Samsung galaxy note 8 or iphone 8 plus, which one to buy?
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This year will be marked again by the high-end devices of Samsung and Apple. The two heavyweights in the sector once again have reasons to compete thanks to their latest releases. One of the most current equipment announced by the South Korean has been the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. The device is already on sale on the company's website or at specialized distributors. Its price is around 1,000 euros.
Apple, for its part, has returned to the scene with several new iPhones, among which is the iPhone 8 Plus. This model has just been placed on the market from 900 euros. The prices of these two terminals are similar, but are their characteristics also similar? If you are thinking about which one to buy, we want to give you a hand and help you make up your mind. It is true that one stands out more than the other in some things. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 or iPhone 8 Plus: which one to buy?
Comparative sheet
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8 | iPhone 8 Plus | |
| screen | 6.3 inches, QHD + (2960 x 1440) (521ppi) (infinity screen) | 5.5-inch IPS panel, 1,920 x 1,080 pixel resolution at 401 dpi, 1,300: 1 contrast, True Tone technology |
| Main chamber | -12 megapixel wide angle, f / 1.7 (Stabilizer)
”“ 12 megapixel telephoto lens, f / 2.4 (Stabilizer) |
Dual 12 MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras, Aperture f / 1.8 for wide-angle and f / 2.8 for telephoto, Optical Zoom, Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting (beta), Optical Image Stabilization |
| Camera for selfies | 8 megapixels, f / 1.7, autofocus, Full HD video | 7 MP with f / 2.2 aperture, Automatic image stabilization, Video recording in 1080p HD, Retina Flash |
| Internal memory | 64 GB | 64GB and 256GB |
| Extension | microSD up to 256GB | Not |
| Processor and RAM | Exynos 8895 Eight Core (2.3GHz Quad + 1.7GHz Quad), 64 bit, 10 nanometers, 6 GB RAM | A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture, Neural Engine, Integrated M11 motion coprocessor, 3 GB RAM |
| Drums | 3,300 mAh, fast charging, fast wireless charging | Up to 13 hours in navigation (similar to the iPhone 7 Plus) |
| Operating system | Android 7.7.1 Nougat / Samsung Touchwiz | iOS 11 |
| Connections | BT, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC, Accelerometer, Barometer, Fingerprint Sensor,
Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Heart Rate Sensor, Proximity Sensor, RGB Light Sensor, Iris Sensor, Pressure |
Wi ”'Fi 802.11ac with MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, 4G |
| SIM | nanoSIM | nanoSIM |
| Design | Metal and glass, IP68 certified, including S Pen | Aluminum and Glass on the back |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6 millimeters (195 grams)
S Pen: 5.8 x 4.2 x 108.3 mm (28 grams) |
158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5mm, 202 grams |
| Featured Features | S Pen (draw GIFs, translate phrases, take unlimited notes on screen off ”¦), updated Samsung Dex support, bokeh effect in photos | IP67 rating, Touch ID fingerprint reader, Wireless charging |
| Release date | Available | Available |
| Price | 1,010 euros | 64 GB: 920 euros
256 GB: 1,090 euros |
Design and display
For many users, the screen and the design are two of the sections that they most often look at when purchasing a device. Neither the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 nor the iPhone 8 Plus disappoint in either one. However, they present a series of differences that are worth highlighting. The Samsung terminal may be better off and let's see why. At first glance, the Note 8 looks very similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8 +, with slightly rounded edges and a chassis that combines metal and glass. We can say that it is a beautiful and elegant terminal. With a certain brightness that makes us have the feeling of holding a large mobile in our hand.
Turning it around we appreciate a certain futuristic touch. And it is that, in this model Samsung has included for the first time a double sensor in a horizontal position that stars the entire back together with the fingerprint reader, which is located right next to it. The Samsung logo is not lacking either, which boasts a central position. But, indisputably, all the prominence is taken by the screen.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is a full-fledged phablet and this is something that is appreciated in the size of the panel and in the resolution: 6.3 inches, QHD + (2960 x 1440). In addition, it offers a more elongated aspect ratio, surpassing the classic 16: 9. Hence, it is said that it has an infinite screen. As if this were not enough, it also has Mobile HDR Premium technology, thanks to which we can see multimedia content with higher quality.
Apple has put a lot of effort into designing the iPhone 8 Plus. It also has an important resemblance to the iPhone 7 Plus. Of course, the company has manufactured it with a more resistant glass that gives it a very different shine to that seen in other generations. We can say that the iPhone 8 Plus shines like no other previous iPhone. As we say, the glass used is bomb-proof. It is reinforced with a steel substructure. Aerospace-type 7000 series aluminum material has been used for the entire edge of the device. The Touch ID fingerprint reader is still kept on the front. In addition, it is resistant to water and dust due to the IP67 certification. Its competitor too, although it offers a better certification: IP68.
The iPhone 8 Plus makes use of a 5.5-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. This is the same resolution and size that we already saw on last year's model, so there haven't been too many changes. In any case, it presents a novelty that is worth highlighting. It includes True Tone technology, so you can enjoy images with purer and sharper colors. The iPhone 8 Plus does not have, therefore, an infinite screen like the Note 8 or a ratio higher than the usual 16: 9.
Processor and memory
Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus are two high-end phones. They have been created to be able to move the most current applications and games. Therefore, both teams are powered by processors to match. Anyway, perhaps the Note 8 is better off here too thanks to its 6 GB RAM. Apple continues to include RAM in its iPhone, which is somewhat scarce. In this case, it is 3 GB, a figure that we already see in many low-mid-range models.
The chip included in the Galaxy Note 8 is an eight-core Exynos 8895 with 64-bit architecture (four at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.7 GHz). It is built under the 10 nanometer process and also has a storage capacity of 64 GB (expandable). The iPhone 8 Plus has room inside for an A 11 Bionic processor with 64-bit architecture, Neural Engine and integrated M11 Motion Coprocessor. In your case, the storage space is 64 or 256 GB (not expandable through slots). One day we hope to be able to do more comprehensive tests and really see how these two heavy duty teams work separately.
Camera and extras
Neither the iPhone 8 Plus nor the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will disappoint when it comes to the photographic section. The two mount dual sensors with modes and features to beautify the shots. We are sure that the quality of the two is going to be up to par, so it will be quite difficult to decide if you wanted to solve doubts with the camera. In the case of the Note 8, it has a double main sensor. A 12-megapixel wide-angle lens with f / 1.7 aperture and stabilizer, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with f / 2.4 aperture and image stabilizer. The front camera has a resolution of 8 megapixels and has Flash. Therefore, we expect high-quality selfies.
IPhone 8 Plus boasts dual 12 megapixel camera with wide angle and telephoto. The aperture is f / 1.8 for the wide angle and f / 2.8 for the telephoto lens. It also offers optical zoom, Portrait mode and optical image stabilization. Unlike its competitor, the 8 Plus equips a front camera with a slightly lower resolution of 7 megapixels. It has automatic image stabilization and Retina Flash.
One of the extras that is worth highlighting, and that makes the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 gain importance with respect to the iPhone 8 plus, is the S Pen that it has integrated. It is a 0.7 millimeter thick pointer capable of recognizing more than 4,000 levels of pressure. It is totally self-sufficient. That is, it does not need a battery of any kind. In addition, it includes IP68 certification, so it will not spoil if it falls into the water. With it we can perform numerous functions. From quickly translating complete words and phrases, just by selecting them. Even writing and drawing GiF or taking notes.
Drums
Another point that is worth highlighting is the battery. Both have wireless charging and fast charging.In fact, it is one of the novelties that Apple includes this year in its new iPhone. However, it is not gold everything that shines. Fast charging on the iPhone 8 Plus will not work with the normal charger. You will need a USB-C adapter, so you will need to purchase a USB-C to Lightning cable. This cable is currently only manufactured by Apple, and is priced at 29 euros. Also, although the company has not given official figures for the size of the battery, it is said that it could be smaller than that of the iPhone 7 Plus. With a possible capacity of 2,675 mAh. Even lower than the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which is 3,300 mAh. We will have to see in more detailed tests how both behave in this section.
Feedback
Both Samsung and Apple have done a good job this year overall. Apple fan boys have applauded some things that were left to be polished, such as wireless or fast charging. The design of this model has also received improvements, as well as the processor or the camera. However, the Cupertino firm is still somewhat behind leading competitors, such as Samsung. The high ranges of the Asian have more advanced technologies in the screen, camera or processor, which is accompanied by a much higher RAM (6 GB against the 3 GB of the iPhone 8 Plus). We can say that the Galaxy Note 8 is superior to the iPhone 8 Plus, although it should be measured perhaps better with the iPhone X. Possibly here they are more even.
