iPhone 8 Plus vs. Galaxy Note 8: Samsung brings the fight to Apple

Apple users will say the iPhone is better, while Samsung fans will argue the Galaxy Note series is the best there is. If we’re objective about it, we can find the good in both handsets. But, as is often the case, your subjective opinion will determine which phone—the iPhone 8 Plus or Galaxy Note 8—is better.

It’s tough to compare devices with different operating systems and specs. Apple’s new iPhone features an A11 Bionic chip that performs amazingly in benchmark tests. But the Galaxy Note 8’s combination of 6GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 835 processor prove it’s no slouch.

A device like the Note 8 exists purely for diehard fans and business users who value the S Pen. The accessory allows users to jot down notes, draw pictures, and navigate the software in a way iPhone 8 Plus users cannot. That’s the beauty of the Note 8’s stylus, which has become an increasingly unique differentiator for the device.

The Note series also continues to push Samsung’s software in exciting ways. With the S Pen, users can instantly translate words and sentences, while the Note 8’s large 6.3-inch display is fantastic for launching two apps at once. With smart features like that, it’s easy to see why the Note 8 is such a powerhouse.

The iPhone 8 Plus holds its own in other areas, like usability and camera. And while iOS 11 isn’t nearly as versatile as Samsung’s take on Android, it’s still buttery smooth and exhibits excellent app performance, which remains an underrated part of the iPhone’s arsenal.

Apple’s device also features things like iMessage, Apple Pay, wireless charging, a beautiful all-glass design, and a fingerprint sensor that’s convenient to use. To be fair, the Note 8 matches Apple Pay with Samsung Pay, and it has wireless charging, too.

To a neutral, the Note 8 is the superior device because of its more elegant design, powerful set of features, and S Pen. But remember that the Galaxy Note 8 is nearly $1,000, while the iPhone 8 Plus starts at $799. Perhaps the more apt comparison would be to pit the Note 8 against Apple’s iPhone X, which is launching on November 3.

For a more thorough comparison between the iPhone 8 Plus and Galaxy Note 8, check out the video above, which breaks the fight down by category.