Samsung Note 8 Vs S8 Plus Was Upgrading Worth It Or Just Hype 2

When Samsung released the Galaxy S8 Plus in early 2017, it set a new benchmark for Android flagships—sleek design, powerful internals, and a stunning edge-to-edge display. Just months later, the Galaxy Note 8 arrived with similar hardware but added features like the S Pen and dual rear cameras. For owners of the S8 Plus, the question became immediate: was upgrading to the Note 8 truly worthwhile, or was it simply riding the wave of marketing hype?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world impact—how daily usage differs, whether productivity gains justify the cost, and if the improvements are meaningful or marginal. Let’s break down the key differences and similarities to determine whether the upgrade made sense beyond the buzz.

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Not Revolution

At first glance, the Galaxy Note 8 and S8 Plus look nearly identical. Both feature curved AMOLED displays, glass backs, aluminum frames, and IP68 water resistance. However, closer inspection reveals subtle but important distinctions.

The Note 8 is slightly taller and heavier due to its larger 6.3-inch display (compared to the S8 Plus’s 6.2 inches). While that difference seems negligible, the Note 8 also has a marginally thicker profile and a flatter top and bottom bezel area, giving it a more balanced look despite the shared infinity display aesthetic.

One major change: the fingerprint sensor. On the S8 Plus, it was awkwardly placed next to the camera module—a notorious pain point. The Note 8 repositioned it directly beneath the lens array, making it far more accessible. This may seem minor, but users quickly noticed the improvement in usability.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone one-handed, the S8 Plus might still feel slightly more manageable despite the nearly identical size.

Display and Usability: Pixel-Perfect Parity

Both phones sport Quad HD+ Super AMOLED \"Infinity Displays\" with 1440 x 2960 resolution and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. In practice, they deliver identical visual quality—deep blacks, vibrant colors, excellent outdoor visibility, and smooth scrolling.

Where they diverge is functionality. The Note 8 introduces split-screen multitasking optimized for the S Pen, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously with greater ease. Features like “App Pair” let you launch two apps together (e.g., WhatsApp and YouTube), enhancing productivity.

For media consumption, both devices perform equally well. But if you're someone who takes notes, annotates PDFs, or sketches, the Note 8’s screen becomes a tool—not just a display.

Performance and Software: Nearly Identical Under the Hood

Underneath, both phones are powered by either the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810, depending on region. RAM is 6GB across the board, and storage starts at 64GB (expandable via microSD).

In real-world performance, there's no noticeable difference. Apps launch at the same speed, multitasking is fluid, and gaming performance is indistinguishable. Both ran Android 7.1 out of the box, upgradable to Android 9 with Samsung’s One UI.

However, the Note 8 benefits from software features exclusive to the S Pen ecosystem:

• Screen Off Memo: Pull out the pen and jot a note instantly, even with the screen off.
• Live Message: Create animated GIFs from handwritten text or drawings.
• Translate & Convert: Use the Air Command menu to translate text or convert currency in real time.

“Productivity on smartphones peaked with the Note 8. The S Pen wasn’t a gimmick—it was a gateway to faster workflows.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetInsight

Camera Comparison: Dual Lenses Make a Difference

This is where the Note 8 pulls ahead in a tangible way. While the S8 Plus has a single 12MP f/1.7 wide-angle rear camera, the Note 8 adds a second 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.4), enabling true 2x optical zoom and improved portrait mode capabilities.

In practical terms, this means:

• Better low-light performance using the primary sensor with dual-pixel autofocus.
• Sharper zoomed photos without digital degradation.
• More natural bokeh effects in Live Focus mode, with adjustable blur intensity after capture.

The front-facing cameras are identical (8MP, f/1.7), so selfies and video calls remain unchanged between models.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus	Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Rear Cameras	Single 12MP (f/1.7)	Dual 12MP (f/1.7 + f/2.4 telephoto)
Optical Zoom	No	2x Optical Zoom
Portrait Mode	Software-based simulation	Hardware-assisted with depth sensing
Front Camera	8MP, f/1.7	8MP, f/1.7
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps

Battery Life and Charging: Small Gains, Same Experience

The S8 Plus packs a 3,500mAh battery; the Note 8 comes with a slightly smaller 3,300mAh unit. Yet, thanks to refined power management and app optimization, both deliver roughly the same endurance—about 1.2 days of moderate use.

All charging options are identical: fast charging (wired), wireless charging, and compatibility with Qi pads. No standout advantage on either side.

Tip: Enable adaptive battery settings to extend lifespan and reduce background drain, especially when switching between intensive tasks.

Mini Case Study: From S8 Plus to Note 8 – A Freelancer’s Journey

Mark, a freelance graphic designer based in Austin, upgraded from the S8 Plus to the Note 8 six months after launch. His reasoning? Client meetings often required quick annotations on mockups sent via email.

“On the S8 Plus, I had to open an app, load the image, scribble something, save it, then attach it,” he said. “With the Note 8, I long-press the S Pen, circle the file in my inbox, and annotate it instantly. I’m saving at least 10 minutes per client interaction.”

He admitted the camera upgrade helped too—especially capturing product reference images with better zoom—but emphasized that the S Pen integration was the deciding factor.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to upgrade from the S8 Plus to the Note 8, ask yourself the following:

1. Do I value handwriting, sketching, or note-taking on my phone?
2. Do I regularly take zoomed or portrait-mode photos?
3. Am I frustrated by the S8 Plus’s fingerprint sensor placement?
4. Do I multitask heavily with split-screen apps?
5. Is $100–$150 (used price difference) worth these upgrades?

If three or more apply, the Note 8 likely offers meaningful value. Otherwise, the S8 Plus remains a fully capable flagship even years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S Pen be used for anything other than writing?

Absolutely. Beyond notes, it enables precise photo editing, remote shutter control for the camera, scrolling through pages hands-free, and creating animated messages. Its utility grows with familiarity.

Is the Note 8 significantly larger than the S8 Plus?

Dimensions are very close—only 0.1 inch taller and slightly thicker. Most users won’t notice a big difference in pocket fit, though the flat edges make the Note 8 feel more stable when placed down.

Does the Note 8 have better speakers than the S8 Plus?

No. Both feature stereo speakers tuned by AKG with support for Dolby Atmos. Audio quality is functionally identical.

Conclusion: Beyond Hype Lies Real Utility

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 wasn’t a revolutionary leap over the S8 Plus—it was a refinement. For casual users, the changes might seem incremental: a better-placed fingerprint sensor, a second camera, and a stylus. But for professionals, creatives, and power users, those increments add up to a significantly enhanced experience.

The upgrade wasn’t about raw power or flashy design. It was about purpose. The S Pen transformed the device from a communication tool into a productivity hub. The dual-camera system brought pro-level photography within reach. And thoughtful tweaks in ergonomics and software made daily interactions smoother.

If you already owned the S8 Plus, the decision came down to how much you valued functionality over novelty. For many, the answer was yes—the upgrade was worth it. Not because of hype, but because of habit: the way we work, create, and communicate evolved with the device.

💬 Did you make the jump from S8 Plus to Note 8? Share your experience—was it a game-changer or just more of the same?