Samsung Note 8

[jamesrick80]

I dont think anyone can truly complain about what the Note 8 offers. This phone has everything and its beautiful. i cant wait to preorder.
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Am I the only one peeved that it's running LAST YEARS OS?!?!?! Oreo is now officially released but we have to wait 8 months for it.

Oreo was literally released a few days ago...you really think samsung who overlays android with their own UI could literally optimize android O in such a short time period....stop being delusional.

 

[mi7chy]

See, this is why I can't get an Android device again. It's beyond ridiculous that new (non-Google) Android devices aren't running the latest OS. Samsung is at it again - impressive hardware, but horrible software. That 6GB of ram was to try to cover up the lag in Touchwiz. Every Samsung device I've gotten lags like s..t. I gave up on them.

What other options do you have besides Google devices? Even upcoming IOS 11 is still relatively dumb compared to 2012 Touchwiz which had split screen multitasking.

Personally, I don't mind running a non-bleeding edge stable version. Oreo is too new and needs time to bake. It's like avoiding buying a new car model until the kinks are worked out.

 

[spinedoc77]

You should know better. Software would have been finalised on this months ago and so there was zero chance of it having Oreo on it.

It's the same thing we hear every year. People need to get a grip with their expectations in that regard.

We know based on history it will likely be spring before we see Oreo on it. But given how skinned the OS with Samsung's customisation (good and bad) what are you really missing from O in all honesty. The new O android base optimisations mean nothing when it's so heavily skinned by the OEM anyway.

Nah, that's a big steaming bunch of BS IMO. Of course I do know better, we all knew it wouldn't release with Oreo, no broken expectations there. But with all due respect I completely disagree that people need to get a grip with their expectations, that's a huge cop-out. Apple has their new OS all lined up and ready for their devices immediately, but we all know that isn't a great example because Apple also makes the hardware, although with that said I still opine that 8+ months for Samsung is exorbitant, even if they don't make the core OS themselves.

On a closer note is the Pixel 2 and XL2, why can HTC and LG work with Google and have Oreo on the handsets when they release but Samsung cannot? With Samsungs clout and the amount of Android phones they move you would think they would be able to have just as much access to Oreo as HTC/LG does, which to me would mean the Note 8 could at the very least get Oreo by the time the new pixels release in what October I believe? I'm honestly ok with 1-2 months for the new OS to land on Samsung phones.

 

[nviz22]

Actually, Samsung's UI is beyond vanilla Android, even Oreo, when it comes to the features. I'm not impressed with some of Oreo's features. Especially the picture in picture feature that forces you to subscribe to YouTube Red.




And the V20 had crappy battery life. I hope LG doesn't make the same mistake this time around.

Yes, Samsung's software features can be ahead of the curve, but with the core functions like RAM management and overall device consistency? Shoddy at times. A S8 should not have an Erica Griffin video or an Ars Technica article pointing out concerning software performance lapses.

Considering the LG G6 has decent battery life with a LCD panel and 821 processor? I expect the V30 to have superb battery life with its POLED screen and 835 processor.

 

[epicrayban]

Complaining about Android Oreo is more talking point than actual practical problem. Samsung's software is more feature-rich.

And Oreo is literally brand new. Don't you all remember: We care about Samsung not rushing things, putting more focus on usefulness and reliability versus simply checking off achievements on a list? I rather Samsung have a stable version that they're familiar with to build off of rather than rushing to adapt Oreo.

Besides, if the most up-to-date software is your thing, you shouldn't be looking at Samsung (or most OEM) devices in the first place. You know by now that's not the most important thing they offer.

 

[nviz22]

The only Samsung phone I had major problems with was the original galaxy note. All of the others have worked fine. I'll be getting mine from my carrier and will take out insurance so won't have to deal with Samsung.

You haven't had many issues because you guys don't get the Snapdragon models, right? The Note 5 performed much better than other Snapdragon models because it was an Exynos processor. Huge difference between Qualcomm and Exynos sadly.

 

[nfl46]

What other options do you have besides Google devices? Even upcoming IOS 11 is still relatively dumb compared to 2012 Touchwiz which had split screen multitasking.

Personally, I don't mind running a non-bleeding edge stable version. Oreo is too new and needs time to bake. It's like avoiding buying a new car model until the kinks are worked out.

There aren't any other options. That's why I always recommend a Google phone for anyone who wants to switch from an iPhone. Google got one thing right - the camera. That Pixel XL camera is REALLY good, even better than Apple's.

 

[nviz22]

Just logged in. Is this device a huge upgrade from the S8?

2 extra GB RAM, bigger screen, smaller battery, dual cameras, S-Pen, and a few extra software features for the most part.

 

[epicrayban]

$930 unlocked price. Unlocked models available on launch day (kudos on this move).

 

[MRU]

Nah, that's a big steaming bunch of BS IMO. Of course I do know better, we all knew it wouldn't release with Oreo, no broken expectations there. But with all due respect I completely disagree that people need to get a grip with their expectations, that's a huge cop-out. Apple has their new OS all lined up and ready for their devices immediately, but we all know that isn't a great example because Apple also makes the hardware, although with that said I still opine that 8+ months for Samsung is exorbitant, even if they don't make the core OS themselves.

On a closer note is the Pixel 2 and XL2, why can HTC and LG work with Google and have Oreo on the handsets when they release but Samsung cannot? With Samsungs clout and the amount of Android phones they move you would think they would be able to have just as much access to Oreo as HTC/LG does, which to me would mean the Note 8 could at the very least get Oreo by the time the new pixels release in what October I believe? I'm honestly ok with 1-2 months for the new OS to land on Samsung phones.

What LG and HTC devices are launching this month with OREO ?


And just because LG / HTC are making the Google Pixel hardware, they are merely the manufacturers. Google controls / approves everything going in and of course that means those devices will launch with latest google OS.

But I don't see the LG G6 or HTC U11 pushing out OREO to owners simply because the same OEM is making Pixel hardware.

As for Apple, they control the hardware and again the software completely. They are not reliant on a third party to supply the underlying base code of the operating system. So of course that gives them the ability to update all devices at same time with updates.

Samsung and other OEMs have to wait for finished source code from Google and then skin and build their OS customisation on top, whether we like those customisations or not. So expecting a Samsung device that has just been announced and will be in retail stores in a fortnights time to have the latest OREO software update when many Pixel owners including myself still haven't received the update is just complete silliness.

Sure I would love to see a future where the base code could be updated outside of OEMs skins and Google are looking into that, but come on to be peeved about something which you should know was never going to happen is madness.

 

[spinedoc77]

Has any pricing information been released?

Edit: nevermind, I see $930 unlocked. Is that for 64gb?
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What devices are LG and HTC launching this month with OREO ?

None that I mentioned in my post or am aware of.

 

[nviz22]

$930 unlocked price. Unlocked models available on launch day (kudos on this move).

Disgusting price. Gotta be aggressive with pre-order bonuses, promos, etc. Prices will tank in a matter of a few months. Either pay up $930 USD expecting about $750 for the actual phone price and the rest with possible goodies or wait a few months and get on a sale for like $650 from Samsung with some promo.
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What devices are LG and HTC launching this month with OREO ?

LG V30 might release with Oreo. They did that before with other devices with the newest software possible.

 

[TechnicallyTee]

I have never actually preordered the note series but how are they with the preorders? Does shipping time ever start to slip?

 

[spinedoc77]

Disgusting price. Gotta be aggressive with pre-order bonuses, promos, etc. Prices will tank in a matter of a few months. Either pay up $930 USD expecting about $750 for the actual phone price and the rest with possible goodies or wait a few months and get on a sale for like $650 from Samsung with some promo.
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LG V30 might release with Oreo. They did that before with other devices with the newest software possible.

Their will be BOGO's soon enough. I honestly doubt Samsung could get the volume they do if they didn't offer so many freebies, promotions and BOGO's. Although it is interesting to wonder instead of so many freebies, why don't they just offer the phone for $100-$150 cheaper and just stay consistent with the price?

If the V30 released with Oreo I would be highly motivated to buy it. If it doesn't it would be comical to see the XL2 released with Oreo when it's kind of the same phone.

 

[MRU]

I said "what HYC & LG devices are launching with Oreo this month"

None that I mentioned in my post or am aware of.

"But you imply here that LG & HTC manufacturing Google devices means they are releasing Oreo devices and Samsung aren't"

On a closer note is the Pixel 2 and XL2, why can HTC and LG work with Google and have Oreo on the handsets when they release but Samsung cannot?

Pixel hardware designed by google and manufactured by partners will of course have latest Google software.

But that does mean HTC & LG are any better at updating or releasing devices with the latest Google OS version within a matter of days or weeks after it has been released by Google.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Yes, Samsung's software features can be ahead of the curve, but with the core functions like RAM management and overall device consistency? Shoddy at times. A S8 should not have an Erica Griffin video or an Ars Technica article pointing out concerning software performance lapses.

Yes, but reviewers are usually much more OCD about the slightest things. I personally don't have any issues with performance on my S8+. It's actually pretty damn good to the point that I'm slightly surprised. The only part of the phone that I notice slight occasional lag and drop frames is on the Hello Bixby screen. Everything else has been buttery smooth since day one. So with the Note 8 having 2 extra gigs of ram and Samsung Experience 8.5, I'm not worried at all about performance.

Considering the LG G6 has decent battery life with a LCD panel and 821 processor? I expect the V30 to have superb battery life with its POLED screen and 835 processor.

I hope you're right, cause I'm looking at the V30, Pixel XL, or Essential Phone for my second line. And the V30 has most of my interest at the moment, but I'm not jumping on it until I see battery reviews.

 

[spinedoc77]

I dont think anyone can truly complain about what the Note 8 offers. This phone has everything and its beautiful. i cant wait to preorder.
[doublepost=1503505687][/doublepost]

Oreo was literally released a few days ago...you really think samsung who overlays android with their own UI could literally optimize android O in such a short time period....stop being delusional.

Yes I actually do believe they could, but as I stated repeatedly my expectation would be for them to release an Oreo update in 1-2 months after the phone is released, so by November 15th or so. Do you actually think Samsung couldn't have as much early access to Oreo as HTC and LG most likely have building the pixel2/xl2? ...stop being delusional.

 

[MRU]

Yes I actually do believe they could, but as I stated repeatedly my expectation would be for them to release an Oreo update in 1-2 months after the phone is released, so by November 15th or so.

No your original post and expectation was that you were peeved it wasn't shipping with OREO.

Am I the only one peeved that it's running LAST YEARS OS?!?!?! Oreo is now officially released but we have to wait 8 months for it.

 

[Shanghaichica]

You haven't had many issues because you guys don't get the Snapdragon models, right? The Note 5 performed much better than other Snapdragon models because it was an Exynos processor. Huge difference between Qualcomm and Exynos sadly.

We used to get the snapdragon. I think up to the S5 we were getting the snapdragon. The original note was a pile of crap, freezing, rebooting, switching itself off, over heating but since then I had the S4, note 3 and S5. I also had the note 4 and S7 edge but only for about 2 months. I never had any major problems with them.

 

[nviz22]

Their will be BOGO's soon enough. I honestly doubt Samsung could get the volume they do if they didn't offer so many freebies, promotions and BOGO's. Although it is interesting to wonder instead of so many freebies, why don't they just offer the phone for $100-$150 cheaper and just stay consistent with the price?

If the V30 released with Oreo I would be highly motivated to buy it. If it doesn't it would be comical to see the XL2 released with Oreo when it's kind of the same phone.

BOGOs are too restrictive for me to participate: add an additional line or change carriers. I am content enough with T-Mobile on my family plan. Idk, could be a MSRP and strategy thing because you cannot dilute a Samsung brand by undercutting the iPhone by that much. Also, free Gear VRs mean more VR content sales, but I think those strategies are fluff. There is nothing wrong with selling at $600-$800 range for flagships. It means cutting down on rent costs, labor costs, and shelf space cost because they don't need to fulfill VR headset promos and what not.

Doesn't take a master's degree to figure out companies, such as HTC, will not have strong bottom lines because they do not have smart pricing strategies or strong marketing. The major Android OEMs can already undercut Apple with better prices and hardware. They just need to figure out how to mimic the iOS level of consistency and be more smart about pricing and marketing.

 

[spinedoc77]

I said "what HYC & LG devices are launching with Oreo this month"

"But you imply here that LG & HTC manufacturing Google devices means they are releasing Oreo devices and Samsung aren't"



Pixel hardware designed by google and manufactured by partners will of course have latest Google software.

But that does mean HTC & LG are any better at updating or releasing devices with the latest Google OS version within a matter of days or weeks after it has been released by Google.

No I didn't imply that, I fully stated that the pixel and xl2 would have Oreo when released. If you think that's incorrect then we will see in a couple of months. I wouldn't be surprised if the v30 was released with Nougat, and I would have the same complaint against LG that I have against Samsung. All this defending Samsung, but if they wanted Oreo on their phones in 1-2 months after release I'm sure they could do it.

 

[jamesrick80]

Yes I actually do believe they could, but as I stated repeatedly my expectation would be for them to release an Oreo update in 1-2 months after the phone is released, so by November 15th or so. Do you actually think Samsung couldn't have as much early access to Oreo as HTC and LG most likely have building the pixel2/xl2? ...stop being delusional.

Not getting your point...you already know that the Pixel 2 will have the advantage on getting android O first so why complain.

The new samsung UI has more features than any vanilla android O and you dont see that as a advantage when I and others do. Who cares when android O is released as long as security updates continue to occur on nougat since the Samsung UI is far ahead and more unique than vanilla android O.

 

[spinedoc77]

No your original post and expectation was that you were peeved it wasn't shipping with OREO.

Yes I am peeved that it's not releasing with Oreo. Then I tempered my expectations to be more realistic with a 1-2 month time frame. Doesn't mean I'm not still peeved that it's not releasing with Oreo. I don't understand what point you are trying to make twisting semantics around.

 

[MRU]

No I didn't imply that, I fully stated that the pixel and xl2 would have Oreo when released. If you think that's incorrect then we will see in a couple of months. I wouldn't be surprised if the v30 was released with Nougat, and I would have the same complaint against LG that I have against Samsung. All this defending Samsung, but if they wanted Oreo on their phones in 1-2 months after release I'm sure they could do it.

You may have meant that in your head, but look at your original post .... that is not what you wrote.

Am I the only one peeved that it's running LAST YEARS OS?!?!?! Oreo is now officially released but we have to wait 8 months for it.

The implication of what you wrote is that you were peeved it was not shipping with an OS version that was merely days old. Which was imo an unrealistic expectation to have.

 

[nviz22]

Yes, but reviewers are usually much more OCD about the slightest things. I personally don't have any issues with performance on my S8+. It's actually pretty damn good to the point that I'm slightly surprised. The only part of the phone that I notice slight occasional lag and drop frames is on the Hello Bixby screen. Everything else has been buttery smooth since day one. So with the Note 8 having 2 extra gigs of ram and Samsung Experience 8.5, I'm not worried at all about performance.



I hope you're right, cause I'm looking at the V30, Pixel XL, or Essential Phone for my second line. And the V30 has most of my interest at the moment, but I'm not jumping on it until I see battery reviews.

I mean the average Joe won't worry much about Ars Technica or Erica Griffin pieces. Nor will they notice performance issues. But at the same time, we have to hold Samsung accountable for its lack of updates and disappointing performance dips. You did mention the occasional lag and frame rate drops. That shouldn't be "occasional" it should be rare at worst. Bixby is a crappy concept because it takes up so many resources when the Google Assistant is much better.

I expect the V30 to be the phone of the year on the Android side because Google's Pixel will not go with the more popularized concepts like curved displays, minimal bezels, dual cameras, etc.