Samsung Galaxy S8 - Complete Review
Samsung Galaxy S8 - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
The smartphone industry often speaks of "incremental updates," but occasionally, a device arrives that fundamentally shifts the design paradigm. The Samsung Galaxy S8 was that device. By removing the physical home button and introducing the "Infinity Display," Samsung set a standard that many manufacturers are still following today. However, viewing this device through the lens of the current market requires a shift in perspective. We are no longer evaluating a flagship contender, but rather assessing the viability of a legacy device in the budget or secondary phone market. This comprehensive technical audit delves deep into the Galaxy S8's long-term durability, the aging curve of its silicon, and whether its Super AMOLED panel still holds up against modern budget LCDs. For the budget-conscious buyer, the parent looking for a child's first phone, or the tech enthusiast seeking a dedicated music player or emergency backup, this guide provides the critical data needed to make an informed decision.
Expert Opinion Snapshot: The "Infinity" Legacy
Before diving into the benchmarks, it is essential to understand where the S8 sits in the current ecosystem. It is a premium build from 2017 competing with plastic budget phones of today. The trade-off is clear: you get premium materials (glass and metal) and a flagship-grade screen, but you sacrifice software updates and battery longevity.
Expert Insight: Most reviews overlook the audio capabilities. The S8 was the first Samsung flagship to ship with Bluetooth 5.0, allowing dual audio (playing music on two sets of headphones simultaneously), a feature often missing in modern budget phones.
| Pros (The Good) | Cons (The Bad) |
|---|---|
| + Stunning Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Display (570 ppi). | - Stuck on Android 9 (One UI 1.0); security risks. |
| + Premium IP68 Water/Dust Resistance. | - Fingerprint sensor placement is ergonomically poor. |
| + Compact, lightweight form factor (easy one-hand use). | - 3000mAh battery degrades significantly over time. |
| + MicroSD slot and 3.5mm Headphone Jack present. | - Charging speed (15W) is very slow by modern standards. |
Full Technical Specifications
To understand the value proposition, we must look at the raw hardware. While the processor is dated, the display specifications still rival mid-range phones released in 2024.
| Component | Specification Details |
| Display Panel | 5.8-inch Super AMOLED, HDR10, 1440 x 2960 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Processor (SoC) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (USA/China) OR Exynos 8895 (Global) - 10nm FinFET. |
| Memory (RAM) | 4GB LPDDR4X. |
| Storage | 64GB UFS 2.0 / 2.1 (Depending on region). |
| Connectivity | LTE Cat.16, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1. |
| Sensors | Iris Scanner, Rear Fingerprint, Heart Rate, SpO2, Barometer. |
Ergonomics, Build & Materials
The Galaxy S8 is a "glass sandwich," featuring Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, held together by a polished aluminum frame. In an era of 6.7-inch behemoths, the S8 feels refreshingly compact. At just 68.1mm wide, it allows for true one-handed operation, something almost extinct in the modern flagship market. However, the design is not without flaws. The decision to place the fingerprint scanner immediately next to the camera lens was controversial. Users frequently smudge the camera lens when trying to unlock the phone. If you purchase this device, we highly recommend using a case that separates the sensor from the camera to guide your finger tactually.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming
Can the Galaxy S8 handle 2024 apps? The answer is nuanced. The Exynos 8895 (or Snapdragon 835) was a powerhouse in 2017, but app requirements have grown. Daily Tasks: For social media (WhatsApp, Instagram), web browsing, and video streaming (YouTube, Netflix), the S8 remains perfectly capable. The UFS 2.1 storage ensures apps open relatively quickly, though not instantly like modern devices. Gaming: This is where the age shows. While casual games like "Subway Surfers" or "Candy Crush" run flawlessly, heavy titles like "Genshin Impact" or "Call of Duty: Mobile" will struggle. You will need to set graphics to "Low" and framerates to "Medium" to get a playable experience. The phone also tends to get warm near the camera module during extended sessions, thermal throttling faster than newer phones with larger vapor chambers.
Camera Capabilities: The Dual Pixel Legacy
The S8 utilizes a single 12MP sensor with Dual Pixel Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF). Despite being a single lens, it captures surprisingly good photos in daylight. Daylight Performance: Images are sharp, with Samsung's signature saturated color profile. The Dynamic Range is decent, thanks to HDR processing, though it occasionally clips highlights in very bright scenes. Low Light: This is where the S8 falters compared to modern AI-driven night modes. The f/1.7 aperture helps, but without the computational photography found in the S21 or S22 series, low-light shots can be noisy and soft. Video: The S8 supports 4K recording at 30fps. The Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is excellent, smoothing out walking shakes effectively. For content creators on a budget, the 1080p/60fps mode is still very usable for TikTok or Instagram Reels.
Battery Endurance & Charging Speeds
The 3000mAh battery is the S8's weakest link. When new, it was an "all-day" phone. However, if you are buying used, battery degradation is a certainty. Real-World Usage: Expect 3 to 4 hours of Screen-On Time (SOT) on a used unit. This means you will likely need to charge by 4:00 PM with moderate use. Charging: The device supports 15W "Adaptive Fast Charging." While this was fast in 2017, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to fully charge from 0% to 100%. It does support wireless charging, which is a rare feature at the price point the used S8 currently occupies.
Market Value Guide (New vs Used)
The Galaxy S8 has depreciated massively, making it an ultra-budget option. Below is the approximate pricing landscape.
| Condition | Estimated Price (USD) | Recommendation |
| Brand New (Sealed old stock) | $180 - $250 | Not Recommended (Collector's item price). |
| Refurbished (Excellent) | $100 - $130 | Fair Value (Check warranty). |
| Used (Good/Fair) | $60 - $90 | Best Value (For backup/kids). |
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
Buying an OLED phone this old carries risks. Use this checklist before handing over cash:
| 1. Screen Burn-in Test | Open the dialer and type *#0*#. Select "Red," "Green," and "Blue." Look for faint shadows of icons (keyboard or status bar). Burn-in is permanent. |
| 2. Touch Sensitivity | In the same *#0*# menu, select "Touch." Draw lines across the grid. Ensure no gaps appear in the lines, especially at the curved edges. |
| 3. USB-C Port Wear | Plug in a charger and wiggle the cable gently. If it disconnects easily, the charging port is worn out (common on S8). |
| 4. Sensor Check | Test the Iris Scanner and Fingerprint sensor. These can fail due to previous drops or poor repairs. |
Top Alternatives Comparison
If the S8's lack of updates concerns you, consider these alternatives in the same price bracket: 1. Samsung Galaxy S10e: Slightly more expensive, but offers a newer processor, better cameras, and a flat screen (easier to protect). 2. Google Pixel 3 / 3 XL: Better camera for still photos (Night Sight is superior), but lacks the build quality and expandable storage of the S8. 3. iPhone 8: Better video recording and longer software support life, but has an outdated design with large bezels and an LCD screen (inferior to S8's OLED).
Critical Advice for Buyers
Software Security Warning: The Galaxy S8 no longer receives security patches. Do not use this phone for high-risk banking or storing sensitive crypto wallets. It is best used for media consumption, navigation, or as a dedicated hotspot device. Custom ROMs: If you are technical, the S8 has a vibrant developer community. Installing a Custom ROM (like LineageOS) can update the software to Android 12 or 13, significantly extending the phone's life and security.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S8 remains a masterpiece of industrial design. Its screen is still better than 90% of budget phones sold today. However, it is a device defined by its age. Buy it if: You need a cheap phone with a beautiful screen for watching videos, listening to music (headphone jack + SD card), or need a premium-feeling secondary device. Skip it if: You rely on your phone for heavy gaming, need all-day battery life without charging, or require the latest security updates for banking apps. In the sub-$100 market, the S8 is a risky but rewarding choice, offering a taste of luxury that budget plastic phones simply cannot match.