Samsung Galaxy Note 8 smartphone

Photo: DoerNoc via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

September 15, 2017 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is an Android phablet known for its expansive 'Infinity Display' and the versatile S Pen. It was the successor to the Note 7, bringing dual cameras and improved specifications to the Note series.
Display6.3-inch Super AMOLED with 1440 x 2960 resolution
ChipsetExynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835
Main CameraDual 12MP with OIS and 2x optical zoom
Battery3300 mAh with fast and wireless charging
Starting from $139

💰 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Price

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 lowest price is $139, based on current retailer listings.

  • Back Market Lowest Price $139 Visit →
  • Back Market $159 Visit →
  • Mobile Karma (via Walmart Marketplace) $350 Visit →
  • Mobile Karma (via Walmart Marketplace) $389 Visit →
  • Mobile Karma (via Walmart Marketplace) $450 Visit →

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size6.3 inches, 101.1 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5
FeaturesHDR10 compliant, Always-on display

Platform

OSAndroid 7.1.1 Nougat, upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie with One UI 1.0
ChipsetExynos 8895 Octa (Global) or Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (USA, China, Japan)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Mongoose M2 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) - EMEA; Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) - USA & China
GPUMali-G71 MP20 - EMEA; Adreno 540 - USA & China

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only; microSD, up to 256 GB (dedicated slot) - single SIM model
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
TypeUFS 2.1

Main Camera

Dual12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, AF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@240fps, HDR, dual-video rec.

Selfie Camera

Single8 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.22µm, AF
FeaturesDual video call, Auto-HDR
Video1440p@30fps

Battery

TypeNon-removable Li-Ion 3300 mAh battery
ChargingFast charging 15W (Quick Charge 2.0), Qi/PMA wireless charging

Body

Dimensions162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.34 in)
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
OtherIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), Stylus (S Pen support)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFCYes
RadioNo
USB3.1, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector

Launch

AnnouncedAugust 23, 2017
StatusReleased September 15, 2017

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Large, vibrant Super AMOLED display
  • Highly functional S Pen for productivity and creativity
  • Excellent dual camera system with OIS
  • Premium design with IP68 water resistance
  • Ample 6GB RAM for strong performance

Cons

  • Battery life is considered average for a Note device
  • Fingerprint sensor placement is awkwardly located on the back
  • Initially a very expensive smartphone
  • Runs older Android versions unless updated
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 earns an 8/10 for its innovative S Pen, stunning display, and capable dual cameras, though its average battery life and awkward fingerprint sensor placement were notable drawbacks.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8, while an older model, still offers a compelling package for users seeking S Pen functionality and a large, beautiful display. If you can find one in good condition, it's a solid choice for productivity and media consumption. However, be mindful of its age, as software updates have ceased, and battery degradation might be a concern. Consider a refurbished unit from a reputable seller to ensure quality and a potential warranty. Its camera system remains decent for casual photography, but newer phones will offer superior low-light performance. For those on a budget who value the S Pen, it's a worthwhile consideration, but temper expectations regarding cutting-edge performance and long-term software support.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8 device with S Pen
  • Tweezer and Pen nibs for S Pen replacement
  • USB power adapter (Fast Charging)
  • Micro USB connector
  • USB connector (USB Type-C)
  • USB cable (USB Type-C)
  • Ejection pin
  • AKG-tuned earphones

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 typically came with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the screen size and type of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8?

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 features a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 come with an S Pen?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is well-known for including the S Pen, which offers enhanced features for productivity and creativity.

What kind of camera system does the Galaxy Note 8 have?

The Galaxy Note 8 boasts a dual 12MP rear camera system, featuring both a wide-angle lens (f/1.7) and a telephoto lens (f/2.4) with 2x optical zoom, both equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). It also has an 8MP front-facing camera.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 water resistant?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has an IP68 rating, meaning it is dust and water resistant, capable of being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

What operating system does the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 run?

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 originally launched with Android 7.1.1 Nougat and is upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie with Samsung's One UI 1.0.

What are the main drawbacks of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8?

Key drawbacks of the Galaxy Note 8 include its average battery life compared to some competitors, the awkwardly placed rear fingerprint sensor, and its initially high price point.