I’m a lazy techie. I like devices you can switch on and start using without too much hassle. Here, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 offers a mixed bag.
Having never used an Android device before, I was pleasantly surprised by its processing speed. It’s quick to start up and uploaded my contacts automatically and without me even noticing. But it was also confusing as one button has different functionalities depending on the app you’re using. Similarly, there are too many browser (Android, Samsung and Chrome), messaging and mail options for my liking.
While the 5MP main camera is adequate for your social media updates (the device allows for seamless integration with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), I did miss a flash. The Note 8.0’s best feature is the light and accurate stylus used for navigating, typing, writing and sketching.
Size-wise, I’m in two minds. The eight-inch screen is preferable to that of a mobile phone and the sub-350g-weight is kind on the forearm. But the space can seem crammed. The screen resolution is amazing, even doing justice to the colours of a Bollywood film, of which you’ll be able to watch quite a few on a single charge of the 4,600mAh battery (14 hours, if we’re to take the manufacturer’s word).
At Dh1,699 (Wi-Fi), I wouldn’t choose this over the iPad Mini.But if you’re looking for a phone and tablet in one, at Dh1,999 (3G/Wi-Fi) it’s worth considering as a secondary weekend device.
