Moved from Pixel 2 XL to Note 8 - few questions

[I Can Be Your Hero]

Hi,

I've recently (as of yesterday) returned my Pixel 2 XL and decided to get a Note 8. I've got a few questions about the Note 8 (haven't used a Samsung phone in a long while):

1. Is there a way to get Note-specific apps at all? But that I mean apps which are designed specifically for the pen, not just apps that happen to be easier to use with the pen. I know the Play Store is a Google app, but is there a way to search for Note-specific apps?

2. Is the Note 8 waterproof even if the pen is removed from the device? And does water damage the pen?

3. Is there a way to get the actual Pixel launcher on the Note 8 that doesn't require any rooting or anything? I'm just using the Google Now Launcher for now, but would really prefer the Pixel launcher if that's possible.

4. Is there an easier way to pull down the notification shade with one hand? I know you can swipe down on the fingerprint scanner (just as you can on the Pixel), but due to the position, I find it's hard to reach and hard to swipe down.

5. Is there a way to get the iris scanner to work without having to press the power button at all? Just like I lift my phone off a desk, look at it and it unlocks? I'm guessing this is a no, because that'd mean the iris scanner would have to be working all the time and would waste battery.

6. Any other tips/general advice you'd have for the phone?

Thanks!

 

[mhunter6378]

Open your home screen settings, there's an option for quick open. This allows you to swipe down anywhere on the screen to open the notifications panel. Yes, the water resistance applies even with the spen out, in fact with a wet screen it's much easier to navigate with the spen.

 

[aldo82]

if you don't want to use the stock launcher then I'm not sure the swipe down gesture mentioned above will work. I would recommend trying the launcher first but if you are sure you want the pixel launcher then I'd recommend nova which can be set up almost identical, plus have a gesture to pull down the notification shade, and gave have the Google now page.

no you can't use iris with the screen off but you can have it come on as soon as the screen comes on without needing to swipe. remember you can hard press the home button on always on display to wake the screen rather than needing to press the side button

out of interest why did you give up on the pixel 2 XL? I was planning to get it but the issues and the late release in the UK moved me to the note 8 instead

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

if you don't want to use the stock launcher then I'm not sure the swipe down gesture mentioned above will work. I would recommend trying the launcher first but if you are sure you want the pixel launcher then I'd recommend nova which can be set up almost identical, plus have a gesture to pull down the notification shade, and gave have the Google now page.

no you can't use iris with the screen off but you can have it come on as soon as the screen comes on without needing to swipe. remember you can hard press the home button on always on display to wake the screen rather than needing to press the side button

out of interest why did you give up on the pixel 2 XL? I was planning to get it but the issues and the late release in the UK moved me to the note 8 instead

Oh didn't know I could hard press on screen/home button area to wake it up. Might try that. Thanks.

Didn't give up on the Pixel 2 XL. It had a dead pixel, so I took it in to replace it and the store didn't have any Pixels 2 XL's in stock so they asked if I was interested in any other phone of equal or lesser value, so I went with the Note 8.

 

[billykac]

I am a Pixel refugee as well. But, I cancelled my P2XL order - couldn't stand the uncertainty, drama and possibly another year with a Google phone that disappoints on some critically important stuff, like BT for instance.

I was a Note 5 and Note 7 owner before the Pixel, so I understand your transition questions, some of which have been answered.

Regarding launchers - they are a personal thing, so I can't say exactly what will work for you. But frankly, I gotta say the Samsung launcher should not be overlooked. The Pixel's "elegance" and "pure Android" vibe can really just fall short when you've just got to get stuff done. On that front, the Samsung launcher offers unique, clever and brilliant integrations with it's ecosystem, particularly the SPen, that you shouldn't be too quick to overlook. Consider living with the stock launcher for a month, then go back to the Pixel launcher. It's totally possible that you will run, not walk, back to the Samsung launcher.

Plus, you always have Nova launcher as a great alternative - even more features, a bit less tightly-integrated.

BTW: welcome aboard. Every time you look at that N8 screen it should make you feel great that you've escaped the Pixel 2 mess.

 

[o4liberty]

Congrats on your purchase you now own the best android device on the market today. You can't go wrong with the note 8.

 

[Nitro211K]

Also if for some reason you couldn't hit the home button to wake the phone, you can also wake it up by waving your hand over the proximity sensor (top left of the screen), and that will also wake it up. (Settings>Accessibility>Dexterity and interactions>Easy screen turn on)

 

[TheDonJ77]

There simply is no better than screen than on the Note 8. It's gorgeous, yes I said it, GORGEOUS!

 

[Jona005]

https://www.xda-developers.com/get-google-pixel-2-pixel-launcher-bottom-search-bar/

I'm running the pixel 2 launcher on my note 8 and it's been great. I'm pretty sure that link is where I downloaded it.

 

[fminusfminus]

Open your home screen settings, there's an option for quick open. This allows you to swipe down anywhere on the screen to open the notifications panel. Yes, the water resistance applies even with the spen out, in fact with a wet screen it's much easier to navigate with the spen.

That’s not avail on the note 8. Note 8 has the fingerprint scanner swipe

 

[Toxa]

That’s not avail on the note 8. Note 8 has the fingerprint scanner swipe

Yes it is available. If your carrier hasn't updated the Samsung launcher yet, you can download the latest version and install on your own. That's what I did since it wasn't updated for Verizon... Just Google Samsung launcher with notification pull down

 

[fminusfminus]

Yes it is available. If your carrier hasn't updated the Samsung launcher yet, you can download the latest version and install on your own. That's what I did since it wasn't updated for Verizon... Just Google Samsung launcher with notification pull down

I'm on Verizon. That's cool I'm going to check it out

 

[mhunter6378]

That’s not avail on the note 8. Note 8 has the fingerprint scanner swipe

It's on my Note 8

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

https://www.xda-developers.com/get-google-pixel-2-pixel-launcher-bottom-search-bar/

I'm running the pixel 2 launcher on my note 8 and it's been great. I'm pretty sure that link is where I downloaded it.

Thanks for that. I'll go with the modified one to allow the Google page on the left.

 

[Orion78]

Hi,

I've recently (as of yesterday) returned my Pixel 2 XL and decided to get a Note 8. I've got a few questions about the Note 8 (haven't used a Samsung phone in a long while):

1. Is there a way to get Note-specific apps at all? But that I mean apps which are designed specifically for the pen, not just apps that happen to be easier to use with the pen. I know the Play Store is a Google app, but is there a way to search for Note-specific apps?

2. Is the Note 8 waterproof even if the pen is removed from the device? And does water damage the pen?

3. Is there a way to get the actual Pixel launcher on the Note 8 that doesn't require any rooting or anything? I'm just using the Google Now Launcher for now, but would really prefer the Pixel launcher if that's possible.

4. Is there an easier way to pull down the notification shade with one hand? I know you can swipe down on the fingerprint scanner (just as you can on the Pixel), but due to the position, I find it's hard to reach and hard to swipe down.

5. Is there a way to get the iris scanner to work without having to press the power button at all? Just like I lift my phone off a desk, look at it and it unlocks? I'm guessing this is a no, because that'd mean the iris scanner would have to be working all the time and would waste battery.

6. Any other tips/general advice you'd have for the phone?

Thanks!

You left us! Lol just kidding. I can't blame you for switching to the Note 8. I myself am going to purchase a Note 8 during Black Friday. Still keeping my Pixel though ( too late to return it anyway lol).

 

[Orion78]

I am a Pixel refugee as well. But, I cancelled my P2XL order - couldn't stand the uncertainty, drama and possibly another year with a Google phone that disappoints on some critically important stuff, like BT for instance.

I was a Note 5 and Note 7 owner before the Pixel, so I understand your transition questions, some of which have been answered.

Regarding launchers - they are a personal thing, so I can't say exactly what will work for you. But frankly, I gotta say the Samsung launcher should not be overlooked. The Pixel's "elegance" and "pure Android" vibe can really just fall short when you've just got to get stuff done. On that front, the Samsung launcher offers unique, clever and brilliant integrations with it's ecosystem, particularly the SPen, that you shouldn't be too quick to overlook. Consider living with the stock launcher for a month, then go back to the Pixel launcher. It's totally possible that you will run, not walk, back to the Samsung launcher.

Plus, you always have Nova launcher as a great alternative - even more features, a bit less tightly-integrated.

BTW: welcome aboard. Every time you look at that N8 screen it should make you feel great that you've escaped the Pixel 2 mess.

Like you, I'm a Pixel and pure Android nut. Funny thing I'm noticing. More people like us are impressed with the Note 8 and actually moving towards it. Everyime I go to a carrier store I play with it. I purchased the Pixel 2 XL because that's what I do... I'm a pure Android nut. But in the back of my mind the Note 8 keeps calling me. I kept resisting. Then finally I said I'm just going to get it. I love big screens and the Note 8 has the best of them all.

I'm still keeping my Pixel 2 XL because I need that "pure Android" fix but that Note 8 is something else....those specs...that hardware. I can't wait to buy it. Samsung has really knocked it out the park this year and even a Google guy like me has to take notice. I know this sounds all silly but hey the tech game is addicting so now I'll have two phones...go figure lol.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

You left us! Lol just kidding. I can't blame you for switching to the Note 8. I myself am going to purchase a Note 8 during Black Friday. Still keeping my Pixel though ( too late to return it anyway lol).

I only got the Note 8 because the store I returned my Pixel to didn't have any spare Pixels to swap it with. They said new stock is due in early December but that would be after my early life failure (first 30 days of ownership) would expire which means I'd probably get a refurb or a repaired phone instead of a brand new one and I didn't want that. So opted to get the Note 8.

To be honest I'm not completely sold on the Note 8. Not yet anyway. Few things I like, but have many more dislikes about it. Still early days though so just have it get used to it.

Hope you enjoy your Note 8 when you do get it.

 

[chyeo1979]

It's on my Note 8

View attachment 273961

wow, i dun even have this Home Screen setting page in mine

 

[Amele]

I assume you've seen by now that there are a ton of Spen apps on the phone already. You can use it with Google Keep, too, and Evernote if you have it.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I assume you've seen by now that there are a ton of Spen apps on the phone already. You can use it with Google Keep, too, and Evernote if you have it.

Yeah I found them in Galaxy Apps. Thanks.

Still trying to get used to the pen. I find myself using the phone and forgetting about the pen completely.

Trying to get into the habit of using it.