Skip to main content

Rumor: Samsung to unveil new 8-inch Galaxy Note tablet next month

mobile world congress 2012 fira de barcelona fountains
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet.

Now that CES is over, Samsung is gearing up for next month’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona where the company is expected to unveil a brand new Galaxy Note tablet.

The Korea-based electronics firm will reportedly reveal its Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet, according to Samsung news blog Sam Mobile. The website doesn’t specify exactly where this information came from, but does provide a list of specifications for the device.  Like most tablets, this rumored slate is expected to come in two flavors. One edition will feature 3G and Wi-Fi, and the other will be Wi-Fi only.

None of this information has been confirmed, but the alleged follow up to Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 7.7 is expected to come with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out of the box, a 4600 mAh battery, a 5-megapixel front facing camera and a 1.3-megapixel front facing camera. As for the display, we may be seeing a Super Clear LCD screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. Whether these specs turn out to be true or not, we can expect the tablet to come in the standard 16GB or 32GB variants.

This isn’t a drastic improvement from the current generation Galaxy Tab 7.7 in terms of tech specs, but it could prove to be an appealing alternative to Apple’s iPad Mini. It’s similar in size to Apple’s offering, allowing for more screen space than Google’s Nexus 7 or other smaller-sized slates. However, the alleged Galaxy Note 8.0 would come equipped with Samsung’s signature S-Pen stylus, offering a different set of features than Apple’s miniature iPad. In addition, since Samsung’s rumored tablet comes with Android 4.2 at launch, we can probably expect some of the recently announced Premium Suite features as well.

While Sam Mobile seems to have the scoop, its set of reported specs is missing one key piece of information. There was no mention of what kind of processor would power the device. We’re hoping that one of Samsung’s new quad-core Exynos chips will be inside, but we’ll have to wait until the Mobile World Congress to find out for sure.

If these rumors turn out to be true, Samsung will be adding yet another major player to the already saturated tablet industry. While an 8-inch Galaxy Note may not outsell the iPad Mini, offering the premium suite S Pen-enabled features on a miniature tablet would make sense for Samsung.

This isn’t the first time this device has made an appearance on the Web. Back in December, a device with the same model number, code name and specs appeared in the GLBenchmark’s database.

Editors' Recommendations

Lisa Eadicicco
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Lisa Eadicicco is a technology and video game reporter based in New York City. She graduated from Purchase College in 2012…
Have a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5? Here are 10 things you need to do
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 cover screen dog wallpaper on a flat surface with purple Galaxy Buds 2 Pro on the side.

Samsung's fifth generation of foldable phones is already here, bringing structural improvements to the hinge and other parts tucked inside the body. Besides the improved internals, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 also gets attention from Samsung in the form of its new and significantly larger cover display.

This external display now occupies a large area on the Flip's top face and lets you accomplish significantly more without opening the phone than you could on any of the previous models. Along with improved hardware, the optimized software ensures the new and powerful specs are utilized to their maximum potential.

Read more
A new limited-time deal on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 just landed
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 partially open while standing on a flat surface witgh orange dog informative cover screen wallpaper widget.

In one of the most unexpected phone deals this year, Amazon reduced the price of the 256GB version of the recently released Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 by $200, so you'll only have to pay $800 for the foldable smartphone instead of its sticker price of $1,000. This offer will only remain online for a limited time though, so if you're planning to upgrade your phone, you might as well go for one of the latest models if you can get it for cheaper than usual. Hurry up and complete your purchase as the bargain may end at any moment.

Why you should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, which just rolled out last month, already grabbed a spot in our list of the best phones as the best flip phone. There's a lot to like about it, including its 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a water-resistant design with an IPX8 rating, a dual-lens setup at the back with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP ultrawide selfie lens inside on top of the main display. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 also ships with Samsung's One UI 5.1.1 over Android 13, which is the latest version of Google's mobile operating system.

Read more
The best Samsung phones in 2023: our 8 favorite Galaxy handsets
The Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra all next to each other.

Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in modern smartphones. It has a well-deserved reputation for offering an expansive lineup of great phones with something for just about everyone. This means if you're looking for an Android phone, you'll easily find a Samsung model that's worth considering based on your needs and budget. In fact, the number of choices can be a bit overwhelming, but the good news is that we've explored the entire range and highlighted the best Samsung smartphones you can buy in 2023.

Like its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra gets the nod for the best overall Samsung phone, and that's not just because it's Samsung's premium flagship device. Sure, it's the most expensive phone in the lineup, but you're getting some incredible bang for your buck with its large and gorgeous display, excellent cameras, and a new processor that offers unprecedented levels of performance. And if you're looking for something more unique, more pocketable, or more affordable, you'll find a lot of other great options on our list in every category, with links to detailed reviews for each.

Read more