Galaxy Note 8 v iPhone 8 - Release date, price and which smartphone will be the best

SAMSUNG and Apple will go head-to-head in a few weeks time as the Galaxy Note 8 and iPhone 8 are both released to the world. Here’s everything you need to know about these next generation devices.

There’s a busy few months ahead for technology fans as Samsung and Apple both look set to announce fresh new smartphones.

The Galaxy Note 8 and iPhone 8 are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks and are likely to feature a swathe of new updates and bonus features.

So, if you are in the market for a smartphone upgrade here is Express.co.uk's guide to when and what to expect from these latest devices

RELEASE DATE

Galaxy Note 8

Samsung has already sent out invites to major event in New York later next month which included an image of device with stylus.

This is certain to be an announcement for the new Note 8 and will take place on August 23.

It's currently unclear when the Note 8 will go on sale but Samsung’s official website for Australia recently published a document which seemed to suggest the Galaxy Note 8 will be available for pre-order on August 25.

Although pre-orders could give live next month, expect to see this phablet hit shops in early September.

iPhone 8

Apple never reveals its release date until a few weeks before the main event.

However, using previous years, Express.co.uk is predicting a launch on either September 6 or September 13.

Although the iPhone 8 is likely to be shown to world in early September, rumours are rife that fans of the iPhone 8 might have a wait a while to get hold of one.

It’s thought the new technology inside the phone is causing some delays to production and, with it expected to be in high demand, stock levels could run low very quickly.

Some experts have even predicted that many avid iPhone users may have to wait until 2018 before they’ll be able to buy one.

PRICE

Galaxy Note 8

One big rumour about the Note 8 is that it’s expected to hugely expensive.

Some experts are predicting that this new smartphone will break the $1,000 barrier with one Samsung official saying: "I know that it is about $1,000 to $1,100 depending on the country of origin."

Contract prices could also be sky-high and don’t expect to be paying anything less £40 per month to own one.

iPhone 8

Apple users shouldn’t be too smug about Samsung’s extortionate prices as the iPhone 8 is also expected to be one of the most expensive devices the US technology firm has ever created.

Although nobody actually knows the true cost of the iPhone 8, it's thought Apple's new smartphone will also break the $1,000 mark.

And a fully loaded iPhone 8 in UK could cost over £1,000 - the current top of the range iPhone 7 Plus currently costs £919.

SPECS

Galaxy Note 8

Although there's no official news from Samsung about its new Note 8 device there are plenty of rumours and leaks which gives us a good idea of what’s to come.

It’s though that this latest smartphone will feature a giant edge-to-edge curved Infinity display which will cover almost the entire front of the device.

A new dual-lens camera also looks likely to feature along with a refreshed S Pen which will bring an improved experience when scribbling on the screen.

Wireless charging, improved battery life and faster processor are all expected as well as iris and facial recognition for improved security.

Sadly, it does seem Samsung has still been unable to crack the technology which would allow them to place the fingerprint scanner under the display.

This means fans will have to put up with a rear-mounted sensor.

iPhone 8

The iPhone turned 10 this year and this milestone in its history means Apple is pulling out all the stops for its next generation smartphone.

It’s thought the iPhone 8 will be packed with new features and upgrades which will make it the best smartphone the US technology firm has ever created.

Rumours are rife that the all-new iPhone will include a giant AMOLED display which will cover the entire front of the device.

This big screen should create a bigger viewing experience in a device that’s physically smaller that its predecessors.

Along with this new display it’s also thought that Apple is upgrading its dual-lens camera system with this snapper able to bring an improved augmented reality experience to users.

Much faster A11 processor and improved battery life are also expected and a recent leak may also prove that Apple is including wireless charging.

Facial recognition and iris scanning have also been rumoured.