Samsung smartphones have always been feature-rich in both hardware and software. This has always been especially true for smartphones. Note line. This series has always been famous for its many interesting functions that are rarely found in other devices. Today we will talk about Galaxy Note 8. This article contains little-known facts about this device.
If you are the lucky owner of this smartphone, then you are probably accustomed to its basic functions. However, there are still a few interesting features and features that you most likely did not know about. They are hidden deep in the settings or they are written about in the user manual, which most people don’t read anyway. That's why we decided to tell you about it. Let's start.
Galaxy Note 8 - powerful smartphone with a frameless 6.3-inch Super AMOLED screen and a resolution of 2960×1440p, with S Pen, dual camera with optical zoom and portrait mode with bokeh effect. The new product has a top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor or Samsung Exynos 8895, depending on region. The smartphone was equipped with 6 GB random access memory and dust and moisture protection according to IP68 standard.
Note 8 is the first Note smartphone that does not have hardware buttons. A virtual navigation panel was installed in it to control the device. This is nothing unusual; many companies do this. But Samsung made the Home button not just a touch button, but with a pressure sensitivity function.
If you own a Note 8, then you probably know that you can wake up your smartphone by pressing this area. AND this function also works when the screen is on. For example, if you're running a game, you don't have to swipe to open the navigation bar; you can just tap the Home button area and go straight to the desktop. And so in all applications.
In new smartphones, Samsung has updated its shell and now uses Samsung Experience instead of TouchWiz. The interface design has become more modern. Many beautiful animations appeared. And in general, the shell has acquired a more laconic appearance, with many interesting functions.
The first thing you notice is the absence of an application shortcut. Now, to get to the list, you need to swipe up or down. This solution is probably not very common for Samsung users. Therefore, you can easily disable it and add a shortcut with all applications, as it was before. To do this, do the following:
Nowadays it has become very fashionable to install a separate dedicated DAC to improve the sound on a smartphone. Many companies emphasize this in their presentations. Phones have various equalizers built into them to flexible settings audio sound. Samsung does not have smartphones with a dedicated DAC. But if you suddenly didn’t know, then since the Galaxy S7 there is a setting for selecting an audio profile. To set up a sound profile, you need:
A virtual navigation bar with buttons is hidden in some applications, for example in games. This allows you to enjoy an incredible edge-to-edge AMOLED screen. But if, suddenly, you want it to be like this in the browser or in applications social networks, then this is also possible. Do the following:
After all the above steps, you will notice a small dot in the lower left corner of your device. Double-clicking it will make the navigation bar disappear. Now on-screen buttons will not be visible in all applications. But if you want them back, just swipe from the bottom of the display, then double-tap on the same spot and the panel will automatically snap into place.
Always On Display is a great technology that will allow you to view the time, battery charge, your notifications without having to turn on the screen. What if you could manage tracks, view your calendar and alarm clock? Yes, this feature is available in Galaxy Note 8.
You will see several widgets: music control, calendar, alarm clock, schedule. Feel free to add the one or more you need. After this, the widgets will appear on the screen. To switch between them, simply swipe right or left.
The Note 8 has the ability to launch the camera with a quick press of the power button. That is, when the screen is off, you do not have to unlock your smartphone to launch it. But did you know that after launching the main camera, using the same action, you can switch from the main module to the front one? It's very fast and convenient.
The device has a dual 12 megapixel camera with optical zoom. It truly turned out to be one of the best on the market. There is a lot in it useful functions. One of them might appeal to you. The camera has the ability to add your favorite shooting mode as a shortcut to your desktop.
Smartphones have always had rich functionality, both in hardware and software. This especially applies to the Galaxy Note line of devices. This is a niche device for experienced users who want the largest, most powerful and most feature-rich smartphone available. was no exception, being hung with many biometric scanners, featuring a curved Edge screen and a Samsung Experience shell that's packed with so much that newcomers might get confused.
If you have worked with Samsung smartphones for some time, or even have one, then you should already know its main capabilities. However, there are a lot of little options and useful tricks that are hidden deep in menus or explained in user manuals that no one usually reads. It is these features that we will talk about.
Galaxy Note 8 was the first device in this line without a physical Home button. A completely virtual navigation bar at the bottom is used because there is no space left due to the screen size. At the same time, the screen is such that in the place where it was before Home button, the pressure-sensitive area is now located. You can wake up your smartphone screen by pressing here, after which vibrations appear. But you can press not only when the screen is off, but also in any open application. It doesn't matter whether this panel is visible or not, clicking on it always works and launches the home screen.
The Samsung Experience interface does not have a dedicated button to launch the application list. It opens with a swipe up on the home screen. This freed up additional space on the home screen panel. However, it is possible to return this button. You need to long press on the home screen, open the home screen settings, the applications button and select the command "Show applications button".
Some manufacturers advertised adding sound profiles to smartphones about a year ago. This feature helps you determine the sensitivity of your ears to frequencies and change your smartphone's equalizer settings. Samsung has also had this feature since the Galaxy S7, but not everyone knows about it. To activate a sound profile, open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects > Tailor sound > Personalize sound.
If you open the submenu Edge panels, by clicking on the gear icon, you will see a quick toolbar that resembles a large compass. That is why many did not pay attention to it. There is a flashlight button with adjustable glow intensity and an automatic SOS signal. There is also a comfortable ruler that uses a low rise curved screen. The length of the ruler is 11.5 cm.
The virtual navigation bar disappears in some full-screen apps, allowing their content to be fully visible on the 18.5:9 Super AMOLED screen. But what if you want to clean it more often? For example, when scrolling pages on websites to fit more text.
Open Settings > Display > Navigation bar > Show and hide button. You will then see a small dot on the left edge of the navigation bar. Double clicking on it will make the panel disappear soon. By swiping up from the bottom of the screen, you can return the panel back and secure it by double-tapping on this point.
A couple of years ago, Samsung combated the saturated and inaccurate colors of its screens by adding a basic display mode. Unlike modes like Cinema or Adaptive, Basic mode has more subdued tones. Even when using the active mode, you could notice that there are advanced settings sliders that make it possible to adjust the RGB color balance.
When the YouTube app or video player started, they used own settings and again returned to overly saturated colors. If you don't like it, you need to open it Settings > Advanced Features and disable Video Enhancer. It is also possible to launch this function in some proposals, but not in others.
When you switch performance profiles in the device maintenance app, some of them will re-enable Video Enhancer.
Always On Display allows you to see the time, calendar, date, notifications at a glance. What if you also want to use it to control audio playback, see upcoming events and alerts? This can be arranged.
Open Settings > Lock screen and security > Information and FaceWidgets > FaceWidgets. In this submenu, you will see that you can add music controls, schedule views, and alarms. You need to double-tap Always On Display and scroll left and right.
The recent apps card window has a “Close All” button that allows you to quickly get rid of the chaos. However, there are some apps you may want to keep here permanently. Open Recent Apps, tap the three dots button in the top right corner and select Pin App. These applications will not close after clicking the “Close All” button; you can manually delete them with a gesture.
The secondary camera on the Galaxy Note 8 offers a portrait mode, called Live Focus here. This has its own peculiarity. By using both cameras, you can take a portrait image and a wide-angle photo at the same time. Turn on the Dual Capture switch, which is only available in Live Focus mode.
Everyone knows that double-pressing the power button launches the Camera app. In addition, double-clicking the same button already in the application switches between the front and rear cameras.
When you open the left screen in the camera app, there are shooting modes like automatic, manual, food, slow motion and others. If you have a preferred mode among them, you can tap the three dots button in the top right corner and select “Add a shortcut to your home screen.” Icons will be displayed there that will launch the camera immediately in this mode.
The Notes app is one of the key apps for the Galaxy Note because you can use the stylus here. It allows you to recover accidentally deleted records. You need to click on the button with three dots in the upper right corner and open the trash can, where deleted notes for 15 days are stored.
Bixby Assistant lets you control many of your smartphone's features with your voice. You can switch between screens, launch applications and settings, and change settings. First you need to unlock your smartphone, but this ruins the whole idea of hands-free control.
You can add voice commands to unlock your smartphone. Of course, this is not as secure a login option as others, so you need to be careful. To set up a voice unlock password, open the Bixby screen, click on the three dots button in the upper right corner, Settings > Unlock with voice password. There is also advanced voice recognition and voice activation sensitivity.
2. Next point Recovery and reset
3. Then click on Reset settings
4. Click the Reset button and agree to the destruction of personal data
5. After rebooting, the reset process will be completed
5. Then in the menu select Yes--delete all user data using the buttons Volume Setting and confirm your choice by pressing the button Inclusion
6. At the end, to reboot, click reboot system now
7. Reset will complete after restart
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 factory reset
Attention!
Our Internet project has at its disposal a new premium smartphone from Samsung - the Galaxy Note 8. In technical terms, the new product is an organic continuation of the flagship Samsung Galaxy S8. Among the differences are the screen diagonal increased to 6.3 inches, the function of drawing using the S Pen stylus supplied in the kit, a dual camera, 6 GB of RAM, and a more austere appearance. At the start of sales, the price of the device is like that of a powerful laptop - from 69,990 rubles. Is the Note 8 capable of becoming a full-fledged computer replacement, and is it that good?
The story of spontaneously combusting Note 7 batteries last year did not stop the Korean company's plans to develop a line of ultra-large smartphones. Painstaking work was carried out and now Samsung has assured that there will be no problems with new model There won't be a Note 8. 146% guarantee!
The new product itself turned out to be extremely interesting and rich in functionality. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has a strict appearance, and the glass and metal body has IP68 protection against dust and water. The most interesting visible part of the device was 6.3 inch screen with curved edges on the sides. In terms of hardware, the new product can boast of the most powerful hardware: an eight-core Exynos 8895 processor, Mali-G71 graphics, 6 GB of RAM. Built-in memory 64 GB, it can be supplemented with cards microSD memory(cards up to 250 GB are supported).
The smartphone supports all wireless communications - LTE Cat.16, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, Samsung Pay. The main camera received a double module - 12 megapixels each, with the ability to record in 4K, optical stabilization and a dozen special modes. Front camera 8 megapixels. To unlock your smartphone, you can use the built-in fingerprint scanner, as well as the iris and face recognition sensor. The device comes with a pre-installed operating system Android system 7.1.1 Nougat with Clean UI shell. According to Samsung, the device can be updated to the latest Android versions, including Android 8 Oreo.
Thanks to the DeX docking station, your phone can be turned into a full-fledged computer or something similar. This is especially true, taking into account the price of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 at 70 thousand rubles.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Case materials: | Aluminum (7000 series), Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Housing protection: |
rated IP68 from water up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1.5 meters |
| Screen: | curved on both sides SuperAMOLED, 6.3-inch diagonal, resolution 1440x2960 pixels (521 ppi), adaptive color and brightness adjustment, color correction, AlwaysOn Display function |
| CPU: | 64-bit Exynos 8895 (4 cores up to 2.35 GHz, 4 cores up to 1.9 GHz) 10 nm |
| GPU: | Mali-G71 |
| RAM: | 6 GB (LPDDR4) |
| Flash memory: | 64 GB (52.3 GB user accessible) + microSD memory card slot (up to 256 GB) |
| Mobile connection: | 2G (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), 3G (850/900/1900/2100 MHz), 4G (including LTE 800, 1800, 2600) |
| SIM card type: | Two nanoSIM cards, one of which is combined with a memory card slot |
| Communications and ports: | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz), NFC, USB Type C, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5 mm headset, ANT+, Samsung Pay, S Pen, recognition handwriting input, 2048 pressure levels, drawing and note-taking app |
| Navigation: | GPS, AGPS, GLONASS |
| Sensors: | Light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer/gyroscope, barometer, digital compass, fingerprint scanner, iris scanner, face scanner, vibration sensor, heart rate sensor |
| Main camera: | Dual, both modules are 12 megapixels, f/1.7, autofocus, LED flash, 4K video recording, optical stabilizer |
| Front-camera: | 8 MP, autofocus, f/1.7, 1/3.6” |
| Battery: | non-removable, 3300 mAh, built-in WPC/PMA wireless charging, fast charging in 65 minutes |
| Dimensions, weight: | 162.5x74.8x8.6 mm, 195 grams |
| Operating system: | Android 7.1.1 Nougat with proprietary Clean UI shell |
| Case colors: | black (Midnight Black), gold (Maple Gold), blue (Blue Saphire) |
The premium quality of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950) is visible in absolutely everything, including the packaging. Thus, the device is supplied in a box made of thick black cardboard with magnets and a dust jacket. On the reverse side it is indicated brief information O technical specifications. The model name is printed on the front. There is no image of the gadget.
In the box you can see the device itself, as well as:
Plug adapter charger with USB connector
Sync cable computer USB- USB Type C
microUSB to USB Type-C(OTG adapter for connecting external devices)
AKG stereo headset with 3.5 mm miniJack connector
SIM card tray clip
Instructions, warranty card
If we take average data with a mixed mode of use, we get two days battery life. Those who use only calls can easily count on 4 days of work. In terms of autonomy, the device differs for the better from the vast majority of Android smartphones.
The device has several energy saving modes. Some of them limit the brightness of the screen backlight and processor frequency. In this scenario, the operating time will increase by at least 20%. There is an extreme (maximum) energy saving mode. In this case, the screen displays only white and grey colour, all applications except telephone communication, SMS, calendar and alarms are disabled.
The phone received a function fast charging. The battery is fully charged in 1 hour 5 minutes. There is also built-in wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 comes pre-installed operating system Android 7.1.1 Nougat and Clean UI.
Smartphone owners have access to all Samsung branded programs, including S Health for monitoring physical activity and health, voice assistant Bixby, gesture support, KNOX - for separating data into personal and work, etc. Missing programs can be downloaded from Samsung App Store And Google Play. The model supports the Samsung Pay service.
The smartphone contains gesture control functions and S Pen drawing capabilities that can make everyday use easier and more convenient. So, there is support for one-handed control and gestures.
Smart Capture lets you take a screenshot of even hidden areas of the screen, which is useful when you need to capture an entire web page or when text doesn't fit on one screen.
Using the Game Launcher and Game Tools applications you can disable touch buttons controls during the game, which will prevent accidental clicks, quickly respond to a message without minimizing the game, or completely block any notifications.
As I noted just above, at the bottom end of the Galaxy Note 8 there is electronic pen S Pen. It has a thinner tip, improved pressure sensitivity, and new features and functions. Here are some of them.
The Animated Messages feature lets you share animated texts or pictures with friends across platforms that support animated GIFs.
On-Screen Notepad allows you to store up to 100 pages of notes on your phone, which you can take immediately after removing the S Pen, pin notes to when the screen is off, and easily edit them later.
There is also an improved translation feature using the S Pen. It allows you to quickly translate not only individual words, but also entire sentences in 71 languages, as well as convert foreign currencies and units of measurement. To do this, just point the electronic pen at the desired word on the smartphone screen.
S Voice has become Bixby. Samsung fully believes that its development will become something similar to Siri, Cortana or Google Assistant. In addition to standard recognition of voice commands, Bixby looks at the context in which the request is pronounced, that is, user behavior; the application that is open at this moment; location, etc. In fact, Bixby works with Big Data that your smartphone accumulates.
Currently, Bixby's current features cannot be called intelligent. The prediction system works correctly only in every second case. To train it, you need millions of people to start using Bixby; in such systems it doesn’t happen otherwise - the more they use it, the better they become.
According to analysts, a full-fledged version of Bixby with voice commands, tips and other things will be released only in December 2017, along with updating the device to Android 8. So we are waiting.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has a dual main camera. These are two sensors of 12 megapixels each. One of them is a 1/2.55” matrix with a wide-angle lens (f/1.7), the second is a 1/3.6” telephoto (f/2.4), and it is this one that provides double optical zoom. There is phase detection autofocus and optical image stabilization. Thanks to the increased system performance and the fact that the camera module received its own memory, a comfortable Burst Mode appeared. This mode allows you to take several dozen pictures in a row. In addition, the camera focuses on objects faster.
The camera takes slightly better quality pictures in difficult lighting conditions. In the settings you can find additional shooting modes, including PRO. Otherwise, improvements in camera performance are not so significant compared to its predecessors.
The camera interface is made in the traditional Samsung style. There are many settings and preset modes, including self-portrait, panorama, night, continuous shooting, HDR and GIF creation. Video capabilities allow shooting in 4K. In FullHD you can choose a frame rate of 60 or 30 frames per second. There is optical stabilization.
IN manual mode ISO settings available in 50, 100, 200, 400, 800. The following shooting modes are available: single shot, smile detection, continuous, panorama, vintage, portrait, landscape, night mode, sports, indoors, beach/snow, sunset, dawn, autumn colors, fireworks, text, dusk, against the light.
The front camera has a resolution of 8 megapixels. It is quite photosensitive (f/1.7), has a 1/3.6” matrix, and has autofocus. When taking a selfie, you can adjust your skin tone, face shape, and eye size. There is also a panoramic selfie function, although the optics are already wide-angle - you can capture a small company without special modes.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is a prime example of a very interesting premium device. It is clear that very wealthy people can afford it. The device is addressed primarily to creative and business audiences. For the former, the opportunity to draw on the device’s screen, as well as take photographs and shoot videos of the highest quality, will come in handy. The dual main camera here is very good. For the latter, a smartphone is suitable for working outside a stationary workplace. The multi-window function is conveniently implemented here. different applications, the ability to take some notes using the S Pen stylus, as well as very respectable battery life even under extreme load.
The advantages of the device include the gorgeous 6.3-inch screen, which occupies almost the entire front part. In addition, the device has high-performance hardware with a large amount of RAM and built-in memory. The user interface flies, heavy games and videos work without lag. There is a mode for working with VR helmets and augmented reality programs.
I would also note protection against dust and water according to class IP68. This allows the smartphone to be at a depth of up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. This, of course, does not mean that the phone can be washed under water and, moreover, water resistance can be tested in washing machine. But if you drop it in water, nothing will happen to it. Convenient features include facial recognition, iris scanner, gesture control, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, Samsung Pay.
By default, users have access to the S Health application to monitor their physical activity, and KNOXX to create a protected data area. The main camera was also at a high level.
Among the disadvantages is the risk of breaking your smartphone from the first fall on asphalt or stones. But in most cases, the screen tolerates falls without consequences. Much more critical was the transfer of the fingerprint scanner to back panel smartphone. Because of this, using Samsung Pay has become unusual. Another disadvantage is the memory card slot combined with one of the SIM cards.
When it comes to potential competitors for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, the only one that comes to mind is the iPhone 8 Plus. Both devices have comparable camera quality and performance. However, Note 8 looks more interesting in terms of appearance and various technical features. The Samsung device is more versatile. You don’t need to buy accessories costing 7-9 thousand rubles for it wireless charging or listening to music at home.
Advantages
High-quality assembly and stylish appearance
Great big screen
High performance
Support LTE cat. 16
Water and dust protection
Dual SIM support
AKG headphones included
Face scanner and iris scanner
High quality camera
Flaws
Inconvenient location of the fingerprint scanner
High price
Combined slot for SIM cards and memory cards
On the day of publication of this test review, you could buy a Samsung Galaxy Note8 (SM-N950) at a price of 69,990 rubles.
Widget from SocialMartThe Internet project site expresses gratitude to the MegaFon retail network for organizing testing of the device.
Review samsung cameras Galaxy Note 8 - the best dual camera in 2017. I can endlessly criticize ergonomics Galaxy cases Note 8, but what you can't take away from the phone is its excellent camera quality. About her and we'll talk in this review.
Many people like to criticize software Samsung shell Galaxy Note 8 and its clumsiness compared to bare Android, but in some elements Samsung developers have made great progress.
Let's talk about the application Galaxy cameras Note 8, which, in my opinion, is one of the most convenient and fastest among current premium smartphones. Clear, clean user interface with a thoughtful settings menu completes the pleasant experience.
Of all the camera apps that I have seen and tested, probably only the Leica app in Huawei flagships() is implemented objectively better. It makes it easier to access manual settings, and it’s easier to enable additional modes.
I was able to find only two obvious mistakes in the design of the Note 8 camera interface:
Otherwise, the design and ergonomics of the Galaxy Note 8 (and other) camera app Samsung flagships) pleases. For everyday shooting, the Note 8 camera will be convenient to use.
I would like to note the decision of the Samsung developers to put all the settings for the photo and video parts in one window. The settings for the front camera are also stored there. In my opinion, this is convenient because you don’t need to navigate through all the windows in all modes, but you can immediately customize each mode for yourself in one settings window.
Minor glitches in the Galaxy Note 8's camera interface become almost invisible against the backdrop of its impressive functionality. Let's look at all the chips in order.
Auto mode. In this mode, the Galaxy Note 8 camera app has minimal capabilities. Samsung is focusing on the Bixby camera, Dynamic Focus and Stickers.
You can turn the flash on/off, switch to the front camera and open settings. It is possible to enable the interface without black frames.
Clicking circle x2 activates the telephoto lens. Switching from one camera to another occurs almost instantly, and this also applies to video shooting.
Now more about Stickers and Dynamic Focus:
Stickers- these are essentially interactive masks, like those in Snapchat or Instagram Stories. There are quite a few stickers, but why they are needed in a business-oriented smartphone for 70,000 rubles is unclear.
Will a respectable guy seriously play with stickers and put deer antlers on his head? I don't think so, it's more like Samsung's marketing team is in disarray.
Dynamic focus- This is portrait mode. When activated, the background is blurred and the subject is highlighted using software methods. To take a photo with dynamic focusing, you need to stand at a distance of 1.2 meters from the subject.
Portrait mode works quickly and rarely makes mistakes if the background is not too complex. Artifacts may appear on a non-uniform background (foliage, flowers, contrasting areas).
As I said above, you can start shooting video directly from Auto mode, just click on the corresponding button and it will start recording immediately. The interface is as simple as possible - this is both good and bad at the same time. For ordinary users This approach will be as convenient as possible, but advanced users will feel a lack of features (like manual focusing, sound settings, etc., like the LG G6).
While shooting video, you can move from one camera to another by pressing circle x2.
About the mode. The manual camera mode of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is implemented in the best traditions of flagship Android smartphones. In addition to standard things like changing exposure, shutter speed, focusing range and ISO, here you can play with the focusing area (several focusing points or one in the center). There is also exposure metering, as in “adult” cameras - matrix, spot and center-weighted. I recommend using the latter.
Panorama. Built-in application that builds horizontal panoramas. Gluing goes quickly, if you do not shake the phone, you can achieve good results.
Slow motion. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 camera shoots slow-motion video at 240 frames per second in HD resolution. Sparsely against the backdrop of the coolest slow-mo, quite within the limits of the flagships of 2017.
Hyperlapse. Samsung has made dual hyperlapse and timelapse in one mode, so accelerated videos can be shot both handheld and on a tripod.
Food. A very strange mode that is designed to make food photos more appetizing. In reality it is useless.
Virtual shooting. But this opportunity really delivered. Using virtual photography, you can make 3D images of any stationary objects and even people. The resulting result can be rotated at any angle in the company gallery.
In the camera settings of the Galaxy Note 8, I noticed that the HDR algorithms apply not only to the main dual camera, but also to the front camera.
I like that you can set the resolution and shooting parameters for photos and videos directly in one window. It’s great when you don’t have to run around different windows looking for settings.
Motion snapshot is an interesting feature for gif fans. Works like Live Photos on iPhone. Record a short video clip before each photo.
Eat quick start cameras. Once this option is enabled, you can launch the camera by quickly double-pressing the power button.
In short, the Galaxy Note 8's camera takes excellent photos. But I think you want proofs, so there will be a bunch of example shots below.
The ability to take good photographs is the most important factor when talking about the quality of a flagship smartphone's camera. Therefore, let's start with photography.
Test Samsung pictures Galaxy Note 8.
Daytime shooting (scroll right):
Night photography:
Despite noticeable over-sharpening in some scenes, the Galaxy Note 8's camera handles white balance competently and has very fast and tenacious autofocus. The pictures always come out clear and contrasty, and if you're not a fan of fiddling with editors before sending a photo to Instagram, you'll probably consider the Galaxy Note 8's camera to be the best.
However, this is not quite true. Advanced users will immediately answer you what to work with iPhone photos 8 Plus/7 Plus is easier than taking photos from the Galaxy Note 8. The iPhone takes less expressive, even faded photos, but it’s a pleasure to “twist” such photos in Snapseed. Samsung engineers took a different route, roughly speaking, by building the editor directly into the camera algorithms. Therefore, pictures on the Galaxy Note 8 always look advantageous and brighter than many other premium smartphones
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 portrait mode.
Let’s take a separate look at how the portrait mode of the Galaxy Note 8 camera works. Look how skillfully the Samsung camera algorithms (Dynamic Focus mode) highlight the subject. In my opinion, the quality of such portraits on the Galaxy Note 8 is better than on iPhones with a dual camera.
When shooting in low light, the Note 8 telephoto leaves no chance for the iPhone. Thanks to optical stabilization and faster aperture optics (F/2.4 for the Note 8 versus F/2.8 for the iPhone 8 Plus/7 Plus), the Galaxy Note 8 is the only smartphone on the market that can shoot at this level. Night portrait photography is completely beyond the Galaxy Note 8.
A less important parameter for most users, but very important for those who like to shoot video on a smartphone. Such people are ready to sacrifice quality in terms of photos, just so that video shooting is at the maximum level. Therefore, here I have collected all possible tests with different resolutions and FPS.
In each test, I used two Galaxy Note 8 cameras at once to see what the telephoto camera is capable of in comparison with the main wide-angle camera, as well as to look at the speed of switching from camera to camera and the performance of stabilization.
FHD 30 fps video recording test in a still state:
FHD 30 fps video recording test in motion (stabilization check):
FHD 60 fps recording test while still:
FHD 60 fps recording test in motion (stabilization check):
Still 4K 30 fps video recording test:
4K 30 fps recording test in motion (stabilization check):
In FHD 60 fps mode, the camera does not allow switching to telephoto. I did not find an explanation for why such a limitation was set, but given the poor performance of stabilization in this mode on the main camera, Samsung engineers could have considered that there would be complete “shaking” on the TV.
Most likely, this is so, because shooting in 60 FPS mode is really difficult, there is a feeling that optical stabilization does not work in this mode, there is a very striking difference between the quality of stabilization in FHD 30 fps and FHD 60 fps.
Despite my ambivalence towards Samsung smartphones and them software, I admit that their flagship cameras are some of the best on the market. This is especially true of the Galaxy Note 8 with a dual camera that is head and shoulders above the competition.
I would like to thank Samsung Service Plaza in Minsk for providing the Galaxy Note 8 sample for review. This is the most official service center and at the same time a branded store of Samsung smartphones and accessories.Samsung Service Plaza knows how to repair quickly and efficiently, and phone repairs are carried out in the presence of the client.
