We had a pretty good feeling that Samsung would unleash the Note8 on the world at today’s Unpacked event and we weren’t disappointed. The Samsung Galaxy Note8 was the star of Unpacked, and looks to have all of the features that Note users love along with improved S Pen functionality and other new features.
Out of the box you’ll notice the giant 6.3″ Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display. It’s the biggest display ever on a Note device, but the slim frame makes it easier to hold the Note8 in one hand. The new App Pair feature will allow users to easily set custom sets of apps that will launch simultaneously in Multi Window mode. That huge screen is paired with an Octa core 64 bit 10 nm processor and 6GB RAM. Internal storage starts at 64GB, though a MicroSD slot is also available. The battery is 3,300 mAh and features fast charging on both wired and wireless charging. You can read the full list of product specs at the end of the press release below.
New improvements have come to the camera as well. Actually, both cameras… the Note8 features dual 12MP rear cameras, both of which include Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Other new camera features include Live Focus, which lets you adjust the depth of field both before and after taking your photo. Dual Capture mode uses both rear cameras to take two pictures, and you’ll get to keep both images. That will leave you with one close up shot from the telephoto lens and one wide-angle shot showing the full image.
The S Pen is seeing some improvement and new features too. There’s the usual hardware improvements in pressure sensitivity and finer tips, but its the software changes that are even more interesting. Live Messages allow you to write a message, add special effects, and share it as an animated GIF. Paired with the Always On Display, the new Screen Off Memo allows you to start taking notes just by removing the S Pen. You’ll be able to take notes directly on the Always On Display, and save up to 100 pages of notes directly on the lock screen. The S Pen will also see improvements to its Translation features for those times when you come across something in a foreign language.
You’ll also find a lot of the same great features that we’ve seen on some previous Note models: IP68 water/dust resistance, fast wireless charging, Samsung Knox, Samsung DeX, and Bixby.
Samsung had some troubles with last year’s Note7 model, but they’re doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the Note8. Samsung has been working with UL International to put the Note8 battery through a series of tests to insure its safety. Samsung has also instituted an 8-point battery safety check process. Samsung does not want a repeat of last year’s fiasco with the Note7 battery, and they’re doing everything they can to ensure user safety.
Samsung is also offering former Note7 owners a pretty big incentive to upgrade:
Former Note7 owners are eligible for a special offer on Samsung.com where they will receive an instant trade-in value of up to $425 when they upgrade their current phone for a Galaxy Note8.
Pre orders for the Samsung Galaxy Note8 will open tomorrow (August 24th) with the device available in stores starting September 15th. You can read more about the new Note8 in the full press release below.
Are you interested in the Samsung Galaxy Note8? Will you be pre ordering tomorrow? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
FULL PRESS RELEASE
Do Bigger Things with Samsung Galaxy Note8, the Next Level Note
Designed to help you achieve more in work and life with an Infinity Display, enhanced S Pen and Dual Camera with Optical Image Stabilization; U.S. Pre-orders begin August 24
RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ – Aug. 23, 2017 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., introduces the Galaxy Note8, the next level Note for people who want to do bigger things. With Galaxy Note8, consumers get a bigger Infinity Display that fits comfortably in one hand, the S Pen to communicate in more personal ways and Samsung’s best-ever smartphone camera to capture stunning photos. The new Galaxy Note8 is designed for the way consumers lead their lives and lean on technology today.
“We appreciate the relentless passion of the Note community. They’ve been a constant inspiration to us, and we designed the new Note for them,” said DJ Koh, president of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “From the Infinity Display to the enhanced S Pen, to the powerful Dual Camera, Note8 lets people do things they never thought were possible.”
Samsung first introduced the Note series in 2011. Since then, a community of enthusiasts emerged through their affinity for Note’s signature expansive screen and S Pen. According to Samsung market research1, 85 percent of Note users say they’re proud to show off their Note and recommend it to friends, and 75 percent say it’s the best phone they’ve ever had.
Enjoy and Do More on the Infinity Display
The Galaxy Note8 has the biggest screen ever on a Note device, yet its narrow body makes it comfortable to hold in one hand. The 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display lets you see more and scroll less. The Galaxy Note8 gives you more room to watch, read and draw—making it the ultimate multitasking smartphone.
With Galaxy Note8, Samsung has made multitasking even easier with the new App Pair feature, which lets users create a custom pairing of most apps on the Edge panel that will simultaneously launch two apps in Multi Window mode. Watch a video while messaging your friends or dial into a conference call with the number and agenda in front of you2.
A New Way to Communicate with the S Pen
Since its introduction, the S Pen has been one of the Note’s defining features. With the new Note, the enhanced S Pen includes a finer tip and improved pressure sensitivity3, unlocking new ways to write, draw and interact with the phone and communicate with others.
When communicating via text just isn’t enough, Live Messages allows you to reflect your unique personality and creative vision. With Galaxy Note8, you can now handwrite a message, add special effects and share it as an animated GIF4 on several popular messaging and social apps. It’s a whole new way to communicate with the S Pen—adding lively and emotional connections that bring your messages to life.
The Always On Display allows you to stay on top of your notifications without unlocking your phone. With the new Galaxy Note8, it’s even more powerful. Screen off memo allows you to take notes as soon as you take out the S Pen. From there, you can pin a note to the Always On Display, edit them right there and write as many pages as you need—up to 100 pages.
For occasions when you travel abroad or come across a website in a foreign language, the improved Translate feature of the S Pen lets you hover over text to quickly translate not only individual words, but entire sentences, into 71 languages and instantly convert units and foreign currencies.
Take Stunning Pictures with the Galaxy Note8 Best-in-Class Camera
For most smartphone consumers, one of the things they look at in a new device is the camera. Samsung has set the standard for smartphone cameras, and with the Galaxy Note8 we’re delivering our most powerful camera yet.
The Galaxy Note8 is the first smartphone with two 12MP rear cameras with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on both the wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Whether you’re exploring a new city or running around your backyard, OIS lets you capture incredibly sharp images.
For more advanced photo taking, the Galaxy Note8 Live Focus feature lets you control the depth of field, unlike some other smartphone cameras, by allowing you to adjust the bokeh effect in preview mode and even after you take the photo.
In Dual Capture mode, both rear cameras take two pictures simultaneously—and you can keep both images: One close-up shot from the telephoto lens and one wide-angle shot that shows the entire background.
The wide-angle lens has a Dual Pixel sensor with rapid auto focus, so you can capture sharp and clear shots even in low-light environments. The Galaxy Note8 is also equipped with an 8MP Smart Auto Focus front-facing camera for sharp selfies and video chats.
A Full Galaxy of Features and Services
The Galaxy Note8 is built on the Galaxy legacy—a collection of unique features and capabilities that, together, have redefined the mobile experience:
- Water and Dust Resistance: Four years ago, Samsung introduced the first Galaxy device with water resistance. You can take your Note (IP685) almost anywhere you want—including the S Pen.
- Fast Wireless Charging: Two years ago, Samsung introduced the first Galaxy device with wireless charging. The Galaxy Note8 supports our most advanced wireless charge6 capabilities yet, so you can get a quick, convenient charge without having to mess around with ports or wires.
- Security: Galaxy Note8 offers the choice of biometric authentication options—including iris and fingerprint scanning. Samsung Knox7 offers defense-grade security at the hardware and software layers, with a secure folder that keeps your personal and professional data separate.
- Powerful Performance: With 6GB RAM, a 10 nm processor, 64GB of storage and expandable memory (up to 256GB8), you have the power you need to browse, stream, play games and multitask.
- Innovative Mobile Experiences: Samsung DeX, sold separately as an optional accessory, enables a desktop-like experience, powered by your phone. You can keep your files on your phone, do your work on the go and use Samsung DeX when you need an even bigger screen. Bixby9 is a smarter way to use your phone; it learns from you, improves over time and helps you get more done.
Mobile Performance, Productivity and Security for all Businesses
The Galaxy Note8 takes business innovation to the next level with features for performance, productivity and security for a wide range of industries, simplifying how work gets done:
- Enhanced S Pen for Business: The S Pen lets professionals discreetly take notes in Screen off memo or quickly annotate documents and photos.
- Non-Contact Authentication: The Galaxy Note8 offers iris scanning for professionals—for example, in health care, construction or public safety—who need to unlock their phones without having to swipe or scan a fingerprint.
- Enhanced DeX Capabilities: Galaxy Note8 powers Samsung DeX10 for those who need to switch between a simple, secure mobile experience and a desktop experience—whether they go between field work and office work, or travel between offices.
Our Continued Commitment to Safety
Samsung continues to uphold its commitment to lead the industry in battery safety. The Galaxy Note8 battery has undergone Samsung’s 8-Point Battery Safety Check process.
“We have been closely working with Samsung to make meaningful advancements in the science of smartphone quality and safety evaluation. As a result, the Note8 has successfully completed a rigorous series of device and battery safety compatibility test protocols. We look forward to maintaining our strategic relationship with Samsung to help ensure device safety for all consumers,” said Sajeev Jesudas, President, UL International.
U.S. Pre-Order and Availability
In the U.S., the Galaxy Note8 will be offered in Midnight Black and Orchid Gray for carrier and Unlocked by Samsung versions. AT&T, C Spire, Cricket Wireless, Sprint, Straight Talk Wireless, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Xfinity Mobile will carry the Galaxy Note8 in stores beginning September 15, 2017. Pre-orders begin on August 24, 2017. In addition, the Galaxy Note8 will be available at Samsung.com, Best Buy, Target and Walmart.
Consumers who purchase a Galaxy Note8 between August 24, 2017, and September 24, 2017, get their choice of a free Samsung Gear 360 camera ($229.99 retail value) or a free Galaxy Foundation kit with Samsung 128GB EVO+ memory card and Fast Wireless Charging Convertible ($189.98 retail value)11. The promotion will last for a limited time and only while supplies last. Terms and conditions apply. Visit samsung.com/us/promotions for more information.
Canada Pre-Order and Availability
In Canada, the Galaxy Note8 will be offered in Midnight Black and Deepsea Blue through Samsung Experience Stores, online on Samsung.ca and through the following carriers: Bell, Eastlink, Freedom, MTS, Rogers, Sasktel, Telus, Videotron. They will all carry the Galaxy Note8 in stores or available online beginning September 15, 2017, with pre-orders starting August 23, 2017.
Canadian consumers who pre-order a Samsung Galaxy Note8 between August 23, 2017 and September 14, 2017 will get a bonus Samsung Wireless Charger Convertible plus Samsung 128GB MicroSD Card following purchase.
The Galaxy Note8 will also be compatible with the new Gear VR with Controller12, which will be available for pre-order starting August 24 at Samsung.com, Amazon.com and Best Buy, as well as AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular. The new Gear VR with Controller will go on sale starting on September 15 for $129.99 at these retailers, plus T-Mobile and other select national retailers.
Full Product Specifications
Last Updated on August 24, 2017.
