Samsung Galaxy 8 Review Review

The Samsung Galaxy S8, released in 2017, marked a significant leap for Samsung’s flagship smartphone lineup. Falling squarely within the premium smartphone category, it catered to early adopters and tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge display technology, powerful performance, and a sleek design. The Galaxy S8 pushed the envelope with its Infinity Display, nearly bezel-less front, and advanced camera features—setting a new standard in mobile innovation at the time.

Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S7, the S8 introduced several key upgrades: a larger but more compact display with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, the removal of the physical home button in favor of on-screen navigation, and enhanced biometric options including facial recognition and an iris scanner. These innovations were aimed at delivering a more immersive user experience while maintaining Samsung’s reputation for robust hardware and software reliability.

Overview / Specifications

Brand	Samsung
Category	Smartphone
Model	Galaxy S8
Release Date	April 2017
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (USA); Exynos 8895 (Global)
Display	5.8 inches, Super AMOLED, 2960 x 1440 (Infinity Display)
Battery	3000 mAh, Fast charging, Wireless charging support
RAM & Storage	4 GB RAM; 64 GB internal, expandable via microSD
Dimensions & Weight	148.9 x 68.1 x 8 mm; 155 g
Operating System	Android 7.0 Nougat (upgradable to later Android versions)
Connectivity	4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB-C
Camera	12 MP rear Dual Pixel, f/1.7; 8 MP front camera
Starting Price	Varies by market; approx. $720 USD at launch

Design & Build

The Samsung Galaxy S8 redefined smartphone aesthetics with its near bezel-less front thanks to the Infinity Display. Its curved edge screen flows seamlessly into the aluminum frame, giving it a futuristic yet comfortable grip. Constructed with Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, the device balances durability with a premium feel.

Despite packing a larger 5.8-inch display, the phone maintains a compact form factor due to the minimized bezels and removal of a physical home button, aided by soft on-screen navigation buttons. Water and dust resistance (IP68 rating) further contribute to its durability, making it well suited for everyday use in multiple environments.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S8 delivers solid performance through either the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 chipset, depending on the region. Combined with 4 GB RAM, the handset manages multitasking well, rendering games and media smoothly. The device remained responsive throughout most daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications.

The combination of Samsung’s optimized software and hardware efficiency ensures respectable battery life, though the 3000 mAh capacity can feel limiting with heavy use of the vibrant Quad HD+ display. Nonetheless, fast charging and wireless charging options help mitigate downtime. The camera performance, especially in favorable light, remains a highlight, rendering sharp and detailed images thanks to the Dual Pixel technology.

Features

Infinity Display: A 5.8-inch vivid Super AMOLED screen with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, delivering immersive viewing.
Biometric Security: Iris scanner, facial recognition, and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for versatile security options.
Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certified for protection against elements.
Camera: 12 MP rear camera with f/1.7 aperture for enhanced low-light photography; 8 MP front camera optimized for selfies.
Software: Originally shipped with Android 7.0 Nougat, later upgradable, featuring Samsung’s custom UI with Bixby assistant.
Connectivity: USB-C port, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and support for microSD expansion.

Price & Value

At launch, the Samsung Galaxy S8 was priced around $720 in the US, with variations depending on the country and retailer. Available mainly in a single configuration of 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage, buyers could expand storage via microSD. Samsung offered warranty coverage standard for flagship devices, including a one-year limited warranty and support services.

Although newer Galaxy models have since arrived with improved hardware, the Galaxy S8 still holds value for users prioritizing a compact premium phone with excellent display and solid camera performance. Running costs are minimal, limited mostly to software updates and typical smartphone maintenance.

Main Competitors

Back in 2017, the Galaxy S8 competed directly with:

Apple iPhone X: Introduced the notch design and Face ID; offers iOS ecosystem advantages but typically at a higher price point. Ideal for users locked into Apple products.
Google Pixel 2: Emphasis on a clean Android experience with superior camera software; smaller display and less striking design compared to the Galaxy S8. Best for Android purists.

Compared to these, the Galaxy S8’s advantage lay in its innovative Infinity Display, powerful hardware, and a more open platform with microSD support. However, the absence of wireless charging in some competitors and Samsung’s custom UI were both points users considered.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Stunning Infinity Display with vibrant colors and sharp resolution	Battery life can be underwhelming with heavy usage
Premium build with IP68 water and dust resistance	Fingerprint scanner placement awkward for some users
Powerful chipset capable of handling demanding apps smoothly	No headphone jack, which disappointed many users
Excellent camera performance in various lighting conditions	Bixby assistant felt limited at launch compared to competitors
Expandable storage via microSD slot	Software updates slower compared to Google Pixel devices

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S8 stands out as a landmark device in smartphone design and display technology. Its biggest strengths include the breathtaking Infinity Display, versatile biometric security features, and solid camera performance—all housed in a premium build quality. However, the relatively modest battery life and certain ergonomic choices like fingerprint sensor placement slightly hinder its overall usability.

Overall, the Galaxy S8 is well suited for users seeking a compact yet powerful flagship from the 2017 era, especially those who value immersive screen real estate and flagship-level cameras. For buyers today, it remains a compelling option in the second-hand market, though newer models offer improved longevity and performance.

Rating: 8/10

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy 8 Review review confirms that while it’s no longer cutting-edge, the S8’s features and performance set it apart during its time and still appeal to those wanting a classic, high-quality Samsung smartphone experience.