Description of the Samsung Galaxy S 8 phone. Review of the Samsung Galaxy S8 (Samsung Galaxy S8) and real reviews from users of the best-selling smartphone. Examples of photos taken with the front camera
Another holiday has come for fans of the Samsung brand; two wonderful smartphones will go on sale at once - Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Being followers of the Galaxy S7 and direct competitors of the Apple iPhone 7, both devices are worthy of their owners. The convenient design and powerful hardware of the Galaxy S8 are impressive, which is worth talking about in more detail.
Design and interface
Touching and swiping, pinch and spread your fingers - all this is included in the properties of the touchscreen interface. Changing applications is improved by 3D Touch technology, which distinguishes the pressure of fingers (Peek, Pop). All electronic components are enclosed in a durable glass case, and the display measures 5.8 inches diagonally. The front panel belongs almost entirely to the screen, the edges of which are rounded even to the side edges. A small strip is left at the top, on which you can see the peephole of the 12 MP main camera and the double flash LED. The rear panel has an 8 MP front camera, a flash and a biometric scanner. Below is the brand's signature inscription. By color scheme Samsung Galaxy S8 It will be available in only three variants: dark black, orchid gray and silver. But even this choice is quite enough not to miss the moment of purchase.
An innovation of the device is the use of a DeX docking station, which is connected to a USB Type-C cable. The appearance of additional HDMI output and two USB ports significantly expand the functionality of the gadget as a PC. Another useful assistant is the Bixby option - voice command assistant.
OS and more
The Android platform, even the latest generation, is somewhat different in content from Apple's iOS indicators, in some moments even surpassing its competitor. The proprietary processor (for Russia) is represented by the Exynos 8895 brand; for the USA it will be replaced by the Snapdragon 835 from Qualcomm. According to its main parameters, it is designed for 4 GB of RAM, while the main one will not exceed 64 GB. Expansion via microchip 128/256 GB is allowed. Responsibility for graphics support lies with the Mali G71 accelerator, which is quite sufficient for high-quality images of not only text information, but also photos and video materials. Performance is also possible thanks to the presence of universal Flash Storage, with the built-in Generation of the second version.
This year, Samsung decided that size really does matter, so the new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have larger screens of 5.8 and 6.2 inches, respectively. Other companies have already tried to make devices with the largest possible displays, but the Koreans have really reached a new, unprecedented level in this regard. How convenient it is to use the new “galaxies” - read the translation of the review from YugaTech on Trashbox.
It is noteworthy that even the simple version of the Galaxy S8 has a larger screen diagonally than the unsuccessful Galaxy Note 7 phablet, not to mention the “plus”. What will the eighth Galaxy Note be like then? Will its screen be larger than 6.2 inches? It’s very interesting what Samsung will come up with for fans of the stylus and large display, but for now let’s look at the eighth Galaxy.
Characteristics
- Screen: 5.8 / 6.2 inches, Super AMOLED, 2960x1440 pixels, 570 / 529 ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protective glass.
- Operating system: Android 7.1 Nougat, Samsung Experience 8.1 shell.
- Processor: Exynos 8895, eight-core (4×Cortex-A53 at 1.7 GHz and 4×2.3 GHz at 2.3 GHz), 10 nm.
- GPU: Mali G71-MP20.
- RAM: 4 GB (LPDDR4).
- Storage: 64 GB (UFS 2.1) with support for microSD cards up to 256 GB.
- Main camera: 12 megapixels (Sony IMX333 + S5K2L2 ISOCELL), Dual Pixel, f/1.7 aperture, optical stabilization (OIS), video recording 1080p×60FPS, 4K×30FPS.
- Front camera: 8 megapixels, wide-angle sensor, f/1.7 aperture.
- Battery: 3,000 / 3,500 mAh, lithium-ion, fast charging from 0 to 100% in 75 minutes.
- Dimensions (mm): 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 (Galaxy S8), 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 (Galaxy S8+).
- Weight (grams): 155 / 173.
- Slots for SIM cards: one nanoSIM, the second - combined.
- Connectivity: 4G/LTE (up to category 16), Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, 3.5 mm audio jack, dual-band (2.4/5 GHz) Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS/ GLONASS/Galileo.
- Sensors: fingerprint scanner, pressure sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, heart rate sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor.
- Water protection: IP68.
- Available colors: in Russia so far only black, golden and mystical (pink-gray).
- Price: 54,990 / 59,990 rubles.
Appearance and design
The flagship Galaxy S line has undergone a major redesign this year. The general concept has not changed, but the approach is completely different. Both versions of the smartphone received a curved screen at the edges, and the frames at the top and bottom were greatly reduced. Like the LG G6, the corners of the display panel are rounded. This is not only beautiful, but also practical in terms of the strength of the case. In case of a fall or other external influences, there is less chance that the matrix with rounded corners will be damaged.
Hardware control buttons and the Samsung logo, which was previously usually located on the top frame, have been removed from the front panel. This freed up space for the display. Only some sensors and the front camera remain. We have already seen this in the Xiaomi Mi MIX, which has nothing on the front side of the body except a display, a camera and a pair of sensors.
The bottom edge is strewn with a 3.5 mm port, universal USB Type-C and a speaker grid. Unfortunately, Samsung isn't dabbling in two separate stereo speakers just yet.
The top edge is equipped with a tray for nanoSIM cards. There is also an additional hybrid slot for microSD cards up to 256 GB. It can be used for an additional nanoSIM.
The rear panel contains a camera sensor that does not protrude from the body with a two-tone LED flash on the left and a fingerprint scanner on the right. The position of the fingerprint sensor is at least strange, but more on that later. The back of the device is covered with protective glass. Corning Gorilla Glass 5. It is slightly curved along the edges, which creates a pleasant visual effect, but also thanks to this the phone fits perfectly in the hand.
The case is protected from water and dust according to the standard IP68. The smartphone can be immersed in water to a depth of 1.5 meters for no more than 30 minutes.
Overall, there are no issues with Samsung in terms of the appearance and design of the Galaxy S8. The phone looks impressive and feels good in the hand.
Screen
Samsung is doing the right thing by making the screen the main feature of its smartphones. They are allowed to do this, because their own panels Super AMOLED- almost the best on the market. The Galaxy S8 has the largest screen in the South Korean manufacturer's flagship line. 5.8 inches is even larger than the typical diagonal of phablets (5.5-5.7 inches). This is a big improvement, especially considering the dimensions are almost identical to the previous generation.
This diagonal was achieved by removing the hardware buttons and fingerprint scanner on the rear panel. The Samsung inscription was also moved there. The frames were reduced to a minimum - there was only room for the front camera, a pair of sensors and an iris scanner.
The edges of the display are curved, as you would expect from a Samsung flagship smartphone. Let us remember that this “trick” first appeared in the Galaxy Note edge, and then migrated to the Galaxy S line. Now there is no division into the regular and edge versions - both “galaxies” have a curved screen.
Screen resolution - 2960x1440 pixels(WQHD+). Thus, the pixel density is 570 ppi. The firmware of smartphones provides a function that automatically or manually changes the screen resolution to save energy. By default, the indicator is set to Full HD+ (2280x1080). The lowest level is HD+ (1480×720). The latter is used when the energy saving mode is turned on.
From left to right: selecting resolution, picture mode and other settings
The aspect ratio of this screen is quite strange - 18.5:9. Not the best option for watching videos and pictures in games. But the firmware provides a function for adapting content to the display.
As for the matrix itself, these are top quality Super AMOLED panels. Color rendition, detail and contrast are at a high level. Under the rays of the sun, the display behaves perfectly - readability is maintained. The Galaxy S8 firmware has a function to reduce blue radiation at night - reducing eye strain.
Camera
Samsung pays a lot of attention to the camera in its flagship smartphones. The eighth generation of the Galaxy is no exception - the devices take excellent photos and videos. Galaxy S8 uses the new Sony IMX333 sensor and S5K2L2 ISOCELL sensor with resolution 12 megapixels(the same number was in S7).
Sample photos from Galaxy S8 (images are highly compressed)
The main camera supports optical image stabilization (OIS). The videos are of very high quality, but it is clear that Samsung programmers have not yet completed the camera software. When making sharp turns, the picture is slightly blurred. Perhaps this will be fixed with the final update before the start of sales. Video recording in 4K×30FPS or 1080p×60FPS resolution is supported. The frame rate for slow motion video is limited to 240FPS at 720p resolution.
The front camera has received a big improvement - from 5 to 8 megapixels. There is a wide-angle sensor with a good aperture ratio - f/1.7. Your selfies will definitely look good even in poor lighting conditions.
The camera application interface has been greatly redesigned. Now it looks like some kind of social network like Snapchat. We added many interesting functions and features. For knowledgeable users, a professional shooting mode is provided. In it you can manually adjust the ISO value (50−800), shutter speed (1/2400 to 10 seconds), white balance and picture profile.
In the Galaxy S7, many people liked the function of launching the camera by double pressing the Home button. Since it was removed, this “trick” moved to the unlock button.
operating system
The new products run on the Android 7.0 Nougat platform, on top of which proprietary firmware is installed Samsung Experience(formerly TouchWiz). As is always the case with Samsung, several applications are preinstalled: Samsung Notes, proprietary Browser, Secure Folder and others. But it's still not as bad as it was in the 2014−2015 versions of TouchWiz.
Since the hardware control buttons were removed, Samsung decided to slightly level out this loss. Now there are almost always virtual Recent, Home and Back buttons at the bottom. Sometimes two disappear, and only Home remains. The central button has pleasant feedback and adjustable sensitivity. There is no separate button on the desktop to call up the application menu - a universal gesture from bottom to top or vice versa is responsible for this.
There is special software for curved screen edges: App Edge, People Edge, Clipboard Edge and more. All this interacts to one degree or another with the curved screen. For example, you can bring up the favorites panel by swiping on this area. There is also a utility for creating a screenshot or even a GIF animation.
Security features include a fingerprint sensor and an iris scanner. The finger sensor was moved to the back cover and placed next to the camera. Thus, you can only reach it with a normal grip with your right hand and index finger. But the fingers themselves must also be long enough. The sensor itself works quickly and stores up to four fingerprints.
Another innovation in the firmware and design of the smartphone is the Bixby voice assistant. It can be called up in any application using the button on the left side of the case. Bixby is a mixture of a traditional voice assistant, learning artificial intelligence, and a recommendation engine. Wherever you call Bixby, it will understand the context and find exactly what you need. However, in test samples the assistant practically does not work.
Overall, Samsung's new Android skin is very pleasant to use. Smooth animations and cute icons are pleasing to the eye, and thoughtful features turn ordinary interaction with a smartphone into a real pleasure. For those who do not like the standard interface, themes are available in the company catalog - there you can find a shell to suit your taste.
The 64 GB test sample was free 53.98 GB. Thus, more than 10 GB is occupied by the firmware.
Iron
The guys from YugaTech.com tested a smartphone in a version with a processor Exynos 8895 Samsung's own production. It is this chipset that is equipped with the Galaxy S8 for Europe and the CIS. This is the ninth generation of Exynos processors. And they can compete with solutions from Qualcomm, Huawei and other companies.
The Exynos 8895 is built on a 4+4 architecture: four ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.7 GHz) are responsible for simple tasks, and four custom Exynos M1 cores (2.3 GHz) are included when processing heavy processes like games. But the main difference between the 8895 and the previous generation is the graphics accelerator. The new product uses the Mali G71-MP20 video chip. The big increase in productivity is precisely his merit.
Despite the fact that Samsung abandoned the new Cortex-A73 cores (Snapdragon 835 and Kirin 960), its own Exynos M1 cores show approximately the same power.
Test results Galaxy S8 in benchmarks:
- AnTuTu: 174,155.
- Quadrant Standard: 43,185.
- PCMark: 5,371 (Work 2.0), 6,034 (Work 1.0).
- PCMark Storage: 4,421.
- 3DMark: 3,159.
- Vellamo: 7,269 (Browser), 3,324 (Metal Graphics), 3,621 (multi-core test).
- Geekbench 4.0: 1,974 (single-core), 6,339 (multi-core).
Calls, communication and battery
The new Samsung flagship is equipped with all modern communication standards, including 4G / LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0(for the first time in a smartphone) and NFC. The voice quality in calls is ideal. It's nice that Samsung still pays a lot of attention to the most important function of the phone - calls. Bluetooth receiver version 5 allows you to connect two pairs of headphones or other audio accessories to one Galaxy S8.
Having increased the screen diagonal, Samsung, unfortunately, decided not to do the same with the battery. A regular Galaxy has a non-removable battery with a capacity 3,000 mAh, and in the Plus version - 3,500 mAh. However, the manufacturer claims that the operating time will remain the same.
In the PC Mark Battery Test benchmark, which emulates an intensive load, the smartphone worked for 10 hours 43 minutes. At the same time, the brightness was set to 50%, the sound was turned off, and the phone was also switched to airplane mode. To be honest, the result is controversial. The same Galaxy S7 lasted longer in the same benchmark.
Galaxy S8 in video playback worked 10 hours 45 minutes at the same brightness, volume and networks turned off. And this is also less than in the Galaxy S7 - about 1 hour.
Galaxy S8 wireless charging stand
As they say, here you decide for yourself what is more important to you - a cool and large screen, or a little longer battery life. The battery charges via the USB Type-C connector in approximately 75 minutes from 0 to 100%. Wireless charging is supported. And yes - it does not explode when charging.
Results
Samsung tried to make a truly new smartphone, original and innovative. Although we have already seen the LG G6 and Xiaomi Mi MIX, the eighth Galaxy is a completely different smartphone. Koreans are getting closer to the moment when we will simply carry a large panel with a display without frames and a bulky case.
In the Galaxy S8 you can find the best screen, powerful processor, beautiful body design, quality materials and a good camera.
Of course, art requires sacrifice, so there was a fly in the ointment. Among the shortcomings, we can note the poor ergonomics of the fingerprint scanner. In addition, the price has increased, although for Russia this is not particularly noticeable - the price tags for the new Galaxy S8 are approximately at the same level as the Galaxy S7 at the start of sales.
Fine:
- Stylish design.
- Great screen.
- Powerful processor and plenty of memory.
- Good camera.
- Iris scanner.
- A well-developed shell for Android.
- Opening hours could have been better.
- The price has increased.
- The fingerprint scanner is inconvenient.
The appearance of the new flagship Samsung Galaxy s8 before a wide audience was expected by many. According to the manufacturer, the model was supposed to change the way users think about a mobile phone. Therefore, many made a wide variety of assumptions. For example, users expected dual cameras and new hardware platform indicators. Many of the assumptions came true. However, the most striking and unexpected highlight was the design, the new screen format and the methods for fitting it into a fairly compact body. The Samsung Galaxy c8 was truly the first of the most recognizable devices on the market.
The following table shows the main characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy s8.
| CPU | Eight-core Exynos Octa 8895, 10 nm process technology, proprietary Samsung |
| GP | MaliG71-MP20 |
| RAM/ROM | 4 GB/64 GB, in selected markets – 3 GB/64 GB |
| SuperAMOLED, 5/8 inches, 579 ppi, 2960x1140 pixels | |
| Cameras | 12.2 MP main, flash, optical + software stabilization 8 MP front, software stabilization, panning |
| Connection | GSM, HSPA |
| Data | 3G, 4G LTE |
| Wireless technologies | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 with the ability to connect 2 devices, ANT+, NFC |
| Sensors | Heart rate, proximity, light, accelerometer, compass, barometer, fingerprint, face scanner, retina scanner, Hall sensor |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5, IP68 water and dust resistant |
The phone has dimensions of 149x68x8 mm (height, width, thickness), is made of glass and metal, and weighs 155 g.
Design and ergonomics
The first thing that catches your eye when looking at the Samsung Galaxy 8 is its unique screen. The manufacturing company named the smartphone model with infinity display, and indeed it is. The Galaxy s8 has minimal bezels, maximum free display area, and a unique shape with rounded edges. The smartphone really looks stylish, expensive, it is recognizable and original.
The device body is made around a power aluminum frame. It is made deliberately thin to highlight the unusual shape of the edge-to-edge display. The front panel has undergone the biggest changes compared to other C-line devices. Here no buttons at the bottom. Thin lines slightly limit the working space of the display. The navigation buttons are now located directly on the screen, which was easy to do given its huge size.
Samsung Galaxy s8
The arrangement of control elements and interfaces on the edges of the Galaxy s8 is quite familiar to users who prefer Samsung products.
On the back panel there is a camera unit, next to which there is a flash and a heart rate sensor. Here, on the lid, they moved Fingerprint's scanner. Its location on the top may make you think about the difficulties of touch. However, reviews from owners say that this is not true. You can easily reach the scanner and it is quite convenient to do this, unlike the Samsung Galaxy s8+ model.
The most interesting thing is the set of sensors on the top line of the front panel of the phone. Here, in addition to the expected, well-disguised earpiece, there are no less familiar camera eyes and a light sensor. The functionality of the latter has been expanded; now it also works as an RGB color detector. New element in the top line of the front panel — IRIS recognition scanner. Its resolution is 3.7 megapixels, which, coupled with special IR illumination, made it possible to achieve high speed and accuracy of owner identification.
Another feature that the Samsung Galaxy s8 smartphone boasts is maximum protection against water and dust according to the IP68 standard.
The model works even with long-term immersion in water, but the manufacturer does not state the depth to which the device can be placed. However, with average use, extreme tests are not required; it is enough that the Samsung Galaxy s8 operates reliably even under a continuous stream of water. The glass from which the body is made has high-quality oleophobic coating in the display area.
Important! As some owner reviews indicate, Samsung Galaxy s8 smartphones can be scratched if carried in the same pocket with change and keys. This applies primarily to the back cover. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a suitable case; fortunately, Samsung offers a wide range of such products with a wide variety of characteristics.
From the description of the screen you can make a full review of the Samsung Galaxy s8. This is a kind of business card, the face of the model’s style. The display uses a SuperAMOLED matrix with a diagonal of 5.8 inches. Such an impressive size, unexpectedly for many users, did not lead to an increase in the dimensions of the model. Minimal frames, rounded edges, a rising format - all this made it possible to ensure that the Galaxy 8 phone is smaller in size than any product with a 16:9 screen format. In addition, the display has a resolution of 2960x1440 pixels (570 pixels per inch) with aspect ratio 18.5:9. This unusual format made it possible to achieve a slight decrease in the viewing area with an extremely small increase in the dimensions of the device.
Important! Using a device with such an unusual display is convenient. If you review the Galaxy s8, focusing on ease of manipulation, you can find many positive reviews from owners. Even the very top of the screen is easy to reach.
The non-standard display format explains why Samsung chose this utilitarian and neutral design of horizontal stripes on the front panel of the device. Some games when stretched to full screen are not scaled correctly. To prevent this from happening, the size of the working window is measured so that it occupies the entire width of the display. At the same time, black stripes remain at the top and bottom, which are concealed by the design of the panel and become invisible.
The usual ones for the C series are also present. matrix illumination settings. The user is offered the following modes:
- adaptive, with automatic adjustment of color tone and backlight depending on external conditions;
- AMOLED cinema with a lower brightness limit;
- AMOLED photo with balancing of parameters depending on the screen output;
- basic, with user-settable settings for color tone and display brightness.
Important! The screen resolution can be changed manually. There is also an eye protection mode when reading with suppression of the blue component of the spectrum. You can set up a work schedule for it.
The screen as a whole shows excellent color gamut and display authenticity. This smartphone managed to neutralize the main problem of AMOLED displays with shift of the spectrum to blue at borderline viewing angles. As a result, images on the Samsung Galaxy s8 screen look almost perfect.
Hardware platform
The heart of the Galaxy S8 computing platform is the Exynos 8895 processor from Samsung. This is a chip made using a 10 nm process technology. Eight CPU cores working in fours show excellent performance.
Lag-free graphics processing even in high-demand games is thanks to the top-end MaliG71-MP20 processor. It is 20% faster than the chip in the well-performing Galaxy S7. In principle, the C8 platform does not have any performance problems. Even the most demanding games run with maximum graphics settings. For example, high-level tests with Car Chase show rendering as high as 768.7 frames per second.
3 GB, and for some versions 4 GB of RAM, allow the Galaxy S8 to serve two running applications simultaneously. At the same time, the processor platform shows not only balanced power consumption, but also low heat generation. There are no noticeably hot areas on the case even at maximum load.
Autonomy
The Samsung Galaxy s8 model was the first in the company's series of products to receive a more thoroughly tested battery controlled by an improved algorithm. The battery capacity is 3000 mAh. The device shows impressive battery life characteristics compared to its predecessors. Of course, we are far from reaching records, but the positive trend is obvious.
When playing full-screen FullHD video with maximum volume, backlight brightness Samsung Galaxy s8 open until 19:00. With normal use, with modems turned on, messengers running, calls and 4 hours of screen activity, the device operates for up to a day and a half.
The periods of operation measured by the owners from one battery are as follows (Works 2.0 PCMark test, with a display brightness of 200 cd/sq.m, with processor load):
- Screen resolution 1480x720 - 9 hours of operation;
- resolution 2200x1080 - 8 hours of operation;
- The maximum display resolution is 7 hours.
These are very good results for a synthetic test. In practice, users note that with reasonable configuration of energy-saving modes, it is easy to get the Samsung Galaxy s8 to work for two days with a total display luminosity time of up to 8 hours.
Important! The system supports two wireless charging formats. This is very convenient for those who use several devices at the same time. Fast charging mode is supported for both wired and wireless ways to recharge the battery.
Cameras
The general opinion of testers and device owners is that the Samsung Galaxy s8 model takes even better quality pictures than its predecessor, the Galaxy s7. And this is with the same installed camera sensors. These are truly advanced products that are capable of confident shooting in the dark thanks to a reduction in the physical dimensions of the matrix pixels, focusing based on information from 100% of the photosensitive elements.
New algorithms for working with photographs that the Samsung Galaxy s8 uses allow you to get almost perfect pictures. In addition, the front camera of the Samsung Galaxy s8 has added megapixels. Now it has 8 megapixels and takes really good selfies, records improved video with software image stabilization, and has learned how to stitch together pictures for panning.
The main camera of the Samsung Galaxy s8 has also changed. The resolution of the unique, specially designed Sony sensor is 12.2 megapixels. From new features that distinguish the camera from the previous revision can be noted:
- recording pictures in RAW;
- a new control shell with zoom, for which you just move the shutter button;
- improved HDR;
- improved macro photography algorithms;
- new processors for backlit images;
- improved picture detail in low light.
The main camera began to make almost perfect videos. The reason is additional software image stabilization, which is activated in particularly difficult cases where optical capabilities may not be enough.
Is it worth buying
A critical user may notice that the Samsung Galaxy s8 does not offer a revolution compared to the previous flagship. The phone has become expectedly faster. The photos have improved a little. But the main thing worth buying the Samsung Galaxy s8 for is its unique appearance and truly unrivaled screen quality. If you add to this protection from water and dust, durable fifth-generation Gorilla Glass, face identification and an improved power supply system, it becomes clear that the model is truly capable of winning hearts.
Samsung Galaxy s8
The Samsung Galaxy S8 was released relatively long ago by industry standards - March 29, 2017. But thanks to the power reserve provided by the manufacturer, the smartphone remains relevant to this day. The model differs from its predecessors in its larger screen, as well as the absence of a “home” button. It has been replaced by a tactile element - it is located under the glass. A similar technology was used on the iPhone 7. Reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S8 are positive, users liked it.
The design of the Samsung Galaxy S8 is somewhat different from its analogues. The first thing you should pay attention to is that the Samsung inscription above the screen is missing. The company's engineers simply could not find a place for it. At the same time, the shape of the smartphone is unique; in terms of design, there are no analogues on the market today. What sets the phone owner apart from other smartphone users.
The flagship itself is made of glass and metal. You should be careful when using it. The device is not only slippery, but also instantly covered with fingerprints. It is worth using napkins more often - this will keep your smartphone looking attractive throughout the day. Glass completely covers the front and back sides of the case. The frame is made of metal.
The model is presented in several colors simultaneously:
- ⦁ golden;
⦁ blue;
⦁ gray;
⦁ black
The speakers on the back side disappeared. The case itself is assembled as reliably as possible. But there is a small gap between the glass of the front panel and the metal frame. The nail doesn't fit there. But dust will easily get in. This is especially unpleasant if the phone is black. Contamination will immediately become visible against a dark background.
There is a fingerprint sensor on the back cover - right next to the lens. Moreover, the latter is now made flush with the plane of the body. There is a heart rate monitor, as well as an oxygen saturation analyzer in the user’s body.
The smartphone is a good solution for those involved in sports. It is possible to keep a training diary and automatically record your body indicators. A stylish and expensive case will set the S8 owner apart from other smartphone users.
Design and ergonomics
The curve of the Samsung Galaxy S8 case strongly resembles the geometry of the Note 7. But at the same time, the model in question is small and lies comfortably in the hand. The Samsung Galaxy S8 easily holds up when compared to its closest competitor, the iPhone 8, in terms of characteristics and appearance. The dimensions of the model are relatively small:
- length – 148.9 mm;
- width – 68.1 mm;
- thickness – 8 mm.
Moreover, the weight is only 152 g. The model will look great both in a strong man’s palm and in thin women’s fingers. The device is universal. The geometry of the case and the location of the home button make it comfortable for everyone, regardless of the length of the fingers and the width of the palm. The S8 doesn't feel big. The main reason for this is that it is a little elongated compared to its counterparts with the same screen diagonal.
Thanks to good balancing, it is convenient to work with the phone; despite the sloping body, it does not slip out. On the left side there is a “swing” that allows you to easily adjust the volume. There is also a special key for launching the Bixby assistant. It doesn't work in our country. But you can find a special application on Google Play that allows you to easily reassign a button to another action.
Display
The screen of the Samsung Galaxy S8 is the first thing that attracts attention. Moreover, developers and marketers together even came up with a special name for it - Infinity Display. The display occupies 97% of the front area of the body and has a QHD+ resolution (2,960 × 1,440 pixels). The installed screen is of very high quality, there are no dots.
SuperAmoled matrices were used during assembly. This is the latest generation, improved in comparison with those used in the Note 7 model. The automatic brightness control algorithm has undergone significant changes, depending on external lighting conditions. Experts have improved a mode called AlwaysOn Display. Buttons located on the screen are hidden when applications are running. The display diagonal is exactly 5.8 inches.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 model began to use technologies that were previously used only in the development of televisions. In addition, the phone itself constantly analyzes the image present on the screen. There is not only a light quantity indicator, but also an RGB color analyzer. It independently, without user intervention, adjusts screen tones in accordance with external conditions.
Serious advantages over competitors include the use of Mobile HDR Premium technology. It was developed literally in 2017 specifically for devices that support 4K resolution. According to experts, the screen in the Galaxy S8 is the most technologically advanced in the world. Its main differences:
- automatic brightness adjustment sets 1000 candelas at maximum illumination - you can easily read even small text under sunlight;
- DCI-P3 Color is used - also used in TVs with 4K resolution;
- there are simultaneously 2 sensors that analyze the amount of light - on both front panels;
- night mode eliminates the presence of blue color in the light spectrum - this allows you to avoid excessive stimulation of the psyche;
- a separate circuit is built in to work with Always On technology, which can significantly save battery power.
Equipment
The delivery package contains a standard list of items:
- the smartphone itself;
- a device for connecting to a 220 V electrical network to recharge the battery;
- paperclip – allows you to remove the tray to place a SIM card in it;
- headset type AKG – wired type;
- special adapter - for connecting additional equipment - OTG;
- instructions.
The OTG cable deserves special attention. With its help, you can connect various external devices to your smartphone. Including all kinds of storage media. These are USB flash drives, as well as other equipment. The AKG headset allows you to listen to music. It cannot boast of an impressive sound. But for watching movies, videos from the Internet are perfect. The device is delivered in a cardboard box.
Specifications Samsung Galaxy S8
Even a year after its release, the device remains relevant. This may be due to the characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy S8:
- CPU – Exynos 8895, 8 cores, 2.3 GHz each;
- built-in video accelerator – Mali-G71 MP20;
- volume of RAM (random access memory) – 4 GB;
- ROM volume (read-only memory) – 64 GB (several GB are deducted for installing the operating system).
It must be remembered that the model is produced for different markets with different technical characteristics. For example, the Chinese version is equipped with not 4, but 6 GB of RAM. In the USA, the exclusive Samsung Galaxy S8 is sold on the Snapdragon 835 processor. This is why some devices show higher results in various synthetic tests.
Performance
Various software tests don't always show how fast the Samsung Galaxy S8 is. But it is worth noting that there is no gap at all between clicking on the application icon and launching it. Even in comparison with the S7 and Note 7, which have never had any complaints in terms of speed, the S8 is a serious winner.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the changes in terms of memory. The improvement is already visible in the transition from UFS 2.0 to UFS 2.1. This allows you to significantly reduce the time required to boot your smartphone. In addition, switching time between different applications is reduced to a minimum. It was the S8 that became the first device from Samsung equipped with UFS 2.1 memory.
There are still rumors among users of alternative devices about the slowness of Samsung smartphones. But such stereotypes are usually a consequence of installing a huge amount of third-party software on the device. The Samsung Galaxy S8 review will give you an idea of the actual performance of the device.
Cameras
Using the device to take pictures and record videos is appropriate - the Samsung Galaxy S8's camera is worthy of all praise. The front resolution is as much as 8 megapixels, while it is fast. The maximum open aperture is f/1.7. Due to this, pictures can be taken bright and sharp even with a significant lack of light. There are many built-in effects.
It seems to many that the main camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels has remained the same. DualPixel technology is used. As with earlier models, Sony is the supplier. Separately, we need to dwell on the increased system performance. Photos of Samsung Galaxy S8 are more saturated. The camera model has its own memory.
Due to this, the speed of work increases by an order of magnitude. There is also a comfort mode called Burst Mode. Thanks to it, you can take several dozen pictures in a row. The high performance of the system allows the camera to focus faster and handle complex scenes better. This is especially noticeable in comparison with the Galaxy S7.
Photo
A special feature of the Samsung Galaxy S8 photography is the ability to form a panorama with an impressive 50.6 megapixels. Which makes the quality of the pictures simply fantastic.
A high-power LED flash will highlight shadows and also make the subject more detailed in the shadows.
Video
Shooting video on the Samsung Galaxy S8 is as good as shooting photos. It is possible to shoot video up to Ultra HD resolution. Recording is carried out at a speed of 60 frames per second. There is electronic image stabilization. But only in Full HD mode. In night mode, the video will also delight the smartphone user. Dynamic range, vibrant colors and good range resolution at high ISO make shooting easy and fun.
Front-camera
The characteristics of the front camera in comparison with the external one cannot be called outstanding. But it offers a completely acceptable result. Perfect for filming yourself while traveling.
Care must be taken when working in areas with insufficient lighting. It all depends on the amount of light and other factors.
Sound and music playback quality
The sound of the Samsung Galaxy S8 deserves special attention. Since Samsung uses a completely new development in its smartphone. It constantly analyzes the actions performed by the user. For example, if the owner of a smartphone is talking on Skype, the volume in the headphones is automatically increased. All frequencies and extraneous noises that can interfere with communication are also cut off.
In addition, the smartphone constantly evaluates the sound level around the device itself. Automatic adjustment to the situation is carried out. Moreover, the sound processor does not carry out all these actions; only the amplifier is used to solve the assigned tasks.
Another “trick” of the model is the automatic recognition of repeating sounds. For example, if headphones constantly rub against clothing or skin, then the device tries to remove such noise from the music while listening to it. The sound quality depends on the headphones used, as well as the sound profiles that are used in a particular case.
Samsung designed and assembled the included headset to the specifications of the S8. All the delights of musical compositions are perfectly revealed thanks to the Cirrus Logic SC43130 DSP. The main feature of the module is its versatility; it fits well with most headphones - without any exceptions.
Communication capabilities
Like its competitors, the Samsung Galaxy S8 supports USB Type C version 3.0. This is the first smartphone of its year to feature the latest generation Bluetooth communication protocol – 5.0. There is also aptX, as well as other built-in audio codecs for audio playback. There is an LTE module; the frequencies used will depend on the specific operator, as well as the country in which the device is used. Moreover, in an LTE network, the device shows the maximum possible data download speed.
In a network in Moscow with the cellular operator MTS, the download speed reached 430 Mbit/s. Moreover, the theoretical limit of this indicator is only 450 Mbit/s. There is dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11. There are simply no major improvements from Samsung in this direction.
operating system
At the time of release of the device, the latest operating system was installed on it – Android 7.0. The proprietary Experiense 8.1 shell is installed on top. It functions quite quickly and features proprietary animation. In some ways it is similar to similar effects in Windows.
The GPU processes all actions in the operating system as quickly as possible, without delays, lags, or artifacts on the screen.
Autonomy
The standard Samsung Galaxy S8 battery has a capacity of 3,500 mAh. Charging can be done in two ways:
- via a standard USB Type C connector;
- using a wireless charger.
Moreover, in the second case, recharging is carried out automatically - you just need to place the device on a special wireless station. Separately, several energy saving profiles should be noted. They became more aggressive. This allows you to save battery and extend the operating time of the device. For example, video playback time is 18-19 hours with maximum brightness.
Pros and cons of a smartphone
Samsung Galaxy S8 has its pros and cons. The main advantages include:
- elongated display - this makes it convenient to use;
- high-quality parts, bright screen;
- high-quality cameras, the ability to shoot video in Ultra HD resolution;
- comfortable interface and performance;
- notification indicator, protection from dust and moisture;
- external speaker volume.
There are also obvious disadvantages. The Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone is discussed in detail in the review; the main disadvantages include:
- the case is easily soiled - fingerprints always remain;
- the rear glass is highly scratch-prone;
- if you use your smartphone for games, the edge of the USB connector constantly rubs your finger;
- fragile design requires the use of a cover;
- lack of a convenient way to quickly unlock the device.
In general, all the disadvantages are easily offset by a large number of advantages. The device copes well with all the functions assigned to it.
Comparison with competitors
The main competitor in this price category for the Samsung Galaxy S8 is the iPhone 8. Comparison of the device according to the main parameters:
- The S8's display is 5.8 inches versus 4.7 on the iPhone 8. The advantages of Samsung's product lie not only in size, but in more advanced technology and resolution;
- In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 835 processor is one step lower than the A11 Bionic. Apple's developments in this industry are products of a completely different category (this is easily confirmed by the Geekbench test);
- The cameras of these devices produce almost identical results. Apple's product has some advantage in brighter light;
- A wireless charging station comes standard with Samsung products. For an Apple product, you will need to purchase it separately;
- In terms of offline mode, both devices will not let their users down. Samsung Galaxy S8 lasts 1 hour longer in active talk mode.
Overall, both devices will be an excellent solution. But it is worth remembering that there are differences in performance and functionality. It is important to take into account the fundamental differences between operating systems.
Final review
Despite the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S8 model was released a relatively long time ago (more than 1 year ago), it is still in high demand in stores. The reason for this is good performance, high-quality images and long battery life. It is worth remembering that using this device without a case risks scratching the rear glass. There are other operating nuances.
Samsung Galaxy S8 shows good performance regardless of the installed processor. The quality of communication is at the highest level. The ability to work with Wi-Fi in two bands simultaneously deserves special attention. Another advantage is that the cost of the model decreased significantly within a year after its release.
Do you often go on business trips and don’t want to overpay for communications? There is no need to buy a new SIM card with an unknown number to your colleagues, now you can make/receive calls over Wi-Fi at the price of calls in Russia for both you and the caller.
With the Samsung Galaxy S8's infinity* screen, you'll see the world from a whole new perspective. We've rethought every detail to create a bezel-free screen for an immersive experience. The smartphone is simply created for colorful photos, widescreen videos and exciting games.
* No side frames in the front plane of the screen.
Boundless screen
Featuring an edge-to-edge* dual-curved display, the Samsung Galaxy S8 delivers immersive widescreen videos with Super AMOLED technology for vibrant, rich colors.
Unlimited View
With Samsung Galaxy S8 you can see even more! 18% more viewable content* in a compact design.
* Content display area compared to previous Galaxy S series flagships.
Harmony and grace of forms
The curved screen on both sides of the Samsung Galaxy S8 perfectly harmonizes with the elegant body of the smartphone, creating a unique and elegant design.
Limitless convenience
Whichever diagonal – 5.8” or 6.2” – you choose, thanks to the symmetrical design and ergonomics, you will be comfortable using the smartphone even with one hand.
Multitasking
The larger screen of the Samsung Galaxy S8 is ideal for multitasking. Chat with friends while watching your favorite movie. All you need to do is just open the chat in multitasking mode.
Virtual button
The Home, Back and Recent Apps buttons are now virtual and moved to the screen. When pressed, they respond similarly to classic ones, but have more advanced functionality.
Interesting moments in life often happen unexpectedly. Now you can take photos without worrying about shooting conditions. Whether it's performing tricks on a skateboard or blowing out candles on a birthday cake, photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy S8 | S8+ will always be clear, bright and vibrant.
Perfect selfies
Take bright, clear selfies wherever you are. The front camera (8 MP) is equipped with a fast lens for perfect selfies even at night, and also supports intelligent autofocus with face detection.
Shooting in the dark
Interesting moments in life often happen unexpectedly. More often we are in a room with artificial lighting. With Samsung Galaxy S8 you don't have to worry. Fast lenses (F1.7) and larger sensor pixels (1.4 microns) capture much more light, making it possible to take clear, detailed photos.
Dual Pixel technology
Dual Pixel technology ensures autofocus is so fast and flawless that you can capture even the sharpest movements in low-light conditions.
Multi-frame shooting
Even if you shoot moving subjects in low light or extreme close-ups, your photos will turn out bright and clear. The camera will take several photos and combine them into one to achieve the best quality.
Be a pro
Taking professional-quality photos is now possible with the Samsung Galaxy S8. All you need to do is swipe left, activate Pro mode and configure the camera depending on your tasks.
Focus on what's important
Give your photos more charm! By controlling the depth of field, you can draw more attention to the main subject while blurring the secondary one a little.
Samsung Galaxy S8 guarantees uncompromising data protection. The iris scanner will reliably protect all your personal information. Now you don’t have to worry about the safety of your data if your smartphone falls into the wrong hands.
Iris scanner
The iris scanner is one of the most secure biometric identification systems available on smartphones. Unlike a fingerprint scanner, the iris cannot be duplicated because it has a unique pattern. You can be sure that your personal information will be reliably protected.
Three safe unlocking methods
Tired of constantly keeping multiple passwords or PIN codes in your head? Samsung Galaxy S8 offers three convenient ways to unlock your smartphone.
- Iris scanner. Unlock in an instant - simply focus on highlighted areas on the screen to scan your iris.
- Face recognition. To unlock, simply bring your smartphone to your face as if you were taking a selfie.
- Fingerprint scanner. The fingerprint scanner has been moved to the back of the smartphone so that you can conveniently and naturally unlock your smartphone as soon as you pick it up.
Even more features came with the Samsung Galaxy S8 | S8+. Smartphones are equipped with protection from water and dust, as well as a powerful processor created using 10nm technology. Expandable memory will allow you to save your movies, music, photos. And with a new high-capacity battery, you no longer need to constantly worry about charging.
Incredibly powerful
Samsung Galaxy S8 is equipped with the latest 10nm processor, ensuring fast operation of the smartphone with the lowest power consumption. Enjoy exciting and graphically flawless games!
Download and transfer large files from Samsung Galaxy S8. With support for Wi-Fi 1024-QAM and LTE Cat. 16, it was possible to increase the download speed by 20% both over a Wi-Fi network and using the mobile Internet.
New level of games
Experience complete immersion with an infinite screen. Enjoy graphically demanding games with Vulkan support.
Rich sound
A gift for music lovers: excellent sound at all frequencies and protection from extraneous external noise will allow you to fully enjoy your favorite tracks.
Works even in the rain
Samsung Galaxy S8 has an IP68 protection standard, so you can safely use it in the rain or take it to the pool.
Equipped to the maximum
Separating work and personal life, deleting old content because there is not enough memory? Choose what is convenient for you: a slot for a 2nd SIM card or a memory card with a capacity of up to 256 GB.
Always in touch
Thanks to the powerful processor of the Samsung Galaxy S8 | S8+ work quickly and smoothly, processing every bit of data with confidence. Despite the increased battery capacity, the smartphone charges quickly both wired and wireless.
Fast wireless charging
Simply place your smartphone on the wireless charger and charging will start automatically.