Samsung Galaxy S8

The Samsung Galaxy S8 was a significant release for Samsung, marking a major design overhaul and introducing the “Infinity Display.” Launched in early 2017, the Galaxy S8 was a flagship device that aimed to set a new standard for smartphone design and functionality. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S8:

Overview:

The Galaxy S8 was designed for users who wanted a cutting-edge smartphone experience with a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities. With its bezel-less design, top-tier specifications, and enhanced features, it catered to users looking for the best that the smartphone world had to offer at the time.

Features:

Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
Display: 5.8-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, introducing the Infinity Display design.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (USA & China) or Exynos 8895 (Global).
Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
Camera: 12 MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and OIS. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus.
Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, iris scanner, USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, Bixby virtual assistant with a dedicated button.

Pros:

Design: The Infinity Display and almost bezel-less design made the S8 one of the most attractive phones on the market.
Display Quality: The Super AMOLED panel was vibrant, with deep blacks and excellent sunlight visibility.
Performance: Both the Snapdragon 835 and Exynos 8895 ensured top-tier performance.
Camera: The camera, especially the rear one, was among the best in class, offering excellent shots in various lighting conditions.

Cons:

Fingerprint Sensor Placement: The sensor was placed next to the rear camera, which many users found inconvenient and led to smudging the camera lens.
Bixby Button: The dedicated Bixby button was not universally loved, especially since Bixby wasn’t as refined as other virtual assistants at launch.
Battery Life: While decent, the 3000 mAh battery might not have been enough for power users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy S8 faced competition from:

iPhone 7: Offering a 4.7-inch Retina display, Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, and a solid camera experience.
LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
Sony Xperia XZ Premium: Featuring a 5.46-inch 4K HDR display, Snapdragon 835, and a camera capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S8 was announced in March 2017 and became available in various markets in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

Reddish Display Tint: Some early units had a reddish tint on the display, which Samsung later addressed with a software update.
Bixby’s Readiness: At launch, Bixby was not fully functional, especially the voice features in many regions.
Software Updates: While Samsung provided updates, they weren’t always the fastest compared to some other manufacturers.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S8 was a landmark device for Samsung, setting a new design language that many other manufacturers would follow. Its blend of performance, camera quality, and the stunning Infinity Display made it a top choice for consumers looking for a flagship device in 2017. While it had its quirks, like the fingerprint sensor placement and the introduction of Bixby, its overall package was compelling and set the stage for Samsung’s future successes in the smartphone market.