When Did the Samsung S8 Come Out? [Everything You Need To Know]
When Did the Samsung S8 Come Out? To say that there has been a lot of hype surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S8 would be an understatement.
Ever since rumors started to circulate about it back in 2016, people have been wondering when they’d finally be able to get their hands on one and what exactly it would look like.
The release date for this phone was April 21st, 2017 and I had the opportunity to attend an event where we were given our own phones so we could see what all of the fuss is about!
Read on to know my thoughts and experiences with this new device!
When Did the Samsung S8 Come Out?
After arriving in the spring of 2017 with a bold design that deflected attention away from the well-documented Galaxy Note 7 battery troubles that had occurred the previous six months, the Galaxy S8 was a well-timed success story for Samsung.
See Also:
Where are Samsung Phones Made?
When was the Samsung Galaxy S8 be released?
Customers who pre-ordered the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus in the United Kingdom began receiving their devices on April 20, one week ahead of the official launch date in the United Kingdom and Europe on April 28.
It’s now possible to purchase the smartphones directly from Samsung here, as well as from other major shops and networks, including Carphone Warehouse and EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
Our selection of the greatest Galaxy S8 discounts can be found here, while our selection of the best Galaxy S8 Plus deals can be found here.
The S8 and S8 Plus in Arctic Silver are only available through EE, thanks to an exclusive distribution agreement.
From the 23rd of June 2017, you’ll be able to pre-order this color directly from the EE website.
Design of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus
Almost since the release of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, Samsung has made it a point to provide users with two different types of its flagship smartphones — one that has a curved display and one that does not have one.
The S7/S7 Edge combo from last year was no exception, but things are different this year.
The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus both have curved edges on the left and right sides of their displays, similar to the iPhone X.
In comparison to the curvature featured on the S7 Edge, these curves are considerably more subtle, and they are also complemented by curves on the back of the handset.
Samsung claims that both handsets are “naturally designed to be held in one hand,” and we have to agree.
In part because of the curved displays, there is almost no discernible bezel on the left and right sides of the tablet.
Also noticeable is that the top and bottom bezels have been reduced significantly this time around, which has resulted in what is perhaps the most controversial design decision Samsung has made with these smartphones: after all these years, Samsung has decided to abandon capacitive buttons in favor of software navigation buttons on the S8 and its larger sibling, the Galaxy S8 Plus.
There are on-screen back and recent applications keys at the bottom of the display, which are located on either side of the home button, which is located beneath the display.
I’m not sure what that means exactly.
Essentially, when the screen is turned on, these on-screen navigation buttons will function in the same way as they do on any other Android phone; they will appear when you need them and disappear while you’re viewing videos or playing games, respectively.
However, when the screen is turned off, the home button will resurface, providing users with a convenient way to bring the phone’s screen back up.
To be more specific, even if you don’t see a home button where the home button should be, you can push down hard on the location where you think the home button should be to return to your home screen.
What color options are available for the S8?
The S8 is available in three different colors in the United Kingdom: Midnight Black (like the OnePlus 3T), Orchid Grey, and Arctic Silver.
Initial availability was limited to the black and grey colors, with the silver model expected to be available soon (EE has not yet stated when pre-orders will be shipped).
Other regions, on the other hand, are seeing gold and blue, and the United Kingdom may easily see these colors in the future as well. See also: Samsung Pay is now available in the United Kingdom!
Which models are currently available?
This year’s Galaxy S8 will be available in two models: the normal model with a 5.8in screen and a battery capacity of 3,000mAh, and the Plus model with a larger 6.2in screen and a capacity of 3,500mAh.
According to reports, a special Microsoft edition of both the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will be available in the United States, with Microsoft’s programs and services such as Office, OneDrive, Outlook, and Cortana already preloaded on the devices.
Pre-orders for these customized handsets will be available via the Microsoft shop in the United States later today.
The larger S8 Plus is expected to be more popular than the smaller S8 because it boasts a curved edge screen and other important features.
As a result of the unexpected success, the company has increased its prices by 5 percent to 45 percent.
What are the specifications and features of the Samsung Galaxy S8?
Dimensions and weight are important considerations.
The Galaxy S8 measures 148.9×68.1x8mm and is just a hair taller than a normal Galaxy S7 when compared to the latter.
The S8 Plus measures 159.5×73.4×8.1mm, yet it doesn’t feel excessively large in the hand, which is a positive development.
In fact, both versions can be operated with one hand with relative ease, continuing the trend begun with the G6 of smaller-bodied phones with higher, larger screens.
When it comes to weight, the S8 weighs 155g and the S8 Plus weighs 173g.
Processor and graphics processor
Samsung has not acknowledged the existence of the much-hyped Snapdragon 835 CPU, and it appears that the company may have chosen to use its own Exynos line of processors for the European editions of the S8 and S8 Plus rather than the Snapdragon 835.
In part, this is because Samsung has already unveiled the Exynos 8895 processor, but it’s also because the 8895’s specifications match those of Samsung’s quoted EU-specific octa-core specifications, which are split between clock speeds of 2.3GHz and 1.7GHz.
They are, according to Sammy, the world’s first mobile high dynamic range gadgets.
The company also claims that the CPU has a 10 percent performance boost over prior models, while the unidentified GPU has a 20 percent performance boost over previous models.
When we conduct a comprehensive study of the phones, we’ll make sure to put these claims to the test to the fullest extent possible.
RAM and storage are two types of memory.
Onboard storage on both S8 variants is just 64GB, but both models can be expanded via microSD card up to a total of 256GB of storage space.
This is combined with 4GB of RAM for program use and multitasking, which is impressive.
As reported by The Verge, Samsung has created a version with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but it is only available in the Asian market.
Battery
The S8 features a non-removable battery with a capacity of 3,000mAh, while the S8 Plus has a capacity of 3,500mAh.
With regard to battery life, given that we discovered (along with many other journalists and users) that the S6 and S7 had much worse battery life after a year or so of regular usage, we hope Samsung has made improvements, particularly with regard to the smaller model.
A wired fast charger is included, and the devices are also compatible with fast and conventional wireless charging, however, a charging pad is required, which you’ll have to purchase separately.
Cameras
It is the same rear-facing camera on both S8 models, and it is the same camera on both S7 versions as well: a 12Mp lens with an f/1.7 aperture.
The S7 had excellent camera performance, so it’s not surprising that nothing has changed here.
However, it’s important to remember that smartphone makers typically go out of their way to improve camera specifications in order to boost sales.
We may have changed the front-facing cameras as a result, which are the same on both S8s: an 8-megapixel lens with an f/1.7 aperture.
It may take three photos to achieve the desired result; utilize all three to reduce blur and refine the shot for you.
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE S8
Samsung’s virtual-reality camera, the Gear 360, will now support a higher quality, known as 4K, and will be compatible with iPhones, rather than just Samsung phones, the company announced.
When linked to standard television, the S8 phone may be transformed into a desktop computer with an optional docking station.
People will be able to resize windows and interact with many apps at the same time when in that mode.
It’s comparable to the experience that Microsoft provides on its Windows 10 smartphones.
Along with the router, Samsung showed a light bulb that can be used as a hub for internet-connected appliances and lighting.
Galaxy Gear VR headset upgrade, which includes a hand-held controller, will be available for purchase in April for approximately $130.
The previously announced Gear VR headset upgrade will be available for purchase in April for approximately $130.
Existing owners can purchase the controller alone for approximately $40.
Prices and release dates for the additional accessories have not yet been published by the manufacturer.
Should you buy a Samsung Galaxy S8 in 2021 or wait until 2022?
Despite the fact that the Galaxy S8 is more than two years old, it still seems like a cutting-edge and competent smartphone.
Its spec sheet doesn’t appear to be significantly out of place, especially considering its significantly reduced price, and it includes many of the same fundamental features and software as the latest and best Galaxy S10.
It has a decent screen, wireless charging, IP68 water, and dust protection, a headphone port, and other features that are common to Samsung’s more recent flagship phones.
Its cameras are a full generation behind the times, but they are still extremely capable and perform at a level that is superior to that of the new value-focused phones that are currently available at a similar price.
The Galaxy S8 only has two big flaws: a short 3000mAh battery and a fingerprint sensor that is awkwardly situated on the back of the phone.
Other than that, the phone is otherwise excellent.
Even at this age, the Galaxy S8 is still a fine phone, and with price reductions, it can compete with newer mid-range smartphones.
Unless there are any minor exceptions, you can utilize a Galaxy S8 in 2019 and still feel like you’re keeping up with the Joneses (pun intended).
Choosing to purchase a Galaxy S8 at this point in its lifecycle, on the other hand, is about more than just what it is capable of.
The Galaxy S8 isn’t the finest phone to buy in 2019 for a variety of reasons, the most important of which are its age and price.
Our Final Thoughts
The first half is the reality of its future, not the reality of its present: the Galaxy S8 was updated to Android 9 Pie with One UI, but it is not expected to receive any further updates.
The Galaxy S8 is more than two years old, and Samsung’s software support for it will be phased out in the near future.
Some people may not place a high value on software upgrades, but if you do, you’ll be better off with a model that is a few years older.
Frequently Ask Questions
Is the S8 still a good investment in 2021?
Despite its advanced age, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is still an outstanding smartphone.
And if you’re confident in your ability to unlock the phone’s bootloader, it’s still a phone that’s well worth purchasing in 2021.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S8 still a good phone in 2020?
Overall. The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a worthwhile purchase in 2020 thanks to its gorgeous display, long battery life, excellent build quality, and fast performance.
Newer flagships may be finer, but because they are so much more expensive, the new features they include become superfluous to the user.
In any event, the S8 would be less expensive in any situation, thus we’d go with the S8.
Is the Samsung S8 no longer available?
Samsung has officially removed the Galaxy S8 series from its list of supported devices, despite the fact that the smartphones have only been updated for a little over four years.
Up until recently, the old flagship phones received biannual software updates.
The most recent security patch to be applied to the Galaxy S8 was in April of 2021.
Samsung has officially removed the Galaxy S8 series from its list of supported devices, despite the fact that the smartphones have only been updated for a little over four years.
Up until recently, the old flagship phones received biannual software updates.
The most recent security patch to be applied to the Galaxy S8 was in April of 2021.
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