At the disposal of our Internet project was a new premium smartphone from Samsung - Galaxy Note 8. In technical terms, the novelty is an organic continuation of the flagship Samsung Galaxy S8. Among the differences are a screen diagonal that has grown to 6.3 inches, a drawing function using the S Pen stylus supplied in the kit, a dual camera, 6 GB of RAM, and a more strict appearance. At the start of sales, the price of the device is like that of a powerful laptop - from 69,990 rubles. Is Note 8 capable of becoming a full-fledged replacement for a computer, and is it that good?
The story of the spontaneously igniting batteries in the Note 7 last year did not stop the Korean company's plans to develop a line of ultra-large smartphones. Painstaking work has been carried out and now Samsung has assured that there will be no problems with the new Note 8 model. 146% guarantee!
The novelty itself turned out to be extremely interesting and rich in terms of functionality. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has a strict appearance, and the glass and metal body received IP68 dust and water resistance. The most interesting visible part of the device was a 6.3-inch screen with curved edges on the sides. In terms of hardware, the novelty boasts the most productive hardware: an eight-core Exynos 8895 processor, Mali-G71 graphics, 6 GB of RAM. Built-in memory 64 GB, it can be supplemented with microSD memory cards (cards up to 250 GB are supported).
The smartphone supports all wireless communications - LTE Cat.16, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, Samsung Pay. The main camera received a dual module - 12 megapixels each, with the ability to record in 4K, optical stabilization and a dozen special modes. Front camera 8 megapixels. To unlock the smartphone, you can use the built-in fingerprint scanner, as well as the iris and face recognition sensor. The device comes preloaded with Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system with Clean UI shell. According to Samsung, the device can be updated to the latest versions of Android, including Android 8 Oreo.
Thanks to the DeX docking station, the phone can be turned into a full-fledged computer or something like it. This is especially true, given the price of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 at 70 thousand rubles.
Specifications Samsung Galaxy Note 8 SM-N950F
id="sub0">| Characteristic | Description |
| Body materials: | Aluminum (7000 series), Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Hull protection: |
according to IP68 class from water up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1.5 meters |
| Screen: | curved on both sides SuperAMOLED, diagonal 6.3 inches, resolution 1440x2960 pixels (521 ppi), adaptive color and brightness adjustment, color correction, AlwaysOn Display function |
| CPU: | 64-bit Exynos 8895 (4 cores up to 2.35 GHz, 4 cores up to 1.9 GHz) 10 nm |
| GPU: | Mali-G71 |
| RAM: | 6 GB (LPDDR4) |
| Flash memory: | 64 GB (user available 52.3 GB) + microSD card slot (up to 256 GB) |
| Mobile connection: | 2G (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), 3G (850/900/1900/2100 MHz), 4G (including LTE 800, 1800, 2600) |
| SIM card type: | Two nanoSIM cards, one of which is combined with a memory card slot |
| Communications and ports: | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz), NFC, USB Type C, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm headset, ANT+, Samsung Pay, S Pen, handwriting recognition, 2048 pressure levels, drawing and note-taking application |
| Navigation: | GPS, AGPS, GLONASS |
| Sensors: | light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer/gyroscope, barometer, digital compass, fingerprint scanner, iris scanner, face scanner, vibration sensor, heart rate sensor |
| Main camera: | Dual, both modules 12 megapixels, f/1.7, autofocus, LED flash, 4K video recording, optical stabilizer |
| Front-camera: | 8 MP, autofocus, f/1.7, 1/3.6” |
| Battery: | non-removable, 3300 mAh, built-in WPC/PMA wireless charging, fast charging in 65 minutes |
| Dimensions, weight: | 162.5x74.8x8.6 mm, 195 grams |
| Operating system: | Android 7.1.1 Nougat with Clean UI skin |
| Body colors: | black (Midnight Black), gold (Maple Gold), blue (Blue Saphire) |
Package contents and first impressions
id="sub1">The premium quality of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950) is evident in everything, including the packaging. So, the device comes in a box made of thick black cardboard on magnets with a dust jacket. The reverse side contains brief information about the technical characteristics. The name of the model is printed on the front. The image of the gadget is missing.
In the box you can see the device itself, as well as:
USB Charger Adapter Plug
Computer synchronization cable USB - USB Type C
MicroUSB to USB Type-C adapter (OTG adapter for connecting external devices)
AKG stereo headset with 3.5mm miniJack connector
Clip for SIM card tray
Instructions, warranty card
If we take the average data with a mixed mode of use, we get two days of battery life. Those who use only calls can easily count on 4 days of work. In terms of autonomy, the device differs for the better from the vast majority of Android smartphones.
The device has several power saving modes. Some of them limit the brightness of the backlight of the screen, the frequency of the processor. In this scenario, the operating time will increase by at least 20%. There is an extreme (maximum) power saving mode. In this case, the screen displays only white and gray, all applications except for telephone, SMS, calendar and alarms are disabled.
The phone received a fast charging function. The battery is fully charged in 1 hour 5 minutes. There is also built-in wireless charging.
User interface and operating system
id="sub7">The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 comes preloaded with Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system and Clean UI user interface.
Smartphone owners have access to all Samsung branded programs, including S Health for monitoring physical activity and health, Bixby voice assistant, gesture support, KNOX - for separating data into personal and work, etc. Missing apps can be downloaded from the Samsung App Store and Google Play. The model supports Samsung Pay service.
The smartphone has gesture control functions, S Pen drawing capabilities, which can make everyday use easier and more convenient. So, there is support for one-handed control and gestures.
The Smart Capture feature allows you to take a screenshot of even hidden areas of the screen, which is useful when you need to capture an entire page on the Internet or if the text does not fit on one screen.
With the Game Launcher and Game Tools, you can turn off touch controls during gameplay to prevent accidental taps, quickly reply to a message without minimizing the game, or block any notifications altogether.
S Pen stylus
id="sub8">As I noted just above, on the bottom end of the Galaxy Note 8 is the S Pen. It has a thinner tip, improved pressure sensitivity, and new features and functions. Here are some of them.
The Animated Messages feature allows you to share animated texts or pictures with friends using different platforms that support animated GIFs.
Screen Notebook allows you to store up to 100 pages of notes on your phone, which you can take immediately after removing the S Pen, "pin" notes on the screen off and then easily edit them.
There is also an improved translation function using the S Pen. It allows you to quickly translate not only individual words, but also entire sentences in 71 languages, as well as convert foreign currencies and units of measurement. To do this, just point the electronic pen at the desired word on the smartphone screen.
Bixby voice assistant
id="sub9">The voice assistant S Voice has become Bixby. Samsung strongly believes that its development will become something like Siri, Cortana or Google Assistant. In addition to the standard recognition of voice commands, Bixby looks at the context in which the request is pronounced, that is, the user's behavior; the application that is open at the moment; location etc. . In fact, Bixby works with Big Data that your smartphone accumulates.
So far, Bixby's current features can't be called intelligent. The prediction system works correctly only in every second case. To train it, you need millions of people to start using Bixby, in such systems it doesn’t happen otherwise - the more they use it, the better they become.
According to analysts, a full-fledged version of Bixby with voice commands, prompts and other things will be released only in December 2017, along with an update to the device on Android 8. So we are waiting.
Camera. Photo and video capabilities
id="sub10">Samsung Galaxy Note 8 received a dual main camera. These are two sensors of 12 megapixels each. One is a 1/2.55” sensor with a wide-angle lens (f/1.7), the other is a 1/3.6” telephoto (f/2.4), and it is this sensor that provides double optical zoom. There is phase detection autofocus, there is optical image stabilization. Thanks to the increased system performance and the fact that the camera module received its own memory, a comfortable Burst Mode appeared. This mode allows you to take several dozen shots in a row. In addition, the camera focuses on objects faster.
The camera takes slightly better pictures in difficult lighting conditions. In the settings you can find additional shooting modes, including PRO. The rest of the camera improvements are not as significant compared to its predecessors.
The camera interface is made in the traditional Samsung style. There are many settings and preset modes, including self-portrait, panorama, night, continuous shooting, HDR and GIF animation. Video capabilities allow you to shoot in 4K. In FullHD, you can choose between 60 or 30 frames per second. There is optical stabilization.
In manual ISO settings, the available ISO settings are 50, 100, 200, 400, 800. The following shooting modes are available: Single Shot, Smile Detection, Continuous, Panorama, Vintage, Portrait, Landscape, Night Mode, Sports, Indoor, Beach/Snow, sunset, dawn, autumn colors, fireworks, text, dusk, against the light.
The front camera has a resolution of 8 megapixels. It is quite photosensitive (f / 1.7), a 1 / 3.6 ”matrix has autofocus. When shooting a selfie, it is possible to correct skin tone, face oval and eye size. There is also a panoramic selfie function, although the optics are already wide-angle – it will be possible to capture a small company without special modes.
Results
id="sub11">The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is a prime example of a very interesting premium device. It is clear that very wealthy people can afford it. The device is addressed primarily to creative and business audiences. For the first, the opportunity to draw on the screen of the device, as well as take pictures and shoot videos of the highest quality, will come in handy. The dual main camera is very good here. For the latter, the smartphone is suitable for working outside a stationary workplace. Here, the function of several windows in different applications is conveniently implemented, the ability to take some notes using the S Pen stylus, as well as a very solid battery life even under extreme load.
The advantages of the device, I can include a chic 6.3-inch screen, which occupies almost the entire front part. In addition, the device has a high-performance hardware stuffing with a large amount of RAM and built-in memory. The user interface flies, heavy games and videos work without slowdowns. There is a mode of operation with VR helmets and augmented reality programs.
I also note protection against dust and water according to the IP68 class. This allows the smartphone to be at a depth of up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. This, of course, does not mean that the phone can be washed under water and, moreover, tested for water resistance in a washing machine. But if you drop it into water, nothing will happen to it. Convenient features include face recognition, iris scanner, gesture control, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, Samsung Pay.
By default, users have access to the S Health app to monitor their physical activity, KNOXX to create a secure data area. The main camera also turned out to be at a high level.
Among the minuses, one can note the risk of breaking the smartphone from the first fall on asphalt or stones. But in most cases, the screen suffers falls without consequences. Much more critical was the transfer of the fingerprint scanner to the back of the smartphone. Because of this, using Samsung Pay has become unusual. Also, the minuses include a slot for memory cards combined with one of the SIM cards.
As for the potential competitors of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, only the iPhone 8 Plus comes to mind. Both devices have cameras of comparable quality and performance. However, Note 8 looks more interesting in terms of appearance and various technical features. The device from Samsung is more versatile. It does not need to buy accessories worth 7-9 thousand rubles for wireless charging or listening to music at home.
Advantages
Quality build and stylish look
Great big screen
High performance
Support for LTE cat. sixteen
Water and dust protection
Dual SIM support
AKG headphones included
Face scanner and iris scanner
high quality camera
disadvantages
Inconvenient location of the fingerprint scanner
High price
Combined slot for SIM cards and memory cards
On the day of publication of this test review, it was possible to buy Samsung Galaxy Note8 (SM-N950) at a price of 69,990 rubles.
Widget from SocialMartThe Internet project site expresses its gratitude to the MegaFon retail network for organizing the testing of the device.
They remain quite moderate. We really liked the functions of the S-Pen stylus, which the manufacturing company integrated into the smartphone from its tablet.
But the real highlights of the novelty are the wonderful frameless display and the camera with two lenses. When it comes to equipping the device with built-in memory, Samsung could have been more generous. In addition, we hope that soon after the release of the phablet on the market in September, an update to the operating system to Android Oreo will be released.
Lessons from the "battery" scandal
After the battery disaster, expectations for the new Note 8 are very high. Looking ahead: Samsung did not say anything about battery technology at the product presentation. The facts are as follows: the battery capacity has been reduced by 200 mAh, so now the battery specifications are 3300 mAh.
This allows us to conclude that the Koreans have thoroughly worked on energy management in order to achieve a battery life in web surfing mode of at least 10 hours. Whether this is actually the case, only our comprehensive review of the final test device in September can show.
Note 8 color options
Housing: elegant and even waterproof
The Note 8 has received a supremely elegant look that captivates us from the very first touch. Despite all its elegance, the case is waterproof according to IP68 certification standards. The smartphone lies well in the hand, even if, of course, with a length of 162 millimeters, it does not fit in any trouser pocket.
In addition, many users hold the phone closer to the bottom of the phone, which creates another problem, since the fingerprint scanner located on the back of the case is too high. We had to grope for it before we could use it. However, you can use the face recognition feature to unlock your smartphone - it worked reliably on the device we tested.
Display: frameless and QHD resolution Display: boundless splendor
The main attention is drawn to the so-called "Infinity"-display with QHD-resolution and 6.3-inch diagonal - none of the phones from Samsung has ever been so big! Fonts, symbols, photos - all of this looks extremely clear on the display, the colors are typical for AMOLED are saturated and bright.
In short, the large, bezel-less display is eye-catching and pleasing to the eye. But this large AMOLED screen has another advantage: you can place two applications side by side on it, such as Whatsapp and Google Maps. However, the Splitscreen feature does not work with every application.
Splitscreen on screen: practical, but limited by the number of apps that support it Camera: now with two lenses
Not bad engineers from Samsung have worked on the camera. Note 8 is the first smartphone from this manufacturer with two lenses, and with its own optical stabilizer for each lens. One of them with an aperture of F1.7 should provide wide-angle shots and make it possible to adjust the depth of field right in the process of photographing. In particular, you can smoothly blur the background to highlight the character in the center of the frame. The iPhone 7 Plus or also has this feature, but not with such a fine gradation of background blur intensity.
During the practical test, everything turned out great, the face of our tester really “promoted” to the fore. We also liked the 2x optical zoom with the F2.4 lens hood - we could not notice any loss in quality with the naked eye. Whether this is really so, it will be possible to find out, of course, only within the walls of the testing laboratory. In any case, we liked the first test photos for their high detail and realistic colors.
Stepless background blur: during the first test, everything functioned very smoothly Cost and accessories: only for the well-to-do
Note 8 will be the most expensive smartphone in the history of Samsung: you will have to count 69,990 rubles from your wallet. Such a price tag can make an impressive hole in the budget. Those who pre-order and make an advance payment before September 21, that is, before the new product appears on the market, will receive a Samsung Dex docking station for free.
In this case, we are talking about a device that is not an inductive charger, but makes it possible to use the phone as a desktop computer. This approach makes sense primarily for games, for example, if you want to play at home on a big screen.
Golden case: fits the immodest price tag of 1000 euros S-Pen pumped: useful features of the stylus
What makes the Galaxy Note real? That's right, stylus. Thus, the Note 8 also has an "electronic pen" that you can completely hide in the case. It does, however, leave a somewhat plastic feeling, and its small activation button is not very convenient. Here we would like to see a better accessory.
Samsung has integrated new features that are somewhat familiar to us from the Tab S. For example, one of these features is called "Screen off Memo". With it, you can take handwritten notes right on the lock screen, for example, make a shopping list or mark items already in the basket on it. In addition, such notes immediately catch your eye as soon as you pick up your smartphone.
Another interesting feature is real-time translation. All you need to do is select a piece of text and Note 8 will immediately translate it into the language you need. During the first testing it worked with some difficulties.
Live translation: Note 8 translates entire phrases Specifications Note 8
- Display: 6.3 inches, 2960×1440 pixels (QHD)
- Dimensions, weight: 162.5 × 74.8 × 8.6 mm, 195 grams
- Display type: AMOLED, frameless
- Processor: Exynos 8895, 8 cores (4x 2.3 GHz + 4x 1.7 GHz)
- RAM: 6 GB
- Built-in memory: 64 GB
- SIM: Dual-SIM / Single-SIM (both will be available in Europe)
- Primary camera: 12MP dual camera, optical image stabilizer for each lens, optical zoom (2x). Wide-angle aperture: F1.7, telephoto aperture: F2.4
- Front camera: 8 MP, F1.7 aperture
- S-Pen features: Screen Off mode, Live translation, etc.
- Battery: 3300 mAh
- Operating system: Android 7.1.1
- Interfaces: WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE Cat16, NFC, audio jack
- Colors: blue (glossy), gray (matte), golden (matte)
- Cost: 69 990 rubles.
Note: We will provide you with a detailed test report as soon as the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 reaches our test lab. Presumably this should happen in mid-September.
Note 8: Top-tier equipment in an expensive package tags android
The S Pen is making a comeback this year. Of course, the revival of the pen was planned last fall, but for obvious reasons, this did not happen with the Galaxy Note 7. So that the sad situation does not happen again, Samsung decided to play it safe. And this applies not only to the battery. The smartphone is too close to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 + models, which can cause an identity crisis for the Galaxy Note 8. The similarity is noticeable not only in the specifications, but also in the test results.
Samsung does not complicate the choice for interested buyers. At least for the first time, the Galaxy Note 8 will only be available in Midnight Black and Maple Gold. There are no options for memory configuration, the retail version of the Samsung smartphone will support two SIM cards. But be careful: some carriers may sell a single-SIM option. For both models, Samsung asks for a decent 999 euros in Europe or 69.990 rubles in Russia. At the time of publication, we did not find prices cheaper than recommended.
Samsung believes that the high price of the Galaxy Note 8 is justified by two arguments, and one of them is the S Pen
The concept of the Note family has been clear for a long time: take the current model of the Galaxy S generation, add a large display, a couple of technical innovations and an S Pen stylus. Samsung hasn't changed its approach this year.
Appearance
In appearance, the Galaxy Note 8 differs little from the design of the S8. We again get the narrow bezels that were made possible by the switch to Infinity Display. There is barely enough space above the display for the speaker, sensors and camera. However, the previously obligatory Home button at the bottom no longer fit. As a result, the front panel looks stylish and technical, also due to a significant proportion of the space occupied by the display. Samsung does not name the exact value, but we measured about 83%.
At the back, the biggest innovation is visible - the first dual camera from Samsung. But the design itself has not changed compared to the Galaxy S8. The cameras are still at the top of the panel, they are complemented by an LED flash, a heart rate sensor and a fingerprint scanner are installed nearby. It looks like Samsung hasn't fixed one of the Galaxy S8's biggest flaws: Ergonomically, the location of the fingerprint scanner is very unfortunate. If he was under camera, it would be much better. Otherwise, there is nothing remarkable, except that the manufacturer's logo attracts attention.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is visually similar to the slightly smaller Galaxy S8+
Sidewalls are more interesting. There is nothing new here, but the combination of a thin metal frame and a curved display with a curved back looks beautiful. From this point of view, the design of the Galaxy Note 8 can be called harmonious.
But not all that glitters is gold. Samsung indicates the thickness of the Galaxy Note 8 is 8.6 mm, even less remains on the metal bezel - only 3 mm. As a result, the contact surface with the hand is limited, coupled with a smooth heel counter and a decent size (width and length 162.5 x 74.8 mm), problems can arise. A smartphone is sometimes difficult to hold in your hand. If you have small hands, it is unlikely that you will be able to find a comfortable grip for a long time. And users with large hands should be careful that the Galaxy Note 8 does not slip out.
Up to four buttons (right for standby, left for volume and Bixby) can be easily reached. Working with a smartphone with one hand is unlikely to succeed, even if you have very long fingers. The reason lies not only in the 6.3 "diagonal, but also in the unusual 18.5: 9 format, that is, the body is narrower and longer than smartphones with a 16: 9 format.
Samsung again opted for a mixture of aluminum and glass for the Galaxy Note 8, the fingerprint scanner is again poorly placed
There is no need to criticize the smartphone in terms of workmanship. Here Samsung has tried its best. All four buttons are felt well and without play, the card tray is neatly inserted from the top end. The transitions between glass and metal, as well as between metal and antenna insulators, are noticeable, but almost not palpable. As for the frame, the choice of metal here is welcome, but the feel of glass is different. Fragile glass is unlikely to withstand a fall, so we recommend that you always use a case.
Noteworthy is the weight of 195 grams. Which is 26 grams more than the Galaxy Note 7, and the same Galaxy S8 + weighs 173 g. The advantages include protection against moisture and dust penetration IP68.
From year to year, many smartphones with high-quality cameras appear on the market. Flagships from Samsung are always among the first and allow you to get high-quality photos in various conditions, and this can be done both in automatic mode, which even a child can handle - point and shoot, or by selecting manual settings. The second, at first glance, is more difficult, but in fact, you can get photos that cannot be taken on other smartphones so easily and simply. I propose to understand in detail how to best take pictures on the Galaxy Note 8 so that your pictures are different for the better and your friends are amazed at your talents. But first, a few explanations of how the main camera on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 works.
Galaxy Note 8 Dual Lens Optical Zoom and Wide Angle
Unlike previous Samsung models, the Note 8 is the first to use a dual-camera setup. On the left is the main lens, on the right is the wide-angle lens. Both matrices are 12-megapixel, but the angle with which they look at the world is different, as well as the aperture, the first camera has f / 1.7, the second f / 2.4. Please note that both lenses are equipped with optical stabilization. To see how the frame looks like in each of the cameras, you can use the Live Focus option, then the phone will take two pictures at the same time, you can see them below.
But the most important thing is that both during the shooting and after, you can blur the background to get a beautiful, artistic photo. See what it looks like.
For the user, this means that you are not limited to one lens, as on most other smartphones, you can take several shots at the same time and only then choose the one that you like best. Switching to the second lens also gives you 2x optical zoom. That is, you get a picture without loss in quality, there is no picture crumbling due to noise. Look at examples of such photographs.
Of course, the main lens shoots better at night, since its aperture is higher (f / 1.7 vs. f / 2.4). But if you remember that a few years ago, all flagships had f/2.4 lenses, it turns out that the quality of even a second wide-angle lens is excellent and also expands your creative possibilities.
A huge number of people believe that the most important thing in a smartphone is not at all additional settings that give flexibility and the ability to customize it for any person, but the characteristics originally set by the manufacturer. In the case of a camera, this is a use case - point and shoot. Everything is fine with this in the Galaxy Note 8, as traditionally for Samsung, all user groups have been taken care of here. You can double-click the power button on the case and the camera will instantly boot up in less than a second. What's next? And then you just take pictures at any time, since the matrix is equipped with DualPixel technology, it instantly focuses on objects, and you can take pictures, knowing that you will get a high-quality, sharp picture. There is no need to hold the camera and catch the scene, freeze, hold your breath. Everything works great and so. However, look at a few shots taken in this way, on the go and without any preparation. I have most of these photos, because in life the scenes are not waiting for you, but you just need to see them.
Photography is not difficult, but some people believe that if they bought a SLR camera, it should take breathtaking pictures without their participation, agreeing only to press the shutter. It’s a pity, but this is not happening yet, and in order for the pictures to turn out interesting, you need to understand what you are photographing, and most importantly, how. I'll give you an example. A friend of mine is a restaurant critic and she often photographs food, which was once considered bad manners by many people, but is now ubiquitous. Photos of dishes in professional shooting are often processed in such a way as to highlight the central part, darken the plate a little. The shooting scenario in 99% of cases is the same. The Galaxy Note 8 has a special mode, by selecting which, you will get just such bright pictures of food.
And then there's a sports mode to capture fast moving objects, the ability to create animated GIFs from photos, and even use the main camera for selfies - the phone itself detects that you're looking into it and takes a picture!
Choosing the right mode is easy, of course, if you want to get the most out of it, and not just a photo in automatic mode. Another clue, very often when shooting outdoors, the sun interferes with us. This is where the HDR mode comes to the rescue, when a final result is obtained from several shots, where the lighting difference is compensated, and you see a beautiful picture. HDR works automatically, but if desired, you can turn it on so that it always works. You can see what bright pictures for Instagram are obtained with this mode.
But if shooting on a bright sunny day you can see a difference with previous Samsung flagships, but it's not stunning, then it's a different story at night. Now the camera processes night scenes better, selects light sources and corrects the picture depending on them. Here you need to understand the peculiarity of the camera, it tries to make the picture as bright as possible, which can lead to noise. Someone likes to see everything, someone, on the contrary, wants to achieve a beautiful twilight. For the second, I recommend making exposure compensation at minus one or even minus two, this will allow you to achieve this effect.
Please note that the Galaxy Note 8 takes beautiful, saturated colors in the evening and night, that is, they are not faded, as on many other devices. This is a merit not only of the matrix, but also of the lens lenses.
Galaxy Note 8 camera turned out not just universal, it allows you to take pictures in any conditions. I'll give you an example. About five years ago, I didn’t even take out my phone at night or in difficult shooting conditions, because I knew that the quality of the photos would upset me. Then I began to try to do it, but the number of good shots was not great - how lucky. But on the Galaxy Note 8, in difficult conditions, the camera gives out most of the pictures in good quality, that is, you spend less effort to get everything right.
And for those who are not afraid to learn a little more, there is a Pro mode. In it, you can not only adjust each of the parameters yourself (focus, white balance, shutter speed and color gamut), but also achieve the maximum possible result. It is thanks to the Pro mode that the Galaxy Note 8 can be called a full-fledged camera that gives room for creativity.
Many manufacturers do not give their users such opportunities, as this is a lot of development time, and only a few use it. I confess honestly that in manual mode I photograph only in difficult conditions and do not do it every day. But when I need to do it, there is simply no alternative, I can only get such a shot here or on other flagships from Samsung equipped with Pro mode.
Haven't said anything yet about another feature, dynamic focus mode, where you can control background blur and also get two shots (wide angle and normal). This mode is interesting for shooting portraits, you highlight a person. The shooting distance in this mode is from 1.2 meters.
It would be useful to say that the macro mode is historically very well implemented in Samsung smartphones. It is exactly the same here, the minimum shooting distance is about 10 centimeters, the ability to use even a second camera and get pictures that are unlikely on other devices. For example, look at how a spider is photographed, I am sure that many people like such pictures.
And I can also say that my children love taking pictures with the Galaxy Note 8 camera, because there are various stickers and you can turn yourself into anyone.
They work with both the main and front cameras. It's fun, but it's great for hanging out with friends when you're not just getting another photo from somewhere, but trying to convey an emotion. Here, of course, the question is how ready you are to use such effects. But if you do not need them, then you can not touch them, no one forces you to do this.
Nothing is said at all about the front camera, although it is present here, it has a resolution of 8 megapixels, it supports a bunch of enhancements (face color, eye size, skin tone, and others), which girls really like. And, of course, those very effects and drawings over the face. A good front camera, but in the Galaxy Note 8 you can and should use the main camera for this, since the manufacturer has done everything so that you have such an opportunity.
The last thing worth mentioning is video recording. Of course, 4K is supported, the picture is clear and colorful, several microphones located on the case work very well. There is slow motion. Look at the video recording examples below.
Ten years ago, the camera in a mobile phone had only one advantage over a full-fledged camera: it was always with you. Today, the camera in the Galaxy Note 8 sets the standard, a level of quality that allows you to do without an additional camera, and this is a very, very good level. For most people, this quality of images is not just enough, but enough for the eyes. What's more, for most users who haven't had a flagship at their disposal, this camera will be the best camera they have. My experience proves that shooting with a smartphone in various conditions is easy and simple, and people like the resulting pictures. They constantly ask: “Are these photos taken on a smartphone?”. It's interesting that this question has been raised in recent years, but the progress in cameras is such that it remains relevant today, people can't believe that cameras have evolved so much. And if you choose a smartphone only by the camera, then the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 would be an unequivocal recommendation on my part. However, there is something to praise it for in other areas, which we will talk about separately. And to wrap up the camera story, here are some more shots that give an idea of what the Galaxy Note 8 can do.
Unsinkable stylus
The S Pen stylus is the hallmark of the Galaxy Note line. The pen recognizes 4096 degrees of pressure and glides across the screen with ease. There is no feeling that you are scratching on glass: the movements are natural and smooth.
Why do you need an S Pen? Draw, write down reminders, make notes on the photo. Drawing with a pen is faster and more convenient than with a finger.
You can also draw notes on the lock screen. We take out the S Pen, press the button on the side and quickly write “Feed the Barsik”. The reminder flies into notes, or remains on the lock screen - so that you do not forget about Barsik.
And no, the stylus will not get stuck if you insert it into your smartphone with the back side. And yes, following the trends, S Pen is not afraid of water. Suddenly you feel like writing a note in the pool or in the rain?
New S Pen features - Live Messages and Translation. How the first works, you saw at the beginning of the review. Translation works like this:
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In two weeks of working with Note 8, the stylus came in handy twice: draw a route on the map and translate one word in Instagram. This does not mean that the S Pen is a bad thing. Creative and business people will find use for it: it is a responsive and convenient tool for drawing and working. But most people just don't need it.
Dual cameras with zoom and portrait mode
Samsung equipped its flagship with a dual camera for the first time, and was the first in the world to add optical stabilization to both modules. Now you can shoot smooth videos and sharp photos not only in normal mode, but also with 2x optical zoom.
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Scroll through the gallery to evaluate the quality of the photo in different lighting conditions and different shooting modes.In our opinion, this is one of the best cameras to date. In poor lighting, only HTC U11 () can compete. We are waiting for an early response from LG V30, iPhone 8 and Google Pixel 2.
The main camera is wide-angle, with a focal length of 26mm and f/1.7 aperture. The second is a "narrow" tele-camera with 52 mm. This roughly corresponds to the field of view of the human eye, so it is also suitable for shooting portraits without perspective distortion. Both modules have a resolution of 12 megapixels.
Maximum blur
No blur
Move the slider left and right to see the difference.Optical zoom is available on many smartphones, such as the iPhone 7 Plus. But very tricky: when there is little light, the smartphone closes the “narrow” camera and shoots at the first, faster one. And it brings the object closer not with optical, but with digital zoom. Because of this, detail drops.
Thanks to optical stabilization and the relatively high aperture of the second camera (f / 2.4), Galaxy Note 8 continues to shoot on it. Therefore, noise and smearing is much less.
And this is how the Galaxy Note 8 (left) and iPhone 7 Plus (right) take portraits in the dark:
This is not to say that the “one-year-old” iPhone 7 Plus loses to the Galaxy Note 8. Both make mistakes with the blurring of small, monochromatic details. The iPhone produces better detail, but the trade-off is graininess in the picture.
Let's not forget that Apple had a year to improve processing algorithms, and two weeks have passed since the announcement of the Galaxy Note 8.
The front camera of the Galaxy Note 8 is f / 1.7 in terms of aperture as the main one, with a resolution of 8 megapixels. There is autofocus. In good light, the quality is excellent, in the dark, the low dynamic range is striking. You can shoot 1440p video at 30fps.
The display is unparalleled
The display of the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus was not long considered the best in the world: the experts from DisplayMate champion the Galaxy Note 8. Its screen is 22% brighter, the viewing angles are larger, and the color reproduction is more correct.
It's hard to feel the difference, but the Galaxy Note 8's display produces a stunning picture even under "hard" lighting - an undeniable fact. Colors span the entire DCI-P3 gamut and support for HDR10 with wide dynamic range.
The Galaxy Note 8's screen is "infinite", that is, with thin bezels and an aspect ratio of 18.5:9. Therefore, the 6.3-inch diagonal does not sound like a sentence: typing and taking pictures with one hand is real.
What Samsung without the Always On feature? She is here too. This is when the time and notification icons are highlighted on the lock screen, and the battery is not wasted. In theory. In fact, 8-10% per day "eats", keep in mind.
Beautiful, but not too big?
Externally, the Galaxy Note 8 is a strict, serious version of . Square corners and flat edges have replaced smooth contours. At the same time, Note 8 has not lost its charm and charm.
The device is protected from water according to the IP68 standard, even when the S Pen is removed from the smartphone. If the liquid flows into the groove - it's not scary. Have you ever wanted to draw pictures in the rain or by the sea? Dare!
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (6.3 inches) is taller and narrower than the Apple iPhone 7 Plus (5.5 inches). Therefore, it is more convenient to hold it.
Many argue that the Galaxy Note 8 is more grippy than the S8 Plus. In fact, there is no difference - both are huge. The scanner is still high, it is inconvenient to reach for it, and given the length of the smartphone, it is dangerous.
You have to intercept the device in your hand, which is not so scary: the Galaxy Note 8 “sticks” to your fingers quite well, despite the all-glass case made of Gorilla Glass 5. The glass is not afraid of small scratches, but it will not save you from cracks when dropped.
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See the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 from every angleAnother way to unlock is by iris. True, people in the metro begin to look strange when, after 2-3 attempts, you lift your smartphone high and bulge your eyes, looking at the screen.
Cope with any task
6 GB of RAM in the Galaxy Note 8 and 4 GB in the Galaxy S8 Plus. That's the whole difference in the "iron". The extra 2 GB will keep more applications running, but this does not affect the power in any way. Built-in memory can be 64, 128 or 256 GB.
In Russia and Europe, a version with a Samsung Exynos 8895 processor will be sold, in the USA - with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. Both are eight-core, both are made using an energy-efficient 10-nanometer process. We have a European version on the test, and here are its results in benchmarks:
In games, the smartphone practically does not heat up. WoT: Blitz on high graphics settings gave the maximum possible frame rate - 55-60. We switched the screen resolution from Full HD to Quad HD - the game “dipped” a couple of times to 40 fps, which is also not bad.
With other "heavy" games in order: Asphalt Extreme, Dead Trigger 2 and Guns of Boom never lag. So business people - namely, they are designed Galaxy Note 8 - will be able to come off during a break. The interface works smoothly, as befits a flagship.
During the test, the Internet behaved strangely: sometimes the connection “fell off”, when leaving the building I could not switch from 2G to 4G for a long time, and most often I did not catch 2G in the metro. On the test Galaxy S8 Plus, this was not the case. We hope that this will not happen on the Galaxy Note 8 with the final firmware.
Audiophiles will love the sound
The sound quality in the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is no different from the Galaxy S8 Plus. One of the best among smartphones, but not the best: HTC U11 is currently in the lead.
The Galaxy Note 8 boasts a Wolfson DAC, a decent AKG headset in the box, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Samsung has not yet succumbed to the provocations of Apple and HTC, who have abandoned the jack. And this is good.
Alas, stereo speakers were not delivered to the Galaxy Note 8. For two, one speaker on the lower edge is blown off, and it turns out well for him: the volume margin is large, at the maximum the sound does not turn into mush.
Everything can be configured
Out of the box, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat, and the company promises to roll out the Android 8.0 Oreo update by the end of autumn. On top of the system is Samsung's proprietary shell.
The interface looks neat and spacious, most of the settings are really useful. But there are so many of them that, most likely, you will never use half.
The double icon at the bottom is called App Pair. By clicking on it, the screen is divided into two parts, in each of which the program is running. You can create any pair.
Samsung does not leave hope for the success of Bixby and promotes its intelligent assistant. I even singled out a separate button on the case. Bixby does not yet understand the Russian language, so feel free to assign Google Assistant or any other application to this button. For example, through bxActions.
Get rid of jokes about the battery, but at what cost
The burning batteries of the Galaxy Note 7 forced Samsung to play it safe with the batteries in the Note 8. The capacity was reduced to 3300 mAh, and from now on, each batch goes through a multi-stage control. Let me remind you that the Galaxy S8 Plus has a 3500 mAh battery.
For a smartphone, where the main charge item is the screen, the loss of 200 mAh is noticeable. The Galaxy S8 Plus worked for me from morning to 12 at night, and the Galaxy Note 8 went to charge at 9 pm. The screen time has also dropped: from 5.5-6 hours on the Galaxy S8 Plus to 4.5 hours on the Galaxy Note 8.
The drop in survivability is confirmed by tests. We played Full HD videos at maximum brightness until the battery was depleted, charged again to 100% and did the same with the Subway Surfers game. What happened in the end, and how competitors showed themselves - look at the graph:
From the flagship for 70 thousand rubles you expect maximum opportunities - and Galaxy Note 8 gives them. In addition to maximum autonomy. And she plays an important role. Especially in a smartphone, which is "sharpened" for work, communication, games and media content.
The pill is sweetened by fast wireless charging and fast wired charging using Qualcomm Quickcharge 3.0 technology. Half an hour at the outlet, and the battery will last for 3-4 hours. Charging from 0 to 100% will take 1 hour 41 minutes.
Competitors
The Galaxy Note 8 will be fought either by new flagships or devices from the near future - the iPhone 8, which will be shown on September 12, and the Google Pixel 2.
The LG V30 has already entered the fray. It also has an elongated display with thin bezels and a dual camera, but instead of a zoom, it has a wide angle. The main module received optics with f / 1.6 aperture. In addition, the LG V30 is much more profitable: $750 versus $930 for the Galaxy Note 8. Sales start on September 21 - a day earlier than the Samsung flagship.
Now the main rival of the Galaxy Note 8 is its fellow - Galaxy S8 Plus (
