Samsung Galaxy S8+ Unveiling Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S8+ is a testimony to Samsung's dedication to combining elegance with functionality. It features dimensions of 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm, making it comfortable to hold despite its large screen size. Weighing in at 173 grams, the device feels solid yet not too heavy. The build quality is exceptional, thanks to its Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, creating a sleek and durable design that screams premium from every angle.

Display

The device boasts a stunning 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display, carrying a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, which translates into an incredibly sharp 529 ppi density. With an 18.5:9 aspect ratio and an approximately 84.0% screen-to-body ratio, users are treated to an immersive viewing experience that is perfect for everything from watching movies to gaming. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches. The Super AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, delivering a visual treat like no other.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is powered by the Exynos 8895 chipset for the EMEA region and the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 for the USA and China. These chipsets are built with a 10 nm manufacturing process, ensuring efficiency and power. The CPU configuration includes an Octa-core setup, divided between high-performance and power-efficient cores. The Mali-G71 MP20 GPU for the EMEA region and the Adreno 540 GPU for the USA and China handle graphics-intensive tasks smoothly. The performance is further supported by options of either 4GB or 6GB RAM, allowing for seamless multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications and games.

Camera

The main camera is a 12 MP shooter with an f/1.7 aperture that ensures excellent low-light performance. It features a wide-angle lens (26mm) and incorporates dual pixel PDAF for fast focusing. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is included to reduce motion blur and enhance clarity. The camera supports features like LED flash, auto-HDR, and panorama, and it can record video at resolutions up to 4K at 30fps. The front-facing camera setup includes an 8 MP wide-angle lens and a 2 MP iris scanner, enabling dual video calls and high-resolution selfies with the added security of an iris scan.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S8+ is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery that provides an endurance rating of around 88 hours. It supports 15W wired charging, as well as wireless charging via Qi/PMA (market-dependent), ensuring flexibility in power options. The combination of a power-efficient chipset and an optimized operating system contributes to a dependable battery life that can comfortably handle a full day of heavy usage.

Software and User Interface

Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat), the S8+ is upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung's One UI. This transition marks a significant improvement in user experience, offering a cleaner, more intuitive interface with features aimed at enhancing usability and productivity. The software is packed with customization options, allowing users to tailor their devices to fit their needs perfectly.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy S8+ supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It offers extensive support for 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, ensuring excellent connectivity irrespective of the carrier. The device provides robust Wi-Fi capabilities, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for mobile payments and data exchange, and even includes a USB Type-C 3.1 port for fast data transfer and charging.

Additional Features

The Galaxy S8+ is laden with sensors, including an iris scanner, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, heart rate monitor, and SpO2 sensor, catering to a variety of user needs from health monitoring to security and navigation. It retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by many users. Moreover, the device is available in a palette of colors, ranging from Midnight Black to Coral Blue, offering choices that match different stylistic preferences.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is a remarkable smartphone that excellently balances design, performance, and functionality. It encapsulates Samsung's innovation ethos, providing a device that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also packed with features that cater to a diverse range of users. Despite being launched in 2017, its capabilities and design still hold relevance in today's fast-paced technological landscape, making it a worthy consideration for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performance smartphone.