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Samsung has unveiled in New York the Galaxy Note 8, its latest flagship smartphone with a price tag of EUR 999. The device is available for pre-order and will reach shops on 15 September.
The Note 8 offers similar features to the Galaxy S8 and S8+ released earlier this year, while adding the traditionally larger screen, bigger storage and S Pen of the Note series, as well as Samsung's first dual-lens camera.
Features include a 6.3-inch Super Amoled screen with 1,440x2,960 resolution (QHD+) and Samsung's Exynos 9 octa-core processor or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, depending on the region. The Note 8 runs 6 GB RAM, or 2 GB more than the S8, and will be available with a choice of 64, 128 or 256 GB internal storage. A microSD card slot allows another 265 GB external storage or a second Sim card.
The back features two 12-megapixel cameras, both fitted with optical image stabilisation. With the Dual Capture mode, the rear cameras take two pictures simultaneously—a close-up shot from the telephoto lens and one wide-angle shot, both of which can be saved by the user. On the front is an 8-megapixel camera.
Other features include both a fingerprint scanner and iris authentication to unlock the device and LTE Cat 16 for up 1 Gbps speeds. The new App Pair feature allows users to launch two apps simultaneously on the screen with a single touch to the edge of the device, while the S Pen can now translate text or convert currencies by hovering the pen over the screen. The Note 8 also comes with the Always On display to check notifications or take notes without unlocking the device, and the Bixby voice-controlled digital assistant.
The Note 8 will be delivered with Android 7 and receive later an update to the recently announced Android 8. As usual, Samsung is bundling the device with a range of free gadgets for customers who buy early. In the US, customers who buy the Note 8 by 24 September will have a choice of a free Samsung Gear 360 camera or a free Galaxy Foundation kit with 128GB memory card and Fast Wireless Charging Convertible. In other markets, the company will offer a free DeX docking station for the phone.
Samsung said the Galaxy Note 8 will also be compatible with the new Gear VR with Controller, which will be available for pre-order starting 24 August and be in shops from 15 September for USD 129.99.
Samsung will be hoping consumers have forgotten the disaster of the last Note smartphone, which the company was forced to recall due to issues with the battery overheating. UL International conducted a thorough testing of the device and worked closely with the company on advancing battery development in order to avoid any similar problems, Samsung said.
The marketing for the Note 8 will focus on the loyal community of Note users which has grown since Samsung started the series of phablets in 2011. According to Samsung's market research, "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".
