting a bigger, unobstructed view without a larger phone. As the company puts it, the smartphones' "infinity display" will provide a smooth user experience to the users.

Additionally, the display will come with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back for durability and a high-quality finish.

In terms of specifications, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will come with a 6.3-inch QHD+ (1440x2960 pixels) Super AMOLED display.

Besides that, Galaxy Note 8 also comes with an S-Pen that can be used for various functionalities. and the company did say that the display has also been engineered for the S-Pen.

The phablet is dust and water resistant as it also comes with IP68 certification.

Computing Hardware

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is powered by an Octa-core (2.3GHz Quad + 1.7GHz Quad), 64 bit, 10nm processor. The chipset will most likely be Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 835 SoCa or Exynos 8895 SoC. Samsung has said that the Galaxy Note 8 will be available in different variants based on markets, hence the two types of chipsets.

The device packs 6GB of RAM and it comes with 64GB inbuilt storage which can be further expanded via microSD card up to 256GB. Samsung has again stated that this could vary depending on the different markets. The handset will run Android Nougat out-of-the-box.

Cameras

As for the optics, the phablet comes with a dual camera setup with two 12MP sensors at the back. The primary camera is a wide-angle lens supporting dual photodiode (2PD), while the secondary camera acts as a telephoto lens. The camera also supports dual OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), F1.7 Aperture, Max Zoom of 2x (digital) and different modes like live focus, Pro mode, Panorama, Slow motion, Hyperlapse, Food mode and an option to save photos as RAW file.

At the front, there is an 8MP AF camera with F1.7 Aperture and wide angle lens. The cameras also support 4K video recording at 30 fps and 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps.

Samsung has also introduced Quick launch and dual capture features for the cameras.

Battery

The Galaxy Note 8 is backed by a 3300mAh and according to the company it delivers MP3 playback (AOD on): up to 44 hrs, MP3 playback (AOD OFF): up to 67 hrs, Video playback: up to 16 hrs, Talk time: up to 20 hrs, Internet use (Wi-Fi): up to 14 hrs, Internet use (3G): up to 11 hrs, Internet use (4G): up to 12 hrs.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will also support wireless charging as well as fast charging.

Connectivity and Sensors

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 comes as a dual SIM model. The handset includes connectivity options like 4G LTE (Cat. 16), Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth v5.0, USB Type-C, 3.5mm audio port, NFC, and GPS.

Further, sensors on board the smartphones include an iris, face-recognition, pressure, fingerprint, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, magnetometer, and proximity sensor. It also supports Samsung Pay, with NFC and MST connectivity.

Apart from these, Samsung has also included some interesting features such as Knox protection for real-time device monitoring and protection, Samsung Pay, Samsung Connect and most importantly Samsung Bixby which is a voice-based virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence technology. Bixby further gets a dedicated launch button at the side of the smartphone.

Pricing and Availability

Samsung did not announce the Galaxy Note 8 price at its event. We are expecting more announcements about the new smartphone at the IFA 2017 event that is happening in Berlin. However, pre-order for Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will begin "in few days" in the US. The phablet will hit stores starting September 15. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will also ship with AKG headphones.

The Galaxy Note 8 has been launched in various color options like Midnight Black, Arctic Silver, Orchid Grey, and Deep Sea Blue.