It seems that the first batch of real Galaxy Note 8 photos have arrived, with a major leak giving us a strong impression of the forthcoming phablet. A series of images have been posted on MyEverydayTech.com, although it is notable that the link is now dead. MyEverydayTech has partially explained the situation on its Twitter feed, but the page was up for long enough for us to gain further insight into the Galaxy Note 8 generation.
Midnight Black images
These real Galaxy Note 8 photos follow renders provided by the notorious leaker Evan Blass. The images seem to display the rumored Midnight Black version of the Galaxy Note 8, which can be seen as a direct response to the anticipated iPhone 8. There have been some suggestions that the OLED version of the Apple flagship will only be available in black, in order to convey what will be seen as a professional image.
The design in the leaked images is very much consistent with the renders previously produced by Blass, particularly with regards to the fingerprint sensor mounted on the rear of the device, and the dual-camera setup. While rumors had previously pointed to Samsung integrating the fingerprint functionality within the display of the device, it seems that this has proved to be logistically impossible, as indeed proved to be the case with the Galaxy S8.
It is also notable that the date visible on the display panel in these leaked images is Monday, August 7, so this obviously implies that this will be the final design for the finished smartphone. This is perhaps the strongest indication that what we are seeing is the finalized model of Samsung’s flagship phablet.
S Pen revealed
Another revelation included in the images is the new S Pen stylus, which will clearly be retained from previous generations. Of course, this was largely anticipated, as it is an obvious way that Samsung can distinguish the Galaxy Note range from its flagship Galaxy S Plus series. In the real Galaxy Note 8 photos that have emerged, the peripheral seems largely identical to previous versions of the S Pen, at least in appearance.
With this latest leak, it seems that we now know almost everything about the forthcoming Galaxy Note 8, and Samsung will, in fact, have a hard time providing any uncovered information about its phablet when it is unveiled. But one interesting tidbit of information is that Samsung has already begun work on the Galaxy Note 9.
Galaxy Note 9 underway
This successor to the yet to be released Galaxy Note 8 is not due to hit the stores until 2018. Yet major manufacturers such as Samsung and Apple are always working on future releases, and thus it is suggested that the Korean Corporation is already making big plans for the next Galaxy Note off the rank.
In particular, it is suggested that Samsung is working on a complete redesign of the fingerprint scanner, which will be unveiled in the Galaxy Note 9 generation. At this point, this feature will be delivered as an integrated aspect of the display, as would undoubtedly be preferred with the Galaxy Note 8.
However, for now the attention of Android fans will be squarely directed at the imminent Galaxy Note 8. The real Galaxy Note 8 photos released by MyEverydayTech.com provide us with the design of the smartphone, but the specs of this device have also been largely revealed as well.
Release date and price
Firstly, it is known that the final Galaxy Note 8 will be revealed at an Unpacked event in New York on August 23. But the pre-order date for the device of August 25 has also been leaked, while the release date of the final smartphone is expected to be September 15.
While the final price of the device has yet to be set, it is suspected that the Galaxy Note 8 will retail at a price point in excess of $900. It is even possible that the recommended retail price of the device could break through the psychologically important $1,000 mark, although some analysts believe that Samsung will ensure that the device is more affordable than this.
Display
The display of the Galaxy Note 8 will be the largest Samsung has ever included in a mobile device, measuring 6.3-inches and exceeding quad HD resolution. This will be a wraparound screen similar to the one included in the Galaxy S8, with the phablet following the general market trend for slimmed down bezels.
Camera
As demonstrated by what are believed to be real Galaxy Note 8 photos, the next-generation device will feature a dual-lens camera. This snapper should also deliver optical image stabilization, while Samsung has also been working on a special mode that will improve the capabilities of the camera in darker shooting conditions.
Battery
The battery is undoubtedly a critical aspect of the Galaxy Note 8, as it was the cell included in the Galaxy Note 7 that was blamed for its dramatically exploding nature. Thus, Samsung is expected to be somewhat conservative with the battery intended for the Galaxy Note 8, probably slimming down the size of the unit somewhat from the defunct Galaxy Note 7. Possibly we can expect a 3300 mAh cell.
RAM and storage
The Galaxy Note 8 will include a hefty 6GB of RAM; a 50 per cent increase on the Galaxy S8. But the storage is expected to be frozen at 64GB, although Samsung will enable users to expand this via micro SD once more.
Bixby
There have been several rumors circulating regarding the Bixby AI assistant software, with sources close to Samsung indicating that it will be capable of conducting mobile payments, and even operating all native apps. Male and female versions of the program will also be made available, and the overall package is expected to be considerably more feature-packed and intuitive.
Processor
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 will be used in the Note 8, delivering an octa-core 2.5GHz CPU with a 740MHz Adreno GPU built in. In short, expect the Galaxy Note 8 to be a powerful performer; undoubtedly important, with the mobile competing against the iPhone 8 and Google Pixel 2.
