Samsung Galaxy S8 Active Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Samsung Galaxy S8 Active

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Active is designed for users who require a robust smartphone that can withstand harsh environments while providing high-end technological features. Released in August 2017, it belongs to the Galaxy S series but distinguishes itself with its rugged build, providing both resilience and functionality.

Design and Durability

The Galaxy S8 Active showcases a durable design tailored to withstand heavy use and challenging environments. The dimensions are 151.9 x 74.9 x 9.9 mm, and it weighs 208.1 grams. The phone features a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and a plastic back and frame, ensuring it can endure drops and rough handling. It includes a Nano-SIM slot and offers a military-grade body that reinforces its robust nature.

Display Quality

The device is equipped with a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The HDR10 support enhances the viewing experience when watching HDR content. With a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 568 ppi, users will enjoy crisp and sharp visuals, whether browsing through apps or watching videos. Additionally, the screen-to-body ratio of around 75% maximizes viewing area while maintaining the phone's portability.

Performance and Software

The Galaxy S8 Active runs on the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset, combined with an octa-core CPU (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) and Adreno 540 GPU. This configuration ensures efficient multitasking, smooth operation, and a gratifying gaming experience. Originally shipping with Android 7.0 (Nougat), the phone is upgradeable to Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung's One UI, providing newer features and security updates.

Storage and Memory

Offering 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, the S8 Active provides sufficient space for most users to store their documents, photos, and apps. Additionally, it includes a dedicated slot for microSDXC, allowing storage expansion for more flexibility tailored to the user’s needs.

Camera Capabilities

For photography enthusiasts, the device presents a single 12 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/1.7, dual pixel PDAF, and optical image stabilization (OIS). These features make it possible to capture high-quality images with reduced blurriness, even in low-light conditions. The rear camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps and offers additional shooting modes such as 1080p at 30/60fps and 720p at 240fps with HDR and stereo sound recording.

The front camera is dual, comprising an 8 MP primary lens with an f/1.7 aperture, complemented by a 2 MP dedicated iris scanner. This setup enhances facial recognition for security purposes, alongside providing decent quality for selfies and video calls with 1440p video recording capabilities at 30fps.

Battery Life and Charging

Powering the S8 Active is a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery that supports up to 32 hours of talk time and up to 113 hours of music play. The phone features 15W wired fast charging and wireless charging options, ensuring that users spend less time plugged in and more time enjoying their device.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies with a comprehensive array of supported bands, making it adaptable to various networks globally. For data connectivity, it provides LTE Cat12 with speeds of up to 600/150 Mbps. Additional connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP and LE, and NFC. GPS and GLONASS provide accurate navigation, contributing to its utility as a robust and versatile travel companion.

Audio and Sound Quality

The S8 Active includes a loudspeaker for clear audio while on calls or listening to media, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for conventional audio accessories. Audio tests indicate noise levels of -92.4dB and crosstalk of -91.4dB, ensuring high-quality and balanced sound output.

Sensors and Additional Features

A variety of sensors are embedded within the device, including an iris scanner, a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and a heart rate monitor. These sensors enhance the user experience, offering data for health tracking, navigation, security, and interactivity.

Market Availability and Price

The Galaxy S8 Active was announced and released in August 2017, primarily locking its availability to select markets with models such as SM-G892A and SM-G892U. At launch, it was priced at approximately 550 EUR, which reflects its high-end specification and durable design.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Active remains an excellent choice for users desiring a balance between premium smartphone features and rugged durability. Its robust build, combined with powerful internals, makes it ideal for those who need a reliable device in outdoor or demanding environments.