Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review: First look

The Note 8 is definitely a tablet, we think. Well Samsung is billing it as one. But in truth its the latest in a long line of phablets - a device with a gigantic screen which has the ability to perform as a phone.

As expected the Note 8 has a raft of high-end specs. The tablet includes a 1,280 x 800 resolution PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching) display, a 1.6GHz Exynos Quad 4412 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 5-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel snapper at the front. It's also got an enormous 4,600mAh battery. Wireless connectivity comprises 3G (not 4G), dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.
 

In terms of software, the Note 8 runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, with Samsung’s TouchWiz UX overlay. We were able to run the SunSpider JavaScript benchmark to test the web browser and it returned a nippy score of 1,025ms, suggesting it's going to be a valuable companion on the move.
 

The key difference between the Note 8 and other tablets is that it can make phone calls. But we're not sure you'd want to do this. Firstly, it’s massive, so you’re not going to want to be seen holding it up to your ear in public, and second of all you can barely hold it with one hand. It becomes uncomfortable to hold whilst making calls, you'll have no choice but to use a Bluetooth headset.
 

But if you’re willing to look past all that, then the Note 8 could be the phablet for you. A clear competitor to Apple’s iPad Mini, this tablet is compact, gorgeous and ideal for those who work on the go. There is also a 3G model available, but we’re yet to hear word on a 4G model.

Design-wise, it’s a stunner. The tablet is built from gloss plastic and looks like the lovechild of the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 – and much like those two devices feels extremely light.

The Note 8 is going to be going head-to-head with iPad mini, and it does outdo what the Apple device. Samsung has used a higher-resolution. The PLS technology used is a variant of IPS and provides crisp/clear images even under bright lights.

Samsung has also equipped the Note 8 with its active stylus - which allows users to take notes. The firm has included a palm rejection so when you rest a hand on the screen while doodling or scribbling, you won't accidentally trip any control.

Overall, we don't think the Note 8 is not going to be function as a replacement for both smartphone and tablet. Samsung is keeping tight lipped on the price, but it's unlikely to be cheap.