Galaxy Note 8.0

[Mopetar]

Just saw that Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Note 8.0. While another 8" tablet wouldn't be all that interesting, this one can also work as a phone. While that's kind of interesting, it makes me wonder where the line is at in terms of size. There are a lot of people who love really big phones like the the Note and Note II, but this just seems to be stretching it as this device is going to have over twice the area over anything else on the market.

I'm kind of curious if anyone would consider something like this for use as their primary phone.

 

[badb0y]

Oh, and did we mention the Note 8.0's also a phone? Well, the HSPA+ global model is, anyway. LTE and WiFi-only models are currently in the works, with that latter variant headed to US shores.

notsureifsrs

 

[ilkhan]

And 8" tablet with phone functionality would be great if you were one of those people with a headset on 24/7.

Also LOL @ 720p resolution.

 

[sciwizam]

The original Galaxy Tab had phone capabilities in the international models.

 

[ponyo]

The original Galaxy Tab had phone capabilities in the international models.

I have the original Tab and have used it as a phone. It works well. Phone capability was the main reason I bought it and why I still have it. I don't see the downside of having the feature other than slight increase in cost. 7.7 S-AMOLED Tab also had phone capabilities.

Nexus 7 HSPA+ doesn't have the phone capabilities. It's a shame too. I would've upgraded if it did. Tablets like the iPad and N7 would be so much better if it could make and receive phone calls. People use FaceTime, Skype, and Google Talk to talk on tablets. Regular phone calls wouldn't be any different and would give you another option.

I'm interested in the Note 8.0 because of the S-Pen and the phone capabilities. If it didn't have the two features, it would be just another average tablet in a sea of tablets.

 

[Chocu1a]

Once you start using the s-pen, you can't go back. It really has me hooked. I will be replacing my Nexus 7 with this.
I already have the Note 2 & 10.1 & will have the 8.

 

[MrX8503]

As a primary phone would be ridiculous. For the occasional calls would be ok.

 

[gorcorps]

Depending on price, I might be interested. Don't think I'd be that sold on phone capabilities so maybe just a wifi version.

 

[Red Storm]

Uh you can already use any tablet as a phone, even easier with one that has GSM/LTE. I've used my tablet to make and answer calls when I'm on the couch with it away from my phone.

 

[Bateluer]

Also LOL @ 720p resolution.

Also lol at the physical buttons. This is not the 8in tablet I was looking for.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Also lol at the physical buttons. This is not the 8in tablet I was looking for.

My reading fail

 

[you2]

wifi version would be good for kids who like to draw

 

[dawheat]

Also lol at the physical buttons. This is not the 8in tablet I was looking for.

Never understood this complaint - whether it's for the S3, Note 2, etc. I prefer the physical buttons b/c it uses bezel space that otherwise would be wasted.

Look at the HTC One - at least they use the bottom bezel to put in a front facing speaker. Most other phones just waste the space. But above it are the software buttons and then the launcher icons.

I like that the overall device dimensions can be more compact, the bottom bezel is put to good use, and usable screen starts immediately above it.

 

[s44]

Now that Google forced a separate notification bar even onto soft key tablets, there's no reason not to have fixed buttons. Also, the S Pen works on them this time...

Anyway, I expect another round of suprised/enraged forumites when Samsung sells a lot of these.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Also lol at the physical buttons. This is not the 8in tablet I was looking for.

I don't like the Note 8. But I do find physical buttons to be a good thing. I hate what Google has done with the tablet UI and the onscreen buttons that are almost always present and wasting so much screen space.

Unfortunately I hate the glossy plastic (why they still doing that?), the resolution (8 inch should at least be 1440x900 in 2013), and I'm sure the price will reflect the digitizer, pen, and IR blaster that I won't use. Not saying it's a bad tablet, just not what I'm looking for.

Also not liking the camera bulge.

 

[BladeVenom]

As a primary phone would be ridiculous. For the occasional calls would be ok.

If you use a earpiece or headset, the size doesn't matter that much.

 

[gmaster456]

The design just seems odd. Maybe it's the white color. Either way, not the tablet I was hoping for.

 

[Chrono]

Love it... 720p... it's pretty much just rivaling the ipad mini.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

Extremely nice, if the price is good it completely destroys the iPad mini.

It's a shame Samsung didn't release this a year or two ago when I was still in college, this would have been a must have for notetaking.

 

[Bateluer]

Love it... 720p... it's pretty much just rivaling the ipad mini.

The iPad Mini gets crushed by the Nexus 7 on specs and value.

 

[MrX8503]

I actually prefer the home button. I don't like the rest of the design though due to its plastic body. It's also bigger/heavier than the Mini.

The note 8 may be the best small android tablet, but then there's the Nexus 7.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

I actually prefer the home button. I don't like the rest of the design though due to its plastic body. It's also bigger/heavier than the Mini.

The note 8 may be the best small android tablet, but then there's the Nexus 7.

The weight difference is pretty minor, not enough to give the Mini much of an edge at all.

Provided the Note is reasonably priced it should easily dethrone the Nexus 7 at everything other than absolute lowest price.

 

[ponyo]

The iPad Mini gets crushed by the Nexus 7 on specs and value.

Which is why Nexus 7 has done well. But Samsung is greedy and thinks it's on equal footing with Apple. So I don't see Note 8 being much of a value. Which rather you have? Retina iPad Mini for $329 or Note 8 for $350 or more? I'll take Retina iPad Mini. Low res of the Note 8 along with the high price will be its downfall.

 

[Chrono]

I admit, the iPad mini is one nice looking LIGHT tablet. I was about to bite and buy one... but stopped myself and am looking for a cheaper used nexus 7 on craigslist instead. I may just forgo that idea entirely since I already have the note 2 as my phone.

 

[Red Storm]

Which is why Nexus 7 has done well. But Samsung is greedy and thinks it's on equal footing with Apple. So I don't see Note 8 being much of a value. Which rather you have? Retina iPad Mini for $329 or Note 8 for $350 or more? I'll take Retina iPad Mini. Low res of the Note 8 along with the high price will be its downfall.

Because of the stylus I would have to really think about it, but I think in the end I would go Tab.