Differences and similarities between the samsung galaxy a8 and galaxy a5 2017

The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 has been one of the most beloved mid-ranges during this 2017. Recently the company has presented its successor, the Samsung Galaxy A8 2018. Far from continuing with the same nomenclature, the company has decided to opt for eight. We imagine that in an attempt to accommodate it to its current high ranges to follow an established order. The truth is that this new generation has gained in some characteristics.

The Galaxy A8 2018 has an infinity screen, an improved selfie camera or a slightly more powerful processor. Although the device follows the general line of its predecessor, the change of screen clearly modifies the entire front part. In any case, it is again built in metal and glass without missing a fingerprint reader. Of course, this time it has been located at the rear. We cannot deny that there are more differences than similarities between the Galaxy A8 and the Galaxy A5 2017. If you want to know everything in more detail, do not stop reading.

Comparative sheet

	Samsung Galaxy A8 2018	Samsung Galaxy A5 2017
screen	AMOLED 5.6 inches 18.5: 9 with Full HD + resolution	5.2 inches, Super AMOLED, Full HD, 424 dpi
Main chamber	16 megapixels f / 1.7, Full HD video	16 MP, f / 1.9, autofocus, Full HD video
Camera for selfies	16 and 8 megapixels, f / 1.9, Full HD video	16 MP, f / 1.9, Full HD video
Internal memory	32 and 64 GB / Expandable via microSD card	32 GB
Extension	With 256 GB microSD cards	With 256 GB microSD cards
Processor and RAM	Eight cores, two at 2.2 GHz and six at 1.6 GHz, 4 GB of RAM	Octa-core 1.9GHz processor per core, 3GB RAM
Drums	3.00 mAh, fast charge	3,000 mAh
Operating system	Android 7.1.1 Nougat / Samsung Experience	Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Connections	BT 4.2, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC	BT 4.2, GPS, WiFi 802.11ac, USB Type-C
SIM	nanoSIM	nanoSIM
Design	Metal and glass, IP68 certified, fingerprint reader	Metal and glass, colors: blue, black, gold, pink
Dimensions	149.2 x 70.6 x 8.4mm, 172 grams	146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 mm, 159 gr
Featured Features	Blur effect in the front area, Always On screen	Fingerprint reader
Release date	January	Available
Price	Over 500 euros	359 euros

Design and display

The Samsung Galaxy A8 2018 and the A5 2017 are very similar in construction. Both are made of metal and glass. Its edges are slightly rounded and are quite stylized. The main difference in this sense is found in two details, which clearly demonstrate the evolution that the terminal has had. The new model offers an infinity screen with an aspect ratio of 18: 9. Without a doubt, one of the most marked trends this year. Also, the fingerprint reader is located on the back instead of on the home button. In addition, in this new generation the panel is a little larger and offers a better resolution. The Galaxy A8 has a 5.6-inch with Full HD + resolution. The Galaxy A5 2017, meanwhile, offers a 5.2-inch Full HD. Of course, in both cases Super AMOLED technology is used.

In terms of measurements, the Galaxy A8 2018 is a bit thicker and heavier than its predecessor. It measures exactly 149.2 x 70.6 x 8.4mm and weighs 172 grams. The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 has measures of 146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 millimeters and a weight of 159 grams. At this point we can also highlight another difference. While the Galaxy A8 is IP68 certified, the A5 has IP67. This means that the new model will be able to submerge in water up to a meter deep. That is, it will not only support splashes.

Processor and memory

Logically, the Samsung Galaxy A8 2018 is a more modern mobile and that is something that affects the power. Here is another one of the differences, although it is not too remarkable. It comes powered by an eight-core processor, two at 2.2 GHz and six at 1.6 GHz, accompanied by a 4 GB RAM. The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 houses an eight-core chip as well, although working at a maximum speed of 1.9 GHz per core. In his case, it goes hand in hand with a somewhat lower RAM, 3 GB. Therefore, this next year we will have a mid-range capable of performing better against heavier games and apps.

When it comes to storage capacity, both teams offer 32GB. However, the Galaxy A8 also has a 64GB version. All can be expanded by using microSD-type cards up to 256GB.

Camera

One of the big differences between the Samsung Galaxy A8 2018 and the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is found precisely in the photographic section. Specifically in the front camera. The new device includes a 16 and 8 megapixel dual sensor with f / 1.9 aperture and the ability to record video in Full HD. The company ensures that we will be able to take quality selfies and refine them even more thanks to different functions. For example to portrait mode or Live Focus, with which we can adjust the blur as we need. The Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 has a single 16 megapixel selfie camera, which is not bad for taking good selfies either.

However, in the rear camera there are serious similarities. Both teams have a 16 megapixel main sensor with image stabilization and flash. Of course, the aperture of the Galaxy A8 is f / 1.7 and that of the A5 2017 is 16 megapixels f / 1.9.

Battery and connections

It is true that the Samsung Galaxy A8 2018 and the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 equip the same battery. In both cases it is 3,000 mAh capacity.Now, the A8 offers fast charging, which is always an advantage when we are in a hurry. In this way, we will be able to charge it in more than half for about half an hour. Anyway, we will have to wait to do more exhaustive tests as soon as we can test this model more thoroughly. Keep in mind that having a more powerful processor can affect autonomy. On the connections, the two mobiles have them. This is Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC, WiFi, or LTE. We cannot say the same about the operating system. And is that while the A8 comes standard with Android 7.1.1 Nougat, the A5 2017 does so with Android 6. In any case, you can upgrade to Nougat without problems.

What remains to be seen is whether Android 8 Oreo will come to these two models. It is very likely that it is. What there are still no clues as to what time next year. You already know that this version offers numerous improvements over the previous ones. It is a system that is evolving little by little. It is becoming more minimalist and in this specific case it is becoming more and more intelligent. Android 8 has an improved notification system, is faster and manages the battery better.

Price and availability

The Samsung Galaxy A8 2018 will arrive next January. Its price will start from 500 euros for the cheapest version. The 32 GB one. Logically, its value is much higher than that of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017. Currently this model is available on the official website of the company at a price of 359 euros. You can find it even cheaper through other websites. For example, in that of Vodafone. The operator has it free with cash payment for 324 euros.Logically, there is also the option to get hold of it by making a permanent contract. In this case, take a look at the company's Red M and Red L rates. Its price will be the same after two years, and you will only have to deliver 13.50 euros each month. Adding the price of the fee. Another even cheaper option is found on Amazon, where it costs 285 euros.

Soon we will know what the Galaxy A8 2018 will cost with operators. We imagine that we can buy it at a better price in some cases, such as Yoigo. However, its price is related to its characteristics. We are talking about a device with an infinite screen, 5.6 inches, with more resolution and power. As we have seen, its front camera has also come out ahead in this generation. The A5 2017 was already pointing ways, and the South Korean wanted to continue perfecting this feature. Also, its design does not go unnoticed. With a panel as the main protagonist without the presence of a physical home button, the A8 2018 follows in the wake of other great phones of 2017. We refer to the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy S8 +.