Samsung Galaxy Note 8 to Compete vs iPad Mini?

Samsung Galaxy Note 8The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 made an appearance at the Oscars, unfortunately it didn't win best dressed or even best actor because benchmark speeds showed it to be slower than other major tablets it competes against.  Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 global version that packs more power and may show the way for future large Samsung tablets. (video follows)

Touted as a new era in portability and everyday productivity in pocket-sized solution, specs of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 include 1.6GHz quad-core processor, 8"(1280x800, 189ppi) TFT touchscreen, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, 5MP camera, 2GB RAM, 4600mAh battery and front facing 1.3MP camera.

Wireless bands include  dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, GPS, GLONASS, and Bluetooth. These features are a little better than the iPad mini which equals the iPad 2 for now. (see latest benchmark tests)

Software Features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0:

  • Practical S Note templates and S Planner.
  • Handwriting-to-Text conversion using the S Pen.
  • Dual View feature
  • Pop Up Note
  • Smart Remote, to seamlessly manage TVs, set-up boxes, DVD & Blu-ray players.
  • Gor the very first time in GALAXY NOTE category, you can use S Pen to control the physical menu/back buttons on the device with WACOM technology.
  •  The Samsung “reading mode” technology to enjoy e books with optimized resolution, video and voice calls.
  • Free pre-loaded apps- Flipboard, and Awesome Note.

Available for world release in the second quarter of 2013. Compare iPad mini to ther current 7" tablets.