Radical changes to the Galaxy Note 8 suggest it is going to be one of 2017’s best smartphones. Unfortunately new information also reveals it may be Samsung’s most expensive phone of all time…
Posting on VentureBeat, famed leaker Evan Blass states that Samsung is currently informing partners that the model will be “its most expensive cellphone yet” and retail for €999 (over $1,100).
Galaxy Note 8 concept based on latest leaks, by Concept Creator
Blass claims says the pricing comes via “an individual briefed on the company’s plans” and his long (and highly accurate) track record means we should take this information seriously. The flipside to this huge price tag is Galaxy Note 8 owners look set to get a lot for their money.
Highlights include a massive 6.3-inch 18.5:9 aspect ratio Infinity Display, top-of-the-range Exynos 8895 (global) and Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (US) chipsets, an increase to 6GB of RAM and dual rear camera. There will also be the range’s customary S Pen stylus.
Where a big doubt remains is whether Samsung can integrate a fingerprint sensor into the display, something that didn’t make it into either the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus and saw them crammed into a ridiculous alternative position at the last minute. There are also concerns it might receive a reduced battery capacity (3300 mAh) as Samsung plays it safe following the Galaxy Note 7 debacle.
The 6.2-inch Galaxy S8 Plus is easy to type on one handed thanks to the narrower aspect ratio expected to also come to the Galaxy Note 8
Such compromises could prove a problem if Apple does manage to pull off a much expected complete iPhone redesign which will launch in the same quarter (Q3). Though the iPhone 8 is also expected to carry a similarly high asking price.
One upside for potential Galaxy Note 8 buyers, however, is how Samsung has priced its handsets in recent times.
The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus initially retailed for €799 ($895) and €899 (€1,000) respectively but, as European pricing includes taxes, in the US these phones were sold unlocked for just $725 and $825 respectively. This might just keep the Galaxy Note 8 under $1,000 - maybe.
Needless to say, manufacturers are welcome to price their smartphones as they see fit and prices have increased in 2017. That said with larger asking prices come higher expectations and, especially following the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung is going to need to hit the Galaxy Note 8 out the park…