Samsung Galaxy S8+ In 2020! (Still Worth It?) (Review) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus remains a solid choice despite its age.

Key Insights

• 🤌 The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus features a beautiful 6.2-inch display, praised for its quality and symmetry despite some bezel.
• 🎅 It combines both USB Type-C and a headphone jack, appealing to traditional audio users while maintaining modern port availability.
• 👤 The phone's build quality and design feel premium, aligning with users' expectations for a flagship device, even after several years.
• 🐢 Software updates have slowed, limiting the device's full potential; however, security updates are still provided, ensuring basic protection.
• 🤩 The camera, while effective, lacks key features such as multiple lenses, which may deter those seeking a versatile photography tool.
• 👤 Battery performance remains respectable for daily use, but users must manage care to mitigate faster degradation, which is common in older Samsung devices.
• 🧍 The performance capabilities of the S8 Plus still stand out in 2020, providing a smooth user experience for most tasks.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main features of the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus?

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus features a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with 1440p resolution, a Snapdragon 835 chipset, and either 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM depending on the storage model. It includes a 12 MP rear camera capable of 4K video, IP68 water resistance, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot, making it a versatile device for various users.

Q: How does the battery life of the Galaxy S8 Plus hold up?

The Galaxy S8 Plus comes with a 3500 mAh battery, which provides respectable performance for a full day under typical usage conditions. However, battery degradation over time may impact longevity, especially considering Samsung devices tend to degrade more rapidly than other brands. Users must take care of their batteries to maintain performance.

Q: Why does the Galaxy S8 Plus lack certain software updates?

Although the Galaxy S8 Plus launched with Android Nougat, it has only been upgraded to Android Pie and isn't receiving further software updates like 1 UI 2.0. This can be disappointing for users expecting long-term support; however, there are custom ROMs and a supportive development community available to help keep the device updated unofficially.

Q: How does the Galaxy S8 Plus's performance compare to newer models?

Despite being released in 2017, the Galaxy S8 Plus still delivers good performance driven by the Snapdragon 835 chipset. While it may not compete with the latest flagship models, it operates smoothly for daily tasks, app usage, and gaming. Its performance holds up well for a device at its age, making it a viable option for budget users.

Q: What are the camera capabilities of the Galaxy S8 Plus?

The Galaxy S8 Plus sports a 12 MP rear camera with optical image stabilization that allows users to shoot 4K video. While the camera delivers good quality, it lacks modern features such as a telephoto or ultra-wide lens, which can limit versatility. Nonetheless, it remains functional for everyday photography.

Q: Is the headphone jack still present on the Galaxy S8 Plus?

Yes, the Galaxy S8 Plus features a headphone jack, which is increasingly rare in modern smartphones. Combined with the USB Type-C port, this inclusion appeals to users who prefer traditional wired audio options, helping to maintain its relevance in today's market.

Q: How does one find a good price for a used Galaxy S8 Plus?

Prices for used Galaxy S8 Plus devices can vary significantly. A good strategy is to check online marketplaces like eBay, where numerous listings often provide competitive pricing. Additionally, checking platforms like Amazon can also yield good deals, and buyers should look for units with a warranty or return options for added security.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, launched in March 2017, still offers impressive specifications, including a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display that competes well with newer models.

• It features a capable camera with a 12 MP rear sensor but lacks some modern enhancements like additional lenses, which could affect its performance against current devices.

• Despite aging software limitations regarding updates, the S8 Plus shows good performance overall and offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.