Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 7: What Are The New Changes?

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As the dust settles on the Unpacked event, one key comparison will be consuming Samsung fans; namely, Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 7. With the new phablet having been unleashed on the world, many existing Galaxy Note fans will be wondering whether it is superior to the last generation release.

What can be said with some confidence is that the device will be significantly more durable, after the fiasco of the exploding Galaxy Note 7. This was referenced by the well-known executive DJ Koh at the Unpacked event, and with Samsung also having put a new eight-point initiative in place, it is clear that the corporation is extremely serious about ironing out any further issues.

Size

In size terms, the Galaxy Note 8 is somewhat larger than the previous release in the series, although this can be explained by the larger screen included. Even though the Galaxy Note 8 has a wraparound screen, its measurements of 162 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm are significantly bigger than those of the Galaxy Note 7, which has dimensions of 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm.

Weight

If the difference in size between the two devices is relatively insignificant, the gap in weight is perhaps more noticeable. The Galaxy Note 8 is a fully 26 grammes heavier than its cousin, which represents a site differential of approximately 15 percent. The Galaxy Note 8 weighs in at 195g, while the Galaxy Note 7 weighed just 169g.

Display

One major area where the Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 7 comparison is particularly important is the display area, where the new device features a much larger screen. The 6.3-inch wraparound display – pretty much migrated from the Galaxy S8 – of the Galaxy Note 8 is over 10 percent larger than the 5.7-inch screen that was included in the previous iteration of the series.

Resolution

There isn’t a huge amount to choose between the two devices in terms of resolution, but it is still notable that the Galaxy Note 8 has the superior pixel quantity. The Galaxy Note 7 is capable of displaying 1,440 x 2,560 pixels (~518 ppi pixel density) versus the 1,440 x 2,960 pixels (~521 ppi pixel density) of the Note 8. This probably won’t translate to a huge visual difference, considering the almost identical pixel density of the two devices. But the extra resolution is certainly welcome, even if it is a minor disappointment that the Galaxy Note 8 is not a 4K mobile.

Processor

It is difficult to make a comparison between the two handsets in this department, as Samsung declined to reveal the precise specifications of the processor to be included in the Galaxy Note 8. All we can say is that the Galaxy Note 7 featured an octa-core (4×2.35 GHz Kryo & 4×1.9 GHz Kryo) processor, while the Galaxy Note 8 will be driven by an octa-core Snapdragon 835.

Memory

In order to ensure that the Galaxy Note 8 is a slick operator, Samsung has significantly improved the amount of RAM memory in the device. There is 50 percent more RAM in the Galaxy Note 8 – 6GB compared to the 4GB of the previous generation.

Storage

The lack of storage options with the Galaxy Note 7 was a possible area of criticism for the phablet, and this has been addressed by the Korean corporation with the Galaxy Note 8. At least to some extent. The solitary 64GB model of the Galaxy Note 7 generation has been usurped by 64, 128 and 256GB models. However, the 128 and 256GB versions will not be available in America initially.

Battery

Obviously, the most important area of the Galaxy Note 8 is the battery included in the device, as it was the power cell of the Galaxy Note 7 that was ultimately fingered for causing the exploding difficulties that were so heavily publicized. Thus, Samsung has had to be a little conservative here, and has only included a 3,300 mAh cell. This is smaller than the 3,500 mAh battery that the Note 7 was armed with, but if it powers the unit safely and securely then few Android fans will be particularly concerned.

Camera

If there is one area where the Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 7 comparison is particularly telling it is the photographic capabilities of the two devices. Samsung has particularly concentrated on delivering outstanding photographic performance with the Galaxy Note 8, and this is most tangible in the fact that a dual-lens unit is introduced to this range for the first time.

Firstly, when making the Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 7 camera comparison, let’s list the specifications of the two devices.

  • Galaxy Note 7 – 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, phase detection autofocus, OIS, LED flash
  • Galaxy Note 8 – 12MP f/1.7 wide angle; 12MP f/2.4 telephoto (2x zoom)

With the Galaxy Note 8 introducing several new features and also improved shooting in darker conditions, there is no doubt that it will significantly outperform the snapper included in the Galaxy Note 7.

Price

One would reasonably expect the Galaxy Note 8 to cost more than its predecessor, and indeed it is $100 more expensive at the time of release. Although Samsung has made the official price tag public, early purchasers of the Galaxy Note 8 can expect to pay $949.

Conclusion

When making the Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 7 comparison, it is fair to say that the new device offers superior specs to the last generation handset. Samsung has had to be a little cautious with the battery included, after the disaster of the Galaxy Note 7. But significant improvements have been made in virtually every other department, with the camera of the new phablet particularly impressive in comparison to its predecessor.

The Galaxy Note 8 does warrant the extra $100 in price that Samsung has attributed to this new phablet contender. It will be interesting to see whether consumers migrate to this unit after the debacle and recall of the Galaxy Note 7.

Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 7 specs sheet

Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 7

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