As most experts and analysts has been expecting, the Samsung Unpacked announcement was about the return of Samsung’s smartphone/tablet hybrid, the Samsung Galaxy Note, with the new version coming to market on 15th September, 2017.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 gained infamy and a confirmed place in the world of internet memes after several reported incidents involving fires started by the device, caused by a serious overcharging issue. This ultimately led to a recall and discontinuation. Many experts thought that Samsung would end the Galaxy Note line altogether, but today’s announcement proves that isn’t the case. Samsung took on the failure and recall of the Galaxy Note 7 directly in the presentation, addressing the problems while pointing out that many fans loved the device.
The new Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be released 15th September, 2017 and will come with a pair of free headphones, since the device will come with a standard smartphone jack. It will be sold SIM-free for £869 (GBP) in the UK. Pre-orders will be available from 24th August, 2017.
The device will be powered by an Octa-Core 2.3Ghz Quad + 1.7GHzQuad 64-bit processor and have 6GB of RAM, with a huge 6.3 inch QuadHD+ super AMOLED ‘Infinity Display’ up front, a type of bezel-free ‘all screen’ display previously seen on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+. The Galaxy Note 8 will also support the Vulkan Gaming API to enhance mobile videogaming.
The device has a dual rear camera with 2x optical zoom and dual OIS (optical image stabilisation), while the front camera will be 8MP. As expected, the much-beloved S-pen stylus will be returning, a very attractive feature for some users, like artists.
No word was given on compatability with the Samsung Gear VR at this time, or whether it would become compatible with the Google Daydream, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.
Samsung also said that the company was grateful to those customers who had remained loyal to Samsung smartphones despite the Galaxy Note 7 issues. VRFocus will bring you further news on the Galaxy Note 8 as it becomes available.
Update: This article was updated to include the addition of Samsung’s introductory trailer.