[Hands-On] What’s New with the Galaxy Note8

When Samsung first launched the Galaxy Note in 2011, it was the first-of-its-kind large-screen device that enabled users to do things they never thought possible with a smartphone. Since then, a community of loyal enthusiasts has emerged through their affinity for the Note’s signature expansive display and versatile S Pen.

Helping users do bigger things, the new Galaxy Note8 features a refined design, an enhanced S Pen, a best-in-class dual camera and innovative entertainment and productivity capabilities. It’s more than just a smartphone—it’s a device that works the way we live, and empowers us to make things happen.

The S Pen – A New Way to Communicate

With a finer tip, improved pressure sensitivity and new features, the enhanced S Pen of the Galaxy Note8 unlocks entirely new ways to write, draw and interact with the phone and communicate with friends.

A new Live Message feature enables users to create and share customized animated GIFs to better express themselves, while the Screen off memo lets them write up to 100 pages of editable reminders and notes directly on the Galaxy Note8’s off screen. Users can also utilize the improved Translate feature to translate words and sentences* as well as convert units and currencies by simply hovering the S Pen over selected text.

Preloaded with the PENUP app, the Galaxy Note8 empowers users to unleash their creativity via a new 200-page digital colouring book.

Moments Up Close and Clear with the Dual Camera

Taking Samsung’s best-in-class camera technology to the next level, the Galaxy Note8 boasts two 12MP rear cameras – one F1.7 wide-angle lens with Dual Pixel technology and one F2.4 telephoto lens – that both utilize Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

With 2X optical and up to 10X digital zooming capabilities, images are crisp and clear, even when photographing subjects at a far distance. Furthermore, the wide-angle lens has a Dual Pixel sensor with rapid auto-focus, so users can also capture sharper and brighter shots, even in low-light environments.

For added creative control, the new Live Focus feature lets users adjust the intensity of the background blur of an image before and after the photo is taken. In Dual Capture mode, both cameras work simultaneously to capture two separate images – one close-up shot from the telephoto lens and one wide-angle shot that shows the entire background.

The Galaxy Note8 is also equipped with an industry-leading F1.7 8MP autofocus front-facing camera for the sharpest selfies and video chats.

The Infinity Display – Do More, Play More

The expanded screen space enabled by the Galaxy Note8’s Infinity Display offers users refined multitasking features and enhanced entertainment capabilities.

With more screen real estate and an aspect ratio of 18.5:9, users can enjoy a more immersive viewing experience when watching their favourite TV show or playing games. Additionally, the phone’s MOBILE HDR PREMIUM™ certification enables them to see content in the way filmmakers intended.

The phone’s maximized screen space also makes multitasking more efficient. Features like Multi Window help to improve productivity by allowing users to complete multiple tasks at once. With the Galaxy Note8’s new App Pair feature, users can now create a custom pair of apps on the Edge panel and launch them at the same time with a single tap.

Designed to Do Bigger Things

The Galaxy Note8 builds on Samsung’s design heritage with a 6.3-inch* Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display, a bezel-less, dual-edge display that takes up more than 83 percent of the phone’s front screen.

With a slim bezel and a slightly more squared design than the Infinity Display of the Galaxy S8, the Galaxy Note8’s display boasts more surface area for writing and drawing with the S Pen. Nevertheless, its unique design and slim silhouette make it comfortable to hold in one hand.

The Galaxy Note8 will be available in three stunning colours: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray and Maple Gold. It will also be launched with a collection of uniquely designed accessories that include a mélange of chic yet functional covers crafted from premium, textured materials.

*Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.3″ in the full rectangle and 6.2″ with accounting for the rounded corners.
Read more: Created to do Bigger Things: The Design of the Galaxy Note8

A Full Galaxy of Services

In line with Samsung’s commitment to help people get more out of their lives in meaningful ways, the Galaxy Note8 is connected to an ecosystem of software and services.

Samsung DeX, for example, lets users securely use their smartphone like a desktop by simply docking their Galaxy Note8 in the DeX Station – with or without a phone cover.** A new All Apps user interface which provides an overview of up to 36 apps***, optimized email and video conferencing capabilities, expanded support for more mobile games and video streaming services bring a new level of functionality and fun to the Samsung DeX experience.

Likewise, Samsung’s intelligent interface Bixby helps users interact with their devices, Bixby’s voice capabilities have expanded to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, allowing millions of consumers to experience a smarter way to interact with their phones.

For more product information, please visit www.samsung.com/za
DeX Station and accessories including monitor, keyboard, mouse, and HDMI cable sold separately.

* Translate can recognise full sentences in 39 languages (including simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese and Japanese), and can translate sentences in up to 71 languages.
** Supported phone case accessories include the Keyboard cover, Silicon cover (Galaxy S8/S8+), Clear standing view cover and LED view cover (Galaxy Note8).
*** Certain apps may not run or require a license (for purchase) on Samsung DeX.