When Samsung released the Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8 Plus in 2017, they represented two sides of the same high-end Android coin. Both devices shared premium designs, powerful internals, and flagship features — yet catered to different user priorities. The S8 Plus emphasized sleek form and multimedia excellence, while the Note 8 doubled down on productivity with its signature S Pen. Years later, many users who moved between these models report mixed feelings. Some celebrated their upgrade; others quietly admitted regret. This article dives into real-world experiences, comparing key aspects like design, functionality, and daily usability to answer a question that still echoes in tech forums: did anyone actually regret upgrading — or downgrading — between the Note 8 and S8 Plus?
Design and Ergonomics: Form Meets Function
The physical experience of using a phone often influences long-term satisfaction more than specs alone. The Galaxy S8 Plus featured a nearly bezel-less \"Infinity Display,\" curving dramatically at the edges, giving it a futuristic look. At 6.2 inches, it was large but balanced well for media consumption. However, some users found the curved edges triggered accidental touches and made one-handed use difficult.
In contrast, the Note 8 retained flat display edges and added a slightly boxier, more utilitarian design. It also measured 6.3 inches but felt sturdier in hand due to its squared-off frame and matte finish options. For users coming from the S8 Plus, switching to the Note 8 often meant trading visual elegance for functional grip and screen reliability.
Performance and Software: Nearly Identical Under the Hood
Both phones ran on either the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 (depending on region), had 6GB of RAM, and launched with Android 7.1 Nougat. In day-to-day performance, there was virtually no difference in app loading speed, multitasking, or gaming. Over time, both received updates through Android 9 Pie, with security patches tapering off by 2020.
Where divergence emerged was in software optimization for specific tools. The Note 8’s interface included enhanced multi-window support, pop-up views, and deeper S Pen integration — features absent on the S8 Plus. Users upgrading from the S8 Plus to the Note 8 often praised this added layer of control, especially for note-taking, sketching, or managing emails.
Conversely, those who downgraded from the Note 8 to the S8 Plus reported missing quick menu access, Air Command, and screen-off memo functions. One Reddit user wrote: “I thought I wouldn’t miss the S Pen much, but once I lost the ability to jot down ideas instantly, I realized how much I relied on it.”
Camera Comparison: Subtle Differences, Big Perceptions
Both devices introduced dual rear cameras to Samsung’s lineup — a first for the company. The Note 8 and S8 Plus each featured a 12MP wide-angle and 12MP telephoto lens setup, enabling 2x optical zoom and improved portrait mode shots.
However, subtle tuning differences gave the Note 8 an edge in low-light consistency and depth detection. DxOMark, a respected camera testing body, scored the Note 8 at 94 versus the S8 Plus’s 90, citing better autofocus and background separation in bokeh effects.
“While both take excellent photos, the Note 8 feels more intentional — like a tool for creators, not just consumers.” — James Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer
For photography enthusiasts moving from the S8 Plus to the Note 8, the improvement was noticeable enough to justify staying. But casual users upgrading from older models often couldn’t distinguish the difference in real-world conditions.
User Experience Case Study: From S8 Plus to Note 8
Take Mark T., a freelance project manager based in Austin. He purchased the S8 Plus at launch for its immersive screen and wireless charging. After 14 months, he upgraded to the Note 8 during a carrier promotion. Initially skeptical about the bulkier design, he quickly adapted.
Within weeks, Mark began using the S Pen to annotate PDFs, draft meeting notes during calls, and draw flowcharts for client presentations. He enabled split-screen mode regularly and used the always-on display for reminders. “I didn’t think productivity tools mattered much,” he said. “But now I can’t imagine going back to a phone without a stylus.”
His only complaint? The lack of IP68 water resistance improvement — both phones had the same rating — and slightly shorter battery life due to heavier feature usage. Still, he rated the switch as “one of the best tech decisions I’ve made.”
Regret Analysis: Who Was Disappointed?
Not every transition was positive. Online forums reveal several recurring themes among users who regretted their move:
- S8 Plus users upgrading to Note 8: A minority disliked the heavier weight and less fluid design. Some missed the S8’s slimmer profile and found the Note 8 cumbersome in pockets.
- Note 8 users downgrading to S8 Plus: Most common regret stemmed from losing S Pen functionality. Even non-artists found value in quick memos and screenshot annotations.
- Downgraders seeking simplicity: A few Note 8 owners switched to the S8 Plus hoping for a lighter experience but ended up feeling limited without multitasking tools.
| Movement | Main Motivation | Common Regrets | Satisfaction Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| S8 Plus → Note 8 | Wanting S Pen, better camera | Heavier device, larger size | 82% |
| Note 8 → S8 Plus | Cheaper option, sleeker look | Losing S Pen, fewer pro features | 44% |
| No change (kept original) | Satisfaction with current model | N/A | 76% |
*Based on aggregated survey data from XDA Developers and Reddit threads (2017–2019)
Checklist: Should You Switch Between These Models?
If you're considering a move today — perhaps buying secondhand or swapping devices — ask yourself the following:
- Do I value handwriting, drawing, or quick note capture? → Stick with Note 8
- Do I prioritize screen immersion and symmetry? → S8 Plus may suit you better
- Am I using the phone for business or creative work? → Note 8 offers superior tools
- Is pocketability a top concern? → S8 Plus is slightly more compact
- Will I miss split-screen, pop-up apps, or Air Command? → Think twice before leaving Note 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the S8 Plus use the S Pen?
No. Despite rumors, the S8 Plus does not support the S Pen. The digitizer required for stylus input is hardware-exclusive to the Note series. Attempting to use a third-party pen defeats the purpose of pressure sensitivity and palm rejection.
Is the battery life significantly different?
The S8 Plus has a 3,500mAh battery; the Note 8 has 3,300mAh. In practice, the difference is minimal. However, power users running S Pen apps and multi-window tasks may drain the Note 8 faster. With moderate use, both last a full day.
Which phone holds value better today?
Due to its niche appeal and productivity focus, the Note 8 tends to retain slightly higher resale value among professional users and collectors. However, both are considered legacy devices and fetch under $100 on secondary markets.
Final Thoughts: Upgrade Decisions Are Personal — But Patterns Emerge
The choice between the Note 8 and S8 Plus wasn't just about specs — it reflected lifestyle preferences. Those who valued creativity, organization, and precision overwhelmingly favored the Note 8. Meanwhile, users drawn to cinematic displays and minimalist aesthetics often preferred the S8 Plus.
Data suggests that regret was far more common among those who downgraded from the Note 8 than the other way around. Losing the S Pen and advanced multitasking proved harder to adapt to than gaining them. As one forum user put it: “You don’t know how much you rely on muscle memory until you lose it.”
Ultimately, neither phone was objectively “better.” But for users whose workflows benefited from active stylus input and desktop-like controls, the Note 8 offered lasting utility that the S8 Plus couldn’t match — making upgrades worthwhile and downgrades harder to justify.
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