Samsung launches Galaxy Note 8 in India: specifications, release data, price

Samsung on September 12 announced the launch of Galaxy Note 8 in India at a price of Rs 67,999.  

The S.Korean-based tech giant first unveiled the Note 8 at an event in New York City on August 23, revealing all features that define the handset. The phone succeeds the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 launched last year.

To recall, Galaxy Note 8 has a 6.3-inch Quad HD + SAMOLED ‘Infinity display’. Side by side, its screen is a modest boost from the Galaxy S8+ model. The Note 8, like the S8 flagship, places the fingerprint sensor at the rear of the phone, up near the camera, further making room for a larger display.

Though Note 8 is built on Qualcomm Snapdragon 835/Exynoss 8895 processor, it will come housed with Exynoss SoC in India, coupled with 6GB RAM and 64GB (expandable) storage option. It sports a dual 12MP camera, just as the one found on iPhone 7s Plus — one lens is for wide angle and the other for 2X zoom. The front camera is 8MP. It packs a 3300mAh battery which also has support for wireless charging. At present, it runs on Android Nougat, though an Oreo update is expected soon. It also comes with an S-Pen and holds IP68 water- and dust-resistance rating.

The Bixby voice assistant that can be activated via a dedicated button and voice command has been customised for Indian customers.

Globally, Note 8 will arrive on Sept. 15 in stores, in India it is set to hit stores on Sept. 21. The phone will be available in two colour options — Midnight Black and Maple Blue, and can be purchased through Amazon and Samsung stores. Additionally, a cashback of Rs 4,000 is being offered to HDFC credit card users.

Noting the time of the Galaxy Note 8 launch in India, world's second biggest smartphone market, the phone is speculated to give a tough competition to Apple's yet-to-be-unveiled iPhone in the market.