The Power to Do More

Providing up to 6GB of RAM memory plus up to 256GB of expandable memory via microSD card,* the Galaxy Note8 provides large-scale capacity for running and storing essential data such as documents, movies and music. These features along with the phone’s 10nm application processor (AP) give users the power they need to browse, stream, play games and multitask.

The Galaxy Note8 is also gigabit LTE and gigabit Wi-Fi ready, meaning that it is built to give users superior connection speed by tapping into network speeds that can go as high as 1 gigabit per second.

Protection Against the Elements

Because the entire device including its S Pen is IP68 water and dust resistant,** the Galaxy Note8 lets users take photos, check email and jot down their thoughts without interruption – even when the screen is wet.

To create a water resistant device, Samsung engineers had to ensure the protection of every component.

In particular, the S Pen required the integration of multiple technologies including printed circuit board (PCB) molding and rubber sealing. The molding covers the surface of the PCB and consists of a special epoxy material. Rubber sealing, meanwhile, prevents water damage by sealing off all vulnerable passageways and by covering important components without affecting their functionality.

The S Pen’s pen tip, for example, reaches to the internal components of the pen and makes tiny movements that trigger the pen pressure switch. In addition to preventing water from flowing in, the sealing process also ensures that there is enough room for the pen tip to move as needed.

Unlock at Once

Equipped with the latest version of the industry-leading security platform Samsung Knox, the Galaxy Note8 provides strengthened security features and enhanced convenience through a combination of biometrics. Leveraging Samsung’s innovative iris and fingerprint scanning, the Galaxy Note8 offers various services to provide an additional layer of security while facial recognition capabilities enhance convenience.

Users can opt to access Secure Folder, an encrypted folder that lets users manage private apps and files securely via PIN, pattern, passcode or biometric authentication to keep private and personal data sandboxed separately on their smartphone. Similarly, Samsung Pass enables people to quickly and easily log into mobile banking apps and websites on the Samsung Internet Browser using biometric authentication rather than having to repeatedly input usernames and passwords.

Galaxy Note8 users can also make use of iris and fingerprint scanning to access Samsung Pay, enabling a secure, yet more convenient way to pay.

Charged Up and Ready to Go

The Galaxy Note8 features a 3,300 mAh battery and charges quickly using a USB-C port. The phone also supports the most advanced wireless charging capabilities yet, so users can get a quick, convenient charge without having to mess around with ports or wires, and have more time to get things done.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Note8 has passed the 8-Point Battery Safety Check, the most rigorous in the industry.  It is also approved by UL, a leading independent safety science company.

* MicroSD card sold separately.

** Water resistance rating is based on test conditions of submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

Samsung’s Wireless Charger Convertible, which was released with the Galaxy S8 and S8+, features a modern, highly versatile design that beautifully blends into just about any home or workplace environment. While it offers users a more convenient and intuitive means to charge Qi-compatible mobile vices, it’s only the newest of the company’s wireless charging products, which have evolved both in function and form since they were first developed.

Taking Charge of New Tech

In late 2000, Samsung created a special team designed exclusively to focus on wireless charging, and began extensive research and development. The goal was to develop a technology that was convenient and easy to use in order to promote and drive the widespread adoption of wireless technology standards. As they soon learned, several obstacles had to be overcome for wireless charging technology to succeed in the market, most notably the size and price of some of the most crucial components.

Their efforts finally paid off in 2011, when Samsung introduced its first commercial wireless charging pad for Droid Charge (SCH-i510) in the US. Two years later, the company launched a wireless charging cover for the Galaxy S4 as well as the S Charger, another wireless charging device.

The Wireless Charging Era Begins

However, it wasn’t until early 2015 that Samsung embedded a wireless charging integrated circuit (IC) into its Galaxy S6 and S6 edge devices, making wireless charging a basic option for smartphone users.

Unlike previous devices, its new Wireless Charging Pad (EP-PG920) incorporated glass-like materials to match the aesthetics of the phone. It was also circular in shape, which made it easier for consumers to locate the center of the device, the area where the charger connects to the smartphone via an electromagnetic field.

Later that year, the introduction of the Fast Charge Wireless Charging Pad (EP-PN920) enabled consumers to more quickly charge their Galaxy Note5 and S6 edge+, while design enhancements allowed it to better blend into its surroundings.

In 2016, Samsung enhanced the wireless charging experience by presenting the Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand (EP-NG930), a new, stand-type charger which let consumers more conveniently check their notifications or watch videos while charging their phone. It also featured two embedded coils which permitted the phone to be charged in either a horizontal or vertical position.

A New Design for the Times

Now, Samsung’s iconic circular wireless charger has evolved even further with the fast-charging Wireless Charger Convertible (EP-PG950). Its new, innovative design allows it to function as both a charging pad and stand, depending on the user’s needs. When positioned as a stand, the device allows users to interact with their phone – to, for instance, take a call, find a song or review their notifications – without interrupting its charge. Adjusting the device from stand to pad and vice versa is simple, and it can easily be folded for convenient transport.

With three embedded wireless charging coils, which cover more real estate on the circular pad, the charger offers users more leeway during use, allowing them to position their phone horizontally or even askew while still ensuring a steady charge. Furthermore, the device’s soft contours and premium, leather-like materials make it equally suitable for placement in the office, the living room or on the user’s bedside table.

As wireless charging technology continues to evolve, Samsung hopes to remain at the forefront of the industry, leading mobile innovation through the introduction of products that are accessible and meaningful to all mobile users.

The newly announced Samsung flagship devices, the Galaxy S6 edge+ and the Galaxy Note5, were engineered to be as power-efficient as they are beautifully designed. Each has a 5.7-inch screen optimized to display an even more advanced multimedia UX and productivity capabilities. To enjoy these devices to the fullest, each are equipped with better batteries with faster charging speeds.

Each device houses a 3,000mAh battery, more than ten percent larger compared to the Galaxy S6 (2,550mAh) and the Galaxy S6 edge (2,600mAh). In addition, both products have faster wired and wireless battery charging compared to the Galaxy S6. Thanks to this new technology, both products feature the simplest and most convenient battery charging experience, allowing user to enjoy multimedia or complete multiple tasks, longer.

Building upon the fast wired-charging of the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung improved the efficiency even more. Samsung created AFC (Adaptive Fast Charging), which speeds up wired charging and lets the battery charger communicate with the smartphone. If the charger finds a device compatible with AFC, it will start recharging the phone’s battery using higher voltage.

Not only is the charger discharging more power at a faster speed, the device battery receives the power properly and stores it cell by cell, to further accelerate the battery charging.

Thanks to AFC, the Galaxy S6 edge+ and the Galaxy Note5 take only about 90 minutes to reach full charge. This indicates even greater efficiency in charging compared to the Galaxy S6 edge, which takes about 85 minutes to fully charge a smaller battery.

Wireless charging also offers significant improvements in speed. While the Galaxy S6 edge required 180 minutes to fully charge wirelessly, the Galaxy S6 edge+ and the Galaxy Note5 need only 120 minutes (one hour less) using Samsung’s new wireless charging pad.

Both products have built-in wireless technology, just as the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge do, freeing users from the need to purchase separate wireless charging battery covers or individual connectors. Additionally, they allow you to enjoy the experience of wireless charging without worrying about compatibility. They support both WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) and PMA (Power Matters Alliance) certified standards, the two most widely used wireless power standards around the world.

Samsung is the first to make devices compatible with both WPC and PMA charging pads. The innovative advances made it possible in the two latest large-screen products, even with a thinner body.

Built-in wireless charging in thin devices became possible only through Samsung’s relentless efforts to continue pushing the boundaries of technology. Because WPC and PMA have different frequency bandwidths, Samsung’s developers had to find a way to satisfy both, with high efficiency. To accomplish this, they designed a new integrated IC for wireless charging, combining two different materials for magnetic shielding required in the wireless charging components to enable hybrid use.

Users have the ability to manage and control their battery usage in a simple and convenient way through Smart Manager, introduced with the release of the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge. With this app, users can see which running apps are consuming the most power.

Samsung continues to lead mobile innovation by introducing technologies that are accessible and meaningful to all mobile users.

*All functionality features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

1. Multi-Tasking with the Multi Window

Smartphones are now vital to every part of our lives, from business to pleasure and from productivity to entertainment. With the fast pace of life and expectations of immediate response, being able to quickly maneuver between applications is non-negotiable.

Galaxy devices take multi-tasking to the next level by allowing you to view multiple windows simultaneously. This feature has been really popular for the Galaxy Note series, and has been available ever since the release of Galaxy S3. How many times have you gotten an invitation and needed to check your availability? You have to close the message, open your calendar, close your calendar, open your messages, back and forth. Now, you can view your messages and calendar at the same time on your Galaxy device.

2. Selfie Sensor and Selfie Cam

Double click the home button to access the camera from any screen. The Galaxy S6 and S6 edge can launch the camera in under a second. Not only do the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge offer wide selfies, you can use the sensor on the back of the devices to snap your pic at the perfect angle. No more fumbling around with your device, trying to get the right angle while reaching for the shutter button.

The dual camera mode, which is one many free modes you can easily download, lets you take a photo using both front and back cameras at the same time. This is great for sharing moments with friends and family, as you can take a selfie while taking a photo of a beautiful background.

3. Power Saving Mode & Ultra-Power Saving Mode

The faster our devices perform, the more battery life (or lack thereof) becomes a critical issue and a major source of anxiety for some. Watching the battery percentage tick down has become a daily habit.

While the Galaxy S6 comes with a 2,550mAh battery, everyone finds themselves in a situation when saving every percentage point is crucial. With Power Saving Mode and Ultra-Power Saving Mode on Galaxy S6, you can extend your battery life easily. Power Saving Mode limits CPU performance, reduces screen brightness and goes into sleep mode faster after receiving notifications. Ultra-Power Saving Mode applies grayscale to the home screen and limits the number of usable apps to reduce power consumption to the bare minimum.

4. Wireless Charging & Fast Charging

While these features are available on other Galaxy devices, the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge have revolutionized fast charging technology. With built-in wireless charging, there is no need to purchase additional attachments or gadgets to use the wireless charging pad. The fast charging technology of the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge charges from 0 to 100 in only about 80 minutes. They also charge up to four hours of use after only ten minutes of charging. Say goodbye to charger anxiety.

5. Samsung Pay

While other mobile payment services use near field communication (NFC) and fingerprint authentication, the benefits are limited to the vendors that install the required equipment to receive such payments. Samsung Pay supports both NFC and magnetic secure transmission (MST), allowing customers to pay at any PoS terminal. Backed by KNOX security, users can be confident that their personal information is safe.

6. True Privacy

Other devices allow you to hide your private photos, but they remain visible in the list of albums. Private Mode is available on many Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S6. This can be activated or deactivated in Quick Settings. When you turn on the Private Mode, you can create a private folder under My Files, and you will find that your private albums are hidden activated.

The photos saved in Private Mode are stored separately from those in normal mode with stronger security. Fingerprint identification is required to access information moved to Private Mode so you can be sure that your sensitive information will always be protected.

7. S Health

S Health is an all-in-one companion for your healthy lifestyle. With the new S Health, you can track your everyday activities, get coaching to reach your daily goals and improve your fitness with various training programs. Measure and understand your health with trackers such as heart rate and SpO₂, using built-in sensors in Samsung Galaxy and Gear devices.

8. Palm Swipe Screenshot

Easily take a screenshot by swiping your palm across the screen. No other device uses motion recognition to activate screenshot capture. This means you can easily capture information you want to access later or send to a contact with just a single gesture.

Lastly, there is one additional feature that Galaxy devices do better than any other device, Ultimate Customization. Samsung Galaxy devices let you make your device truly yours. The home screens of Galaxy devices are fully customizable. You can move icons to any area of the screen, or use widgets like the minimal clock, allowing you to see your beautiful wallpaper.

With the introduction of themes on Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, Samsung took customization to the next level. Within each theme, users can further change the font style of the dialer numbers and the clock.

Samsung continues to think about what matters to users and how its products and services can make daily life easier for people around the world. With just a few, but huge innovations, the Galaxy series is taking smart devices to the next level.

Wireless charging has truly arrived.

According to a market research firm, in 2015 the global wireless charging market will expand by more than 30-fold compared to the previous year. Starting with their San Francisco and Boston stores, Starbucks will be offering 100,000 PMA (Power Matters Alliance) wireless charging stations throughout 8,000 stores, with the intent to expand the service to stores in Europe and Asia. In 50 McDonald’s restaurants in the United Kingdom, 600 wireless charging hotspots have been deployed and are in use. UK restaurants along with McDonald’s have introduced or are preparing to adopt the WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) compliant wireless charging service.

PMA and WPC are the two standards for global wireless charging. Ideally, these two different standards should be unified into an integrated system, but resolving this requires time. Until now, a smartphone that could be wirelessly charged at a US Starbucks store could not receive the same service at a McDonald’s in the UK. However, the Galaxy S6 supports both of these. It displays the most advanced wireless charging technology available.

Samsung’s smartphone wireless charging technology development goes back to the mid-2000s, when it launched a division solely devoted to wireless charging. It did not follow a standard or a certain technology, but rather began researching numerous technologies with the ultimate goal to distribute wireless charging technology that consumers can easily and conveniently use. As a result, the company was able to achieve results that utilized both PMA and WPC technologies.

Lab tests began in 2009, and it was first launched in the form of a wireless charging accessory cover at Verizon retailers in 2010 in the US. The wireless charging accessories and the Droid Charge (SCH-i510), released in 2010, were the first products that commercialized Samsung Electronics’ wireless charging technology. The wireless charging cover for the Galaxy S4 and S5, Note 3 and Note 4 garnered attention from global Samsung smartphone users and early adopters as an attractive accessory.

However, for the past few years, wireless charging was considered an unfinished technology that still required time. It had limitations in terms of performance and price that had to be overcome before it could actually be released into the market. Many users said the cover was too thick and the charging time was too long, that the accessories were too expensive and that there were not enough public places or cafes that offered wireless charging hotspots.

The biggest challenge was slimming down the device. We considered everything again from the beginning, including the project title, Zero, in order to make wireless charging a reality.

In the Galaxy S6, flexible coil patterns with two different thicknesses were put together, reducing the overall thickness. The application of the magnetic shielding material also utilized a new method of overlapping two types of filters with different characteristics – a method that had never been done before. The thickness of the coil and the magnetic shielding material in Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge was reduced to 0.27mm, approximately 1/3 of that in the Galaxy S5 (0.8mm).

The charging time for the Galaxy S6, whether it is wired or wireless, has become shorter. It took 120 minutes to fully charge Galaxy S5 (with wire charging) but the Galaxy S6 only requires 80 minutes. Within 30 minutes, the battery is charged over 50%. On top of the Adaptive Fast Charge technology that had been in use since the Galaxy S4, the S6 also introduced the Cell Sensing technology. The Cell Sensing technology accurately monitors the battery’s status by measuring current and voltage in the battery cell without the newly developed charger IC passing through the protection circuit inside the battery pack. With this technology, the fast charging feature becomes even faster and battery use more efficient. When the battery is almost out or when a significant amount of power is used during a simulation game, for instance, the smartphone Charger IC makes adjustments, maximizing battery life through the Cell Sensing technology.

But wire charging is uncomfortable and usually makes a mess of people’s desk areas with cords. Wireless charging allows people to charge their phones without connecting cords. People will be able to utilize the technology not just in their homes with an official Samsung wireless pad or other standardized products but also at frequently visited cafes or other public areas. We are discussing various collaboration plans to expand the infrastructure.

I am proud that wireless charging was introduced and believe that it will become an innovation that will benefit users. Although wireless charging technology existed before, we were able to apply the technology to a model and take it a step closer towards commercialization.

See more [What Comes Next?] Super Charging on Samsung Galaxy S6.