Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 seems to be similar to the Galaxy Note 2 with bigger screen. It has same glossy finish, plastic body and curved corners. Even the software and hardware parts are identical. Well, it may be too early to say it is the clone of the other as in later stage industry analysts even dismissed the comment of Apple’s iPad being bigger size of iPod touch.
The two main competitors of Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet is Apple’s iPad Mini and Google’s Nexus 7. Both are priced lower than Galaxy Note 8.0.
Well, let us find out what’s being offered by Samsung in the device before we have our own verdict about it. Below are the details:
Design
You won’t be much surprised after unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet. It carries the same traditional design language of the Korean giant and the rounded corners give a retro look. As a whole it does not look bad though.
The exterior is smooth with glossy plastic. It is comfortable and easy to hold, which is to be appreciated of course. The Home button functions very well but the power button is less satisfactory.
Compared to Apple’s iPad Mini, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 isn’t something groundbreaking, but something that is okay and comfortable. It weighs just 11.92 oz, light for an 8 incher.
Display
There is nothing innovative in the display. It is good quality LCD TFT screen providing a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels with 189 ppi. It has got good viewing angles with satisfactory outdoor visibility.
S Pen
The S Pen is signature feature of the company and it accompanies Galaxy Note 8.0 too. The stylus is used for features like drawing and note-taking. It is comfortable to hold and big enough. It is pressure-sensitive and writing with it is convenient.
User Interface and Functionality
The tablet runs on Android 4.1.2 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) mobile operating system and is supported with TouchWiz Nature UI to enhance the touch functionality. The custom features of the device are much talked about as those are one of the best, definitely. The Smart Stay, Pop Up Pay and Multi Window view features keeps it ahead of other Android tablets.
Messaging
The QWERTY keyboard seems small and makes typing a bit tough. Well, this can be fixed by installing other good third-party keyboard or can take the help of S Pen stylus that is enhanced with the handwriting recognition technology.
Processor and Memory
The tablet is powered with quad-core Exynos 4412 processor clocked at 1.6GHz. It is equipped with 2GB of RAM to offer fluid experience. It comes in two variants – 16GB and 32GB on-board storage. The memory can be expanded further via microSD card.
Internet and Connectivity
The Galaxy Note 8.0 comes with Samsung’s own browser, replacing Google Chrome that is native to ICS. It gives superior Web browsing experience compared to other tablets. However, third-party browsers can be installed if user wishes so, but special features will be compromised like the history and syncing of tabs. It is learned the browser is even faster than Opera mini, Firefox and Dolphin browsers on ICS OS.
The tablet is compatible with all the Wi-Fi protocols and is also equipped with 3G/HSPA+ in its other variants with speeds up to 21.1 Mbit/s. There is no LTE-enabled variant as of now. It has 4th generation of Bluetooth and also IR blaster if one wants to use the device as a remote for TV.
International 3G is enabled to facilitate phone calling with it.
Camera and Multimedia
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is mounted with 5-megapixel sensor and the camera app comes with full of settings. It tends giving results with realistic tones in outdoor photography. The indoor photographs are fine too. It supports video recording at 720p resolution. Microphone is okay as it captures harsh sounds too. Loudspeakers are average. The music player and video/photo gallery is average. Its IR blaster works like a remote to a television. It supports all popular brands like Toshiba, Sharp, Sony, Panasonic and of course Samsung.
Verdict
It is a no bet that Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is a wonderful tablet. It has improved technology with reliable features. The S Pen is not a gimmick, it does work as claimed by Samsung. Also, Samsung’s own TouchWiz interface has enhanced the responsiveness of the device.
Google’s Nexus 7 tablet is dangerously very close to Galaxy Note 8.0, though a bit shorter, and its lower price may grab away potential buyer of the new Note.
Now the ball is in your court whether to go with Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 or to buy the other alternatives, which are almost equally better tablets. Do share your own views with us and fellow readers in the below comment box.
