Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018) advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018) features a sleek and modern design that combines both form and function. The device is built with an aluminum frame, and it boasts a glass front and back, with the front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 and the back by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. This choice of materials not only provides the device with a premium feel but also adds to its durability. The phone's dimensions, 159.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm, ensure that it is easy to handle, while its weight of 191 g gives it a substantial feel without being overly heavy. Users have the option of choosing between a single SIM (Nano-SIM) or a dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) configuration, providing flexibility in terms of connectivity.

Display

The Galaxy A8+ (2018) is equipped with a vibrant 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display, which covers approximately 75.5% of the device's front surface. This screen offers a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of around 411 PPI. This ensures sharp image quality, vibrant colors, and deep contrasts, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The Super AMOLED technology is renowned for its energy efficiency and excellent outdoor visibility, providing an enriching visual experience across various use cases.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018) is powered by the Exynos 7885 chipset, which is built on 14 nm technology. This octa-core processor consists of two high-performance Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six power-efficient Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz, striking a balance between speed and efficiency. The device also features a Mali-G71 GPU, ensuring smooth graphics rendering and an enhanced gaming experience.

The smartphone comes with either 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM, coupled with 32 GB or 64 GB of internal storage. Additionally, it supports storage expansion via a microSDXC card slot, providing ample space for apps, media, and other data.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018) features a robust camera setup. The primary rear camera is a 16 MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, PDAF, and is capable of capturing high-quality images even in low-light conditions. Features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR enhance the versatility of the camera, while video can be recorded at 1080p at 30fps.

The front-facing camera is a dual-lens setup comprised of a 16 MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and an 8 MP sensor, also with an f/1.9 aperture. This configuration allows for detailed selfies and supports video recording at 1080p at 30fps, making it ideal for video calls and social media.

Software and Features

Originally shipped with Android 7.1.1 Nougat, the Galaxy A8+ is upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie. This upgrade brings improvements in UI design, battery management, and security. The device also comes with Samsung’s custom UI enhancements, which include additional features and apps that enhance the user experience.

In terms of sensors, the Galaxy A8+ is equipped with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and a barometer. These sensors facilitate various functionalities, from secure unlocking to improved navigation and fitness tracking.

Connectivity and Network

The Samsung Galaxy A8+ supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, providing fast and reliable connectivity options. It can operate over multiple 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, making it ideal for use in various regions.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support and Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, EDR, and LE capabilities, and NFC for contactless transactions. The phone also includes positioning support for GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, ensuring accurate location tracking. Additionally, it features an FM radio and a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Battery and Charging

The device is powered by a non-removable 3500 mAh Li-Ion battery, providing sufficient power to last through a full day of moderate use. The battery supports 18W fast charging, allowing for quick refuels when necessary. The phone delivers up to 23 hours of talk time on 3G networks and up to 73 hours of music playback, catering to users who rely heavily on their devices for media consumption and communication.

Additional Features and Pricing

The Galaxy A8+ (2018) is available in multiple color options: black, orchid grey, gold, and blue, allowing users to choose a model that best suits their personal style. The device model number is SM-A730F, and it carries a SAR value of 0.32 W/kg (head) and 1.30 W/kg (body), adhering to safety standards.

The retail price of the device was approximately 300 EUR at launch, positioning it as a competitive mid-range option with a premium design and robust features.