Small Hands Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Review
0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings
Description
Has Samsung made an... explosive... return to the large smartphone game with the Note 8? dbrand sponsor link: dbrand.com Intel sponsor link:
Promos
Check out MSI laptops featuring Intel's 7th generation core i7 processors on Newegg: geni.us Buy Samsung Galaxy Note 8 on Amazon: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Linus Tech Tips merchandise at designbyhumans.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our production gear: geni.us Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is presented as a sizable evolution from the Note 7, with emphasis on a nearly bezel-less 6.3 inch OLED display that delivers an immersive viewing experience. The reviewer highlights the vibrant color options and the choice between vivid and sRGB color profiles, noting how the display helps content consumption feel cinematic, especially with 21:9 content and the deep blacks the OLED panel delivers. Handling is described in detail, with the device maintaining the two-sided curved glass design and a similar width to the Note 7, yet the taller screen adds noticeable heft and affects reach and comfort. The rear fingerprint sensor and the front-facing ergonomics are scrutinized, revealing a device that is powerful and capable but with some tradeoffs in one-handed usability and accessibility. The Note 8’s hardware is compared to the Galaxy S8 Plus and other contemporaries, acknowledging the same CPU/GPU configuration, expanded storage, and a refined S Pen experience that now includes up to 100 pages of memo notes without waking the screen, all while relying on the always-on OLED display for quick access. In camera performance, the reviewer notes the dual 12 MP system and 2x optical zoom, praising sharpening and detail but pointing out that post-processing blur can still feel unnatural when contrasted with true bokeh. The software layer, TouchWiz, is given credit for improved clipboard and keyboard features, while the stubbornness around Bixby and a non-remappable dedicated button is criticized as a missed opportunity for customization. Ultimately, the Note 8 is framed as a versatile, high-end device that excels in many areas but stops short of delivering a dramatic, industry-defining leap, leaving the reviewer with a verdict of strong overall value and capability tempered by some notable caveats such as battery life under high-res mode and the absence of marquee innovations. The reviewer also touches on accessory options, including dbrand skins that enhance grip and aesthetics, and closes with a call to subscribe and explore more content and related gear showcased in the description.
Topics · technology · smartphones · product_reviews · display_technology · hardware · mobile_devices · accessories
Questions answered
- What is the most talked about screen feature on the Note 8 and why does it matter?
- The most talked about feature is the 6.3 inch OLED display with a near bezel-less design, which provides a larger viewing area, improved black levels, and a more immersive media experience, especially for scrolling and watching content on the device.
- Does the Note 8 offer a front-facing biometric sensor option as a replacement for the rear fingerprint sensor?
- No, the Note 8 retains a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and does not implement an under-screen front sensor, which the reviewer notes as a point of compromise for one-handed use and convenience.