Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 preview: an 8-inch S Pen tablet that's also a phone

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/samsung-galaxy-note-8-preview/)

An [updated, larger Galaxy Note](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/galaxy-note-8-0-mwc-booth/) from [Samsung](http://www.engadget.com/tag/samsung/) was inevitable. Given the undeniable popularity of mid-size tablets (see: [Apple iPad mini](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/30/apple-ipad-mini-review/)), it's no surprise the Korean electronics giant would want to strengthen its foothold in a category it helped create. It was just three short years ago that Samsung introduced the [Galaxy Tab](http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/samsung-galaxy-tab-review/) and now, three [Notes](http://www.engadget.com/tag/galaxy+note/) later, it's ready to perfect the one-handed experience. With this new Note, the company's culled the best of what's around its Galaxy into an 8-inch form factor, housing a 1,280 x 800 TFT display, Exynos 4 Quad with 2GB RAM (clocked at 1.6GHz), TouchWiz-skinned Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 OS, S Pen (and suite of associated apps), as well as radios for HSPA+ and WiFi into that familiar, lightweight plastic body.

But that extra inch alone isn't the [Galaxy Note 8.0's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/galaxyNote8.0/) main attraction. Samsung's wisely made use of the additional screen real estate to bundle two extra features. Building upon market research that indicates over 80-percent of tablet use takes place within the living room, the company's partnered with Peel for its Smart Remote app, a visual programming guide with remote control functions baked-in that comes pre-loaded on the tab. And, in keeping with its portrait oriented design, the Note 8.0 also incorporates what the company calls "reading mode," effectively optimizing the slate's display for comfortable e-book use.

**Gallery: [Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/)**

[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661040)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661038)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661039)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661046)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661047)

Filed under: [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Samsung](http://www.engadget.com/category/samsung/)

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URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/samsung-galaxy-note-8-preview/