Now this blog is long over due, but after quite a few months of testing I think I can give honest feedback on a semi-clear winner. If you want to know all the specs, go do a google search to get the rap sheet. Both phones are more than powerful to handle day to day tasks, launch a space shuttle, hack the world, and take more selfies than you can possibly dream. Now I will cover a few things that might help you make your decision on who reigns supreme.
Probably the most important thing to many of us with things such as Instagram is the Camera. Dependent on your uses and preferences each camera is vastly different. The iPhone X is going to be more true to color, which means it works great in bright light but not so great in low light situations. The Note 8 is amazing in low light situations, and in my honest opinion a better overall camera for daily use although it slightly saturates and colors your photos which is not conducive to editing. However, portrait mode on the iPhone X is stunning and the Samsung cannot touch it, once again in certain and proper settings it will always prevail. Have a look below. One of iPhone's coolest features is its live camera mode. Which takes a series of shots before and after you depress the trigger. Providing really cool effects but also giving you the ability to edit it to ensure every one's eyes are open and or to get that perfect pose. The only downside to the Live Photos in my opinion is that you can't send it any where as a video except to other iPhone users.
Samsung Pictured First
Portrait Mode on iPhone
Where the iPhone prevails in it's user interface is it's simplicity, however I feel it is far too simple. I do not feel it handles business well. The Note 8's ability to multitask handle business and organize is as good as it gets. I prefer the email app, calendar, to do list and the almighty pen over iPhone's over simplified interface where I can only use one app at a time, making it quite difficult to get as much done in a short amount of time. Swipe keyboard found on the Note is quite efficient in getting texts and emails sent off in record time.
Battery life is very comparable despite the iPhone being a smaller battery with a full charge they last all day and well into the night with heavy use.
The screens are also quite similar especially seeing as Samsung is the Manufacturer for Apple's crown jewel making the colors pop in all the right places. With the amazing screen comes eye fatigue so I'd highly recommend keeping on the blue light filters especially at night. The size of the note verses the iPhone is drastic when holding in use. What I like most about the iPhone X is the overall size. You have good screen real estate without the insane size of the Note making it easier to hold in hand, throw in a pocket or bag.
Now, where the iPhone highly excels in my opinion is the Apple network. iMessage, the fun texting screens and how it seemlessly works with other Apple products. My favorite which I recently discovered is the ability to share WiFi passwords. If I am connected and my friends are in the same room and want to connect I can share the password without having them to type it in, same with my laptop, bring the phone close to the laptop and immediate connection can be made. Another great feature of the Apple network is airdrop giving you the ability to wirelessly share photos, music, and notes to nearby Apple devices.
Face ID works well and I wish I could say the same for Samsung's biometric eye ball unlocking but it's just horrible and quite buggy.
Siri Vs. Bixby? They both work quite well however, Bixby is much better at beat boxing than Siri. Don't believe me? Next time ask your device to beat box for you. Siri understands much better than Bixby does, but Bixby is quick to learn and at this point in time is on par with Siri.
Now is there a clear winner? That is difficult to say. They each do very different things very well, and comparison is hard as they are such different animals from companies who see mobile connectivity very different. The iPhone is a great phone that utilizes simplicity to excel for the masses however, for me it is far too simple to be effective for business. The Samsung is efficient and uses the multi-tasking and the pen to make a solid candidate for daily and business tasks. If I had to choose only one, the Samsung would be my choice for its overall greater camera capabilities large screen, and multi-tasking capabilites it makes for a formidable companion for the daily grind.