Is the Samsung Galaxy S8 Still Worth Buying in 2020?

TL;DR

The Samsung Galaxy S8 remains a decent choice in late 2020 for basic tasks, thanks to its quality display and affordable pricing, but it's recommended to upgrade to newer models like the Galaxy S10 for better performance and software support. While still functional, the S8 suffers from outdated software and declining battery performance, making it less ideal for users seeking longevity.

Transcript

welcome back everyone time to do another worth it video in the later part of 2020. as you guys may know i've been covering a ton of phones throughout the year and i love going back and trying to figure out which ones did well which ones didn't which ones people still care about and what i can tell you is with the samsung galaxy s8 i think last year... Read More

Key Insights

• 💪 Samsung Galaxy S8 remains relevant due to a strong user community and affordable pricing.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The phone's display quality, coupled with features like wireless charging, contributes to its continued popularity.
• 🥶 Performance-wise, the device can still cater to most basic smartphone needs despite being four years old.
• 👋 The camera, though good for its time, now trails behind modern smartphones with superior multiple lenses and improved software processing.
• 👀 The S8's absence of future software updates limits its usability and may deter potential buyers looking for longevity.
• 👤 Upgrading to a Galaxy S10 or S10e is recommended for users needing better specifications and future support.
• 👤 Battery performance has deteriorated, making frequent charging likely for regular users, compared to modern alternatives.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the Galaxy S8 maintained its popularity since its release in 2017?

The Samsung Galaxy S8 has maintained its popularity due to its solid build quality, impressive design, and a strong community of users. Many users appreciate its 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display, which still holds up against newer budget options. Moreover, being available at an affordable price makes it an appealing choice for people seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Q: What are the key features that make Galaxy S8 still worth considering in 2020?

The Galaxy S8 boasts key features such as a stunning 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with 1440p resolution, wireless charging, and a good camera setup for its time. Its design remains attractive, with minimal bezels and a curved display, setting it apart even from newer budget smartphones. However, potential buyers must consider its limitations in software updates and performance compared to newer models.

Q: How does the camera of the Galaxy S8 compare to modern smartphones?

While the Galaxy S8 featured a 12MP camera that was highly regarded in its release year, it falls behind modern smartphones, which often have multiple camera setups and advanced features. Even though the S8 can shoot 4K video and performs adequately in good lighting, newer models produce superior images, particularly in low-light situations. Users may find the S8's camera decent but limited compared to the capabilities of more recent devices.

Q: Why is the Galaxy S8 said to have a decent performance in 2020?

The Galaxy S8 operates on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, supported by 4GB of RAM. While it may not outperform contemporary flagship devices, it provides sufficient performance for day-to-day activities, like web browsing and media consumption. Users can still game and use essential apps, but the experience may not be as smooth or fast as that of newer models, particularly in the 2020 context.

Q: Is the Galaxy S8 still a good choice for someone on a budget?

For budget-conscious individuals, the Galaxy S8 remains a viable option if you cannot access newer models. Priced affordably, it offers solid performance and features for everyday use. However, if possible, it is recommended to invest a bit more for enhanced devices like the Galaxy S10 or S10e, which provide improved specifications, longer software support, and better overall functionality.

Q: What are the limitations of the Galaxy S8 regarding software updates?

The Galaxy S8 is on its last major software update, having stopped at One UI 1. While users can experience decent performance and features, they will miss out on future enhancements and security patches offered in newer versions of Android. The lack of support in this respect may be a deciding factor for potential buyers looking for longevity in their smartphone purchase.

Q: How does the battery life of the Galaxy S8 perform in 2020?

The Galaxy S8's 3,000mAh battery was not the best when it was launched, and it has further diminished over time as battery health naturally degrades. Users may find the standby time and daily usage disappointing compared to newer phones with larger batteries and more efficient processing. While still functional, many might find it necessary to charge the device more often than with contemporary offerings.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy S8, released in 2017, has garnered a loyal user base and still performs reasonably well in 2020, even with its outdated software.

• The device features a high-quality 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display, USB Type-C, and still supports wireless charging, making it an attractive option for users.

• Despite its decent performance, users are advised to consider upgrading to newer models like the Galaxy S10 for enhanced features, performance, and longevity.