Samsung Galaxy A8 2016 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016)

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) was announced in September 2016 and hit the markets in October of the same year. It is a notable addition to Samsung's lineup, bringing together a stylish design, respectable hardware specifications, and practical features. Though no longer in production, the Galaxy A8 (2016) remains a device worth discussing in the context of mid-range smartphones of that era.

Design and Build

The Galaxy A8 (2016) sports a sleek design with a glass front and an aluminum back and frame, offering a premium feel. Its measurements are 156.6 x 76.8 x 7.2 mm, and it weighs 182 grams. Despite being relatively slim, the weight contributes to a robust build, which is significant for a device of its time. The device supports both Single SIM and Hybrid Dual SIM options, ensuring flexibility for users regarding network management.

Display Features

The device boasts a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, supporting a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, which equals an approximate density of 386 pixels per inch. Super AMOLED technology is synonymous with vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing a visually pleasing experience for media consumption and general use. The screen's size is complemented by a 74.5% screen-to-body ratio, which gives users ample display real estate without excessive bulk.

Performance and Platform

The Galaxy A8 (2016) is powered by the Exynos 7420 Octa chipset, built on a 14-nanometer process technology. The CPU consists of an octa-core setup, with 4 cores clocked at 2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 and another 4 at 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. This configuration ensures efficient multitasking capabilities and performance under most use cases. Graphics processing is handled by the Mali-T760MP8 GPU, which competently manages visual rendering for games and media. The device originally shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), offering a user-friendly interface and a range of useful features.

Memory and Storage

The device includes 3 GB of RAM, which was sizeable for a 2016 smartphone, facilitating smooth app performance and quicker transitions between tasks. The internal storage is fixed at 32 GB, but a microSDXC card slot (utilized in the SIM slot) allows users to expand storage as needed, a useful feature for media-heavy users or those who prefer keeping extensive offline libraries.

Camera Capabilities

The Galaxy A8 (2016) comes equipped with a competent 16 MP rear camera with an f/1.9 aperture, supporting features such as autofocus, an LED flash, panorama, and HDR. It supports video recording at 1080p at 30 frames per second. The front-facing camera has an 8 MP sensor, also with an f/1.9 aperture, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting 1080p video recording. These specifications make the A8 (2016) a potent camera phone for its class and time.

Sound and Connectivity

The device includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, which supports a wide array of audio peripherals. It also contains an FM radio with RDS support and recording capabilities. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP, EDR, and LE, positioning through GPS and GLONASS/BDS (market-dependent), NFC, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

The Galaxy A8 (2016) is fitted with a non-removable 3300 mAh Li-Ion battery. It provides up to 22 hours of talk time on 3G networks and can play music for up to 44 hours. These figures indicate strong battery performance, catering to users who require an extended use between charges.

Additional Features

The device includes a range of sensors, such as a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These contribute to enhanced security, user interactivity, and navigation precision. The Galaxy A8 (2016) was released in multiple colors, including Blue, Pink, Silver, and Gold, offering personalization options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) was a well-rounded offering in the mid-range smartphone segment at its release. With a sturdy build, vibrant display, competent camera system, and decent performance for its class, it served users well, balancing functionality and aesthetics. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a noteworthy mention in the evolution of Samsung's smartphone lineup.