Considering the Note 8, but I have concerns...

[ghsDUDE]

So, I’ve owned iPhones forever but I’ve gotten a bit bored of the same design for the last 4 years. I’m considering the X, but I don’t want to be a guinea pig on the new design.

I understand (hardware wise) that the Note 8 is probably the best phone on the market. My buddy has one and it’s absolutely amazing. My concern is with my deep ties to Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple Music - I currently do everything through Apple Music. I assume this will be the easiest switch since Android has an Apple Music App...is it as easy as downloading all the music I currently have to my Note 8 from iCloud Music Library?

FaceTime - What’s the best FaceTime alternative? My entire family uses iPhones so I want to be able to easily replicate the process brought a similar App. Any suggestions?

Apple TV - I sometimes throw stuff on my Apple TV, I assume this is impossible to do on Android?

HomeKit - I currently have Lutron Casetta lights that’s I can control from HomeKit, is there an alternative on Android?

Facebook/Instagram - How do these Apps work on Android? I know it’s lame but I use these a lot, is the experience similar to iOS?

Mac Integration - I know there’s no AirDrop, I assume I need to plug in to do any type of syncing?

Contacts - What’s the best way to get all my contacts synced with Android?

Calendar - I normally use Apple’s calendar App for everything, is there a way to sync it with Google so everything is synced between my Mac and Note 8?

Those are just a few questions that make me hesitant to switch, but if there’s a way to make it work I’m probably going to switch!

 

[Michael Goff]

So, I’ve owned iPhones forever but I’ve gotten a bit bored of the same design for the last 4 years. I’m considering the X, but I don’t want to be a guinea pig on the new design.

I understand (hardware wise) that the Note 8 is probably the best phone on the market. My buddy has one and it’s absolutely amazing. My concern is with my deep ties to Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple Music - I currently do everything through Apple Music. I assume this will be the easiest switch since Android has an Apple Music App...is it as easy as downloading all the music I currently have to my Note 8 from iCloud Music Library?

FaceTime - What’s the best FaceTime alternative? My entire family uses iPhones so I want to be able to easily replicate the process brought a similar App. Any suggestions?

Apple TV - I sometimes throw stuff on my Apple TV, I assume this is impossible to do on Android?

HomeKit - I currently have Lutron Casetta lights that’s I can control from HomeKit, is there an alternative on Android?

Facebook/Instagram - How do these Apps work on Android? I know it’s lame but I use these a lot, is the experience similar to iOS?

Mac Integration - I know there’s no AirDrop, I assume I need to plug in to do any type of syncing?

Contacts - What’s the best way to get all my contacts synced with Android?

Calendar - I normally use Apple’s calendar App for everything, is there a way to sync it with Google so everything is synced between my Mac and Note 8?

Those are just a few questions that make me hesitant to switch, but if there’s a way to make it work I’m probably going to switch!

I can't answer all of them, but...

Apple Music works the same on Android as iOS, it's a well made app. Seems to pretty much have the same UI and everything. Easy to download anything you want.

Duo is a good FaceTime replacement.

I think AirDroid is an airdrop for Android.

Contacts can be moved over with the Smart Switch app that comes with the Note8.

 

[ghsDUDE]

I can't answer all of them, but...

Apple Music works the same on Android as iOS, it's a well made app. Seems to pretty much have the same UI and everything. Easy to download anything you want.

Duo is a good FaceTime replacement.

I think AirDroid is an airdrop for Android.

Contacts can be moved over with the Smart Switch app that comes with the Note8.

Thanks.

Afraid I’ll regret my purchase but I want to live a little haha.

Question - if I purchased unlocked would it be as easy as taking the sim from my iPhone (Verizon) and putting it in the Note 8? Or would I need a new sim?

And does anyone know if a decent Note 8 deal? I think they ended the one that was running with preorders.

 

[spinedoc77]

Thanks.

Afraid I’ll regret my purchase but I want to live a little haha.

Question - if I purchased unlocked would it be as easy as taking the sim from my iPhone (Verizon) and putting it in the Note 8? Or would I need a new sim?

And does anyone know if a decent Note 8 deal? I think they ended the one that was running with preorders.

I actually did exactly that, took the Verizon SIM from my 7 plus and put it into the Note 8, worked perfectly. In the past I've always been told that the iphones have different data plans so you have to call Verizon to set a non iPhone up, but I've found that's not been true the past couple of years. Plus you avoid the $30 activation fee, which I suspect is why they want you to call it in. Anyway I returned the Note 8 and the SIM works just fine back in the iPhone. Don't forget to turn off imessage before swapping so you don't have issues.

Also I purchased the Verizon one, not the unlocked one, so YMMV. Verizon has to unlock all their LTE phones, so you pretty much get an unlocked one anyway, but it just has the Verizon ROM on it. Verizon went fairly light on their ROM this time around. I'm still peeved that on the Note 7 they hid the Samsung cloud folder and took away Samsung's caller ID.

Verizon just has the trade in deals as far as I'm aware. Check slickdeals, they are good about posting new deals. The free camera/memory deal expired I believe, but knowing Samsung they will have another one out soon. I thought I read somewhere Best Buy had $150 off a new line, $100 off an upgrade, but I'm not sure.

 

[torana355]

To make the switch you have to forget the features you use on your iPhone. You can pretty much achieve everything you can do on the Apple eco system just in a different way. Apple Music is easy, I use it on my S8 as my provider does not charge for data used on Apple Music, works great. If you want everything to sync between your Android and Apple gear then just stick with your iPhone.

 

[ghsDUDE]

I actually did exactly that, took the Verizon SIM from my 7 plus and put it into the Note 8, worked perfectly. In the past I've always been told that the iphones have different data plans so you have to call Verizon to set a non iPhone up, but I've found that's not been true the past couple of years. Plus you avoid the $30 activation fee, which I suspect is why they want you to call it in. Anyway I returned the Note 8 and the SIM works just fine back in the iPhone. Don't forget to turn off imessage before swapping so you don't have issues.

Also I purchased the Verizon one, not the unlocked one, so YMMV. Verizon has to unlock all their LTE phones, so you pretty much get an unlocked one anyway, but it just has the Verizon ROM on it. Verizon went fairly light on their ROM this time around. I'm still peeved that on the Note 7 they hid the Samsung cloud folder and took away Samsung's caller ID.

Verizon just has the trade in deals as far as I'm aware. Check slickdeals, they are good about posting new deals. The free camera/memory deal expired I believe, but knowing Samsung they will have another one out soon. I thought I read somewhere Best Buy had $150 off a new line, $100 off an upgrade, but I'm not sure.

Why did you return the Note 8?

 

[Farrellcollie]

I have an unlocked note 8 that I got off of swappa and an iPhone 6s. I love my note 8 I have the iPhone so that I can use the watch three LTe. I use google calendar accross the platforms. And comtacts from my google account as well. If you have Verizon they used to have some way of backing up your contacts on when changing if you have Verizon they used to have some way of backing up your contacts on changing phones. And it did work perfectly fine to take my Verizon sim out of the iPhone and put in the note 8 (I use mintsim in the note 8 now that i got the watch 3)

 

[Shanghaichica]

So, I’ve owned iPhones forever but I’ve gotten a bit bored of the same design for the last 4 years. I’m considering the X, but I don’t want to be a guinea pig on the new design.

I understand (hardware wise) that the Note 8 is probably the best phone on the market. My buddy has one and it’s absolutely amazing. My concern is with my deep ties to Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple Music - I currently do everything through Apple Music. I assume this will be the easiest switch since Android has an Apple Music App...is it as easy as downloading all the music I currently have to my Note 8 from iCloud Music Library?

FaceTime - What’s the best FaceTime alternative? My entire family uses iPhones so I want to be able to easily replicate the process brought a similar App. Any suggestions?

Apple TV - I sometimes throw stuff on my Apple TV, I assume this is impossible to do on Android?

HomeKit - I currently have Lutron Casetta lights that’s I can control from HomeKit, is there an alternative on Android?

Facebook/Instagram - How do these Apps work on Android? I know it’s lame but I use these a lot, is the experience similar to iOS?

Mac Integration - I know there’s no AirDrop, I assume I need to plug in to do any type of syncing?

Contacts - What’s the best way to get all my contacts synced with Android?

Calendar - I normally use Apple’s calendar App for everything, is there a way to sync it with Google so everything is synced between my Mac and Note 8?

Those are just a few questions that make me hesitant to switch, but if there’s a way to make it work I’m probably going to switch!

Apple music- there is an Apple music app on android and it works the same way

Facetime-Duo is the app to use now. In the past it was hangouts which is what I'm note familiar with. Hangouts work really well and allowed you to have multiple users on a video chat. I'm not sure if Allo does that?

Apple TV- There may be some apps on android that allow you to airplay to the apple TV? However I have a chromecast which only cost me £19. I can cast to it from my note 8 and also my iPhone, ipad and macbook.

Homekit- I think you'd need to buy either a Google home or an amazon echo to control your devices but you need to check if your lights are compatible with either platform.

Mac integration - Use side sync. It even allows you to mirror your galaxy phone to your Mac so you can control your phone from your Mac.

Facebook and Instagram- Both have apps on android and are the same on both platforms imo

Contacts and calenders just Migrate everything over to Google services and you'll be good to go if you decide to switch over.

 

[ghsDUDE]

Apple music- there is an Apple music app on android and it works the same way

Facetime-Duo is the app to use now. In the past it was hangouts which is what I'm note familiar with. Hangouts work really well and allowed you to have multiple users on a video chat. I'm not sure if Allo does that?

Apple TV- There may be some apps on android that allow you to airplay to the apple TV? However I have a chromecast which only cost me £19. I can cast to it from my note 8 and also my iPhone, ipad and macbook.

Homekit- I think you'd need to buy either a Google home or an amazon echo to control your devices but you need to check if your lights are compatible with either platform.

Mac integration - Use side sync. It even allows you to mirror your galaxy phone to your Mac so you can control your phone from your Mac.

Facebook and Instagram- Both have apps on android and are the same on both platforms imo

Contacts and calenders just Migrate everything over to Google services and you'll be good to go if you decide to switch over.

Thanks!

I have an Alexa so I can easily control stuff from my house. I’m wondering if Lutron has an Android App to turn the lights on when I’m away from home similar to how I can with HomeKit.

 

[44267547]

So, I’ve owned iPhones forever but I’ve gotten a bit bored of the same design for the last 4 years. I’m considering the X, but I don’t want to be a guinea pig on the new design.

I understand (hardware wise) that the Note 8 is probably the best phone on the market. My buddy has one and it’s absolutely amazing. My concern is with my deep ties to Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple Music - I currently do everything through Apple Music. I assume this will be the easiest switch since Android has an Apple Music App...is it as easy as downloading all the music I currently have to my Note 8 from iCloud Music Library?

FaceTime - What’s the best FaceTime alternative? My entire family uses iPhones so I want to be able to easily replicate the process brought a similar App. Any suggestions?

Apple TV - I sometimes throw stuff on my Apple TV, I assume this is impossible to do on Android?

HomeKit - I currently have Lutron Casetta lights that’s I can control from HomeKit, is there an alternative on Android?

Facebook/Instagram - How do these Apps work on Android? I know it’s lame but I use these a lot, is the experience similar to iOS?

Mac Integration - I know there’s no AirDrop, I assume I need to plug in to do any type of syncing?

Contacts - What’s the best way to get all my contacts synced with Android?

Calendar - I normally use Apple’s calendar App for everything, is there a way to sync it with Google so everything is synced between my Mac and Note 8?

Those are just a few questions that make me hesitant to switch, but if there’s a way to make it work I’m probably going to switch!

The Note 8 is a nice device. I know you mentioned in a previous thread you purchased an iPhone 8 with in the last two weeks, did you end up returning it? Or what did you not specifically like about it?

 

[spinedoc77]

Why did you return the Note 8?

Hated how tall and narrow it was and hated the curved edges. It's a phenomenal phone and if you like what I hated then otherwise you will love it.

 

[thering1975]

So, I’ve owned iPhones forever but I’ve gotten a bit bored of the same design for the last 4 years. I’m considering the X, but I don’t want to be a guinea pig on the new design.



Apple TV - i had done this in the past but cant remember on which model, however most video apps will cast to a smart tv i.e youtube etc. However there are many apps that will throw local content i.e https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.cast but loads of free ones to test

HomeKit - I currently have Lutron Casetta lights that’s I can control from HomeKit, is there an alternative on Android?

Does this help: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lutron.lutronconnect&hl=en_GB or actually looks like its built in to the google assitant so no app may be required http://www.casetawireless.com/pages/googleassistant.aspx

Facebook/Instagram - Both work the same possible a little more integrated

Mac Integration - As mentioned software provides software and you can use Airdroid also, however native android file wont be recognised, you can try googles android file transfer software but its flakey at best

Contacts - Plenty of guides on the net for this

Calendar - Again easy guides on line, my android calendar syncs perfectly with the mac osx calendar app?

Those are just a few questions that make me hesitant to switch, but if there’s a way to make it work I’m probably going to switch!

 

[convergent]

The answers others have given for your questions I think are good. Just to give you a little more confidence to give it a try, I just jumped from an iPhone 6s+ to Note 8 a week ago, and am loving it. My wife and kids all have iOS devices. I'm the dreaded green bubble now. I tried this a couple of years ago and gave up after 6 months of pain. This time there hasn't really been any pain.

Things like AppleTV and HomeKit, are probably things you just need to think about slowly migrating to more open solutions. We have AppleTV also, and I just bought a Roku about 6 months ago to start playing with it, and got a ChromeCast today. My signature was all Apple a year ago and they are slowly losing me... just not liking where they are headed. The big exception is AppleTV. I really like it and its integration is very nice for things like photos. Also, the integrated TV search is very nice... and reminds me of my old Tivo search, but way better in a lot of ways. I do wish Google would produce something in this space. Since I know my wife will never move away from Apple, I'll just use her phone to update the AppleTV when I need to.

 

[Voodoochild346]

The answers others have given for your questions I think are good. Just to give you a little more confidence to give it a try, I just jumped from an iPhone 6s+ to Note 8 a week ago, and am loving it. My wife and kids all have iOS devices. I'm the dreaded green bubble now. I tried this a couple of years ago and gave up after 6 months of pain. This time there hasn't really been any pain.

Things like AppleTV and HomeKit, are probably things you just need to think about slowly migrating to more open solutions. We have AppleTV also, and I just bought a Roku about 6 months ago to start playing with it, and got a ChromeCast today. My signature was all Apple a year ago and they are slowly losing me... just not liking where they are headed. The big exception is AppleTV. I really like it and its integration is very nice for things like photos. Also, the integrated TV search is very nice... and reminds me of my old Tivo search, but way better in a lot of ways. I do wish Google would produce something in this space. Since I know my wife will never move away from Apple, I'll just use her phone to update the AppleTV when I need to.

I think because of the massive amount of competition in that space Apple has no choice but to make a good product. I hear very good things about it despite its price.

 

[mclld]

The sooner you can break closed software chains the better

 

[Dodgeman]

Hated how tall and narrow it was and hated the curved edges. It's a phenomenal phone and if you like what I hated then otherwise you will love it.

The Note’s form factor bothers me a bit as well.
Did you have a look at the s8+?
Still has the curved edges but it’s a bit smaller...

 

[convergent]

The Note’s form factor bothers me a bit as well.
Did you have a look at the s8+?
Still has the curved edges but it’s a bit smaller...

I moved from a 6s+ to the Note 8. I keep my phones in a Spigen case... one of their least bulky. Both in similar cases, the Note 8 is a little narrower, and a little taller... side by side they don't look much different. I actually prefer the Note 8 size, because being a little narrower its easier to hold and I can easily use it one handed. Out of a case, I find them both pretty scary to walk around with as they are slippery and easy to drop (to me).

 

[Dodgeman]

I moved from a 6s+ to the Note 8. I keep my phones in a Spigen case... one of their least bulky. Both in similar cases, the Note 8 is a little narrower, and a little taller... side by side they don't look much different. I actually prefer the Note 8 size, because being a little narrower its easier to hold and I can easily use it one handed. Out of a case, I find them both pretty scary to walk around with as they are slippery and easy to drop (to me).

I’m usually and otterbox defender guy as I don’t like the phone in pocket. I usually clip to inside of pocket.
That otterbox adds a lot of bulk to it though.
Part of the reason I was looking of the s8+.

 

[convergent]

I’m usually and otterbox defender guy as I don’t like the phone in pocket. I usually clip to inside of pocket.
That otterbox adds a lot of bulk to it though.
Part of the reason I was looking of the s8+.

I don't think there is much difference in size between a Note 8 and S8+. Both will be huge in an Otterbox. I do keep mine in my pocket, so would never use such a bulky case.

 

[koigirl]

I'm used to a 6s Plus. The Note 8 seems smaller in my hand and easier to hold bc it's narrower even if it is a little taller. Also it doesnt seem as slippery to hold, maybe bc the edges aren't as rounded? Weight feels about same. Also, I was worried about touch ID sensor location but it hasn't been an issue; it works well and new muscle memory kicks in quickly. Sensor on back or side actually makes sense and frees up space on front of device. I do like having option of touch ID and the virtual home button.

All that being said, if you have lots of reservations, I wouldn't recommend the switch. It's a big one with lots of little adjustments. If you are looking for issues in switching away from iOS and Apple, you will probably find them.

I was tired of iOS, incremental hardware changes and Apple's pricing strategy. Plus the software glitches which never used to be an issue, at least for me. I didn't want to pay $1500 to wait indefinitely for a a smaller screen with no touch ID and an unattractive notch and I was tired of the existing, tired form factor.

I'm keeping my iPad Pro so I still have feet in both camps. I would consider going back to an iPhone in the future, depending upon pricing and features. But I will consider my options carefully and no longer fear stepping outside the walled iOS garden. This phone is an excellent alternative and I'm enjoying feeling free and not locked in. I can live with green text bubbles as opposed to blue. WhatsApp and Textra serve my purposes just fine.

 

[Dodgeman]

I don't think there is much difference in size between a Note 8 and S8+. Both will be huge in an Otterbox. I do keep mine in my pocket, so would never use such a bulky case.

Any other cases your recommend?
Otterbox offers great protection.

I'm used to a 6s Plus. The Note 8 seems smaller in my hand and easier to hold bc it's narrower even if it is a little taller. Also it doesnt seem as slippery to hold, maybe bc the edges aren't as rounded? Weight feels about same. Also, I was worried about touch ID sensor location but it hasn't been an issue; it works well and new muscle memory kicks in quickly. Sensor on back or side actually makes sense and frees up space on front of device. I do like having option of touch ID and the virtual home button.

All that being said, if you have lots of reservations, I wouldn't recommend the switch. It's a big one with lots of little adjustments. If you are looking for issues in switching away from iOS and Apple, you will probably find them.

I was tired of iOS, incremental hardware changes and Apple's pricing strategy. Plus the software glitches which never used to be an issue, at least for me. I didn't want to pay $1500 to wait indefinitely for a a smaller screen with no touch ID and an unattractive notch and I was tired of the existing, tired form factor.

I'm keeping my iPad Pro so I still have feet in both camps. I would consider going back to an iPhone in the future, depending upon pricing and features. But I will consider my options carefully and no longer fear stepping outside the walled iOS garden. This phone is an excellent alternative and I'm enjoying feeling free and not locked in. I can live with green text bubbles as opposed to blue. WhatsApp and Textra serve my purposes just fine.

Very valid points that I agree with.

 

[koigirl]

Any other cases your recommend?
Otterbox offers great protection.



Very valid points that I agree with.

I got my husband a Speck Presidio Grip case that is very sleek and grippy and seems to provide good drop protection. I have an Incipio clear TPU and a couple of Casemate tough cases that are protective and sleek. Not nearly as many options as iPhone but prolly enough good ones.

 

[Dodgeman]

I got my husband a Speck Presidio Grip case that is very sleek and grippy and seems to provide good drop protection. I have an Incipio clear TPU and a couple of Casemate tough cases that are protective and sleek. Not nearly as many options as iPhone but prolly enough good ones.

Yeah same thing I’ve seen.

 

[koigirl]

Another family member loves Spigen cases and they seem to have lots of cases for Note 8 as well.

 

[convergent]

I have the Spigen Liquid Crystal which I like for fit and function. Easy to hang on to, and doesn't have trouble going in and out of the pocket. The only thing I don't care for is the rim around the edge is clear, so the chrome makes it stand out. I think I'd prefer it be black, so that it faded into the edge of the display. I may try one of their black ones, but that would hide the back of the Note 8 which I wanted to show through.