Gave up on Note 8 after 4 days...

[ZZ Bottom]

Well we aren't disagreeing, it's just that we use our phones differently. Mostly during the day I'm either at my desk with my phone on the desk in front of me, I don;'t want to constantly be picking it up so I can access the fp reader on the back. Iris scanner is useless because I either have to pick up the phone and put it about 8 inches from my eyes, lined up with my eyes, or I have to contort myself and look straight down and close to the phone, and it's slow, 2-3 seconds is a lifetime when you are constantly opening your phone in that contorted position. The face recognition wouldn't be so bad during the day, except you still have to lean over the phone, which for me means either standing up and leaning over or picking up the phone anyway. Plus the Note 8 has a weird tendency to forget my face, making me have to reregister it. The other scenario in a typical day would be having it in my car cradle, makes the rear fp sensor, face recognition and iris scanner all useless unless I want to contort myself to be in front of the phone, or take it out of the cradle to use the fp sensor. My last scenario is during the night, I wake up for many things like checking my baby cam, adjusting my white noise or audible book, etc. Face rec is useless in the dark, I'm not going to put the phone in my face in the middle of the night for iris, maybe the rear fp sensor might not be so bad in that scenario though.

As for dropping the phone, I hear you but try holding the phone left handed and hitting the fp sensor. Even right handed it feels precarious because you have to crawl your hand UP the phone a bit, but no it's not that bad. But left handed forget about it.

But once again not disagreeing, we just use our phones differently. Once again I'm not taking anything away from the Note 8, it just didn't suit the way I wanted to use my phone.

This was how my experience was. Losing the front thumb reader made me realize how often I use my phone while it’s lying on my desk/table. The hunching over to align iris scanner just was not ideal.
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The home button on the Note 8 works pretty damn good. More manufacturers should copy that idea. It gives you more screen real estate while retaining the functionality of a physical button. After the learning curve of remembering where it is, it's honestly second nature. I don't even think about it any more.

I think a factor to consider is user hand size. I’m speculating, but if the finger scanner had been positioned centrally like the Pixel I probably would have found the Note 8 experience more ergonomic.

I just don’t hold a phone one handed with my hand that high up. Perhaps years of iPhone conditioning?
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I don't think 4 days is nearly enough time to decide. I tried a Samsung Galaxy s5 for 6 months a few years back and I literally hated the experience, but I admit I didn't try hard to like it. I am really on the fence about what to do now. AT&T has a $300 credit on any Galaxy with trade in of any phone, so that s5 could get me a $300 credit. That brings the price of the Galaxy line down a lot. I don't care for the iPhone lineup that was just announced. I want a headphone jack, for one thing. I have no interest at this point in the X. The 8 seems like a step back in that its glass, so more fragile, and basically looks and feels like my 2 year old 6s+. But my whole family is on iPhones, largely because I've encouraged them not to get Android when they've wanted to. The 8+ may end up being the best option, and I'll be annoyed like heck with the stupid lack of a headphone jack. But I"d probably be more annoyed with other things with the Note 8. But nothing ventured, nothing gained... if I get a $300 credit, I should be able to sell it without a loss if I don't really like it. I need to make a decision in the next couple of days. Also would love to see what Google does next.

Though not as convenient, the phone does come with a lightning to 1/8” adapter for headphones.

Honestly I think it’s great that so many people are cross platform. We may be stuck with these two operating systems for the next 20 years, so it’s better not to get too indoctrinated into one or the other.

 

[pdqgp]

This was how my experience was. Losing the front thumb reader made me realize how often I use my phone while it’s lying on my desk/table. The hunching over to align iris scanner just was not ideal.

If it's at your desk, use Smart Lock. Do you have a bluetooth speaker in your office? watch? Those will serve as a link to it for locking. I don't leave my phone unattended at work so I just use a location based smart lock. I also use a a PIN code so if I'm a client's office it will lock but now I have the option of using either Iris and Pin or Print and Pin.

I think a factor to consider is user hand size. I’m speculating, but if the finger scanner had been positioned centrally like the Pixel I probably would have found the Note 8 experience more ergonomic.

I have medium sized hands and it works fine. Thumb grips it on one side and my last 3 fingers on the other while the index print hits the scanner.
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Also, it seems all Android phones have this first-touch response delay. You notice it when swiping up and down (lifting your finger off the screen between swipes). Something I'd probably never get used to... aside from that, it seems to be an excellent phone, and felt great in the hand.

^^ don't see that on mine. It's blazing fast and responsive. No touch delays. IMO could be an animation related thing. I always activate developer options and move the animations to .5x
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The home button on the Note 8 works pretty damn good. More manufacturers should copy that idea. It gives you more screen real estate while retaining the functionality of a physical button. After the learning curve of remembering where it is, it's honestly second nature. I don't even think about it any more.

Agree. I love the under glass home button. I love being able to hide the graphics of the buttons too. Pick up Nova and you can even hide the status bar making the phone screen nearly full 100% usable screen for the application you're in.

 

[Radon87000]

Well we aren't disagreeing, it's just that we use our phones differently. Mostly during the day I'm either at my desk with my phone on the desk in front of me, I don;'t want to constantly be picking it up so I can access the fp reader on the back. Iris scanner is useless because I either have to pick up the phone and put it about 8 inches from my eyes, lined up with my eyes, or I have to contort myself and look straight down and close to the phone, and it's slow, 2-3 seconds is a lifetime when you are constantly opening your phone in that contorted position. The face recognition wouldn't be so bad during the day, except you still have to lean over the phone, which for me means either standing up and leaning over or picking up the phone anyway. Plus the Note 8 has a weird tendency to forget my face, making me have to reregister it. The other scenario in a typical day would be having it in my car cradle, makes the rear fp sensor, face recognition and iris scanner all useless unless I want to contort myself to be in front of the phone, or take it out of the cradle to use the fp sensor. My last scenario is during the night, I wake up for many things like checking my baby cam, adjusting my white noise or audible book, etc. Face rec is useless in the dark, I'm not going to put the phone in my face in the middle of the night for iris, maybe the rear fp sensor might not be so bad in that scenario though.

As for dropping the phone, I hear you but try holding the phone left handed and hitting the fp sensor. Even right handed it feels precarious because you have to crawl your hand UP the phone a bit, but no it's not that bad. But left handed forget about it.

But once again not disagreeing, we just use our phones differently. Once again I'm not taking anything away from the Note 8, it just didn't suit the way I wanted to use my phone.

Regarding the iris scanner, did you turn on the option in settings where you don't have to swipe up the lock screen to begin authentication so that it instantly starts authenticating after you unlock the phone?

My gripes with the phone are just its unlocking methods because they make or break a phone.

 

[Farrellcollie]

I got used to the finger scanner on the back of the note 8 pretty quickly. And the invisible home button works well for me

 

[spinedoc77]

Regarding the iris scanner, did you turn on the option in settings where you don't have to swipe up the lock screen to begin authentication so that it instantly starts authenticating after you unlock the phone?

My gripes with the phone are just its unlocking methods because they make or break a phone.

Yes I had this option enabled. It was just a second or so, and that was after I positioned it correctly in front of my face. It just got very annoying very quickly.

 

[Radon87000]

Yes I had this option enabled. It was just a second or so, and that was after I positioned it correctly in front of my face. It just got very annoying very quickly.

I see. Do you wear glasses? Just curious because the delay will be even higher for me if I intend to get one as I wear glasses.

 

[Yankee512]

I see. Do you wear glasses? Just curious because the delay will be even higher for me if I intend to get one as I wear glasses.

I do wear glasses and stopped using the Iris. It worked but I always had to lift the phone up to a certain spot for it to work. I use face, finger print, and swipe code. Face works 90%of the time unless it's dark and I use the swipe then. Finger for apps.

 

[spinedoc77]

I see. Do you wear glasses? Just curious because the delay will be even higher for me if I intend to get one as I wear glasses.

I don't wear glasses, I'm not sure if that slows it down or not.

 

[pdqgp]

I don't wear glasses, I'm not sure if that slows it down or not.

The delay or particularity it shows is likely because the reader needs to align with the Ocular Center of the persons lenses.

 

[convergent]

Well I took the plunge for a Note8 this weekend after checking out the iPhone 8 at the Apple store. They gave me a $300 credit for an old Galaxy s5 and also got the Gear S3 Frontier for $49, so about $600 discount. So far so good. I expected my family chatting would be a problem and it is. I'm only about 2 days in on this so have to see if I last longer than the 4 days of the OP. I intend to really try and make it work. If it were only me, wouldn't be any issues. Its the family of iPhone and iPad owners that I need to convince not to burn me at the stake for being the "green bubble".

 

[nviz22]

Well I took the plunge for a Note8 this weekend after checking out the iPhone 8 at the Apple store. They gave me a $300 credit for an old Galaxy s5 and also got the Gear S3 Frontier for $49, so about $600 discount. So far so good. I expected my family chatting would be a problem and it is. I'm only about 2 days in on this so have to see if I last longer than the 4 days of the OP. I intend to really try and make it work. If it were only me, wouldn't be any issues. Its the family of iPhone and iPad owners that I need to convince not to burn me at the stake for being the "green bubble".

What's App is more than good enough to replace iMessage. I do miss iMessage a bit, but switching to the Note 8 hasn't made my phone experience skip a single beat.

 

[monty77]

I'm 2 weeks deep now into my S8 life (not Note 8 as per OP but lots of the same things apply)

- Yes there are some UI lag moments, especially when downloading stuff from the play store - anyone else see that?
- The unlocking options are really nice, FP scanner on the back is a bit of a pain when youre using it on a desk (like another poster said already) but it's not that big of a deal really
- Hardware is lovely, customization is nice
- The S3 frontier is impressive although I don't think I'd pay RRP for it - needs a price drop IMO, or some bundle options
- I do miss iMessage, a little
- I was already heading out of the Apple ecosystem before the change (ditched MacBook / iCloud etc..) so my transition is much smoother than had I not done that part already

Only Apple item left now is the iPad, and it's days are numbered - I just dont use the thing enough to warrant the premium. Might give the Tab S3 a go, or try out the S9+ or whatever it's called on release and maybe ditch a tablet altogether. Note 8 looks huge, but maybe that's an option too. Editing photos using the Apple pencil on the iPad is about all I really use it for these days beyond viewing media which I could do just as nicely on tghe phone now it has a decently sized screen.

 

[spinedoc77]

The delay or particularity it shows is likely because the reader needs to align with the Ocular Center of the persons lenses.

No I mean the delay AFTER my eyes are aligned, but most likely that is just the animation of the app itself rather than any sort of true delay. Maybe subjective, but it's more of a delay than the touch ID on my iPhone once my finger is resting on it, for example.

 

[convergent]

I'm 2 weeks deep now into my S8 life (not Note 8 as per OP but lots of the same things apply)

1. Yes there are some UI lag moments, especially when downloading stuff from the play store - anyone else see that?
2. The unlocking options are really nice, FP scanner on the back is a bit of a pain when youre using it on a desk (like another poster said already) but it's not that big of a deal really
3. Hardware is lovely, customization is nice
4. The S3 frontier is impressive although I don't think I'd pay RRP for it - needs a price drop IMO, or some bundle options
5. I do miss iMessage, a little
6. I was already heading out of the Apple ecosystem before the change (ditched MacBook / iCloud etc..) so my transition is much smoother than had I not done that part already

Only Apple item left now is the iPad, and it's days are numbered - I just dont use the thing enough to warrant the premium. Might give the Tab S3 a go, or try out the S9+ or whatever it's called on release and maybe ditch a tablet altogether. Note 8 looks huge, but maybe that's an option too. Editing photos using the Apple pencil on the iPad is about all I really use it for these days beyond viewing media which I could do just as nicely on tghe phone now it has a decently sized screen.

I'm only 2 days in, so interested in your feedback. My responses to your points...

1. I'm not seeing anything I'd call lag. Playing with an iPhone 8, I felt that was a little snappier, but not hugely so. When I scroll down a long feed, like in Facebook, I see a little delay before some of the images populate. I'm not seeing any lag in Google Play Store, but I'm on gigabit fiber, so the installs are very quick.
2. Agree with you on this. I think muscle memory will get me there on the FPS being on the back. I find the facial recognition has been pretty reliable.
3. Hardware is awesome.
4. What is "RRP"? I was most worried about giving up the Apple Watch, but this Gear S3 Frontier is very nice. I like the look and feel better, convinced now a round face is the way to go. The UI is very intuitive and I'm really impressed with how it works without my spending hours fiddling with settings like I've done with the AW. I did get a deal though... $49 for it when bought with the Note8, which they gave me a $300 credit on in addition.
5. Agree... iMessage is the big thing that hurts when the whole family has iPhones.
6. I too have been looking for an exit strategy from the Apple ecosystem... it is SO sticky. I went with a Surface Pro which replaced my Mac and "pencil" needs.

 

[Wrathwitch]

There is a home button at ALL times, regardless of what app you are using. A simple hardpress is all it takes. It's just not visible all the time.

Edit: Oh, you mean finger scanner on the front. That's understandable.

OMG!!! I did not know this! I just thought you were being a smart***! Wow, LOL that is so cool! I have been waking it by pressing the side button all this time!
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I’m not sure why Samsung decided to put the fingerprint scanner where they did. It’s as far away as possible for all but those with huge hands, at least it’s not as hard to smudge the camera this time around. The phone is longer than pretty much any other phone, it would have made more sense to put the scanner closer to the middle.

One thing I don’t understand is why nobody except for Sony puts the fingerprint scanner into the power button, seems like the ideal location.

Oddly enough I must be one of the few people in the planet that it feels comfortable for, it gives me a natural grip and I have very small hands so my finger just kinda finds its way to the sensor!

Yeah it's a bad location, terrible might be a better word. I agree with the op that there is no great solution for security when the phone is flat on your desk, it's even worse if it's in a car cradle.

I believe Bixby, if you can stand setting it up will allow you to unlock your phone by voice for car usage.

OP I've read that iOS to Android is a difficult road to go down, and not to be taken lightly.
Full prep and a "14 day rule" needs to be adhered to.
No pain no gain, but 14 days minimum, 4 days......you've given up too early!

I needed 3 months to not hate it, now I don't think I could go back into the fold even if they released the most amazing phone ever (until the day that they let me arrange my icons and home screens the way I like, then I might reconsider).

 

[co.ag.2005]

I'm 2 weeks deep now into my S8 life (not Note 8 as per OP but lots of the same things apply)

- Yes there are some UI lag moments, especially when downloading stuff from the play store - anyone else see that?

I'm only 2 days in, so interested in your feedback. My responses to your points...

1. I'm not seeing anything I'd call lag. Playing with an iPhone 8, I felt that was a little snappier, but not hugely so. When I scroll down a long feed, like in Facebook, I see a little delay before some of the images populate. I'm not seeing any lag in Google Play Store, but I'm on gigabit fiber, so the installs are very quick.

FWIW, I had the S8 and now the Note 8. My S8 was very fluid and fast but I still had a few UI lag / frame rate drop moments. Nowhere near as bad as previous Samsung flagships. BUT, the Note 8 feels so much more responsive and fluid. I honestly can't recall a single lag / dropped frame rate moment yet (even with app updates going in the background), and I'm a pretty heavy user! Maybe touchwiz just needs 6 GB of ram to be this fluid... or they have made additional software tweaks from the S8 -> Note 8 to make it perform better.

 

[deany]

FWIW, I had the S8 and now the Note 8. My S8 was very fluid and fast but I still had a few UI lag / frame rate drop moments. Nowhere near as bad as previous Samsung flagships. BUT, the Note 8 feels so much more responsive and fluid. I honestly can't recall a single lag / dropped frame rate moment yet (even with app updates going in the background), and I'm a pretty heavy user! Maybe touchwiz just needs 6 GB of ram to be this fluid... or they have made additional software tweaks from the S8 -> Note 8 to make it perform better.

I think the other benefit of the 6GB on the Note 8 is it is less likely to slow down with future OS updates.
Sort of buying into some future proofing.

 

[co.ag.2005]

I think the other benefit of the 6GB on the Note 8 is it is less likely to slow down with future OS updates.
Sort of buying into some future proofing.

true. and the Note 8 does hold more apps in memory than the S8, which has been praised as well. So far, a good decision by Samsung

 

[michael9891]

I got used to the finger scanner on the back of the note 8 pretty quickly.

I've got a Spigen case on mine, which I find guides my finger to the sensor very well. I found it much more awkward without a case. A lot of things sound/look awkward but can surprise you how easily you adjust to it.

 

[QueenTyrone]

I'm only 2 days in, so interested in your feedback. My responses to your points...

1. I'm not seeing anything I'd call lag. Playing with an iPhone 8, I felt that was a little snappier, but not hugely so. When I scroll down a long feed, like in Facebook, I see a little delay before some of the images populate. I'm not seeing any lag in Google Play Store, but I'm on gigabit fiber, so the installs are very quick.
2. Agree with you on this. I think muscle memory will get me there on the FPS being on the back. I find the facial recognition has been pretty reliable.
3. Hardware is awesome.
4. What is "RRP"? I was most worried about giving up the Apple Watch, but this Gear S3 Frontier is very nice. I like the look and feel better, convinced now a round face is the way to go. The UI is very intuitive and I'm really impressed with how it works without my spending hours fiddling with settings like I've done with the AW. I did get a deal though... $49 for it when bought with the Note8, which they gave me a $300 credit on in addition.
5. Agree... iMessage is the big thing that hurts when the whole family has iPhones.
6. I too have been looking for an exit strategy from the Apple ecosystem... it is SO sticky. I went with a Surface Pro which replaced my Mac and "pencil" needs.

I'm guessing your family does a lot of group messaging and video sending? That's the only things that hinder with iMessage

 

[dallas112678]

Naw he really meant the finger scanner. But I will say 4 days is hardly enough to truly adjust.

Haha, this.

OP, do you mean you really couldn't use a password for those instances where you don't want to pick it up from the table? I mean, really? I don't know, seems kind of illogical to give up a device that does so many things for something like that. To each his own, I guess.

 

[convergent]

I've got a Spigen case on mine, which I find guides my finger to the sensor very well. I found it much more awkward without a case. A lot of things sound/look awkward but can surprise you how easily you adjust to it.

I am getting my Spigen tomorrow... love their cases. I was thinking that the case would make it easier to hit the sensor and glad you confirmed it.

I'm guessing your family does a lot of group messaging and video sending? That's the only things that hinder with iMessage

Yes... this. We used GroupMe in the past when I had a short stint with a Galaxy S5, so I just need to get them back on it.

I went to the gym for the first time tonight with the Gear S3. Man I love this so much better than the Apple Watch I've worn for 2 years. Turning the dial to navigate the apps instead of having to swipe with a sweaty hand is so much better. The Samsung Health app is very capable and intuitive... and its so bright and easy to see on that big round display. I am really pleasantly surprised with this watch. Even got a few extra faces from the face store (hear that Apple... get with the program).

 

[macjunk(ie)]

I'm 2 weeks deep now into my S8 life (not Note 8 as per OP but lots of the same things apply)

- Yes there are some UI lag moments, especially when downloading stuff from the play store - anyone else see that?
.....

Yup. This will always be there and I always moved back to Apple because of this. This time, I am going to be more accepting of it because the Note offers so much more than the gluttons at Apple!

....
6. I too have been looking for an exit strategy from the Apple ecosystem... it is SO sticky. I went with a Surface Pro which replaced my Mac and "pencil" needs.

Same here and the Note 8 is the first shot at the exit strategy. Alexas on the way (no Homepod), Fire TV replaced Apple TV, Spotify replaced Apple Music. A Thinkpad will likely replace my MBP in time. iPad Pro will remain though.

I think the other benefit of the 6GB on the Note 8 is it is less likely to slow down with future OS updates.
Sort of buying into some future proofing.

It depends. The next version of touchwiz might be more hungry for RAM rendering the alleged future proofing moot.

 

[Dodgeman]

Yup. This will always be there and I always moved back to Apple because of this. This time, I am going to be more accepting of it because the Note offers so much more than the gluttons at Apple!


Same here and the Note 8 is the first shot at the exit strategy. Alexas on the way (no Homepod), Fire TV replaced Apple TV, Spotify replaced Apple Music. A Thinkpad will likely replace my MBP in time. iPad Pro will remain though.


It depends. The next version of touchwiz might be more hungry for RAM rendering the alleged future proofing moot.

I agree with you. If this phone gets too slow/too much lag then I’ll have to transition back to Apple. I’m going to give Spotify a try I think too, how is it?
My iPad Mini which is like 3 years old will remain as well, just Incase I decide to use my Apple TV.
Although I might sell the ATV, Watch, Phone as a bundle.
Still need that iPad though.
I also realize my Series 2 Watch is laggy as well...
Played around More with the Samsung today and liked it.

 

[convergent]

You might look at a Surface Pro. I love it and replaced my home Mac, work Windows laptop, and iPad.

I am in trial with Spotify and it's fine by me. Not much difference to Apple Music. Will need to move over the family.