Samsung launches Galaxy Note 8, and brings Bixby to India

In a press conference in India today, Samsung announced the launch of its latest flagship smartphone in India, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. With the Note 8, Samsung aims to redeem itself after the disaster of last’s year Galaxy Note 7.

The company also announced that Bixby, Samsung’s own personal digital assistant, will be available for India on the Note 8 (as well as Samsung Galaxy S8) and has been optimized to understand English in Indian accents. Bixby Voice capability will be available in India from September 30.

There’s also Samsung Pay which was launched in India earlier this year. The Galaxy Note 8 includes wireless charging as well as boasts of IP68 dust and water resistance.

Galaxy Note8 with its stunning Infinity Display, enhanced S Pen and a true Dual Camera, is designed for those who want to do bigger things. At Samsung, we listen to our consumers and bring in meaningful innovations that help make their lives better. With this launch, Samsung will further consolidate its leadership in the premium smartphone segment in India.

– Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President – Mobile Business, Samsung India

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Specifications

• Operating System: Android 7.1.1 Nougat with TouchWiz UI
• Display: 6.3-inch Quad HD+ (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED Infinity | 521 ppi | 18.5:9 aspect ratio
• Processor: 64-bit octa-core (2.3 GHz Quad + 1.7 GHz Quad) Samsung Exynos 8895, 10 nm processor
• RAM: 6 GB LPDDR4
• Storage: 64 GB; microSD expansion up to 256 GB
• Rear camera: 12 MP wide-angle AF Dual Pixel sensor | ƒ/1.7 aperture | OIS + 12 MP telephoto AF sensor | ƒ/2.4 aperture | OIS
• Front camera: 8 MP AF sensor | ƒ/1.7 aperture
• Battery: 3,300 mAh
• Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6 mm
• Weight: 195 g

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be available in two color variants – Midnight Black and Maple Gold – from Amazon and Samsung Shop, as well as from Samsung Stores across the country, at a price of ₹67,900 ($1062), starting September 21. As an introductory offer, Samsung is offering a complementary Convertible Wireless Charger as well as one-time free screen replacement. There’s Galaxy Note 8 users will get a Double Data offer on Jio, under which they can get up to 448 GB of extra 4G data over 8 months, as well as complimentary Jio Prime Membership. Also, customers who purchase the Note 8 using an HDFC Credit Card will get a cashback of ₹4,000.

Samsung also announced an all new ‘Samsung Upgrade’ program offering its loyal Galaxy users the best value when they trade in their old device for the Galaxy Note 8 using the My Galaxy app, powered by Cashify.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is truly one of the best flagship smartphones of the year (and you can read our complete review of the same), but is also the most expensive Android smartphone in the country to date. According to a Samsung market research, 87% of Note users say they are satisfied with their Galaxy Note and 82% may recommend it to friends. What are your thoughts on the Note 8 and its pricing? Tell is in the comments!