Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review, update: Powered by a 1.6GHz Exynos quad-core processor, the Galaxy Note 8 sports an 8-inch LCD display, 2 GB RAM, 16 or 32 GB internal memory, and an Android 4.1.2 with TouchWiz.

Judging from its specs, the 8-inch tablet could have been a very functional Samsung device. It is both a handy digital notepad with a stylus and a tablet rolled into one. However, upon looking at the price tag (ranging around $399-349), we question if it is really that worth it.

Like other Samsung gadgets, the Galaxy Note 8 has a white plastic back that lessens its premium look and enhances its ‘toy-like’ image. Because of its unibody design, its back is non-removable. This means that you also have no access to the battery. Unlike the iPad Mini or HTC One, the Note 8 lacks a sturdy, solid feel.

It is also good to note that the device’s S-Pen is nowhere near a normal pen. So you would need some time to get used to it. Using the tiny 5.5 mm pen is like writing on a child’s broken pencil.

When it comes to display, there is a mix emotion on its size and quality. In terms of size, the screen is around 37 percent more viewable than other tablets such as the Nexus 7 (7 inches only) and Tegra Note (7 inches also). However, with a resolution of only 1280×800 pixels, it is sort of a disappointment.

High-cost tablets ranging between $399 and $349 should have the same range of resolutions as the Nexus 7 (1920×1280) and the iPad mini with Retina display (2048×1536). With higher resolutions, the Galaxy Note 8 could have displayed less pixelated images and more details.

So is the Samsung tablet worth it?

Forbes reported, “if you are looking for pen interaction with really good performance at nearly half the price, you are better off with Nvidia’s Tegra Note 7. If you are looking for the top of the line experience, great overall performance, the highest quality workmanship, you are better off going with the iPad mini with Retina at $399. If you are looking for a very good balance of features and performance, you are better off getting the Nexus 7 (2013) at $249. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 could be a real winner if it were priced $249-299.”