The Samsung Galaxy Note 8, released in September 2017, remains a powerful and well-loved smartphone despite being an older model. It’s a part of Samsung’s premium “Note” series and introduced several innovative features that paved the way for future devices. Whether you’re considering buying a used one or already own one, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from features to pricing in the USA and Pakistan.
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Network | |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G Bands | LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (5CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps |
| Launch | |
| Announced | 2017, August |
| Status | Available. Released 2017, September |
| Body | |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 195g |
| Build | Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 certified (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Stylus | Yes, included (IP68 certified) |
| Display | |
| Type | Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen |
| Size | 6.3 inches (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~521 ppi) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Other | HDR10 compliant, Always-on display |
| Platform | |
| OS | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Chipset | Exynos 8895 Octa (EMEA) / Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (USA & China) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz & 4×1.7 GHz Exynos / 4×2.35 GHz Kryo & 4×1.9 GHz Kryo) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP20 (EMEA) / Adreno 540 (USA & China) |
| Memory | |
| Internal | 64GB/128GB/256GB, 6GB RAM |
| Card Slot | microSD, up to 256GB (uses SIM 2 slot) |
| Camera | |
| Main | Dual 12 MP (wide and telephoto), OIS, 2x optical zoom |
| Front | 8 MP, Auto HDR, autofocus |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@240fps |
| Battery | |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Ion 3300 mAh |
| Fast Charging | Yes, Quick Charge 2.0 |
| Wireless Charging | Qi/PMA wireless charging supported |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Maple Gold, Orchid Gray, Deep Sea Blue, Star Pink |
| Price | Approximately Rs. 89,999 (Pakistan) |
Display and Build Quality
The 6.3-inch Super AMOLED screen is one of the most notable features of the Note 8, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, ideal for media consumption. The device has a QHD+ resolution (1440×2960 pixels), which ensures a sharp and immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, giving the phone durability.
Its aluminum frame and glass back make the Galaxy Note 8 feel premium, and its IP68 rating ensures that the device can handle accidental water spills or rain without any issues. The phone is also dustproof.
Camera
The Galaxy Note 8 was the first Samsung phone to feature dual rear cameras. It sports two 12MP sensors: a wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/1.7 and a telephoto lens with an aperture of f/2.4, which allows for 2x optical zoom. The camera setup is enhanced with optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses, resulting in crisp photos even in low light.
The 8MP front camera with an aperture of f/1.7 offers a wide field of view, making it perfect for selfies and video calls. It also supports Quad HD video recording.
Performance
The Galaxy Note 8 is powered by two processor variants depending on the region: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 for the USA and Exynos 8895 for the global market. Both processors provide excellent performance for multitasking, gaming, and running intensive applications. Paired with 6GB of RAM, the device can handle anything from productivity apps to high-end mobile games.
Storage options start at 64GB but can be expanded up to 256GB using a microSD card. The device supports fast charging through its 3300mAh battery and also features Qi wireless charging.
Software and S-Pen Features
Originally released with Android 7.1.1 Nougat, the Note 8 is upgradable to Android 9 Pie. Samsung’s custom skin, Grace UI, is layered on top, offering several unique features.
The S-Pen brings some of the most distinctive features to the Galaxy Note 8. It allows users to take notes even when the screen is off, navigate through apps, and create detailed sketches. The air command functionality adds shortcuts for quick access to tasks like note-taking, screen writing, and more.
Battery Life and Charging
With a 3300mAh battery, the Note 8 delivers decent battery life, although some users found it to be slightly underwhelming given the phone’s power-hungry screen and features. However, the device supports fast charging (15W) and wireless charging, making it easy to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Pricing in 2024
As of September 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is no longer a new release but still maintains value in the used and refurbished market. Here are the price details for both the USA and Pakistan:
| Country | Price (2024) |
|---|---|
| USA | $146 – $313 (used/refurbished) |
| Pakistan | PKR 88,499 – PKR 104,999 |
Prices vary depending on the condition of the device, the amount of storage, and whether it’s being purchased new, used, or refurbished. It’s worth noting that the availability of the device is becoming more limited as it has been discontinued by Samsung.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is still a formidable smartphone for anyone looking for a device with a large, high-quality display, powerful cameras, and versatile S-Pen features. While it has been surpassed by newer models in terms of performance and features, it continues to offer solid performance, making it a great choice for users on a budget who need a capable device.
If you’re considering purchasing one, it’s essential to note that the device may not receive further software updates, but it remains a great option for everyday use, media consumption, and even professional tasks thanks to the S-Pen integration.