Samsung has added another interesting option to its lineup with the all-new Samsung Galaxy S8, and on paper it looks like a device that wants to be your daily driver. Announced in 2017, March 29. Released 2017, April 24, it arrives at a time when the competition is as tight as ever.
Design & Display
On the front you get a 5.8 inches, 84.8 cm 2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) panel, pushing a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~570 ppi density), which is more than sharp enough for everyday use, streaming and a bit of gaming. The build feels well put together, and Samsung has clearly paid attention to the in-hand feel. You can pick it up in a few finishes, including Midnight Black.
Performance & Software
At the heart of it sits the Exynos 8895 (10 nm) - EMEA Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) - USA & China, paired with 4GB of RAM, which means smooth scrolling, quick app switching and no real hiccups in normal use. It runs Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI out of the box, so the software experience feels current.
Camera
Photography is handled by a main 12 MP shooter that should cover most situations, from daylight shots to the occasional low-light frame. It is not a pro camera rig, but for everyday memories it gets the job done nicely.
Battery
Battery duties are handled by a Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable (11.55 Wh) unit, which should comfortably see most people through a full day on a single charge.
Our Opinion
So, what do we actually make of the Samsung Galaxy S8? What you are getting is a device that quietly covers the fundamentals rather than shouting about them. It gets the basics right, offering a dependable main camera, a crisp display, which is exactly what most buyers are really after. In day-to-day use it feels like the kind of device you can rely on, whether you are replying to messages, scrolling through social media, watching videos or taking the odd photo. You could nitpick a few things, as you can with any phone in this bracket. Even so, the Samsung Galaxy S8 holds its own and represents a solid, no-nonsense buy. If you have used this device or are planning to pick one up, do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
