samsung galaxy note 8 philippines-20

The Galaxy Note 7’s tragic past fueled Samsung to make the new Note their best smartphone ever. While we reserve our verdict in our full review, let us share our initial thoughts on the new Samsung Galaxy Note 8.

To begin, let’s start with the unboxing experience. Samsung’s new packaging design began on the Galaxy S7, but with a slight iteration for this time. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 uses the same, premium-feel box material. But this time, only the word “Note 8” is highlighted in blue.

Galaxy Note 8 unboxing

After sliding the primary cardboard case, you’re greeted with the actual box that holds the Galaxy Note 8 and everything that comes with it.

The actual device is sitting right on top of everything as you open the box. Beneath it is a tiny packet that houses the quick start guide, SIM ejector tool, and a hard plastic case.

Galaxy Note 8 package contents

Digging further, we have the USB Type-C cable, wall adapter with adaptive charging, S Pen tip replacement, and a couple of USB Type-C adapters (microUSB, USB A). It’s also nice to see that Samsung added an AKG in-ear headphones inside, and not those cheap standard issue pair of earphones that they usually package their devices with.

Right off the bat, you’d notice the Note 8’s premium build quality and design. This thing is sandwiched with glass, wrapped with metal sides. The device feels like a solid brick, but I’m pretty sure you will never want to drop this thing.

Samsung Note 8 Specs

Compared to the Galaxy S8, the Galaxy Note 8’s corners have more subtle curves. Making it look a bit boxy — a signature of the Note line. The handset still feels incredibly good in the hands and thanks to its good screen-to-body ratio, the device feels decently compact, despite its large 6.3-inch screen.

Galaxy Note 8 vs Galaxy S8

My only gripe about this design is that it is a real fingerprint magnet which can be a huge problem when I start shooting this thing for our full review. The device is already bombarded with fingerprint marks and smudges the minute that I got my hands on it. You can strap on the case that comes with it, but it restricts you from having to feel its premium build quality. Honestly, I’d rather have this phone naked, but the price tag tells me to take care of it.

Going back to the display, this is probably the gorgeous screen that I have seen on any device today. The Galaxy Note 8 has a QHD+ screen, but Samsung sets to FHD+ out of the box so it conserves battery. But even with the resolution lowered down, the display still looks incredibly good, with deep blacks and good colors — something to be expected from an OLED screen.

Samsung Note 8 Philippines

I also pulled out the S Pen that comes with it. And just like what everybody says, the clicking mechanism on top does provide a satisfying feeling. It’s also good news for those fidgeters out there. However, the S Pen is really small and thin for pen flips so that’s not an option here.

Note 8 S Pen

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Specs

  • Android 7.1.1 Nougat, TouchWiz
  • 6.3-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display, 2960 x 1440 resolution, ~552ppi
  • Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 2.3GHz Exynos 8895 octa-core processor 10nm octa-core processor
  • 6GB RAM
  • 64GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256GB
  • 8-megapixel front camera, autofocus
  • 12-megapixel (telephoto) + 12-megapixel (wide-angle) rear cameras, OIS, dual-tone flash
  • S-Pen
  • Iris and fingerprint scanner
  • IP68 water and dust resistant
  • Samsung DeX, Bixby
  • 4G LTE
  • WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
  • GPS, A-GPS, BDS, GALILEO
  • NFC
  • USB Type-C
  • Colors: Midnight Black, Maple Gold
  • 3300mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery, Wireless and fast charging

Galaxy Note 8 unboxing and quick tour video

Well, that’s it for now. We still have to run our tests to further examine its display quality, processing and battery performance, the highly-anticipated dual-camera system, and more. We’ll be back for our full and comprehensive review about the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 soon.

For those who are interested in getting one, it’s available on all Samsung stores, kiosks, and retailers nationwide for a price of Php49,990. You can also get it on Smart Postpaid. Check out the details here.

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