Review of the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, a device that needs no grand introduction. This flagship smartphone from Samsung offers a compelling blend of cutting-edge features and premium design. Let’s delve into what makes the Galaxy S8 Plus a standout choice in the smartphone market.

Exciting news for smartphone enthusiasts in the UK—the Galaxy S8 Plus has made its debut. While it’s not surprising that the Galaxy S8 Plus comes with a relatively high price tag, it’s not as exorbitant as some had feared.

The flagship price for this cutting-edge device stands at £779, which, considering its premium features, isn’t significantly more than the standard Galaxy S8 priced at £689. You can purchase the S8 Plus either from Carphone Warehouse or directly from Samsung. Additionally, you have the option to acquire it through a contract, starting at just £34 per month with leading carriers like EE, Vodafone, and O2 (available through Carphone Warehouse) or from Three.

For those seeking an unlocked, SIM-free option, Unlocked Mobiles claims to offer the most competitive prices in the UK. The Galaxy S8 is priced at £599.89, while the S8 Plus can be yours for £699.89. These prices seem to be the best deals available in the market.

To get a more comprehensive understanding of the various Galaxy S8 Plus deals available, we recommend checking out our full guide.

One of the notable design elements of the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, which carried over to the Note 8, is the placement of the fingerprint scanner. While some may have expressed concerns about this positioning, it’s not as problematic as it might initially seem. The main worry with the Galaxy S8 was that users might accidentally smudge the camera while reaching for the scanner. However, with the heart-rate scanner and flash now separating the two, the likelihood of this happening has significantly diminished.

We’ve found that reaching for the scanner isn’t much of a stretch for the finger, and users tend to adapt to it quickly. Of course, there’s also the option of using the iris scanner if you prefer to bypass the fingerprint scanner altogether.

Despite the rear of the phone being quite busy with features like two cameras, a flash, a heart-rate scanner, and a fingerprint sensor, Samsung has managed to ensure that everything lies flush with the phone’s chassis. Even the Samsung logo, in understated grey text, doesn’t overcrowd the design. The only minor quibble from this angle is the legal information placed at the bottom, which is nearly invisible on the Midnight Black version but more noticeable on the Maple Gold variant.

Now, let’s talk about the screen. Samsung has expanded the available space for the panel, allowing for a larger display. Previously, it measured 5.7 inches, which is no longer considered large in the smartphone landscape. The Note 8 boasts a 6.3-inch panel, just 0.1 inches larger than the Galaxy S8+. However, there are other differences, such as the inclusion of a stylus and a dual-camera setup.

This increase in screen size has also added about a centimeter to the phone’s height. When you place the Note 8 alongside the Galaxy S8, the most noticeable difference is the Note 8’s height. Both phones, despite their curved edges, are surprisingly comfortable to hold in one hand, thanks to their narrower profiles. However, the Note 8 definitely stands taller than the Galaxy S8.

In terms of screen technology, the Note 8 follows in the footsteps of Samsung’s Galaxy S series. It features a super-high-resolution Quad-HD+ Super AMOLED display, although by default, it’s set to full-HD to preserve battery life. While some may prefer the more realistic colors of IPS displays, we absolutely love the vibrant, saturated colors and deep, rich blacks that AMOLED screens offer.