Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus: Pros and Cons
Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy S8 Plus smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.2 inch Super AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The Galaxy S8 Plus series was launched with Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 6.2 inch phone comes with a high resolution AMOLED display (1440 x 2960 px). This smartphone has a single camera on the back (12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization). Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.
Table of Contents
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus specifications
Brand | Samsung |
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Name | Galaxy S8 Plus |
Model | SM-G955 |
Release date | 2017 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
Weight | 6.1 oz |
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Dimensions | 6.28 x 2.89 x 0.32 inch |
Colors | black, gold, rose-gold, silver, white |
SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is about 6.1 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).
System, chipset, performance
OS version | Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) |
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SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998 |
CPU | Octa-core, Quad-core 2.35 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.9 GHz Kryo |
GPU | Adreno 540 |
The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus comes with Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
Display type | Super AMOLED |
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Screen size | 6.2 inch |
Resolution | 1440 x 2960 px |
Multitouch support | yes |
AMOLED displays enable an Always-On Display feature. A part of the screen remains active to display the time, date, and notifications. The 6.2 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
RAM | 4 GB |
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Internal storage | 64 GB |
Memory card slot | microSD |
The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. You can expand the internal storage (64 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
Main camera | 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization |
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Flash | Dual LED |
Selfie camera | 8 MP |
The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Galaxy S8 Plus has optical image stabilization (OIS). It counters camera shake.
Connectivity, network, wireless
GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
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Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | v5.0, A2DP |
GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
NFC | yes |
FM radio | no |
USB | USB Type-C |
Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Galaxy S8 Plus smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The Galaxy S8 Plus comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
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The Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of Galaxy S8 Plus isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
Sensors | accelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, heart rate, light, proximity |
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Specials | Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Wireless charging, Certified IP68 dustproof and waterproof, Dual camera setup |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The Galaxy S8 Plus phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.
The Galaxy S8 Plus is safe and durable. It's IP68-rated, so it's dustproof and waterproof. It's built for outdoor use. The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device. Wireless charging uses an electromagnetic field. It transfers energy between two objects through electromagnetic induction. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Samsung phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- Super AMOLED display
- appropriate screen size
- adequate memory
- microSD slot
- optical image stabilization (OIS)
- Dual SIM support
- IP68 certified protection
- wireless charging
- Corning Gorilla Glass shield
Cons
- single camera setup
- no 5G support
- low-capacity battery
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.