Samsung is back with a smartphone flagship, which it hopes will douse the flames created by the Galaxy Note 7. With theSamsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ the Korean tech giant has every reason to play safe, at least stay clear of features that could result in issues. So the Samsung Galaxy S8 clearly aims to be the dependable flagship with enough new features to interest loyalists thinking of an upgrade. Here is our review.
Samsung Galaxy S8+
Launched in New York, the Samsung galaxy S8+ will start selling in India this week. The phone does look a lot like what you would expect any Samsung phone to be. But it has one very unique feature in the ‘Infinity Display’ which kills the side bezels on this phone, and offers screen with unmatched dimensions.
But this display is actually squeezing a larger screen into a smaller chassis. Hold this phone in your hand, and you will not guess this is actually a 6.2-inch display. This is the most innovative bit about the phone.
Specifications: 6.2-inch 2K Infinity Display | Exynos 8895 processor octa-core 2.35GHz (quad) + Quad 1.7GHz (quad), Mali G71 MP20 | 4GB RAM+64GB storage (expandable to 256GB) | 12MP rear camera with f/1.7 aperture lens, Dual Pixel Technology, OIS + 8MP front camera f/1.7 aperture lens | 3500 mAh battery | Android Nougat | Full specifications of Samsung Galaxy S8+here
Price: Rs 64,900
What is not that good?
I will be really scared about the safety of this phone with the ‘Infinity Display’. Usually when a phone slips from your hand and falls, edges protect the display. Here the edges will need maximum protection. There is no point hiding a phone like this under a flapped cover after having spent so much money on it. To add to the stress, the glass on the edge does not make for a great grip either.
Also, the audio quality could have been a lot better for this screen, especially when you consider where some of Samsung’s rivals are pushing this. This is not a big issue, but it is time all flagships started offering top notch audio experiences.
The fingerprint scanner has now been accommodated next to the camera, but not exactly where you would rest your fingers.
One last thing is that since the home button has become virtual, there is no space for a fingerprint scanner up front. The fingerprint scanner has now been accommodated next to the camera, but not exactly where you would rest your fingers. This means you have to keep searching for the scanner and the location takes a lot of getting used to.
Should you buy?
Yes, if you are looking for a top-end Android phone and want the best. The only challenger for this phone is the Google Pixel, which has not really flown off the shelves. My word of caution is to wait a few weeks before you buy the phone, just to ensure there are no major issues being reported from other parts of the world. Otherwise, this is a perfect phone with no big problems, and a lot of good features that will ensure a great user experience everyday.
