Lots of you have been in touch asking what are the best and worst features of the Samsung Galaxy S8. So here’s our run down on things we love and things that don’t quite float our boat about the S8.
Every new smartphone has its pro’s and its con’s. The new Samsung S8 (S8 Plus) undisputedly has amazing focus, refinement and design, compared to previous Samsung models. However, there are definitely some gripes and issues that tarnish what is an otherwise intelligent, beautiful phone. There will always be a difference of opinion on all the features of any new phone, but certain pro’s and con’s definitely stand out with the Samsung Galaxy S8, that’s for sure.
Here are the best and worst features of the Samsung Galaxy S8:
Best features of the Samsung Galaxy S8
1. A Super Wide Screen Display
Display is so important, and people love super sharp images and a bigger screen to enjoy. As if consumers weren’t already demanding enough already, they also want the benefits of a bigger screen but without it affecting one-handed use.
Somehow, the new S8 has managed to achieve this amazing feat and has a super wide 18.5.9 aspect ratio which provides all the goods without the user having to use two hands to enjoy it.
And let’s not forget the AMOLED screen resolution of 2960 x 1440, making highly impressive quality videos and images.
2. Bixby
Samsung provides an assistant on the new S8 called Bixby.
Lovers of Bixby enjoy the fact the assistant enables users to control their phone with voice alone. Of course, other benefits include the fact it tells you the weather or sports results, but the real clincher is the voice control.
In the future, Bixby will also be able to provide information about whatever you point your camera at, including letting you know where you can buy it. Is it Google Assistant? No. Could it possibly be better than Google Assistant in the future? Maybe…
3. DeX Dock
DeX Dock enables you to use your S8 like a mini computer, only it is a fraction of a price of what the real thing would cost you.
Connect it to the mouse, keyboard and monitor and you’re ready to go. Its perfect for those wanting to do business on the go with the least amount of tech luggage, or for those not looking to invest in a complete PC or laptop setup. Ideal for this generation’s coffee shop working culture.
4. Samsung Connect
Samsung connect enables you to connect your phone with smart home devices. This is tech all phones will likely have eventually because connected living is huge on the tech scene at the moment. It has a long way to go before it is considered mainstream, and in many ways, sophisticated but its a great feature for those on the absolute forefront of connected living tech.
5. 8-Megapixel Selfie Cam
Taking pictures on the S8 is a pleasure, but what makes it even better is that the selfie camera is an impressive 8 pixels. There’s also a smart autofocus feature meaning selfies are of a good quality, and are much sharper than rival front facing cameras.
6. Virtual Home Button
The design of the Galaxy S8 means that there simply isn’t space to pop a physical home button on there.
Instead, there are lots of ways to get into the phone, including a fingerprint sensor on the back (which isn’t considered a benefit). Samsung clearly knew this was the case and also added both facial and iris recognition so there are several ways to get into the phone.
Worst features of the Samsung Galaxy S8
1. The Way The Phone Works & Feels Takes Time To Get Used To
The phone clearly brings an incredible display to the user, but it does feel different to use because of its weight and shape. A touch of the comfort is gone, and it is super easy to accidentally tap the screen.
2. The Fingerprint Sensor Is In A Really Rubbish Place
One of the most hated aspects of the new S8 phone is the fact that the fingerprint sensor sits not only on the back of the phone, but right next to the camera. That not only means it is hard to reach and awkward to use, but you also end up accidentally pressing the camera a lot by accident and smudging it, which is really annoying.
3. Double Apps
Everything Google popped onto the S8, Samsung has done the same thing, but probably a bit worse. So every single Google app you find there will be a Samsung version. This is really annoying and creates a world of more apps than you know what to do with.
Bixby is a great example of this. Whilst many people love it, a lot of people see it as a poor version of Google Assistant.
4. Rubbish Battery
Sadly, the S8 or the S8 plus are not the answers to every smart phone users dreams. In fact, they haven’t improved battery performance since the S7 Edge, so users can’t expect anything more than the 3,000 mAh, 3,500 mAh types.
There are of course power-efficient 10nm chipsets but, in reality the batteries don’t really take the phone much past an average lifespan.
On an up-note though, Samsung are developing new battery technology which prevents battery degradation, therefore, keeping your battery able to work at the capacity it did when you first bought it. Not that much help to users right now though sadly.
5. Breakable
All smartphones are way too easy to break, hence things like armour cases.
However, the S8 and S8+ are somewhat more fragile as they are made from pretty much all glass. The display is also curved, so even more exposed to cracking on impact.
To make it even harder for users to keep their phone safe, the handling of the phone is hard to get used to so slips are all too easy. It is certainly worth choosing a high quality case for your S8 to keep it safe.
Summary
As you can see, there’s a lot to like about the new Samsung Galaxy S8, but there’s a lot of improvements to be made as well. We’re pretty sure though, that the amazing screen display, innovative unlock abilities, and various other extremely cool features are likely to encourage users to look past any little niggles… for the time being at least.