Apr 11, 2017 08:29 AM EDT By Lucy McClaren, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 appeared in an alleged spy shot looking very much like the Galaxy S8+ but only bigger and with an S pen. It may be unveiled in the third quarter or early fourth quarter in time for the iPhone 8's launch.

A leaked spy shot reportedly of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 first appeared online in Slashleaks. Though unverified, the photo reveals a Galaxy S8+ look alike with the same edge-to-edge Infinity Display and no physical home button. The only distinguishing factor that makes it a Note brand is the presence of the S-pen and a slightly bigger form factor. The photo also reveals that the upcoming phablet could have Bixby out-of-the-box.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be marginally larger at 6.2 inches than the S8+ at 5.8 inches. Though a relatively large device, it looks smaller thanks to very slim bezels. Also, it is a true Galaxy brand with a stunning Infinity display. The phablet is actually smaller than its competitors and it is easy to use with just one hand, WCCFTech reported.

Because of a much bigger form factor, it can house a bigger battery capacity than the S8+. This will be in line with Samsung Mobile chief DJ Koh's statements saying that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be "better, safer, very innovative." Though the phablet is heavily anticipated, it will still take a while for the Note 7 exploding battery fiasco to be completely shaken off.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is also expected to have a dual-camera setup. Samsung can leverage on its expertise on tweaking the software to configure an upgraded camera configuration. Incidentally, an upgraded camera will not be so far behind Huawei's Leica Lens in the P10. Moreover, the S Pen will give a more seamless experience and Samsung may bring onboard the DeX Station compatibility.

The expected specs on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 also include 6GB of RAM and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. Other versions may be powered by Samsung's Exynos processors. Tech experts believe that there will be more details and leaks on the Note 7 successor in the coming days.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is expected to be launched by the third quarter of the year to coincide with the iPhone 8's launching on September. However, the latest report from Cupertino says that the tenth-anniversary phone may be delayed to October or November. The phablet at the latest may be unveiled by early fourth quarter, BGR reported.

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