Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) is a sleek and powerful smartphone that offers a premium experience at an affordable price. With its stunning Super AMOLED display and sleek design, this device is sure to catch your attention. The dual front cameras, featuring 16MP and 8MP lenses, capture stunning selfies with incredible detail. The rear camera also impresses with its 16MP lens, delivering sharp and vibrant photos. Powered by the Exynos 7885 chipset and 4GB of RAM, this phone offers smooth performance and multitasking capabilities. Plus, with a 3000mAh battery, you can enjoy your favorite apps and media for hours on end. The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) comes in various colors, including black, orchid grey, gold, and blue, allowing you to express your personal style. With its attractive price point, this device is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality smartphone without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) boasts a sleek and premium design that exudes a sense of sophistication. With its glass front and back panels, framed by an aluminum frame, the device gives off a premium look and feel. The use of Gorilla Glass 4 for the front and Gorilla Glass 5 for the back ensures durability and protection against scratches. Its slim form factor, measuring 149.2 x 70.6 x 8.4 mm and weighing 172g, makes it highly portable and easy to handle.

The Galaxy A8 (2018) features a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display with thin bezels, resulting in an impressive 75.6% screen-to-body ratio. The display's 18.5:9 aspect ratio and resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels provide vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Additionally, the device incorporates an always-on display feature, allowing users to quickly check notifications and the time without fully waking up the phone.

Ergonomics were also considered in the design, with the placement of buttons and controls optimized for one-handed usability. The fingerprint sensor is conveniently located on the rear panel, providing easy access while ensuring a secure unlocking experience. The device is also IP68 certified, making it dust and water-resistant, further enhancing its robustness.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) showcases a well-crafted design with attention to detail and a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. Its premium materials, slim profile, and ergonomic features contribute to its appeal, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a stylish and durable smartphone.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) features a Super AMOLED display with a screen size of 5.6 inches and a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels. The display offers an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, providing a tall and immersive viewing experience. With its Super AMOLED technology, the screen delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, resulting in an excellent visual experience. The color accuracy and vibrancy are impressive, making images and videos appear lifelike and vibrant. The brightness levels are sufficient for most lighting conditions, and the outdoor visibility is decent, allowing for easy readability even under direct sunlight. The touch responsiveness of the display is smooth and accurate, ensuring a seamless user experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, providing resistance against scratches and accidental drops. The pixel density of approximately 441 ppi ensures sharp and detailed visuals. The device also supports an always-on display feature, allowing users to view essential information such as time and notifications without fully waking up the phone. Additionally, the display offers features like blue light filter and adaptive brightness, enhancing user comfort and reducing eye strain. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) boasts a high-quality display with impressive color reproduction, sharpness, and protection.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) delivers solid performance with its Exynos 7885 chipset and Mali-G71 GPU. In terms of CPU benchmarks, it performs well in both single-core and multi-core tests, showcasing its processing power. This translates to smooth multitasking performance and fast app loading speeds, providing users with a lag-free experience.

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Galaxy A8 (2018) performs admirably. The GPU benchmarks and gaming benchmarks indicate that it can handle most mobile games with ease. The Mali-G71 GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering and allows for an immersive gaming experience. The gaming performance is further enhanced by the processor efficiency, as the device efficiently manages resources and optimizes system performance.

Thermal management is also noteworthy on the Galaxy A8 (2018). Benchmark tests and performance analysis reveal that the device maintains a cool temperature even during extended gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks. This ensures that the performance remains consistent and the device doesn't suffer from thermal throttling.

In terms of synthetic benchmarks, the Galaxy A8 (2018) scores well, showcasing its overall performance metrics. It excels in various benchmark tests, indicating its capability to handle demanding tasks with ease.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) offers a smooth user experience with its powerful chipset, efficient GPU, and optimized system performance. It provides a lag-free performance for multitasking, fast app loading speeds, and impressive gaming capabilities. Whether it's browsing, gaming, or running resource-intensive apps, the Galaxy A8 (2018) delivers a reliable and smooth performance that caters to the needs of users.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) runs on the Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) operating system, which can be upgraded to Android 9.0 (Pie) with the One UI interface. This provides users with a familiar and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate through the phone's features and settings. The operating system offers a smooth and responsive performance, thanks to the powerful Exynos 7885 (14 nm) chipset and Octa-core processor.

One notable aspect of the software is the level of customization it offers. Users have the ability to personalize their device with various themes, wallpapers, and icons, allowing them to create a unique and personalized look. Additionally, the Always-on display feature allows users to quickly glance at their notifications and the time without having to unlock their phone, adding convenience to their daily routine.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Galaxy A8 (2018) comes with a range of useful applications, including Samsung's own suite of apps such as Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, and Samsung Notes. These apps provide users with a seamless experience and offer additional functionality to enhance their daily activities.

While the software offers a great user experience, it is worth mentioning that some users may find certain pre-installed apps to be unnecessary or "bloatware". However, these apps can be easily disabled or uninstalled, allowing users to free up storage space and customize their device according to their preferences.

Overall, the software of the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) provides a user-friendly interface, customization options, and a range of useful pre-installed apps. With its powerful hardware and intuitive software, the Galaxy A8 (2018) offers a satisfying user experience for both casual users and tech enthusiasts alike.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) boasts a capable camera setup that delivers impressive results in various shooting scenarios. With its 16-megapixel main camera featuring a wide f/1.7 aperture and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), the device captures detailed and sharp images. The camera performs well in daylight photography, producing vibrant and natural colors with good dynamic range. It also excels in low-light performance, thanks to its low-light sensitivity and noise reduction capabilities. The night mode feature further enhances the camera's performance in challenging lighting conditions, allowing users to capture clear and well-exposed images even in dimly lit environments. The smartphone offers a range of camera features, including HDR, panorama mode, and pro mode, giving users more control over their photography. Additionally, the AI scene recognition feature intelligently detects different scenes and adjusts the camera settings accordingly to optimize image quality. When it comes to video recording, the Galaxy A8 (2018) supports 4K video capture, ensuring high-resolution footage. The video stabilization feature minimizes shakes and jerks, resulting in smooth and steady videos. Slow-motion video and time-lapse modes are also available, adding creativity to video recording. Overall, the camera of the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) delivers excellent image quality and versatile shooting capabilities for both photography and videography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, which provides a decent battery backup. The device offers up to 24 hours of talk time on 3G and can last up to 66 hours of music playback. It supports 18W wired charging, allowing for faster charging times. However, wireless charging is not available on this model. The battery performance is satisfactory, with users reporting a satisfactory screen-on time and standby time. The device also comes with battery optimization features, which help in maximizing power efficiency and extending battery life. The battery management system ensures efficient usage and minimizes battery drain. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) offers a reliable battery performance, but it would have been more convenient if wireless charging was included.

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected wherever you go. It supports various network compatibility including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring reliable and fast data speeds. You can enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and downloading on this device.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Galaxy A8 (2018) supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards, allowing you to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. This ensures excellent Wi-Fi performance and faster internet speeds. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, providing improved range and faster data transfer rates when connecting to other compatible devices.

For easy and convenient file transfers, the Galaxy A8 (2018) features a USB Type-C 2.0 port. This allows for faster charging and data transfer speeds compared to older USB standards.

The device also supports NFC (Near Field Communication), enabling quick and secure contactless payments and file transfers. You can use Samsung Pay with the Galaxy A8 (2018) to make payments at compatible payment terminals.

Dual SIM functionality is available on certain models of the Galaxy A8 (2018), allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously. This can be useful for managing personal and work contacts or taking advantage of different network providers.

When it comes to navigation, the Galaxy A8 (2018) offers GPS, GLONASS, and BDS support. This ensures accurate positioning and reliable navigation services.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options, making it a versatile and connected device for everyday use.

Additional Features

- Water and Dust Resistance: The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) comes with an IP68 rating, making it both water and dust resistant. This means that the device can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes without any damage.

- Advanced Sensors: The Galaxy A8 (2018) is equipped with a range of advanced sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. These sensors enhance the overall user experience by enabling features such as auto-rotation, gesture control, and accurate fitness tracking.

- Wireless Charging: This smartphone supports wireless charging, allowing you to conveniently charge your device without the need for cables. With Qi wireless charging technology, you can simply place your Galaxy A8 (2018) on a compatible wireless charging pad and it will start charging automatically.

- Always-On Display: The Galaxy A8 (2018) features an always-on display, which allows you to quickly glance at the time, date, and notifications without unlocking your phone. This feature not only saves battery life but also provides convenient access to essential information.

- Camera Features: The device boasts a 16MP rear camera with a wide aperture of f/1.7, enabling you to capture stunning photos even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the dual front cameras (16MP + 8MP) with Live Focus functionality allow you to take impressive selfies with a blurred background effect.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) is a mid-range smartphone that offers a range of features at an affordable price point. When comparing it to other related devices in the market, some notable competitors include the Huawei P20 Lite, the Xiaomi Mi A2, and the Motorola Moto G6.

In terms of market positioning, the Galaxy A8 (2018) sits comfortably between budget and flagship devices, appealing to consumers who want a balance of performance and affordability. It boasts a sleek design with a glass front and back, along with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel.

When it comes to specifications, the Galaxy A8 (2018) offers a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels. It is powered by an Exynos 7885 chipset and comes with 4GB of RAM and either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. It also features a 16 MP rear camera and a dual selfie camera setup consisting of a 16 MP and an 8 MP lens.

In terms of performance, the Galaxy A8 (2018) performs well for its price range. It handles day-to-day tasks smoothly and offers a decent gaming experience. However, it may struggle with more demanding tasks compared to higher-end devices.

When comparing prices, the Galaxy A8 (2018) is priced competitively at around 250 EUR. It offers good value for money considering its features and specifications. However, it faces stiff competition from devices like the Huawei P20 Lite, which offers similar features at a slightly lower price point.

In terms of competitive advantage, the Galaxy A8 (2018) stands out with its IP68 dust and water resistance rating, which is not commonly found in devices in its price range. It also offers Samsung's renowned build quality and a reliable user experience.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) competes well in the mid-range smartphone market. It offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. While it may face tough competition from other devices in its price range, it manages to differentiate itself with its IP68 rating and Samsung's brand reputation.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) offers a solid package of features at an affordable price point. Its sleek design, with a combination of glass and aluminum, gives it a premium feel. The Super AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The camera setup, both front and back, delivers decent image quality with various shooting modes and features. The device also comes with IP68 water and dust resistance, adding durability to its credentials. However, the battery life may not be as impressive compared to some of its competitors. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) is a reliable choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience without breaking the bank.