Galaxy Note 8 vs Galaxy S8+: What Buyers Need to Know

Galaxy Note 8 vs Galaxy S8+: Camera

We mentioned this briefly in the previous slide, but one big area for potential buyers is the camera experience. Samsung is known for having one of the best cameras, and the Note 8 has two of those great cameras on the back. If you buy the Galaxy S8 you'll have a great camera. It's 12 Megapixels, fast, and takes great photos. However, the Galaxy Note 8 has two 12 Megapixel cameras on the back. One is the same f/1.7 aperture lens, while the second is an f/2.4 aperture telephoto zoom lens. Capable of 2x optical zoom or 10x digital zoom. Additionally, both cameras on the back have optical image stabilization so photos will look great even when you zoom in. 

If you buy the Galaxy S8 you'll have a great camera. It's 12 Megapixels, fast, and takes great photos. However, the Galaxy Note 8 has two 12 Megapixel cameras on the back. One is the same f/1.7 aperture lens, while the second is an f/2.4 aperture telephoto zoom lens. Capable of 2x optical zoom or 10x digital zoom. Additionally, both cameras on the back have optical image stabilization so photos will look great even when you zoom in. 

While LG and a few others offer a second camera for wide-angle shots, Samsung followed Apple with a 2x zoom. Technically this should deliver a better camera experience, but not everyone needs two cameras. 

There are new software controls for the second camera also. You'll have the option to control the focus point on an image before (or after) you take the photo on the Note 8. Then, you can even take two photos at the same time. One regular and one twice as close with the zoom lens. That's pretty neat, but I'm not sure when I'd use it. 

Just know you have two phones with arguably the best smartphone camera, one just has two for more opportunities if needed.