Subjective pros and cons, perception from the position of a fan of the line.
For all the time of my 'communication' with smartphones, for some reason, I mostly gravitated towards small-sized models, perhaps because they fit more easily in the pocket of jeans or trousers and did not pull it off. Therefore, the sudden transition to SGN4 was in a sense revolutionary for my user experience. The device 'helped' to understand all the advantages of a large diagonal and QHD-resolution, however, the latter has ceased to be so relevant for me lately. It even got to the point that I was seriously preparing to buy a Note 7, studied rumors and got acquainted with the first reviews on foreign thematic sites. For all known reasons, the purchase did not take place, but the idea of buying a phablet sat in my head for some time. And now we are separated from the announcement of Note 8 by three weeks, during which time, with a high degree of probability, a lot of details close to the real state of affairs will appear on the network, but it is quite possible that Samsung will leave something for dessert and be able to surprise. I would like to share some thoughts about the upcoming device.
Appearance
The visual differentiation of Note line phablets always worked for them, gadgets stood out on store shelves and in the hands of users, it was not always a matter of size: the case materials and stylus, as well as color design, came into play. What will we see on 23 August?
S8 Plus with dual cameras and stylus
On most rumored models of the device, it appears exactly like this: similar to the eighth generation of the Galaxy S line with a few exceptions. A dual camera and a stylus are all the Note 8 can do. And that, in my opinion, is not so-so perspective. Undoubtedly, Samsung sees the future in Infinity Display and 18.5: 9. But won't this turn away the users of previous generations of Note, who are used to having their own design language in their devices, different from the flagships of the S-series? In the conclusions to one of the issues of the Gazebo, I wrote that it was difficult for me to use narrow devices, I was used to a wide screen. But since then, my attitude towards Infinity Display has changed in a positive direction. Having held it in my hands and worked a little with the S8 / S8 +, I realized for myself that the loss in width (10.5 and 5.2 mm, respectively) is not something for me that is impossible to get used to. The harder part is getting used to the idea that the Note 8 will be a slightly more advanced version of the S8 Plus.
What were Samsung designers guided by? It is possible that several factors played at once:
- transition to a new design language and an attempt to support a successful trend
- rejection of the negatively associated image and likeness of Note 7
- likely abandoning the Note line in the future and smoothing out potential 'corners'
Positioning
I don't want to believe the last point (see above), but the first reaction to the external resemblance to the S8 Plus was exactly that. At this stage, it is important for the company to oppose the future iPhone with its uncompromising decision, and the Note 8 has every chance of becoming one.
On the one hand, I understand Samsung's intentions, but still I'm sorry that the Note legacy has lost its former significance. I am sure that the software of the new phablet will have unique capabilities tied precisely to the interaction with the stylus, but at least now this fact does not add much optimism.
The cost
The most expensive Samsung smartphone, the price will fluctuate around a thousand dollars. And here's the paradox: despite the seemingly stable nature of income, I have become quite picky about the financial side of buying something. Perhaps the family imposes its own changes, but I can afford 65-70 thousand for a smartphone only if I save up this money, they do not fit into my idea of the amount that I am ready to spend one time.
The device will find its buyer, it will be interesting to look at the first sales and bonuses that will be offered to the first pre-ordering and buying. But, again, in the current economic situation, I would be wary of this kind of acquisition, even if the inner geek is trying to convince that the result will be worth it, etc.
All in
After the ruined reputation of the Note line, the company doesn't have much room to regain credit for its phablets. By and large, the Note 8 could become a fateful device, with the announcement of which Samsung will demonstrate its willingness to lay all the cards on the table and attack competitors. Will this be the end of the line, or will Samsung be able to prove its worth?
The chances of winning would be much higher if Samsung could be the first to implement a fingerprint sensor built into the display glass. In the meantime, users are trying to argue with each other in a dispute over which of the “ eights '' will be more successful and innovative, in companies work goes on as usual, ideas are copied, real and not-so-real photographs and renders of new models appear, processes are working, people are working on creating and promoting the vehicles of the future. August 23 is approaching, we are waiting for leaks and official information.
Conclusion
Note 8 looms as an interesting and powerful smartphone, but not without moments that upset me. It so happened that Eldar had already written material about the features of the new smartphone, which pleased me with something, but for the most part only confirmed my conclusions. But nevertheless, time did not allow to write new material any more, therefore we read here. Let's consider my article as something like an unofficial absentee user first glance, in which I'm not looking for the reason for all the company's failures, but just trying to understand where the company is going to move on and how the new product will help it in this. Your move, Samsung.