Not enough cash for the Note 8? Buy these 8 phones instead – CNET

The Galaxy Note 8 is a tremendous phone, but it also comes at a tremendous price — $930-$960, £869 and AU$1,499. 

So long as you actually use all the standout features — the dual cameras for portrait mode, and the S pen stylus to write, draw and navigate the phone — the Note 8 is worth the investment. But if you’re lukewarm on those extras, you could try one of these other dependable phones instead.

One thing to note: We’ve gone ahead and listed the full retail price announced for each alternative phone. Prices might be lower in your area based on carrier discounts and promotions.


Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus

  • Galaxy S8 price: Roughly $750 (depends on carrier); £689; AU$1,199
  • Galaxy S8 Plus price: Roughly $850 (depends on carrier); £779; AU$1,349

Samsung’s flagship phones from spring are all-around excellent. They don’t have the Note 8’s integrated pen, or the second camera for portrait mode, but the S8 phones have the same beautiful, curved display and very narrow bezels. They also share top-of-the-line hardware and all the extra goodies, including waterproofing, wireless charging and iris scanning. The S8 Plus screen size is just one-tenth of an inch smaller than the Note 8; 6.2 inches versus the Note 8’s 6.3.

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LG G6

  • Price: $600-$720; £649; AU$1,008