It has been suggested before that Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will not be released, but the rate at which information regarding this phone is circulating makes it hard to believe this statement.
In a new leak, notable tipster Evan Blass recently showcased the model numbers of both Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 handsets. Where the former will carry model number SM-G950 and SM-G955, the latter will come with SM-N950. This will represent a jump from SM-930 model numbers used on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 7, which is in line with previous rumors that had pointed towards the same, citing South Korea’s association of the number 4 with bad luck as the main reason there won’t be an SM-940 model number.
This comes after previous reports had indicated that indeed Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be part of the exchange program in the local South Korea. Apparently, those who were ready to buy the Galaxy Note 7 but were disappointed and instead have turned to any other Samsung Galaxy phone will have the chance to exchange their current Samsung phone with a new Galaxy Note 8 come 2017.
Given the already damaged image of the Note series, Samsung will be looking to give its best when making the Galaxy Note 8 so as to recover the lost glory. So, what are some of the specs and features we can expect to be added to the Note 8 when it comes to life next year?
Bezel-less display
Samsung has remained on top of the competition when it comes to smartphone display technology. This will go on with the Galaxy Note 8, with reports indicating that the company is working on a unique edge-to-edge display for the phablet, probably much better than what you see on the Xiaomi Mi MIX.
Samsung has been offering edge-to-edge screens with the Galaxy S7 Edge and Galaxy Note 7, however, none of these has managed to hit the scales of a true bezel-less phone. Perhaps, the 2017 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be the first to take this direction – or maybe the second after Samsung Galaxy S8. It is also thought that the bezel-less panel will result in a larger screen size than the usual 5.7-inch display used on Galaxy Note handsets, a move that will still be welcomed by many. In short, we could be looking at a screen size of at least 6 inches in size, close to the 6.4 inches found on the Mi MIX.
Advanced technologies
In addition to boasting a new design, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 could also debut a series of new technologies. For starters, there is talk of a new AI-based assistant that could join the likes of Google Assistant and Apple Siri in offering AI functionality to smartphones. Like it the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, the new AI assistant would be baked into the Galaxy Note 8, providing a more user-friendly experience than any other previous model.
In addition, Samsung is also working on joining the VR world fully, even though the company has one foot in the game already. The new Galaxy Note 8 could probably add support for other VR headsets such as Oculus Rift VR, HTC Vive, among others.
It was rumored that Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will debut the first 4K screen for Samsung phones. However, this did not happen. As a result, the rumors have shifted this feature to the 2017 Samsung Galaxy Note 8.
Outstanding specs
We have seen it all when it comes to specs – be it the RAM, processors or even storage options. Apple silenced many with its 256GB iPhone 7 and if all is well, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 could make an attempt to match this offering. But since the microSD card is there, we might never see such a huge storage capacity on the Note 8. As for the RAM, 6GB is possible since the company made its first move in this world with the Galaxy C9 Pro. Samsung has already begun works on a new Exynos 8895 that could end up in the Galaxy Note 8 alongside a newer Snapdragon 830.
Some analysts have claimed that it could have been possible to prevent some Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from exploding if the battery was removable. As a result, reports are rife that Samsung could go back to this 2014 strategy and release a Galaxy Note 8 that has a removable battery unit.
There is talk of a dual-lens camera setup on the back of the phone with the iris scanner retained as well, but given the reports surrounding the bezel-less screen, it is hard to tell where the front camera will be located. We’ve seen this feature moved to the bottom bezel on the Xiaomi Mi MIX – who knows, Samsung could take the same direction or something totally different, depending on the design of the front panel.
Even though there won’t be a Samsung Galaxy Note flagship this year, it is unlikely that Samsung will rush to release the Galaxy Note 8 like reports claim. Instead, we could see the phone come to life in the second half of 2017, just like it has happened before.
Would you like Samsung to release the Galaxy Note 8 earlier than usual? Please share your thoughts with us through the comments.