Samsung last weekend announced a new member of the Galaxy Note family with the release of the 8-inch model. Due in the coming weeks, it’s about as close to the Apple iPad Mini as it gets. Not only do the screen sizes closely resemble each other, but it’s Apple and Samsung all over again. And if you know much about the

As a quick reference, we’ve put together a quick chart that compares the two tablets against each other. Based on the specs alone, it would be logical to say that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 beats the iPad Mini on multiple fronts. Of course, this is to say nothing about user experience and intangible stuff like integration with other devices and services.

	Apple iPad Mini	Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
Platform	iOS 6	Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
Display	7.9-inches (1024×768)	8-inches (1280×800)
Processor	A5 (dual-core)	1.69GHz quad-core
Memory	512 MB RAM	2GB RAM
Storage	16GB, 32GB, 64GB	16GB, 32GB
Camera	5-megapixel rear, 1.2-megapixel front	5-megapixel rear, 1.3-megapixel front
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE	Wi-Fi, 3G
Expansion	NA	microSD
Battery	10 hours	4600mAh
Weight	308 grams	338 grams
Dimensions	200 x 134 x 7.2 (mm)	210.8 x 135.9 x 7.95 (mm)
		S Pen digital stylus
Price	$330-$530	TBD

Early Buzz

While we must wait a few more weeks (or months) before we learn the price of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, we can still get a sense as to what the reactions will be. A number of outlets have spent time with the tablet and have already formed early opinions.

It’s a simple, elegant design with really smooth edges and corners. The Note 8 feels to be made of the same stuff as the Note 10.1, with a bit more metal thrown in for durability sake. With an SD card slot, a home button, and native Jelly Bean support, the Note 8 offers a compelling package. Also, its S-Pen stylus offers a level of functionality the iPad can’t match, and those looking for a highly functional electronic daily planner will want to give it a serious look. Just don’t expect the same level of app support you’d find on the iPad Mini. – CNET

 

If you’ve spent any amount of time with the Note II, you’ll know what to expect from the Note 8.0… But where the Note 8.0 strays is one of its key improvements: users can now effect the capacitive menu and back buttons using the S Pen. Admittedly, it takes a bit of retraining to get used to — you’ll want to use your finger out of habit — but it’s a wonder Samsung took so long to implement something so crucial… – Engadget

 

Performance was impressive, but one thing to note is that the 5-megapixel rear camera is next to useless. Then again, using the Note 8.0 as a camera is about as comfortable as attempting to make a phone call on it. – BGR

 

The Note 8 is exceedingly comfortable to hold, though its plastic body doesn’t have the solid feel of iPad Mini, Nexus 7, and Kindle Fire HD. The bezel is larger than the iPad Mini’s by a good amount, but feels smaller than the Kindle Fire HD’s. It feels like a good compromise between the two. – Gizmodo

Pricing and marketing will be critical to success of the Galaxy Note 8.0; however, we would expect Samsung to go full-on with advertising. We’re not so optimistic on the price as Samsung has yet to price one of their premium devices in a way that pushes people over the edge. Whatever price they are thinking of, we feel like it should be $50 less.