It seems that the release date for the Galaxy Note 8 has already been finalized, at least according to reports emanating from South Korea. Media in the nation to which Samsung is native has reported that we can expect to see the Galaxy Note 8 in mid-August.
Galaxy Note 8 release date leaked
Reports from Korea indicate that Samsung will introduce the Galaxy Note 8 at a special ‘Unpacked’ event, similar to those that are held for the Galaxy S range. There was an ‘Unpacked’ unveiling of the Galaxy S8 and a Galaxy S8 Plus in late March, and it seems that Samsung will now reveal the Galaxy Note 8 in mid-August.
The source for this information is seemingly an official of the Seoul-based original equipment manufacturer. While this person is unnamed, the information is deemed to be credible. According to reports, Samsung has decided against unveiling the handset at the IFA event in Berlin, which takes place this year in September. Korean media suggest that this is intended to accelerate the release of the device and ensure that it hits the market ahead of the Apple iPhone 8. Meanwhile, other competitors such as the OnePlus 5 and Pixel 2 are also coming.
Previous precendent
There is precedent already for this particular idea, with the Galaxy Note 7 having been introduced on August 19, 2016. While this phablet ultimately had a doomed existence, it was effectively rushed to market in order to ensure that it arrived in the stores around eight months before the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. While it is a little strong to suggest that this led to its exploding problems, it is perhaps somewhat surprising that Samsung wishes to rush out its successor.
However, with Samsung having put a new safety procedure in place, it seems that the Korean corporation is confident that the Galaxy Note 8 will be more stable and durable than its predecessor. The last thing that the company wishes to experience is a repeat of the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, so the consumer electronics giant must be extremely confident that its next-generation phablet will turn out okay even with an early release date.
On the other hand, Samsung already knows that Apple is planning something outstanding for 2017, in order to acknowledge the tenth anniversary landmark of the iPhone. Reports on the iPhone 8 suggest that this smartphone will incorporate a wide variety of revolutionary features in order to make this iteration of the iPhone series a particularly memorable one.
Naturally Samsung needs to respond to this with a strong Galaxy Note 8 release. But also being in possession of this information, even if it is hearsay to some extent, will motivate the corporation to release the Galaxy Note 8 ahead of its great rival.
Design
As there is no explicit information available yet on the design of the Galaxy Note 8, the consensus of opinion is that it will be very strongly influenced by its Galaxy S8 cousin. Expect a front panel that is dominated by a wraparound display, with the screen of the Galaxy Note 8 expected to be larger than even the Galaxy S8 Plus. Sharper rounded corners will even provide the optical illusion that the Note 8 is significantly larger than previous Samsung releases.
Metal and glass will dominate the visage of the Galaxy Note 8, with a curved and virtually bezel-less display completing the design.
Resolution
There has been considerable debate over what screen resolution will be delivered by the Galaxy Note 8, with some suggesting that Samsung will really push the boat out and include 4K resolution in this phablet. This would undoubtedly pose technical challenges, but it would be a logical move for the mega-corporation, as it already improved the screen resolution of the Galaxy S8 to be greater than quad HD.
If Samsung is to distinguish the Galaxy Note 8 from its predecessor, it is effectively forced to deliver 4K resolution this time round. However, there are doubts as to whether this screen technology is really necessary and cost-effective.
Bixby button
The Bixby personal assistant will debut in the Galaxy Note 8, and leaked schematics and previews of the smartphone suggest that an extra side button will be dedicated to this software. Bixby will have been developed and effectively upgraded by the time that the Galaxy Note 8 is released, so it is hoped that some additional functionality could be grafted onto the original program.
Headphone jack
Early links related to the Galaxy Note 8 also suggest that the headphone jack will be retained in this smartphone. This feature was previously ditched by Apple in favour of a wireless music-playback system. This was certainly not a universally popular decision, and Samsung seems likely to retain its 3.5mm headphone jack in order to appease Android fans.
S Pen
The S Pen stylus can be considered particularly essential for the Galaxy Note 8, as it is one of the most obvious ways that the phablet can be distinguished from the Galaxy S8 series. With the Galaxy S8 Plus featuring a screen significantly in excess of six-inches, it has pretty much already taken on a phablet-like appearance itself. This leaves Samsung in a quandary regarding how it can differentiate its flagship phablet from its flagship smartphone range.
So the S Pen stylus will certainly put in an appearance in the Galaxy Note 8 generation, with some innovative and revolutionary functionality probably tacked on. Unique vibration and speaker-system features have been linked with the S Pen, and we can expect at least one of these two intriguing concepts to emerge in 2017.
Integrated fingerprint sensor
Meanwhile, there is some debate over whether or not the Galaxy Note 8 will feature a fingerprint sensor integrated within the display. This had been widely suggested until recently, but new leaked schematics coupled with statements from the Samsung hierarchy suggest that this will not come to fruition in the current calendar year.
Nonetheless, this should be a powerful phablet contender when it appears, in what seems likely to be relatively early in August.
