Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 8

Samsung's new Galaxy Note 8 has been unveiled to the world - and it's rather hot, just not too hot to handle.

The device is big (a whopping 6.3 inches), bright and beautiful. The giant screen allows for curves in all the right places and as Samsung enthusiastically puts it, "let's people do things they never thought were possible".

Apart from make their phones accidently explode, of course. This device has been rigorously tested using the tech giant's new eight-point battery safety test. Unlike the ill-fated Note 7, which had to be recalled last year, it's highly unlikely to catch fire.

Samsung used its announcement Thursday morning (NZ time) to show thanks those who've stuck by the range.

"It is a special honour to personally thank all of the Note lovers," said DJ Koh, president of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics.

"I'm deeply, deeply humbled by your loyalty, and grateful for your insight." 

The tech giant also offered a special discount via the Samsung site to those trading in their old unusable Note 7 for a new Note 8.

Samsung first introduced the Note series in 2011 and it has proved popular with what Samsung's NZ Head of Mobile Product, Todd Selwyn, calls "power users".

"New Zealanders tend to be early adopters of technology, which is why the Note category has always been incredibly well received in this country.

"It's an exciting moment for us to be able to deliver the best and most highly anticipated Galaxy Note we've ever created to the Kiwis who've waited patiently to upgrade."

8 THINGS OF NOTE

  • 6.3-inch Super AMOLED infinity display with an 18.5:9 ratio bezel free screen.
  • Two 12MP rear cameras with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on both the telephoto and wide-angle lens and a live focus feature allowing for pictures with a 'bokeh' effect. 
  • Water and dust resistance (IP685 ) on the device and the S Pen.
  • Fast wireless charging.
  • Iris and fingerprint scanning.
  • Powerful performance: With 6GB RAM, a 10nm processor, and expandable memory (up to 256GB).
  • New software to improve split-screen multitasking.
  • Bixby9 virtual assistant and an improved S pen with a translate function and 'live message' which allows users to send drawings as instant mesages.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in midnight black. The phone has a 6.3 inch display making it the tech giant's largest premium smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in midnight black. The phone has a 6.3 inch display making it the tech giant's largest premium smartphone.

The Galaxy Note 8 is designed with other devices in Samsung's ecosystem such as Gear 360 Camera, the Gear VR headset and Gear S3 Smartwatch.

All in all, it's an impressive phone which is bound to gain fans - but will people trust it?

Some analysts believe it might even lead to a Note 8 boost, saying those who wanted or purchased the recalled Note 7 will still want a Note and purchase the new device.

The debacle certainly didn't affect the business performance of Samsung's other smartphone releases such as the S8, and it will be hoping this is the device to steal rival Apple's thunder which is about to launch its 10th anniversary phone in a few weeks.

The Galaxy Note 8 goes on sale in New Zealand, priced from $1599, on September 22, with pre-orders available from September 8.

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