The Samsung Galaxy S8 marked a significant leap in smartphone design when it launched in 2017. With its near-borderless display, refined glass-and-metal construction, and powerful hardware, it set a new standard for flagship phones. Even years after its release, the S8 remains a compelling device for those who appreciate premium craftsmanship and reliable performance. Let’s dive into what makes this phone stand out—and where it shows its age.

At first glance, the Galaxy S8 is stunning. Its 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display stretches edge-to-edge with minimal bezels, a design choice that was revolutionary at the time. The curved glass on both the front and back gives the phone an elegant, seamless feel, though it does make it slightly slippery to hold. The Infinity Display, as Samsung called it, boasts vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for media consumption. The only interruption is the small bezel at the top and bottom, which houses the front-facing camera and physical home button (now pressure-sensitive rather than a clickable key).

Under the hood, the S8 packs either a Snapdragon 835 (in the U.S.) or an Exynos 8895 (internationally), paired with 4GB of RAM. While these specs may seem modest by today’s standards, they still deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and even light gaming. The phone runs Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, though it has since been updated to Android 9 Pie with Samsung’s One UI overlay. While it won’t receive further major updates, the software remains functional and polished.

One of the S8’s standout features is its 12MP rear camera, which uses a dual-pixel autofocus system for quick and accurate focusing. In good lighting, it captures sharp, detailed photos with natural colors. Low-light performance is decent, though newer phones obviously outperform it. The 8MP front-facing camera is more than adequate for selfies and video calls. The phone also supports 4K video recording, and its optical image stabilization helps keep footage steady.

Battery life is respectable, thanks to the 3,000mAh cell. With moderate use, the S8 can last a full day, though heavy users may need a midday top-up. Wireless charging and fast wired charging (via USB-C) are welcome conveniences. The phone also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack—a feature that’s increasingly rare in modern flagships.

Where the Galaxy S8 shows its age is in biometrics and durability. The fingerprint sensor is awkwardly placed next to the rear camera, making it easy to smudge the lens. Iris scanning and facial recognition are available but feel outdated compared to today’s secure face-unlock systems. The IP68 water resistance is still a plus, but the lack of a modern Gorilla Glass version means the screen is more prone to scratches.

Despite its age, the Samsung Galaxy S8 remains a solid choice for those who want a premium-feeling phone without paying flagship prices. Its design still holds up, the display is gorgeous, and performance is more than adequate for most users. However, if you need the latest software updates or cutting-edge cameras, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Key Specifications:

Display: 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED (2960x1440, 570ppi)

Processor: Snapdragon 835 (U.S.) / Exynos 8895 (International)

RAM: 4GB LPDDR4

Storage: 64GB (expandable via microSD up to 256GB)

Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.7, OIS, dual-pixel autofocus

Front Camera: 8MP, f/1.7

Battery: 3,000mAh (fast charging, wireless charging)

OS: Android 9 Pie (One UI)

IP Rating: IP68 water and dust resistance

Connectivity: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0

Dimensions: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm

Weight: 155g