Choose between S7 and Note8 (Note 4 replacement)

[JMvS83]

Hello everyone!

My fantastic Galaxy Note 4 has just declared the symptoms of eMMC failure ... over my research I came to realize that I have to give up on it...(farewell IR blaster, removable battery, physical home button and flat WQHD screen...)

I've only had Notes so far (predecessor is a still functional but slow Note 1, which I had to replace because of daily use apps no longer being compatible with KitKat), my primary interest is for a Note and secondary a Samsung Galaxy S. Given its price the Note 9 is out.

So far I am considering:

Galaxy S7 (bought at a discount for $296/2yw, unpacked and can return it)
Plus: price, physical home button, flat screen, micro-USB (compatibility with my accessories and wife's A5(2015), no known hardware issues
Minus: small screen, single-SIM, software support life, no S-pen

Galaxy S9+ (saw a BF deal at $600/2yw, another deal popped but unknown seller)
Plus: big screen, dual-SIM, best camera, longer software support life
Minus : price, fragile curved screen, any know hardware issues? no S-pen

Galaxy Note8 (deal available at $500/2yw, or $575/5yw both from excellent seller)
Plus: big screen, dual-SIM, better camera, longer software support life, S-pen
Minus : price, fragile curved screen, any know hardware issues?

Your opinions? Or by chance would there still be a Samsung with removable battery, IR blaster and FM radio? I've always used a phablet as a tablet substitute so screen real estate is important. Dual-SIM I list as a substantial plus but not absolute since its use would only be for trips abroad.

NB: I am not based in the US so alas no way to unlock FM radio chip...

 

[Snjesko]

If you want to save money, go for the S7. However, if you want a newer phone with better specs, buy the S9+ or Note 8. Personally, I think you should go for S9+ instead of Note 8 if you chose to buy a newer model.

 

[Morty2264]

Welcome to Android Central!

Choosing a new phone is tough - thank you for reaching out to us with your questions!

If you have only had Note devices and are really invested in their hardware, screens, etc; then I would recommend sticking with the Note 8. It may be more expensive than the S7 or S9+; but if it is something you're used to and if you are really going to use it for the long term (and it looks like you definitely get your money's worth out of your devices, which is awesome!), then I'd definitely recommend the Note 8.

You will be hard-pressed to find a phone with a removable battery at this point in time, unfortunately... Especially if you want to choose a phone that is a bit more current. The only phones (that aren't Samsung, unfortunately) that come to mind that have a removable battery (and are a couple of years old) are the V10 and V20.

Let us know what you decide!

 

[worldspy99]

Since you are not in the US and paying crazy prices it makes it a bit difficult to recommend something.
Curved screens are here to stay and the S7 is a pretty old device now. I would say if you like the Note series and use the S-Pen a lot then the Note 8 probably makes a lot more sense. The S9+ is a great device but the difference between it and the Note 8 is not that large.

Good luck.

 

[LuxuryTouringZone]

If you have been using the Note 4 as your primary device, then it's highly advisable that you go with the Note 8. You might sorely miss the screen estate and S-pen functions if you go with an S7.