Is the Samsung Galaxy S8 Still Worth Buying in 2021?

TL;DR

The Samsung Galaxy S8 features a beautiful 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display and solid build quality, but it suffers from a lack of software updates, limiting its long-term usability. While it can serve as a decent budget or secondary phone, it's not a suitable choice for daily use due to the absence of security updates and aging performance.

Transcript

well everyone so much talking about ios and iphones is making me hungry to talk about samsung again and all these older androids so let's take a look at the samsung galaxy s8 and see how it holds up in the middle of 2021 now i don't think this video is going to be super long i'm hoping to keep around five minutes i don't want to make these like 50 ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 The Galaxy S8 continues to impress with its vibrant 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display and design, which are still relevant in 2021.
• 👤 Limited software updates present a significant drawback for long-term users, impacting security and overall functionality.
• ⚡ The phone's performance is adequate for basic tasks, but aging hardware leads to slower operation and less suitability for high-demand applications.
• 🖤 The camera capabilities, while decent, lack advanced features compared to newer devices and may not meet the needs of photography-focused users.
• 🍵 Compared to contemporary smartphones, the Galaxy S8 retains a feeling of premium quality and ergonomics, making it enjoyable to handle.
• 🤩 The absence of key features like multiple lens systems and advanced video recording affects the device's competitiveness in a crowded market.
• 🚨 The device is still relevant for individuals seeking an affordable secondary phone or as an emergency backup device.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does the reviewer have a positive impression of the Galaxy S8’s display?

The reviewer emphasizes that despite newer models with higher refresh rates, the Galaxy S8's 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display remains exceptionally beautiful and offers excellent visual quality. When compared to more recent devices like the Galaxy S21 and the iPhone 12 Pro, the S8's display still stands out for its colors and clarity, making it a highlight of the phone.

Q: What are the concerns regarding the camera capabilities of the Galaxy S8?

The review mentions that while the Galaxy S8 features a decent rear camera capable of 4K video at 30fps, it lacks capabilities such as 4K at 60fps and, more importantly, 8K support that newer phones offer. The front camera, with its 8-megapixel sensor, is considered subpar compared to contemporaries and struggles in low-light conditions, therefore limiting the device's appeal for photography enthusiasts.

Q: What issues does the reviewer raise about the Galaxy S8's software support?

The reviewer expresses disappointment regarding the Galaxy S8's software lifecycle, noting that it only received two major Android updates from its initial launch. This lack of continued software support is viewed as a significant downside, as it limits security features and access to newer functionalities. The reviewer argues that this short lifespan detracts from the overall value of the phone in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Q: How does the reviewer assess the phone's performance and specifications?

The Galaxy S8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM, which the reviewer acknowledges as competent for basic tasks. However, as software requirements evolve and the phone ages, the performance is observed to slow down, making the device less appealing for long-term use. The reviewer suggests that newer software optimizations could have dramatically improved the user experience and felt more modern.

Q: For whom is the Galaxy S8 deemed a suitable option in 2021?

The reviewer concludes that while the Galaxy S8 is not recommended as a primary device due to its outdated software and limited updates, it can still be a viable option for those needing a budget-friendly secondary phone. It’s ideal for users who do not rely on the latest features and simply need a phone for essential tasks.

Q: How does the build quality of the Galaxy S8 compare to newer models?

The reviewer expresses that the Galaxy S8 offers an exceptional build quality with its glass back, headphone jack, USB Type-C port, and microSD slot, which are increasingly rare in newer models. The tactile feel of the S8 in hand is considered superior to that of more expensive recent devices like the Galaxy S21, showing that premium design elements are still a strong point for the S8.

Q: What is the overall recommendation regarding the purchase of the Galaxy S8?

The overall recommendation suggests that while the Galaxy S8 is an attractive phone with a beautiful display and strong build quality, it’s more suitable for temporary use rather than as a long-term primary device. Buyers should consider it mostly as a secondary option or for someone in urgent need of a phone, rather than a replacement for their main device due to its outdated software and security concerns.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy S8 is praised for its stunning 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display and premium build quality, making it a visually appealing device even in 2021.

• Despite having a solid performance with the Snapdragon 835 chipset, the phone has fallen behind due to limited software updates, hindering its overall usability.

• For those needing a budget device or a secondary phone, the S8 could still be a good option, but it's not suitable for long-term daily use.