Galaxy Note 8 Vs S8 Plus Is The S Pen Really Worth It

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8 Plus are two flagship smartphones that launched in close succession, sharing many high-end specs but differing in one crucial aspect: the S Pen. While both devices offer stunning displays, powerful performance, and premium build quality, the inclusion of the stylus in the Note 8 raises a key question for consumers—especially those on the fence between these models—is the S Pen actually worth choosing the Note 8 over the S8 Plus?

This isn’t just about having a fancy extra tool; it’s about whether that tool meaningfully enhances your daily use. For professionals, creatives, students, or anyone who values productivity, the answer may surprise you.

Design and Display: Nearly Identical, But With Nuance

At first glance, the Galaxy Note 8 and S8 Plus look nearly identical. Both feature 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED “Infinity” displays with minimal bezels and curved edges. The resolution, color accuracy, and brightness are virtually indistinguishable. However, subtle differences exist.

The Note 8 is slightly larger and heavier (195g vs 173g), primarily due to its dual rear camera setup and internal space allocated for the S Pen. It also has a more squared-off design compared to the S8 Plus’s softer curves, giving it a more business-like aesthetic. The S Pen slot sits at the bottom, which doesn’t impact portability but does make the phone feel more substantial in hand.

Tip: If you frequently carry your phone in tight pockets, the lighter S8 Plus might be more comfortable. But if desk use or stability during writing matters, the Note 8’s weight can be an advantage.

Performance and Hardware: Flagship Power Across the Board

Both phones are powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895, depending on region, paired with 6GB of RAM. In real-world usage, there's no noticeable performance gap. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and both support microSD expansion and Samsung DeX for desktop-like functionality.

Battery life is comparable too—the S8 Plus packs a 3500mAh battery, while the Note 8 uses a slightly smaller 3300mAh unit. Despite this, the Note 8 often lasts just as long thanks to optimized software handling for S Pen features and efficient task management.

Where the hardware truly diverges is in the camera. The Note 8 introduces Samsung’s first dual-lens rear setup: a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and portrait mode capabilities. The S8 Plus, in contrast, has only a single 12MP rear sensor. This gives the Note 8 a clear edge in photography versatility.

The S Pen: More Than Just a Stylus

The S Pen is not merely a digitizer—it's a productivity engine. Unlike passive styluses, the S Pen is pressure-sensitive (up to 4096 levels), responsive, and deeply integrated into the Note 8’s software ecosystem. It works even when the screen is off, enabling quick notes via “Screen Off Memo.”

Key S Pen features include:

• Screen Off Memo: Jot down ideas instantly without unlocking the phone.
• Live Message: Create animated GIFs from handwritten messages to send via messaging apps.
• Translate & Search: Use \"Intelligent Scan\" to hover over text and translate or search it.
• Smart Select: Capture custom-shaped screenshots and convert text using OCR.
• Note-taking in Air Command: Access shortcuts for Screen Write, Magnify, and Create PDF.

“The S Pen transforms the smartphone from a consumption device into a creation tool. It’s especially valuable for visual thinkers and professionals managing complex workflows.” — Dr. Alan Park, Mobile Productivity Researcher at TechInsight Labs

Real-World Use Case: The Architect’s Workflow

Consider Maria, a freelance architect based in Barcelona. She uses her Galaxy Note 8 daily on construction sites. When she spots a structural issue, she pulls out the S Pen and opens Samsung Notes. Without turning on the full screen, she sketches a quick diagram directly onto a photo of the site, adds annotations, and shares it with her team via email—all within 90 seconds.

On an S8 Plus, this process would require multiple steps: opening the camera, taking a photo, launching a third-party app, importing the image, and manually annotating. The friction slows her down. With the S Pen, the workflow is seamless. For Maria, the stylus isn’t a gimmick—it’s a time-saving necessity.

Feature Comparison: Note 8 vs S8 Plus

Feature	Galaxy Note 8	Galaxy S8 Plus
S Pen Support	Yes – pressure-sensitive, Bluetooth LE (later models)	No
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto), 2x zoom, Live Focus	Single 12MP, variable aperture
Battery Capacity	3300 mAh	3500 mAh
RAM / Storage	6GB / 64GB (expandable)	4GB / 64GB (expandable)
Weight	195 g	173 g
Special Features	Screen Off Memo, Live Message, Smart Select, DeX with stylus	DeX, Bixby Vision, AR Emoji (via update)

Who Benefits Most From the S Pen?

The value of the S Pen depends entirely on how you use your phone. For casual users who mainly browse, stream, and take photos, the S8 Plus delivers nearly all the same benefits at a lower price point. But for certain groups, the Note 8 becomes indispensable.

Actionable Checklist: Are You an S Pen Candidate?

Answer yes to any of these to determine if the Note 8 is right for you:

1. Do you take frequent notes during meetings or lectures?
2. Do you annotate documents, PDFs, or images regularly?
3. Are you a student needing to mark up textbooks or sketch diagrams?
4. Do you work in design, architecture, or education?
5. Do you prefer handwriting over typing for personal organization?
6. Do you use Samsung DeX for desktop productivity?

Tip: Try using Samsung Notes on any Galaxy device first. If you find yourself reaching for a pen metaphorically, the physical S Pen will likely enhance your efficiency.

Step-by-Step: Maximizing the S Pen in Daily Use

Here’s how to integrate the S Pen into your routine effectively:

1. Enable Screen Off Memo: Go to Settings > Advanced Features > S Pen > Screen Off Memo. Now you can write anytime.
2. Use Smart Select to capture and act: Pull up Air Command, select Smart Select, draw a shape around content, then choose “Text Action” to extract and copy text.
3. Create a signature: In Samsung Notes, write your signature once and save it. Use it later to sign PDFs digitally.
4. Leverage translation: Hover the S Pen over foreign text in supported apps to get instant translations.
5. Organize with folders: Keep work, personal, and project notes separated in Samsung Notes for faster retrieval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S Pen work on the S8 Plus?

No. The S8 Plus lacks the digitizer layer required for active stylus input. Passive styluses can be used for touch, but they don’t support pressure sensitivity, hover detection, or S Pen-specific features.

Is the S Pen easy to lose?

The S Pen is stored internally in the Note 8, so it’s always with the phone. Samsung also added a notification in later updates—if the S Pen is removed and the phone moves beyond a certain distance, you’ll get a reminder. In practice, loss is rare.

Does the S Pen require charging?

No. The S Pen is entirely passive and draws power electromagnetically from the screen. It lasts indefinitely and requires no maintenance.

Final Verdict: Is the S Pen Worth It?

The Galaxy S8 Plus remains an excellent smartphone—beautiful, fast, and capable. But the Galaxy Note 8 isn’t just “more of the same.” It’s a different category of device: a mobile workstation tailored for action-oriented users.

The S Pen adds tangible value if you engage in note-taking, content creation, or document management. It reduces friction between thought and action. That split-second ability to capture an idea without unlocking your phone, or to edit a screenshot with pixel-perfect precision, accumulates into meaningful productivity gains over time.

If your phone is primarily a communication and entertainment hub, the S8 Plus suffices. But if you treat your smartphone as a tool for thinking, creating, and doing, the Note 8—with its S Pen—delivers a unique advantage no other Android phone matched at the time.

💬 Have you made the switch from S8 Plus to Note 8—or vice versa? Share your experience with the S Pen and help others decide if it’s worth the upgrade.