Introduction to Samsung Galaxy A8 Star (A9 Star)
Released in June 2018, the Samsung Galaxy A8 Star, also known as A9 Star in some regions, was a significant entry in Samsung’s line-up of mid-range smartphones. This device offers a blend of appealing design, robust performance, and practical features tailored to meet the needs of tech-savvy consumers and those who desire an affordable device without compromising on essential functions.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy A8 Star sports a premium design featuring a glass front and back encased in a durable aluminum frame. The use of Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and the back ensures additional protection against scratches and accidental drops. Measuring 162.4 x 77 x 7.6 mm and weighing 191 grams, it is slim and comfortable to hold, despite its large screen size.
Display Features
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy A8 Star is its expansive 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display. Offering a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, the screen provides vibrant colors and deep contrasts, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The display's screen-to-body ratio is approximately 80.6%, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy A8 Star is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, manufactured on a 14nm process. The octa-core CPU, composed of 4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores, paired with the Adreno 512 GPU, ensures smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and light gaming. Users can choose between two RAM options, 4GB or 6GB, both of which are matched with 64GB of internal storage.
Camera Specifications
The device features a dual-camera setup on the back, comprising a 24 MP wide lens and a 16 MP lens, both with f/1.7 apertures, enabling excellent low-light performance. The rear cameras support features like PDAF, LED flash, panorama, and HDR, and are capable of recording videos in 4K at 30fps. The front-facing camera boasts a 24 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, providing users with high-quality selfies and supporting 1080p video recording.
Battery Life
Fueling the Galaxy A8 Star is a non-removable Li-Ion 3700 mAh battery, which provides ample power to get through a full day of moderate usage. The device supports 15W fast charging, which reduces downtime and maintains user convenience.
Operating System and Software
Initially launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, the Galaxy A8 Star received an upgrade to Android 9.0 Pie. The device runs Samsung's One UI, which optimizes the Android experience with a focus on simplicity and user-friendliness. The UI includes a variety of features that enhance productivity and accessibility.
Connectivity Options
The Galaxy A8 Star offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, supporting GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks. Wireless connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. For navigation, the device incorporates GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO systems. A USB Type-C 2.0 port is provided for charging and data transfer, and an FM radio is also available for audio entertainment.
Additional Features and Sensors
This smartphone is equipped with a range of sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. The device also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer traditional wired audio connections.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A8 Star (A9 Star) is a well-rounded smartphone that strikes a balance between performance, aesthetics, and affordability. With its large and vibrant display, competent camera setup, and reliable battery life, it suits both everyday users and those with more specific multimedia needs. Its initial price point of around 350 EUR made it a competitive option in the mid-range segment, and it remains a relevant choice for users seeking a capable and stylish device at an accessible cost.
Key Features of Samsung Galaxy A8 Star (A9 Star)
- Network Technology: Supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE
- Body: Glass front and back with Gorilla Glass 5 and aluminum frame
- Display: 6.3-inch Super AMOLED with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
- Resolution: 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio
- Platform: Powered by Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 with Android 9.0 (Pie)
- Memory: Options of 64GB internal storage with 4GB or 6GB RAM
- Main Camera: Dual 24 MP + 16 MP with 4K video recording capability
- Selfie Camera: 24 MP with 1080p video capability
- Audio: Includes 3.5mm jack and loudspeaker
- Comms: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS
- Battery: Non-removable 3700 mAh with 15W fast charging
- Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy A8 Star (A9 Star)
- Uses a shared SIM slot for microSD card, which limits the dual SIM functionality when additional storage is needed.
- Released with Android 8.0 (Oreo) and only upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), which may not offer the latest Android features.
- The non-removable battery design may pose challenges for users who prefer to replace batteries themselves.
- Relatively heavy at 191 g, which may affect ease of use for some users.
- Mid-range Snapdragon 660 chipset may not provide the best performance for demanding applications and games.
- No IP rating for water or dust resistance, which limits durability in harsh environments.
- 15W wired charging speed may be considered slow by today's standards, especially for a 3700 mAh battery.
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