With the next generation Note 8 phablet on the horizon, a big smartphone battle is imminent, namely Galaxy Note 8 vs. iPhone 7 Plus vs. Galaxy S8+. The new Galaxy Note 8 will need to prove that it is significantly superior to its flagship smartphone cousin if it is to attract consumers back to the somewhat discredited range. While the other major phablet contender, the iPhone 7 Plus, will also provide competition for the Note 8, at least until the OLED iPhone 8 images.
So here ValueWalk looks at some of the key areas in this comparison.
Image: Samsung / FlickrSize
The Galaxy Note 8 will be marginally larger than either of the other two phablets compared here. Measuring 162.5mm in length and 8.5mm in depth, the Note 8 is definitely the biggest device here, although it is still relatively compact considering that it possesses the largest screen.
Weight
And the Galaxy Note 8 will also be bulkier than either the iPhone 7 Plus or Galaxy S8+. It weighs 7g more than the Apple handset and 22g more than Samsung’s own Galaxy S8+.
Water and dust resistance
In terms of durability, both the Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8+ feature superior water and dust certification to the Apple iPhone 7 Plus. the iPhone has only achieved IP67 accreditation, while both of the Samsung units deliver the superior IP68 mark.
Display
In the Galaxy Note 8 vs. iPhone 7 Plus vs. Galaxy S8+ war, display technology is absolutely critical, and the iPhone 7 Plus undoubtedly lags somewhat behind both of the Samsung offerings here. The 6.3-inch display of the Galaxy Note 8 is the largest screen offered by the three devices, and over 15 percent larger than the 5.5-inch display included in the iPhone 7 Plus.
Resolution
Similarly, the screen resolution of the iPhone 7 Plus trails in third place, while the Galaxy S8+ is arguably the most impressive of the three, even though its resolution is actually identical to the Galaxy Note 8. Both deliver Quad HD+, compared to the merely Full HD of the iPhone 7 Plus, but the smaller display of the Galaxy S8+ means that it offers a higher pixel density.
Processor
Performance is of vital importance in the Galaxy Note 8 vs. iPhone 7 Plus vs. Galaxy S8+ war, and thus the processor used in each device is paramount. This is one area where performance is harder to compare, as Apple has always relied on its combination of proprietary hardware and software in order to deliver a slick product. Furthermore, the processor and performance field is just inherently more complex than other areas of smartphones specs.
In truth there is little to choose between the clock speeds and performance of the processors included in the three devices, even though the Galaxy Note 8 is significantly newer than the other two releases. This is one area where the iPhone 7 Plus undoubtedly scores very well, particularly considering the age of the device and Apple’s unique combination of hardware and software.
Memory
The iPhone 7 Plus features only half the RAM memory of the most advanced version of the Galaxy S8+, and also the Galaxy Note 8. This is mitigated against by the aforementioned combination of hardware and software produced by Apple, but the corporation will surely be looking to close the gap in 2017.
Storage
Samsung has been criticized previously for failing to deliver appropriate quantities of memory in its devices, and the Korean corporation has certainly rectified this with the Galaxy Note 8. With the premium version of this phablet delivering 256GB of internal storage, allied to the potential to double this via micro SD, the new smartphone from Samsung is undoubtedly a market leader.
Camera
Camera technology is another major front in the Galaxy Note 8 vs. iPhone 7 Plus vs. Galaxy S8+ warfare. There are many points for comparison here, so let’s firstly look at all of the details regarding the three models.
Galaxy Note 8 – Dual 12 MP (26mm, f/1.7, PDAF & 52mm, f/2.4, AF), OIS, autofocus, 2x optical zoom, dual-LED (dual tone) flash
iPhone 7 Plus – Dual 12 MP, (28mm, f/1.8, OIS & 56mm, f/2.8), phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, quad-LED (dual tone) flash
Galaxy S8+ – 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, phase detection autofocus, OIS, LED flash
There is certainly reasonable point for comparison between the three devices in this department, but the new functionality included in the Galaxy Note 8 means that its photographic capabilities are superior. Delivering quality shooting in darker conditions along with an improved aperture, the Galaxy Note 8 camera is arguably the best ever camera to be fitted in a smartphone.
Front-facing camera
While Apple has significantly improved the front-facing camera included in the iPhone series over the last few generations, the Galaxy Note 8 and a Galaxy S8 still excel in this department. Samsung devices deliver superior selfie capturing at a higher resolution than the Apple handset.
Battery
There is no doubt that the battery included in the Galaxy Note 8 is of particular importance, after the disaster of the exploding Galaxy Note 7. This means that the Galaxy S8+ actually features the largest cell of the three devices, despite being part of a range described as a smartphone series.
Price
Pricing will also naturally have a huge influence over the Galaxy Note 8 vs. iPhone 7 Plus vs. Galaxy S8 comparison. Samsung has declined to reveal the price of the Galaxy Note 8 as of yet, but based on leaked data is seems it will retail at $949 in that United States.
Currently, both the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8+ can be purchased for around $675 on Amazon.com, meaning that there is a huge gulf between these units and the next-generation handset. This should certainly be a consideration for those consumers yet to buy any of the phones.
Galaxy Note 8 vs. iPhone 7 Plus vs. Galaxy S8+ Specs Sheet
Conclusion
So who comes out on top in the Galaxy Note 8 vs. iPhone 7 Plus vs. Galaxy S8+ war? Well, there is absolutely no doubt that the Galaxy Note 8 looks like the most advanced unit of the three, certainly meriting its next generation label. However, the lofty price tag associated with the smartphone means that both the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8+ merit consideration.
Based on the price tag currently advertized on Amazon.com, it does seem that the Galaxy S8+ represents the best buy of the three. Apple clearly has work to do with the OLED iPhone 8.
