Device face-off: Samsung’s 8-inch tablets

So, what’s the difference between the Samsung Tab 8 and Note 8? They’re both remarkably similar devices from the same manufacturer, only the Note 8’s price tag is generally $80-100 higher.

If you’ve ever used one of the Note phones, you already know the answer: a pen. Or, as Samsung calls it, the “S” Pen. The “S” Pen is a built-in micro-fine-point stylus – and a suite of Samsung's own software for it – that’s specific to the Note series of devices. It makes it easier to draw, tap, and even to convert your handwriting into text.

But is the “S” Pen worth the added expense? We’ve taken several of the Note devices around the country with us on our Mobile Appraising Workshops for literally hundreds of appraisers to play around with, and the resounding answer is: ”No.” And we agree. For most appraisers you won’t miss it, as it has very limited use in most apps that appraisers use, including TOTAL for Android.

Some minor differences are that the Note 8 even has a better processor, but again, you’ll likely never notice the difference in the apps that you’ll use in the field. And the Tab 8 is about a half-inch smaller in your palm, and lighter, making it easier to hold out in front of you while you're on inspection.

For us, the clear value for the appraiser is in the Samsung Tab 8, versus the Note 8.