Samsung Note 8 Vs S8 Plus Is The Stylus Worth It

When Samsung released the Galaxy S8 Plus and Galaxy Note 8 in close succession, consumers were left with a tough decision. Both devices shared many high-end specs—similar displays, powerful processors, and premium build quality—but one key difference set them apart: the S Pen. The question became not just about hardware, but value. For users already considering the S8 Plus, was upgrading to the Note 8 for the stylus justified? The answer depends on how you use your phone.

Design and Display: Nearly Identical, But Not Quite

At first glance, the Galaxy S8 Plus and Note 8 look almost identical. Both feature edge-to-edge Infinity Displays with vibrant 1440p AMOLED screens—6.2 inches on the S8 Plus and a slightly larger 6.3 inches on the Note 8. The design language is consistent across both models: curved glass, aluminum frames, and an elegant minimalist aesthetic.

However, subtle differences exist. The Note 8 is marginally thicker and heavier (195g vs. 173g), due in part to internal changes that accommodate the S Pen and dual rear cameras. It also has a slightly taller body and a flatter back, which improves grip when using the stylus. While these changes are minor, they reflect Samsung’s intent: the Note 8 isn’t just a bigger S8—it’s built for precision and productivity.

Tip: If you prioritize portability and sleekness, the S8 Plus may feel more comfortable. But if screen real estate and stability during writing matter, the Note 8’s design offers tangible benefits.

Performance and Hardware: Where They Diverge

Under the hood, both phones launched with top-tier specs. The S8 Plus came with either Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810 (depending on region), 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. The Note 8 upgraded to 6GB RAM and added microSD support up to 256GB—important for users who take lots of notes, photos, or videos.

The camera setup marks another significant leap. The S8 Plus has a single 12MP rear sensor, while the Note 8 introduced Samsung’s first dual-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. This enables better portrait shots, improved low-light performance, and enhanced depth control.

Battery life is comparable—3500mAh on the Note 8 versus 3500mAh on the S8 Plus—but usage patterns differ. The S Pen encourages longer interaction times through note-taking, sketching, and multitasking, which can impact battery drain differently.

The S Pen: More Than Just a Stylus

The defining feature of the Note series is the S Pen, and in the Note 8, it reached new levels of refinement. With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and low latency, it feels remarkably natural whether you're jotting down ideas or drawing illustrations.

But the S Pen isn't just for creatives. Its integration into the Android ecosystem adds layers of functionality:

• Screen-off memo: Pull out the pen and start writing instantly—even with the screen off. Notes are saved automatically.
• Live messages: Send animated, handwritten texts with effects.
• Translation and magnification: Use Air Command tools to hover over text and translate or zoom in without touching the screen.
• Smart select: Capture irregular shapes, convert text from images, or create GIFs from selected areas.

This level of interactivity transforms the phone from a passive device into an active tool for capturing thoughts quickly and efficiently.

“The S Pen turns your smartphone into a digital notebook, whiteboard, and remote control—all in one.” — David Kim, Mobile Productivity Consultant

Real-World Use Case: A Day in the Life of a Note 8 User

Consider Sarah, a university lecturer who previously used the S8 Plus. She upgraded to the Note 8 primarily to digitize her lecture planning. Every morning, she uses Screen-off Memo to draft quick lesson outlines during her commute. During meetings, she takes detailed notes directly on PDF handouts using Samsung Notes. Later, she converts handwritten equations into typed text for sharing with students.

She also leverages the S Pen for image markup—annotating research papers, circling key data points, and adding voice memos to specific sections. Over time, she found herself relying less on paper notebooks and laptops. For Sarah, the $100 price difference between the S8 Plus and Note 8 paid for itself in efficiency gains and reduced clutter.

In contrast, her colleague Mark, who mainly uses his phone for calls, social media, and streaming, saw little benefit from the S Pen. He tried taking notes but defaulted back to typing. To him, the extra bulk and cost weren’t justified.

Comparison Table: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Galaxy S8 Plus	Galaxy Note 8
RAM	4GB	6GB
Storage Expansion	No microSD	microSD up to 256GB
Rear Cameras	Single 12MP	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)
S Pen Support	No	Yes (4,096 pressure levels)
Screen-off Memo	No	Yes
Air Command Tools	Not available	Smart Select, Translate, Magnify
Weight	173g	195g

Is the Stylus Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Deciding whether the S Pen adds enough value comes down to your daily habits. Ask yourself the following before choosing:

1. Do you frequently take handwritten notes or annotate documents?
2. Are you involved in creative work like sketching, designing, or illustrating?
3. Do you multitask heavily (e.g., watching videos while taking notes)?
4. Do you value instant access to a writing tool without unlocking your phone?
5. Are you willing to carry a slightly heavier device for added functionality?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the Note 8 likely offers meaningful advantages. If not, the S8 Plus delivers nearly identical core performance at a lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S Pen work on the S8 Plus?

No. The S8 Plus lacks the digitizer layer required for S Pen functionality. Even if you insert a stylus, pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and hover features won’t work.

Does the S Pen need charging?

No. The S Pen is entirely passive, powered electromagnetically by the screen. It lasts indefinitely and only needs replacement if lost or damaged.

Is the Note 8 significantly larger than the S8 Plus?

Dimensions are very similar, but the Note 8 is slightly taller and thicker. Most users adapt quickly, especially if they plan to use the S Pen regularly.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Galaxy Note 8 isn’t merely an oversized S8 Plus—it’s a different category of device. It targets professionals, students, artists, and anyone who values input flexibility beyond touch and voice.

The S Pen transforms how you interact with your phone. It enables faster idea capture, richer annotation, and deeper engagement with content. When paired with DeX (Samsung’s desktop extension), the Note 8 becomes a near-laptop replacement for light productivity tasks.

For casual users, the benefits may seem marginal. But for those whose workflows involve constant note-taking, editing, or creative expression, the stylus isn’t a gimmick—it’s a game-changer.

🚀 Ready to rethink what your phone can do? If you’ve ever wished you could write directly on your screen, sketch ideas instantly, or turn fleeting thoughts into organized notes—try the Note 8 experience. The S Pen might be the productivity boost you didn’t know you needed.