Which one is best for you?
The Note8 is a generation on from the S7 edge, and is the premium model in the Galaxy range. So you’d expect to see some big differences here – but it’s fair to say that both phones have a lot to offer.
The Note8’s impressive Infinity Display takes up almost the entire front of the phone. At 6.3-inches (as opposed to 5.5 inches for the S7 edge) it certainly wins when it comes to viewing videos – especially as it also supports HDR. However, the more pocket-sized S7 edge still has a great screen and fits more comfortably in your hand – and it’s about 25% lighter. It also has a slightly larger battery than the Note8 and offers 27 hours’ talk time as opposed to 22 hours for the bigger phone.
Where the Note8 comes into its own is with the details and extras. The biggest of these is the S-Pen, a stylish stylus that lets you to personalise your messages by drawing your own emojis, writing messages on photos and more. You can even scribble notes on the screen without unlocking it – so you’ll never need to worry about finding a pen and pad again.
The camera is a big step up, too. It has two 12-megapixel sensors, both with optical image stabilisation. The second lens is set to 2x zoom, so you can get closer to your subject with no loss of quality. Or you can use both lenses to create stunning depth of field effects.
Other details, such as the built in Bixby personal assistant, and app pairing (which lets you view two apps on the same screen) are welcome additions. But the main deciders are whether you want the S-Pen, the dual camera and the big screen, or the more pocket-sized and wallet friendly S7 edge – still a great phone by any standards.
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Samsung
Galaxy Note8
See the big picture on a wide-aspect 6.3-inch curved Infinity Display
Take amazing pictures and video with a dual lens camera and use Live focus to instantly create professional looking images
Take notes, personalise messages create your own GIFs, and more with the S Pen
Capture all the action in Super Slo-mo video mode
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Samsung
Galaxy S7 edge
Enjoy crystal-clear images and video – with true to life colours – on a Super AMOLED screen that curves into the edges
Stay connected with 22 hours talk time and 74 hours’ music play
Unlock quickly and securely with the home button’s built-in fingerprint sensor
Enjoy peace of mind thanks to IP68 water and dust proofing
| Name | Galaxy Note8 | Galaxy S7 edge |
|---|---|---|
| Image |
Buy the Galaxy Note8 |
Buy the Galaxy S7 edge |
| Display | 6.3 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Size and weight |
Height: 162.5 mm Width: 74.8 mm Depth: 8.6 mm Weight: 195 grams |
Height: 150.9 mm Width: 72.6 mm Depth: 7.7 mm Weight: 157 grams |
| Rear camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video recording | 2160p@30fps | 4K video recording at 30 fps |
| Processor | Exynos 8895 | Exynos 8890 |
| Battery | 3300 mAh | 3600 mAh |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Splash, water and dust resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Buy now | Buy the Galaxy Note8 | Buy the Galaxy S7 edge |