Samsung Galaxy S8

Our Samsung Galaxy S8 Review

The Samsung Galaxy S8 blends the latest design breakthroughs to create a powerhouse of a smartphone, offering everything the modern user needs along with some genuine changes to make it a worthy upgrade from the S7 model. From the bezel-less Infinity Display to the advanced camera system and powerful performance, the S8 impresses on every level.

Contract, PAYG or SIM Only? 

The S8 is a brand-new device, meaning it demands a premium price. Buying it outright will cost you £689, making a SIM-Only contract only worth it for those who have that kind of money to hand. The vast majority will want to get the S8 on a standard contract, where you’ll be able to cover the cost of the phone, your minutes, data and texts all in one monthly payment. Even on a monthly contract, the phone will still be in the higher end of the smartphone spectrum, so should only be considered if you’re looking for the best experience possible. 

Display

The new Infinity Display featured on the S8 changes the game when it comes to smartphone displays. Rather than having a curved and uncurved option, like with the S7 model, the S8’s display ditches the bezels and curves around the phone effortlessly whilst also fitting in your hands. 

The display retains the Super AMOLED technology used in its previous models, with the Quad HD ensuring you get the best view of whatever you’re using your phone for. With Super AMOLED, you won’t be able to see a pixel, even if you’re looking up close. In the settings, you’ll also be able to enable Quad HD +, giving you even more visual fidelity. 

Camera

The S8’s camera has been enhanced to give you an improved camera experience over the previous model. The camera has been designed to allow light to get through no matter your conditions, so you can take high-quality photos in both day and night. The 12-megapixel rear camera has larger pixels, allowing in more light than a standard smartphone camera and can shoot 4K video. You’ll also be able to use the Dual Pixel sensor, which allows you to take photos in the blink of an eye.

The front-facing camera has also seen an improvement, with it now offering 8 megapixels compared to the previous 5. The Smart Auto Focus will track the faces of you and your friends, making selfies and group photos crisp and clear. Users will also have more editing options after they’ve taken their photos, with stickers and filters available. 

Design

The Galaxy S8 has to be one of the best looking smartphone designs on the market. Samsung has eliminated the need for obtrusive bezels, meaning the vast majority of the front of the device is given to the display. This means that the home, back and tray buttons are now on the screen itself, and the Samsung logo has been pushed to the back. This is as close to an all-screen smartphone any company has come, and it makes the S8 truly revolutionary compared to the S7. 

Despite the advanced technology featured inside the phone, the S8 still manages to feel impossibly thin. This design feels modern without being inconvenient, allowing you to use it out and about without it feeling too large. The large 5.8-inch screen is squeezed onto a device not much larger than an iPhone 7, meaning you can enjoy the the benefits of a larger phone without actually owning one. 

Performance

The S8 features a beefy 64-bit octa-core processor, alongside 4GB of RAM. This is around 20% more powerful than the S7, meaning you can perform more tasks without worrying about slowdown or lag. This makes for both a speedier and better performing phone, one that offers faster downloads and better performance for the latest high-tech games. 

The S8 now comes with 64GB of storage as standard, meaning you can fill you phone with the latest apps, photos and videos without having to worry about expandable storage. The phone offers up to 256GB of expandable storage via SD card, meaning you can have an almost never-ending amount of memory. Battery life has also been improved, with the S8 now running for longer between each charge as well as offering smarter power use. Charging the battery is also made easy thanks to wireless charging. 

Features and OS

The S8 also packs in a number of new features that are exclusive to the device. Samsung has developed a new virtual assistant in Bixby. Much like Siri and Google Assistant, Bixby has been designed to help you around your phone and make using it easier than ever. Simply ask and it will direct you to any app or search the web. Bixby is also constantly learning, meaning it will get to know you better as you use it. There’s a dedicated button for Bixby on the side of the phone, or you can call him with your voice.

The S8 now also offers a home PC experience thanks to revolutionary technology. Simply put the phone in the specialised dock, connect a mouse, keyboard and monitor and you have a ready-made PC that gives you the best of both worlds. Every single app that you can use on your phone, you can use on the PC mode, giving an uncompromised experience. Make calls, type out a document or browse the web just like you would with any other computer. This makes the S8 great for the working user on the go. 

What We Think

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is one of the best Android devices ever made and surpases the S7 in terms of design and power. If you’re looking for a premium smartphone that isn’t an iPhone, the S8 really makes a play for your attention. The gorgeous Infinity Display, improved camera and powerful processor all make it ideal for any smartphone user and the stylish design makes it this year’s must-have phone.