I’ve been using a Galaxy Note (4) Edge since 2014 and love it. But the phone has gotten more laggy of late and I finally decided to bite the bullet and upgrade.
As part of the pre-order offer, I bought an LG G4 for $100 on eBay in order to trade it in and instantly save $300 off the Note8. You can buy a G4 in great condition for just $95 now and trade it in to get $300 off a Note8.
The Pre-order offer is now ending. You can read more about buying a trade-in for the offer in this post.
If you had a Note7, you can get $425 off a Note8 with a trade-in.
In addition to the trade-in offer, Samsung also offered the choice of a free 128GB Micro-SD card and a free wireless fast charging convertible or a free Gear 360 Camera.
I chose the 128GB Micro-SD card and the free wireless fast charging convertible, but was very pleasantly surprised when I opened up the box and saw a 256GB Micro-SD card! Samsung charges $249.99 for that SD card and $89.99 for the wireless fast charging convertible.
Other people with pre-orders made directly with Samsung are also reporting receiving the 256GB Micro-SD card.
I’m not sure what the business strategy is behind offering a 128GB card and then delivering a 256GB card, but it sure did surprise and delight! It will take me quite some time in order to fill up all that memory on my phone.
Pre-orders also get 2 months of Samsung Premium Care, which includes in-person support, coverage for accidents and damage, and more.
You can also save $20 off a new Gear VR for the Note8 or $50 off a DeX desktop dock station when you purchase them together with a Note8 pre-order.
Overall, I’m thrilled with my new Note8.
Thanks to its great processor and a whopping 6GB or RAM, the phone is lightning fast. The camera is truly amazing, and having dual cameras makes it easy to blur the background for professional looking pictures.
The phone is big, but that provides a great amount of real estate for browsing or running simultaneous apps. Plus there are easy one-handed mode shortcuts for when you need to use the phone with one hand.
Wireless fast charging in the convertible stand is awesome. I can have it on my desk and view notifications from the very useful always-on display.
The S-Pen comes in handy for taking notes, even when the screen is off. The translate function on the pen is very cool, I love being able to easily write on a screenshot to, and even the coloring app is fun.
It took a while, but I finally did find an app that works for call recording. That functionality has helped me several times in the past with airlines and credit card companies.
I do miss several things from my Note Edge.
I miss the ability to quickly launch apps from the Edge screen which has been dumbed down on all edge screens since then.
I’m in the minority here, but I prefer a grippier back like my Note Edge had to the smooth glass back of the Note8. I dropped my Note Edge without a case many times without issue, but the Note8 feels far more fragile, so I just ordered this case for it. To me, it seems odd to have such a nice looking phone and then have to wrap it in an ugly case. So I don’t understand the whole trend towards all glass phones.
The battery on the Note8 seems incredible, but when I travel I will miss being able to swap out a fully charged battery for a dead battery as I was able to on the Note Edge.
I also wish that Samsung would copy LG’s ability to double tap the screen to turn it off, that’s a nifty feature and the 3rd party apps that try to emulate that don’t seem to do a very good job at it.
Finally, I wish that the Always-on display would show notifications even without a lock screen enabled. You need to either swipe or have a lock on the phone for notifications to arrive on the Always-on display.
I do love the quickness of the face unlocking, but that doesn’t work when it’s dark or if I’m wearing sunglasses.
But those are nitpicks and overall I’d easily give the Note8 a 9 out of 10. It’s truly a powerhouse of a phone.
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88 Comments On "Samsung Is Sending Out A Sweet Surprise With Note8 Pre-Orders; Last Chance For Pre-Orders And First Thoughts Of My New Phone"
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Chase Ink will give you x5 on samsung.com!
Yup, as mentioned in the original post:
https://www.dansdeals.com/shopping-deals/electronics/cell-phones/buy-lg-g4-107-95-get-300-off-note8-free-bonus-accessories/
Dan. 2 questions,
1. I also have another call recorder on my s7 which is pretty good. However is it legal to use it against airline companies if you didn’t tell them before hand that they are being recorded.
2. I do have the s7 edge , do I also have the option of face unlocking? If so would you be able to hint me where I would found that setting ?
1. The following states require consent from both parties for call recording: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington.
It’s legal in other states. But even in those 11 states, you can try starting the call like this DDFer did:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_tp3Lp4z_I
2. I don’t think the S7 offers face unlock unless you root the phone and hack it.
I believe the law varies by state. Last I checked, in NY, for example, you are allowed to record a conversation as long as you are one of the two parties on the call.
Regarding S7 edge, it does not have face unlock.
LG G4 is a great phone. Tempted to pull the trigger.
Until it dies on you like it did to thousands of other people. Don’t do it to yourself.
Yup I went through 2 G4s in 3 months, lost all my son’s baby pictures because I never signed into Google Photos on the 2nd one (it was downloaded, it should be doing something!) Both did the “boot-loop” on me.
Bought a G4 to use for the trade in deal and it had vertical split screen issues. Had to return it.
LGs quality control and software issues are what has kept them from being a real competitor to Samsung in the cell phone market.
Do not get the G4! Lg 4 had to replace my phone twice (both under warranty). After about 18 months since i got the original the screen starting spazzing and it would turn split screen on me and it was unusable. Youre better off getting the v20. I love it so far
I’m either heading to the LG V30 or waiting on the Pixel XL 2.
I tried the LG V20. The software was very buggy and kept crashing on me, reminded me of an old palm pilot.
And the camera was pathetic.
The V30’s dual cameras don’t both have image stabilization like the Note8 does.
And the V30 only has 4GB of RAM.
And the V30’s display is not nearly as nice looking as the Note8s.
As far as the Pixel, I love having SD storage and it doesn’t seem like Google will go down that route.
At least that was my Note8 decision process. And I didn’t want to miss out on the pre-order offers to wait several months for those phones.
Well said. I needed a phone now, which was a big reason for going in on the pre-order deal. Sometimes waiting for a deal while losing productivity (my phone lags badly) isn’t worth waiting on a deal that may or may not even happen.
Yup, that was the reason I took the plunge now as well.
How’d you get the SD+charger so quickly?
I pre-ordered through vzw and Samsung said I need to wait 4-6 weeks once I get the phone to apply for it.
I’m assuming being that you ordered it through Samsung directly is why your able to get it before.
Yes, it’s because I ordered directly from Samsung. It came with the phone.
Thanks for the reply.
I too have the note4, know the feeling. Have a good one.
Heh at least you got your honest. I’ll have my SD card and charger before I get my note 8. Samsung.com is back ordered until Oct 1
I have a Samsung Note 5 I love it! I have 64g and it was more than enough. I have only had to remove pictures once since I have been using my phone. Should I trade in my note 5 ?will they let me trade it in for an upgrade. The only other phone is have is an samsung edge…… or should I just keep my Note 5?
I’d say trade in or better off sell the note 5 and upgrade to note 8. Being it that the note 5 is a couple of years old, the battery should be depleting pretty fast. So might as well upgrade, right? If the trade in offer in not valid anymore, you might want to just sell it (instead of trading in) because regular trade in value is around $150 or so (tried it at best buy). You could probably get $250-$300 if you sell it. You won’t be disappointed with the note 8.
Mine came in the mail today. Is the additional memory card already installed in the phone? I did not get a seperate memory card.
2 methods to get then ship now.
1- go to samsung.com
2- in the play store search (samsung shop)
Not in my account. I ordered through VZW.
When does the pre order special end? Can’t find a date in the article or on Samsung’s site.
I don’t know the exact date, but it’s officially being released this week, so I wouldn’t wait if you’re on the fence.
You can always still return it.
What’s the return window?
My dilemma is between the Note 8 & Google pixel 2 which is being announced in the beginning October.
Main reason I’m holding out is because sadly, the Note 8 does not support Band 71 which is T-mobile’s new spectrum 🙁
Regarding the grip, I would tell you to check out DBrand.com. Black Dragon is my favorite 🙂
15 days from when you receive the phone.
But do you have a case and that grip?
No. It’s only a skin. Helps significantly with the grip and slightly with the “fragileness.” Also looks way prettier than a case…
The grip is part of it, but I’m afraid of cracking the glass on this thing…
With the deal T-mo has on BOGOF for the Note8, you might figure out if you’re in an area they use Band71 (or are likely to in the next 2-3 years) to help decide.
Vie loved my Note5 (except no microSD) and just pulled the trigger.
2 Note8, 2 convertible chargers/128mb cards and a 5% student discount made it worth it to me (and my area doesn’t do Band71, likely won’t for quite some time).
Valid purchase period: 8/24/17 – 9/24/17
http://samsungpromotions.com/dobiggerthings/
That’s for the free gifts, not for the $300/$425 trade-in offer.
I’m with you. I wish phones would stick to grippier backs or stainless steel and allow me to go caseless without fear of damage.
Alas it doesn’t look like that is happening anytime soon.
That and the loss the replaceable battery are a real shame. But they’ve gone the way of the dodo.
Dan, best bet to buy an unlocked one or Verizon if I’m currently on Verizon? Are they all unlocked these days? Do a bit of international travel.
Verizon phones are unlocked.
thanks
HI Dan
You can get the edge panel by following Tip#1 in this article https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/galaxy-note-8-tips-and-tricks/
I’m aware.
The Note Edge had a real 2nd screen for the Edge. All of the other edge screens have been a sorry joke.
I bought the Note 8 directly from Verizon Business at a discounted price, any way to the free gifts? You think I can sell my Note 5 (mint condition) for $250.00?
Download the Shop Samsung app and you will be able to order it for free.
Re G4 lagginess: I was getting annoyed with it on a regular basis, was about to trade up. I thought I would give it one more shot, Googled it, followed recommendations, and it’s back to it’s old snappy self. Just saying..
How do I get rid of my brand new S8+? I LOVED the Note7.
Anyone else trading up from the S8+? Please comment – really need some encouragement to push me over the edge.
I sold my s8Plus for 550 And got the BOGO (Buy one get one free) from T-Mobile. I sold one Note for 850 and got my note free. Plus made some extra profit
How a about the note 7 owners who got skunked, with a crappy phone as a replacement , then was applied as an upgrade. We were suppose to get Note 8 incentive for the inconveniences and what up? Samsung!!
I am so excited about video calling that feature I phone held over android is now possible with the Note 8. Provided the receiver owns one. My fiancee has the note5. So far I can do my homework on my phone or save it and print it from the phone. Very convenient.
My note 8 has the edge apps and people edge so I don’t understand why you would say you miss that ability if it’s included in the note as well.
Because the Note Edge had a dedicated 2nd screen to quick-launch apps, even if your screen was off.
Subsequent Edge screens aren’t their own screen and I don’t see the advantage of using them over just having the app on the home page.
They use glass. Because it doesn’t block signals to the radio. Better signal.
My Note 4’s signal worked just fine.
The glass is utilized because of wireless charging.
when did yours ship? mine says shipping 9/11/17 and still no tracking number
Sounds like the non-offer I received after being one of the first to buy the Galaxy S8. 5 months and still waiting, Samsung.
Dan, Can I get the Samsung Care if u purchased at TMobile? And do I get the 256 GB micro or only if u buy it at Samsung?
Bec it said Im getting the 128 so I want to know what to expect
And how long will it take for delivery? When did u get yours?
And here is a great call recorder in case you’re looking for one, free, easy, and user friendly
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nll.acr
i think you can get the free gift anywhere . Saw Bestbuy and verizon advertising it as well
I know about the free gift, just I was wondering if the Samsung Care as well, or is that for Samsung Costomers only? Bec I didn’t see that promotion in the shop Samsung app. Only the free gift
Samsung.com only.
I preordered through vzw and mines will be at my house tomorrow the rep in the store said that I would have to send samsung a promo code to receive the charger and SD card
That’s the business strategy known as “under promise, over deliver.” Great way to make your customers happy.
I guess. But they might be losing out on sales from people who would bite if they advertised a 256gb card.
@Dan did you get a screen protector or just the case?
I only ordered a case so far.
Probably should get a screen protector too I suppose.
I think the 256 mb “gift” was given to thise7 participating in the unboxing event. I don’t think all the preorderswill get that. Which makes me sad.
All preorders from Samsung.com have reported getting the 256GB so far.
@Dan The price shows $929 but after the $300 promo, it shows $660, not $629…. anyone else seeing this?
SUBTOTAL$960.00
TRADE-IN VALUE-$300.00
The unlocked version is $929.
how come you bought the verizon version ?
Dan – you don’t lock your phone?!?
So, the $629 vs $660 is the dif bet the unlocked and the carrier version.
I think the VZW version is the way to go, I got the unlocked one, but only because I thought it would have dual sim, which the us varient apparantly does not have… I guess I will just sell the phone and charger for what I paid and keep the sd card…
What the hell is a Note Edge?
A truly amazing phone, way ahead of its time.
Google is your friend.
So here is the way Samsung does business. They promise you a great package to get you to preorder like they did with the s8 then after you pay they tell you they ran out and that since they have your money you can suck it. Seriously, that is their corporate policy.
I have a Note Edge and was curious if you were eligible for a trade in for a Note8. Looking for the best deals for my Note Edge. Thanks
Just buy a cheap G4 for the trade-in and sell your Note Edge on eBay.
i just got mine, it did not come with the SD card as sweet surprise.
What did it come with?
Where did you order from?
I ordered the gear 360 as free add on item. So it just came with that.
Samsung direct.
With -425 as prior note 7 owner.
Lol, the surprise was for those that ordered the 128gb SD card.
I received mine yesterday but the SD card is still on pre order for some reason.
Ordered from Samsung.com
T mobile offers 2 Samsung for price of one. Depending which you pick between S8, S8 plus or note8 it’s $850-950
can i then use it with Verizon ?
Dan –
I just ordered the Note 8. I need the best deal on a LG G4 to get the $300 trade in. Your link with ebay today is pricing at $119.99. Please let me know what to do.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574852865&toolid=10001&campid=5336385870&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fdeals%2Fsch%3F_nkw%3Dg4
Dan why did you get verizon over unlocked ?
Being a true DD fan, I bought this deal, and just found the phones today (4 years later), still sealed in the box, never opened or used.
Both phones have the back cover popped out. Is there any recourse or just junk em?