Huawei P10 Plus Vs Samsung Note 8 Camera Is The Note 8s Price Tag Really Worth It

In 2017, two flagship smartphones stood out for their photography capabilities: the Huawei P10 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Both devices targeted users who valued mobile photography, but they approached it from different angles. The Huawei P10 Plus leaned heavily on its collaboration with Leica to deliver a refined dual-camera system focused on color accuracy and artistic depth. Meanwhile, the Samsung Note 8 doubled down on versatility with its dual telephoto setup and industry-first dual optical image stabilization (OIS). But with the Note 8 priced significantly higher at launch, the real question remains: was the extra cost justified by superior camera performance?

The Camera Hardware: A Tale of Two Philosophies

The core difference between these phones begins with their hardware design. The Huawei P10 Plus features a dual rear camera setup co-engineered with Leica: a 12MP RGB sensor and a 12MP monochrome sensor. This configuration allows for enhanced detail capture—especially in low light—by combining luminance data from the black-and-white sensor with color input from the RGB one. The aperture is f/1.8 on both lenses, offering strong light gathering, and the primary lens supports OIS.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 takes a different route. It uses two 12MP sensors: one wide-angle (f/1.7) and one telephoto (f/2.4), both equipped with OIS—a rarity at the time. This dual-OIS setup reduces blur in both standard and zoomed shots, giving it an edge in shaky conditions. The telephoto lens enables true 2x optical zoom, while Huawei relies on digital cropping after capturing with the monochrome sensor.

Tip: When comparing zoom performance, optical zoom retains more detail than digital—even when AI enhancement is applied.

Image Quality: Natural vs Polished

Photographic output reflects each brand’s philosophy. The Huawei P10 Plus delivers images with a distinct Leica flavor: cooler tones, high contrast, and a slightly desaturated look that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a “classic” aesthetic. Its strength lies in dynamic range and texture preservation, especially in daylight. Portrait mode benefits from the monochrome sensor’s ability to detect edges precisely, resulting in clean subject separation.

Samsung, by contrast, favors a more consumer-friendly approach. The Note 8 produces warmer, punchier images with aggressive saturation and sharpening. While some purists find this overprocessed, many users appreciate the instantly shareable quality. In low-light environments, the Note 8’s brighter f/1.7 aperture gives it a slight advantage in brightness, though noise control is comparable between the two.

“Huawei prioritizes authenticity; Samsung optimizes for instant appeal. Neither is objectively better—it depends on what you value in a photo.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Camera Feature Comparison

Feature	Huawei P10 Plus	Samsung Note 8
Main Sensor	12MP RGB (f/1.8)	12MP Wide (f/1.7)
Secondary Sensor	12MP Monochrome (f/1.8)	12MP Telephoto (f/2.4)
OIS	Main only	Both lenses
Optical Zoom	No (digital zoom only)	2x optical zoom
Portrait Mode	Yes (edge detection via B&W sensor)	Yes (dual-lens depth mapping)
Front Camera	8MP (f/1.9)	8MP (f/1.7)
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps, steady cam

Real-World Use Case: Travel Photography

Consider Maria, a travel blogger who used both phones during a trip across Southeast Asia. She preferred the P10 Plus for landscape shots due to its natural color rendition and excellent dynamic range in bright sunlight. However, when photographing street vendors or temple details from a distance, she found herself switching to the Note 8. The 2x optical zoom allowed her to get closer without losing clarity, and the dual OIS helped stabilize shots taken from moving boats or crowded alleys.

For selfies and vlogging, she noted the Note 8’s wider front aperture captured better low-light self-portraits, especially in dimly lit markets. Still, she missed the P10 Plus’s manual Pro mode, which gave her greater control over white balance and shutter speed—an important tool for consistent visual storytelling.

User Experience and Software Enhancements

Beyond hardware, software plays a crucial role. Huawei’s EMUI offered a dedicated “Pro” mode early on, allowing photographers to adjust ISO, focus, white balance, and shutter speed manually—something professionals appreciated. The Leica modes (like “Soft” or “Vivid”) added creative flexibility, though they were sometimes inconsistent in mixed lighting.

Samsung’s interface was more intuitive for casual users. Live Focus (its portrait mode) allowed post-capture depth adjustment, a feature not available on the P10 Plus. Additionally, the Note 8’s integration with the S Pen enabled quick screenshot annotations and remote shutter control using the pen as a Bluetooth trigger—a small but meaningful productivity boost.

Is the Note 8’s Price Tag Worth It?

At launch, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 retailed for around $930, while the Huawei P10 Plus came in at approximately $750. That $180 gap raises the central question: did the Note 8 deliver enough additional value to justify the premium?

The answer depends on user priorities. For those who frequently use zoom, rely on stable video, or value the S Pen ecosystem, the Note 8’s advantages are tangible. Dual OIS, optical zoom, and seamless stylus integration create a cohesive productivity and photography package that few competitors matched at the time.

However, for users who prioritize pure image authenticity, low-light detail, and a more natural photographic style, the P10 Plus offers exceptional value. It delivered top-tier camera performance at a lower price point and introduced Huawei’s Leica partnership to a global audience—a move that would influence future flagships like the P20 Pro and Mate series.

Tip: If you rarely use zoom or the S Pen, the P10 Plus provides 90% of the photographic experience at a significantly lower cost.

Checklist: Choosing Between the Two

• ✅ Do you often take photos from a distance? → Choose Note 8 for optical zoom.
• ✅ Do you shoot in low light without a tripod? → Note 8’s dual OIS may help stabilize shots.
• ✅ Do you prefer natural, less saturated colors? → P10 Plus delivers a more neutral profile.
• ✅ Are you on a budget? → P10 Plus offers flagship imaging at a lower entry price.
• ✅ Do you use a stylus for notes or editing? → Note 8’s S Pen adds functional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone has better low-light performance?

Both perform well, but the Note 8’s f/1.7 aperture captures slightly more light. However, the P10 Plus compensates with its monochrome sensor, preserving more detail. In practice, the difference is marginal, and personal preference in color tone often decides the winner.

Can the Huawei P10 Plus do 2x zoom like the Note 8?

No, it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. Huawei simulates zoom by cropping the image, which reduces resolution. While software helps enhance clarity, it doesn’t match the optical quality of the Note 8’s true 2x zoom.

Is the Leica branding on the P10 Plus just marketing?

No. While the branding isn’t everything, the collaboration influenced lens design, color science, and image processing. Photos from the P10 Plus consistently score higher in texture and tonal gradation compared to non-Leica Huawei models of the era.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8’s higher price was justified for users who wanted the most complete flagship experience: powerful zoom, advanced stabilization, and S Pen functionality. It set a new benchmark for dual-camera versatility and influenced how competitors approached telephoto integration.

Yet, the Huawei P10 Plus carved its own niche. It proved that computational photography and strategic partnerships could deliver elite image quality without matching Samsung’s price. For photography-focused users who didn’t need zoom or a stylus, the P10 Plus wasn’t just a bargain—it was arguably the smarter choice.

In the end, the “worth” of the Note 8’s price tag wasn’t about raw specs alone. It was about whether the added features aligned with how you actually used your phone. Technology isn’t one-size-fits-all—and in this matchup, both phones won, depending on who was holding them.

💬 Do you think camera quality justifies a higher smartphone price? Share your experience with the P10 Plus or Note 8 in the comments below.