Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Reviews: 'Beautiful' Display and Solid Dual Rear Cameras at Premium Price

[CaptRB]

Tech media narrative: Samsung bests Apple in design

Reality:

Fall 2016: Samsung releases a phone that literally explodes

Spring 2017: Samsung dedicates a button to its flagship phone for a voice assistant you can’t speak to. Samsung last-minute slaps the fingerprint scanner next to the camera lens because it isn’t able to come up with a better idea on time. Samsung releases a phone with a facial-recognition system that provides zero security.>>

These stories are practically writing themselves. I don't have to make anything up.

LOL! Do you define yourself with phone choices and reading websites to support your odd agenda of processing the "best phone"? You'd probably be happier with a fast car and a pretty wife...I know I am.

That said, I actually OWN these phones. My current S8+ offers a superior camera, nicer screen, better audio (both ways) and a better feel than my 7+. My 7+ BENT in my pocket while sailing and they replaced it. My 7+ did not survive a dunking, replaced by insurance. I now keep the 7+ in the otter box. The S8+ is practically indestructible. It's been underwater twice with no issues. I don't use facial recognition, but my son uses it on his regular S8 with no problems.

The 7+ is a great phone. I find the S8+ better in actual usage, right down to the fingerprint scanner. Not once has it failed to take the photo I expected, but then I have 20K in Nikon lenses, so I don't really worry about lousy camera phones anyway.

Apple won't even let you add memory. I have cards loaded with movies and shows. Apple can't get with the times.

The problem here is that Samsung keeps beating Apple to the punch. The 8 is coming half a year after the S8 and faces the more versatile new Note, which has a pen.

As a phone, they are very close. But when it comes to versatility....Apple falls too far behind. My personal phone is the S8+. Job phones are free and they are Apple. But anyone who spends time with the new Samsung phones quickly sees the light.

Why worry? Use what you like. But stop the silly my phone is better nonsense. PS: My car is faster than yours. ;-)


R.

 

[symphara]

If you have an iPad, you have iCloud. Period.

I don't want to pay Apple for storage, and there's not enough left in my iCloud account to copy such a large file.

Again, you're giving me a "solution" that's simply bizarre. It amazes me how Apple apologists come with all this complex roundabout ways of doing very simple stuff, then they argue from their high horse about how's that the "proper" and "superior" way of doing things we've been otherwise doing for ages in far simpler ways.

Dude, get your head out of the sand. Sending a file to a 3rd party remote server and then downloading it back to a device, when the two were connected to begin with, ain't a good solution. It's a crap solution. You're pushing crap to us and pretending it's chocolate. You ain't convincing anyone except from your fellow, ahem, chocolate consumers.

Ah ha ha! You were plugged in and you still couldn't manage it?

Do tell, "after an hour" what solution did you arrive at to transfer your file that grandma would have done in 5 minutes?

Yup, it just refused to accept the file. It kept saying the iPad cannot handle .cbz files (I tried different apps). I guess the "superior" iOS way of handling file registration hit this one too.

In the end I managed to do a Bluetooth copy.

It's just hilariously bad.

 

[Feenician]

I don't want to pay Apple for storage, and there's not enough left in my iCloud account to copy such a large file.

Again, you're giving me a "solution" that's simply bizarre. It amazes me how Apple apologists come with all this complex roundabout ways of doing very simple stuff, then they argue from their high horse about how's that the "proper" and "superior" way of doing things we've been otherwise doing for ages in far simpler ways.

Dude, get your head out of the sand. Sending a file to a 3rd party remote server and then downloading it back to a device, when the two were connected to begin with, ain't a good solution. It's a crap solution. You're pushing crap to us and pretending it's chocolate. You ain't convincing anyone except from your fellow, ahem, chocolate consumers.


Yup, it just refused to accept the file. It kept saying the iPad cannot handle .cbz files (I tried different apps). I guess the "superior" iOS way of handling file registration hit this one too.

In the end I managed to do a Bluetooth copy.

It's just hilariously bad.

So it took you an hour to figure out how to use AirDrop, a trivially simple, self discovering transfer system? Wow.

 

[mib1800]

So it took you an hour to figure out how to use AirDrop, a trivially simple, self discovering transfer system? Wow.

Maybe it is not trivial and time consuming to try and make it work with other devices. Wait... air drop can't do that

 

[Feenician]

Maybe it is not trivial and time consuming to try and make it work with other devices. Wait... air drop can't do that

You’re right, so either it was airdrop between an iPad and a Mac, which is the definition of trivial or... the story is apochrophyal. I’m not sure which is sadder.

 

[rjohnstone]

Well my Note 8 showed up yesterday and I'm pleasantly surprised.
It's solid and feels good in my hand (I have big hands).

The fingerprint sensor is a bit awkward at first, but I'm getting used to it.
But it is very accurate and fast. Just as fast as the TouchID on my iPhone 6S+

The "AKG" branded headphones suck. They look nice and are very comfortable, but sound like garbage.
I own real AKG headphones and these things that Samsung included are AKG in name only.

Not much bloat on the AT&T version. I actually use most of the AT&T apps that come with it, so that just means there are a few less apps I have to download. Most of the other stuff can be uninstalled, so a nice win there.

The thing is fast. We'll see how long that lasts. I ran a bunch of multi window app sessions and it didn't skip a beat.

As for battery, unlike my iPhone, which drained slowly from 100% to 90% and then drops like a stone by mid day, this thing decreases at a steady and consistent rate. Haven't had a full day on it yet, so we'll see if the 15-16 hour claims some of the reviewers claim is a reality.

 

[RodoBobJon]

It amazes me how Apple apologists come with all this complex roundabout ways of doing very simple stuff, then they argue from their high horse about how's that the "proper" and "superior" way of doing things we've been otherwise doing for ages in far simpler ways.

The person you're debating with is wrong to pretend that managing large files with an iPad is super easy. It's not. But I think there is a broader context here that is being lost. When Apple enthusiasts rave about the iPad's superiority, they are talking about the entire model for computing that it embraces. Among other things, this model of computing seeks to eliminate manual file management, which is why trying to move files to it is difficult; you're not supposed to even do that!

So yes, moving a file from your PC to your Android device is super easy. But more broadly, if you have vital files that you're managing this way then you have to have a backup strategy. You also have two versions of the same file on different devices which can diverge. These are the types of headaches that the iPad model of computing seeks to avoid with it's app-and-cloud centric model, and by doing so makes computing possible for my grandparents and less of a headache for me.

Those of us that love the iPad have realized something about our computing workflows: use-cases that require the flexibility of a traditional PC are rare, and getting rarer as iOS advances. This is why we are willing to jump through some hoops to handle these occasional scenarios. Most of the time the iPad's computing model requires massively less mental energy to manage and use, and the occasional need to jump through a hoop or two is well worth it.

To put it succinctly: having to download a large file from a cloud service is a bit annoying, but not having to ever worry about which device's copy of a file is the Single Source of Truth is priceless.

 

[mib1800]

The person you're debating with is wrong to pretend that managing large files with an iPad is super easy. It's not. But I think there is a broader context here that is being lost. When Apple enthusiasts rave about the iPad's superiority, they are talking about the entire model for computing that it embraces. Among other things, this model of computing seeks to eliminate manual file management, which is why trying to move files to it is difficult; you're not supposed to even do that!

So yes, moving a file from your PC to your Android device is super easy. But more broadly, if you have vital files that you're managing this way then you have to have a backup strategy. You also have two versions of the same file on different devices which can diverge. These are the types of headaches that the iPad model of computing seeks to avoid with it's app-and-cloud centric model, and by doing so makes computing possible for my grandparents and less of a headache for me.

Those of us that love the iPad have realized something about our computing workflows: use-cases that require the flexibility of a traditional PC are rare, and getting rarer as iOS advances. This is why we are willing to jump through some hoops to handle these occasional scenarios. Most of the time the iPad's computing model requires massively less mental energy to manage and use, and the occasional need to jump through a hoop or two is well worth it.

To put it succinctly: having to download a large file from a cloud service is a bit annoying, but not having to ever worry about which device's copy of a file is the Single Source of Truth is priceless.

You are forgetting that android in additional to usb transfer also can do the equivalent icloud (and with more flexibilities as well)

 

[RodoBobJon]

You are forgetting that android in additional to usb transfer also can do the equivalent icloud (and with more flexibilities as well)

Well sure. You can do cloud-centric computing on a traditional PC as well. But it requires knowledge of what will screw things up, and discipline to stick to the system even when a messy shortcut exists. Again, this means it's impossible for my grandparents and a mental headache for me. iOS's restrictions are actually helping here.

(This is not to say I agree with all of Apple's decisions when it comes to restricting iOS. There are definitely things I wish iOS could do that I don't think would screw things up. But broadly speaking the computing model is well-designed.)

 

[CaptRB]

So many of use using both Apple and Android. That alone should tell Apple fanatics something, but they really can't handle the concept that their beloved iPhone is bested in various ways by a S8+ or Note.

But who REALLY cares? I mean, ANY of these phones are GREAT. Use what you like. I have both and like both. I find the Samsung superior. So what? Move on, folks!


R

 

[jamesrick80]

Literally last year: https://www.xda-developers.com/with...delivers-embarrassing-real-world-performance/
Two months ago: https://www.sammobile.com/2017/06/27/samsung-ui-fluidity-problem-needs-fixing

Samsung has tainted their own reputation. it's not my fault. The fact that people like you can't even recognize the significance or recency in their mistakes probably means your opinion of the matter is about as good as any other Samsung fannie with their head in the dirt.

Year and year again they release phones that are not worth the money they are asking, and every year mainstream reviewers gloss over the significant issues that lead to crap performance and an unenjoyable experience. Then there's updates: "Oh it feels better" the fannie coo. And then another update addressing the same thing: But I thought it was fixed? The following year the issue is "fixed" by releasing a new phone that's just not-as-bad, when in comparison, other manufacturers do wonders with less. And that's just performance: don't get me started on the features they offer that more often than not turn into entertaining gimmicks.

Absolutely no way I'm playing that game. Not for a device I plan to use everyday, maybe even collective hours, and spend close to a grand on. They've burned that bridge for me, I didn't have to do anything.

A true Samsung HATER indeed.....dont comment if you rather be back in year 2016. SMH LOL

 

[symphara]

The person you're debating with is wrong to pretend that managing large files with an iPad is super easy. It's not. But I think there is a broader context here that is being lost. When Apple enthusiasts rave about the iPad's superiority, they are talking about the entire model for computing that it embraces. Among other things, this model of computing seeks to eliminate manual file management, which is why trying to move files to it is difficult; you're not supposed to even do that!

So yes, moving a file from your PC to your Android device is super easy. But more broadly, if you have vital files that you're managing this way then you have to have a backup strategy. You also have two versions of the same file on different devices which can diverge. These are the types of headaches that the iPad model of computing seeks to avoid with it's app-and-cloud centric model, and by doing so makes computing possible for my grandparents and less of a headache for me.

Those of us that love the iPad have realized something about our computing workflows: use-cases that require the flexibility of a traditional PC are rare, and getting rarer as iOS advances. This is why we are willing to jump through some hoops to handle these occasional scenarios. Most of the time the iPad's computing model requires massively less mental energy to manage and use, and the occasional need to jump through a hoop or two is well worth it.

To put it succinctly: having to download a large file from a cloud service is a bit annoying, but not having to ever worry about which device's copy of a file is the Single Source of Truth is priceless.

The model of computing being embraced here is not some grand vision, but a simple grubby approach to gating transfer of content, with the transparent goal of paying Apple for content. That’s why iOS is full of restrictions and limitations. Not to make it require “massively less mental energy to manage and use” - I find it does no such thing. Often I have to look online for ways to do simple stuff, which either doesn’t exist or is presented in some non-intuitive manner.

I never had the problem of having different file versions or whatever. I do however find it extremely inconvenient to put my own music on my iPad. This is because I don’t buy it from Apple, thus they do what they can to make it as hard as possible, with poor codec support and mandatory iTunes use.

Frankly with my latest iPad I gave up entirely on putting my music library on it, it was just too much hassle.

I am very sorry that apparently Google gave up on making Android a viable tablet OS, and that hardware manufacturers have given up on the high-end Android tablet space.

Thankfully in the smartphone market there’s still healthy competition, so I don’t even have to consider a stilted solution as the iPhone.

 

[deckard666]

LOL! Do you define yourself with phone choices and reading websites to support your odd agenda of processing the "best phone"? You'd probably be happier with a fast car and a pretty wife...I know I am.

That said, I actually OWN these phones. My current S8+ offers a superior camera, nicer screen, better audio (both ways) and a better feel than my 7+. My 7+ BENT in my pocket while sailing and they replaced it. My 7+ did not survive a dunking, replaced by insurance. I now keep the 7+ in the otter box. The S8+ is practically indestructible. It's been underwater twice with no issues. I don't use facial recognition, but my son uses it on his regular S8 with no problems.

The 7+ is a great phone. I find the S8+ better in actual usage, right down to the fingerprint scanner. Not once has it failed to take the photo I expected, but then I have 20K in Nikon lenses, so I don't really worry about lousy camera phones anyway.

Apple won't even let you add memory. I have cards loaded with movies and shows. Apple can't get with the times.

The problem here is that Samsung keeps beating Apple to the punch. The 8 is coming half a year after the S8 and faces the more versatile new Note, which has a pen.

As a phone, they are very close. But when it comes to versatility....Apple falls too far behind. My personal phone is the S8+. Job phones are free and they are Apple. But anyone who spends time with the new Samsung phones quickly sees the light.

Why worry? Use what you like. But stop the silly my phone is better nonsense. PS: My car is faster than yours. ;-)


R.

I think you'll find my year old tech is faster http://bgr.com/2017/09/08/galaxy-note-8-vs-iphone-7-plus-vs-galaxy-s8-vs-oneplus-5/

But it's not just a case of spec war. Each to their own but I still hate android on tablets.

 

[jeyf]

... Apple better bring their A game or I’m switching to the dark side.

the dark side has cookies

 

[Sy7ygy]

I've had every iPhone since the original and there is virtually no way that I would switch to Android.

Apple's ecosystem for me is just too damn good despite what haters and critics on here say.

How exactly did you come to that conclusion?

What a dogmatic POV.

Apple has the worst EcoSystem right now. You are funnelled into expensive 1st & 3rd party equipment, Apple prices are just going higher despite ZERO technical innovation & their Smart Home technology - well, what Smart Home technology?

I was a diehard Apple fan up until two years ago; they have failed the consumer both professionally & personally.

Amazon are in a different league with regards to web servicing, Google are in a different league with regards to Global services - both of these companies have the correct mindset and with the prospective technical firms of the world working hard to bring out better devices with each following year; Apple are falling behind with every step.

The Macintosh has been dragged through the mud since Tim Cook took the helm - MacBook Air? Dead. 12" MacBook? Overpriced & underpowered. MacBook Pro? An oxymoron - the same for the iMac 'Pro'. How can a company confidently propose a 'Professional' piece of hardware when they have spent the past 5 years axing virtually all of their professional software? FCPX & LogicX is about all, otherwise the OS has been getting worse with every consecutive release since Mountain Lion.

Let's not even start on the (lack) of enterprise involvement - Mac's are treated like cancer on a any enterprise network due to Apple's inability to integrate the systems properly with leading domain/ network services.

iOS feels like a DINOSAUR up against Android. All of this rubbish about security is utter nonsense - Apple haven't a clue about security - they never have. 'It's so optimised' - Yes, optimised to run on subpar hardware. Does it even do REAL multitasking yet? Or is it Apple's multitasking - AKA saved application states?

It's all a ruse.

Tim Cook needs to go.

 

[jamesrick80]

I think you'll find my year old tech is faster http://bgr.com/2017/09/08/galaxy-note-8-vs-iphone-7-plus-vs-galaxy-s8-vs-oneplus-5/

But it's not just a case of spec war. Each to their own but I still hate android on tablets.

Too bad your device will be artificially slowed down as soon as the new iPhone software releases as usual. Have fun.....and speed is negligible because of totally different operating systems. Every review says the note 8 is perfectly smooth so no one cares about your speed comparisons.

 

[nviz22]

Hooray for BOGO because that makes the Note 8 an appealing phone for T-Mobile users. The Note 8 is the only flagship device with a water resistance body, water resistant stylus, dual cameras, 18:9 aspect ratio w/ HDR QHD display, Iris/Facial/FP biometrics, fast charging, slim ergonomic profile, dual curved edges, a fast processor, 6gb RAM all packaged into one device.

Seriously, if you can deal with a few software hiccups (minute ones), slower updates, and difficulties getting a screen protector, you can enjoy a great package if purchased under BOGO.

Considering how Samsung beats pure Android with features and has superb hardware, it is no surprise that it is the best Android seller. Samsung owns the OLED Android market, has a huge VR market penetration with its Gear VR, and offers the best stylus experience on a device. I am not sure if I will get one over the iPhone X, but it sure has hell offers more functionality for the sticker price than a $1000 iPhone X will.

Comes down to do I want more out of my hardware or do I want more out of my core software experience. That will be determined on Tuesday or Wednesday.

 

[The Game 161]

suddenly note 8 became alot more attractive.

 

[torana355]

suddenly note 8 became alot more attractive.

Once Apple users figure out how smooth the Note 8 and S8 plus are i can see alot of Apple faithful jumping ship on price alone.

 

[RodoBobJon]

The model of computing being embraced here is not some grand vision, but a simple grubby approach to gating transfer of content, with the transparent goal of paying Apple for content. That’s why iOS is full of restrictions and limitations. Not to make it require “massively less mental energy to manage and use” - I find it does no such thing. Often I have to look online for ways to do simple stuff, which either doesn’t exist or is presented in some non-intuitive manner.

I never had the problem of having different file versions or whatever. I do however find it extremely inconvenient to put my own music on my iPad. This is because I don’t buy it from Apple, thus they do what they can to make it as hard as possible, with poor codec support and mandatory iTunes use.

Frankly with my latest iPad I gave up entirely on putting my music library on it, it was just too much hassle.

I am very sorry that apparently Google gave up on making Android a viable tablet OS, and that hardware manufacturers have given up on the high-end Android tablet space.

Thankfully in the smartphone market there’s still healthy competition, so I don’t even have to consider a stilted solution as the iPhone.

If you buy your music from iTunes or subscribe to a music streaming service then it's very easy to manage music on your iPad. No one ever said it was cheap, but it's certainly easier.

(As an aside, I'm a bit dubious of the notion that using iTunes to sync music to a mobile device is more difficult than using raw file operations to copy files to an Android device. There's a reason iPod+iTunes kicked off the popularity of digital music on mobile devices. Yes, if you buy an Apple device that you plan to sync with your music library but refuse to use iTunes then you will be annoyed, but why would you do that?)

 

[mib1800]

If you buy your music from iTunes or subscribe to a music streaming service then it's very easy to manage music on your iPad. No one ever said it was cheap, but it's certainly easier.

(As an aside, I'm a bit dubious of the notion that using iTunes to sync music to a mobile device is more difficult than using raw file operations to copy files to an Android device. There's a reason iPod+iTunes kicked off the popularity of digital music on mobile devices. Yes, if you buy an Apple device that you plan to sync with your music library but refuse to use iTunes then you will be annoyed, but why would you do that?)

iTunes is just one horrible and monstrosity of a software. If you can accept itunes, your tolerance of difficulty must be high.