Table of contents:
- Samsung Galaxy S8 + data sheet
- The design, a delight
- Samsung Galaxy S8 + photo gallery
- Goodbye to the home button and hello to the Bixby button
- A fantastic viewing experience
- Iris scanner ... and face
- One battery for one day of use
- Power on all four sides
- Top-notch cameras
- Operating system and applications
- Price and first conclusions
- The best of the Samsung Galaxy S8 +
- It can be better
But there are many things that can only begin to be discovered after using it for a few days. We have already been able to taste it for a week. This has been our experience.
Samsung Galaxy S8 + data sheet
| screen | 6.2 2960 x 1440 pixel WQHD (529dpi) | |
| Main chamber | 12 megapixels, F / 1.7 and stabilizer | |
| Camera for selfies | 8 megapixels with autofocus | |
| Internal memory | 64 GB | |
| Extension | Yes microSD (up to 256GB) | |
| Processor and RAM | Exynos 8895/4 GB | |
| Drums | 3,500 mAh, fast charge | |
| Operating system | Android 7.0 Marshmallow / Samsung Touchwiz | |
| Connections | BT 5, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC | |
| SIM | nanoSIM | |
| Design | Metal and glass, IP68 certification, fingerprint reader / various colors / Gorilla Glass 5 protection | |
| Dimensions | 159.5mm (height) x 73.4mm (width) x 8.1mm (thickness) | |
| Featured Features | Bixby, multi-window, triple security | |
| Release date | 28th of April | |
| Price | 910 euros |
The design, a delight
Very light design, use of metal and glass, dedicated button for the Bixby smart assistant, screen that occupies almost the entire front
Gone are the days when the Samsung Galaxy S were powerful equipment, but functional design. In recent years, Samsung has given a twist to differentiate itself from increasingly fierce competition. And he has succeeded. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy S8 + sets the trend with a really precious design.
The first feeling is obvious. As soon as you touch the phone, you already have that “I want to have it” impulse. Much has been said about its screen with hardly any frames, curved on the sides. But not so much emphasis has been placed on one fundamental aspect. The weight. Its 173 grams impress. The mobile is really light when it is held in hand. And do not forget that we are talking about a 6.2-inch screen (one step away from being considered a tablet).
Somewhere we had to cut back, and it is clear that we are not going to enjoy the same autonomy as models like the Huawei P10 or the previous Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Even so, it remains in very competitive times. But this point will come later. Let's go back to design.
In addition to its lightness, the Samsung Galaxy S8 + has the same curved lines on both the back and the front. This touch gives it a very marked premium halo.
In the materials there is no surprise. The Korean company is once again betting on glass both on the front and on the back, and metal on the sides.
Samsung Galaxy S8 + photo gallery
The Samsung Galaxy S8 + is available in three colors: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, and Arctic Silver. Leaving aside the sonority of these names, we are testing the orchid gray model. It is a configuration with a certain bluish touch that gives it a very premium air. In a way, it slightly reminds us of the model in blue that we liked so much of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 + is available in three colors: black, blue-gray and silver
Goodbye to the home button and hello to the Bixby button
What if. Someday it had to come. Samsung has decided to do without its legendary home button. Instead, we have a touch button that lights up when we enter the Always On Display mode. The funny thing about this button is that with the screen off it only works if we press it hard.
A good idea if we take into account that it can be activated with any fortuitous blow if we have it in our pocket. But that, in practice, has ended up being somewhat heavy for us. The keystroke is not always captured the first time and, in reality, we can carry out the same functionality by pressing the on-off button.
In truth, it seems that this button was intended to also include the fingerprint reader, but it was not reached in time in development. The rest of the touch buttons appear when we enter the Android menu. Another point that does not convince me on a personal level is the way in which the buttons disappear when we are inside a game and you have to drag your finger forcefully to access them.
When it comes to playing immersive it is useful. But if you are in a hurry and want to exit the game quickly to continue with your tasks, it is less agile.
Now, a physical button may have disappeared, but another comes in its place. We are talking about the dedicated button for Bixby. The smart assistant of the Korean firm. At any time you can press this button to go directly to the tool. And what can be done with Bixby? Honestly, little. For now. And it is that it is an assistant that has just begun to work. Nor do we yet have the option to give voice commands in Spanish.
Among the functions that we can already enjoy we have the option of creating a reminder. And it can be configured both at a certain time and at a location. For example, one to make the bed when we meet at home. Another of the functions that will give us a lot of play in the coming months occurs in the camera. Bixby is able to analyze an object that appears on the screen and offer the user the option of automatically searching for it in a store on the web. For now, it works with Amazon.
A fantastic viewing experience
6.2-inch full-front screen, 2,960 x 1,440-pixel WQHD resolution, 18: 9 widescreen
Samsung has always been a leading brand in displays. And that shows a lot in the Samsung Galaxy S8 +. Samsung's flagship mobile includes a panel of nothing more and nothing less than 6.2 inches. With curves on both sides. And a WQHD resolution of 2,960 x 1,440 pixels, which gives us a density of 529 dots per inch.
The technology used is SuperAMOLED. This results in a very high gloss level and brilliant colors. It is true that the colors appear somewhat more saturated, which can be a disadvantage for the most purists. However, on a personal basis it seems to me an advantage when it comes to enjoying movies and videos.
And what about the "no limits" screen ? The truth is that the combination of the curved screen and the ridiculous frames creates a fantastic impression. The navigation through the menus, the images when we zoom… The feeling is truly immersive. Of course, not everything is gold that glitters. And it is necessary to bear in mind that the format used is 18: 9. That is, halfway between a wide screen and the format that is usually used in movies (21: 9).
The problem with this is that neither the apps nor the videos and movies are adapted to this format. When we use the different applications we will have small black frames of the screen itself on the sides or above and below depending on the position in which we use the mobile. In the case of videos, Samsung provides an intermediate solution which is to slightly zoom in on the image. In this way, the video is enjoyed in the entire screen space but also some image is cut off both above and below.
A solution that can satisfy many but is not feasible if you are watching a series or a movie with subtitles. Be that as it may, the quality of this screen is beyond question. Even in its default configuration, where Samsung cut the resolution to Full HD to save energy. This resolution can be uploaded at any time, although we have honestly not noticed a perceptible decrease in normal use of the phone.
Iris scanner… and face
Iris scanner, facial features scanner, fingerprint reader next to the rear camera
Security has been one of the sections that Samsung has worked the most on. Apart from traditional methods (PIN, pattern or password), the Korean firm has developed up to three ways to unlock the mobile and access advanced functions. We are talking about the fingerprint reader, the iris scanner and the facial features scanner.
In the first case, the company has brought this sensor to the rear, right next to its main camera. A position that will not please many. Why? Because it is too easy to touch and smudge the camera sensor with your finger while looking for the reader. And because it is quite high, so it is not so easy to access it if we take the mobile with one hand.
Regarding its operation, there is a clear improvement over models such as the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 or the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge itself. In this case, it almost always captures the fingerprint the first time and the unlocking is very fast.
The second of the novelties is the iris scanner that we already saw in the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. A very precise and fast tool, but one that requires us to slide the lock screen every time we want to use it. Also, it pulls on the secondary camera, so it uses more battery in the long run. Of course, the degree of security it provides is much higher than that of the fingerprint reader or other traditional methods.
Lastly, we have the face scanner. An intermediate option that does not require sliding your finger on the lock screen, but is less secure than the other two methods.
These tools are not only used to unlock the mobile. They also serve to activate the secure folder mode, a space in which to save private apps, documents and photos.
One battery for one day of use
3,500 milliamp battery, fast charging, heavier use of a day
One of the doubts that we had in the first contact with the Samsung Galaxy S8 + is its battery. How would a 6.2-inch mobile so thin and light hold? The battery capacity is "only" 3,500 milliamps, a figure that seems rather short. However, during these first seven days he has cleared our doubts. The Samsung Galaxy S8 + can handle a full day's work with no problems in mixed use. Applications such as WhatsApp, Gmail or Twitter, occasional videos and the occasional long time with games.
Of course, if you are looking for an off-road mobile that will hold you for a couple of days, you will have to look for another model. Much does a lot in favor of the Samsung Galaxy S8 + its fast charging system. In just five minutes of charging we can recover 10% of the battery, so it will be enough for a little while with the plug to have S8 for hours.
Power on all four sides
Eight-core Exynos processor, 4GB RAM, seamless multi-screen support and PC use
The Samsung Galaxy S8 + does not disappoint. With its own processor and 4 GB of RAM, the truth is that its performance is beyond doubt. From the menus to the most powerful games, through all kinds of applications. And all this with the multi-screen function that is already a classic in larger Samsung mobiles.
In addition, we could taste a bit of Samsung DeX as soon as we received the terminal. This accessory turns the Samsung Galaxy S8 + into a desktop computer by connecting it to a monitor. The experience was very smooth and showed us the potential of this machine. These impressions are reinforced by the data collected when facing the S8 + with the most common test batteries.
From left to right, Samsung Galaxy S8 + results on AnTuTu and Geekbench
As for its internal memory, its 64 GB is placed in the average of what we are seeing in the big releases. Likewise, we would have liked to find a memory of 128 GB in this model, since we start from a price of 910 euros. Above all, for its use as a desktop computer. Still, this memory should be sufficient if we do not use the equipment too intensively.
Top-notch cameras
Main camera with Dual Pixel, secondary camera of 8 megapixels with light sensor
The main camera of the Samsung Galaxy S8 + performs very well. It is truly one of the best cameras on the market. But the company repeats the same sensor that the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge or Samsung Galaxy S7 already had. That is, a Dual Pixel sensor with 12 megapixels of resolution. This lack of changes can make more than one user of last year's mobile doubt whether it is worth making the leap to the new model. All in all, the performance of this lens leaves a very good taste in the mouth.
The colors and sharpness of the photos during the day are excellent. And even in more night scenes, the sensor fulfills what is expected of a high-end terminal. The focus is practically instantaneous and the fact of having image stabilization will prevent us from having a collection of photos with many movements. Of course, it costs him a bit more to capture moving objects. Something that we have found in cameras like the Honor 8 Pro.
Speaking of this model and the high-end of Huawei, it is true that we get to miss having a second sensor in black and white that allows us to take photos with a more professional touch in monochrome. At this point, the Chinese company has opened a door that Samsung itself is likely to develop in the coming years.
As for the front camera, we do see an improvement over last year. Its 8 megapixel sensor works very well both in normal conditions and in darker scenes.
Operating system and applications
Android 7, Office applications, game tools, good fluency
As for the operating system, the Samsung Galaxy S8 + comes with the latest in Android. And, of course, with an ecosystem own apps Samsung is the most complete that you can find nowadays. As is usual in these cases, it depends a lot on personal taste. On the performance side, for some time the Korean company has reduced the impact of its apps on the phone experience quite a bit. Many of them can be downloaded if you need them. That allows for a cleaner and more agile interface.
In fact, one of the tools that did not convince me no longer appears by default. We are talking about Flipboard, that news panel that appeared to the left of the menu. What is maintained and is appreciated is the company's agreement with Microsoft to introduce its office automation apps such as Word and Excel.
Personally, I think that the work that the company has done to convert its tools to mobile has been excellent. And if we get Samsung DeX (150 euros) we can enjoy these apps directly as we would on the desktop. Of course, with some limitations compared to the full version. And it is that the mobile apps of Word, Excel and PowerPoint have fewer functions.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 + has a very complete set of its own apps such as Secure Folder, S Health, Samsung Pay, Always On Display or Samsung notes
Returning to Samsung's own apps, titles such as S Health, Samsung notes or Samsung Pay could not be missing, to make payments through the phone. But perhaps the most important inclusion is Secure Folder. With this tool we can save our photos and private files without anyone picking up the phone can access them. These files are kept in a separate space protected by one of the security systems. The best thing about Secure Folder is the ease with which you can interact with these files and common apps, such as sending a private photo via email.
We also really liked how Game Tools has been integrated into the games interface itself through a small icon that appears next to the typical touch buttons to go back or go to the home screen. This tool is used to optimize game performance or record what happens on the screen.
And we finish this review with Always On Display. The always-on display returns to the new Galaxy with more features and customization options. For example, now we can include a small photo of our own or change the color in which the time and icons with notifications are displayed.
Price and first conclusions
Price of 910 euros, impressive 6.2-inch screen, very nice and light design, camera without changes
As we said at the beginning, the Samsung Galaxy S8 + is priced at 910 euros. That makes it a mobile within reach of few pockets, although it is true that most stores are choosing to offer it with financing so that the blow is not so hard.
Worth? In our opinion, yes. Although there are many of us who would not pay so much money for a mobile, the truth is that Samsung's work has been very good. Above all, in the field of design. The Samsung Galaxy S8 + is a beautiful mobile, with that first impact that makes you fall in love when you pick it up, notice its lightness and turn on the screen with hardly any frames.
It is not crazy to say that it is the most attractive mobile on the market. And the truth is that Apple has it very difficult right now to win the game with the new iPhone. Far are the models with a more functional and practical aspect of the first Galaxy S.
It's hard to believe that a 6.2-inch screen could have been packed into such a slim and compact body and still maintain high performance
The screen is excellent and it is surprising that 6.2 inches were managed in such a small space. Of course, we must bear in mind that a part of the space we will not be able to take advantage of optically when playing or watching videos and movies.
Performance is not far behind either. The menus work as smoothly as expected and we have had no problem running numerous apps and playing the most powerful games. The same goes for the multiscreen or the function of the Samsung Galaxy S8 + as a computer with Samsung DeX.
On the other hand, there are some points that slightly cloud the final result. For example, the location of your fingerprint reader right next to the rear camera. Although you get a cleaner design, you also lose in comfort. Or its tactile home button, which you have to hold down to unlock and which in the end ends up being heavier (at least, personally). It gives every impression that Samsung will make it the next fingerprint reader if it continues down the same path. And that will be a leap in comfort and use.
The camera is very good, with good response in low light conditions and many functions. Of course, it repeats specifications with respect to the previous model. In short, a mobile that brings the best of the Korean company. With an exquisite design, a huge screen and many additional features to make a smartphone so much more. At the center of our life in leisure and work.
The best of the Samsung Galaxy S8 +
The immersive feeling of its huge screen
Its design and extraordinary lightness
Samsung's universe of apps and functions
Security tools
Fast charging
It can be better
We would have liked it to come with 128 GB of memory
The main camera is very good but it does not improve compared to the previous model
The location of the fingerprint reader
