MrSwitch
Neobrown
Every year brings new innovations in the smartphone sector, and 2017 is no exception. This year in April, Samsung unveiled the S8 and S8+ – two incredibly advanced, sleek and functional phones with a vast array of features. This buyer’s guide looks at the S8+ (there’s a separate guide for the smaller S8).
Samsung have gained a reputation for making superbly designed, high-end smartphones, and their Galaxy range is their flagship brand. In some ways, that’s a surprise for the Korean giant, whose roots lie far away from phones, in trading dried fish and noodles.
However, over the course of the twentieth century, the firm became a world-spanning tech player, selling TVs and computers, as well as digital devices like phones and DVD players. In the early 2000s, Samsung made an important decision: to invest heavily in the emerging smartphone sector, as processors shrank and phones became more powerful. It’s paid off, as the Galaxy range has enjoyed massive success.
Starting with the initial Samsung Galaxy in 2009, the company has created a wide range of smartphone models. The “S” range, which includes the S8+, is at the higher end in terms of specifications and features. It comes with a higher price level than other Galaxy phones, but the S collection has an almost unrivalled reputation among phone users across the world.
As with all smartphones (these days), the S8+ is a compact phone with a touchscreen, web browsing capabilities, audio connections, memory and disk storage space, and the ability to run millions of apps. None of that differentiates it from the crowd, but it has some features that stand out:
The massive wraparound screen – Samsung have pioneered a rounded wraparound touchscreen they call infinity screen that does away with bezels (the border around the frame of the screen). In the case of the S8+. This means that the screen measures 6.28 inches – providing a relatively generous space for streaming videos and browsing the web. The way that the phone is designed means that 83% of the phone’s surface is taken up by the screen – a much higher proportion than on comparable devices.
Bixby – All smartphones these days seem to have a digital assistant programmed into their OS, and the Galaxy S8+ is no exception. Bixby is Samsung’s answer to Siri, and provides help with navigating around the phone’s features, with some voice recognition features (and more features promised in the near future).
Bluetooth 5 – There is a headphone jack on the S8+, but, Samsung have also incorporated the latest version of Bluetooth and bundled in a set of wireless headphones with the device. The Bluetooth means that you can use multiple headphones at any one time – a neat feature for music lovers and movie watchers.
Samsung Gear VR – Samsung have embraced VR technology like no other mobile phone manufacturer, and you can use their Gear VR headset with the S8+. Because of its powerful processor and HDR graphics, the S8+ is one of the most enjoyable VR phones around. It might not compare with the PS4 or PCs, but you can still experience VR gaming or apps without feeling nauseous.
A fast charging, long-life battery – The Samsung S7 had some famous issues with battery safety (prompting a ban from airlines) but the S8+ promises to iron out these issues. Samsung says that the new battery is capable of retaining 95% of its charge after two years of use – a massive upgrade on the norm, and rigorous safety tests have also been carried out. Another handy battery feature is wireless charging, while fast-charge is also catered for.
Android Nougat 7.0 – The S8+ uses an up to date version of Android, which should deliver more reliability. At the same time, Samsung have adapted it for their own OS, and they have removed the physical Home button at the base of the phone, integrating it into the OS via the capacitive touchscreen.
Those are the basic features that distinguish the Samsung Galaxy S8+ from other phones of its class, but there are plenty of other specifications to compare if you want to make a considered purchase. Here are some of the most important:
Dimensions: 16 x 7.3 x 0.8cm
Weight: 173g
Operating system: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
CPU: Octa-core (2.35GHz Quad + 1.9GHz Quad), 64 bit, 10nm processor
GPU: Mali-T760 MP8
Memory: 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, expandable up to 256GB
Storage options: 64GB
Display: 6.2-inch 2960x1440 Quad HD+ Super AMOLED
Rear Camera: 12MP dual-pixel, with 8x zoom, Optical Image Stabilization, slow motion capture and an F1.7 Aperture, Front Camera: 8MP with F.17 Aperture
Video: 4K video capable, with 1080p at 60fps
Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz),VHT80 MU-MIMO,1024QAM
Battery life: Around 24 hours (talk time)
Water resistance: IP68
The S8+ also comes with a variety of sensors and other tools that enhance its functionality. For instance, there’s an HR sensor to detect your heart rate, and an accelerometer – both of which will appeal to fitness lovers.
The iris sensor and the fingerprint scanner are useful security measures, and allow you to access your phone conveniently (if you don’t mind having your biometric details logged by your phone. There’s also Knox protection to keep your files safe from malware and viruses, as well as a “secure folder” to hold any sensitive documents or files in extra secure storage.
The phone has also been optimised for shopping via Samsung Pay, which enables you to upload credit or debit card details, gift cards, transport cards (like Oyster) and other currency storage devices. Then you can use your S8+ as a contactless payment method – saving time at points of sale.
For many buyers, this is the crucial question. If you are a firm fan of the Galaxy S range, and you skipped the Samsung Galaxy S7 for technical reasons, is it better to go for the compact S8 or the slightly larger S8+?
It’s important to note that both phones use the Infinity display, which wraps around the casing of the device, maximising the viewing area, and they also have the same cameras and connections. But you definitely get more space to watch movies or use apps on the S8+. So, if you know that you’ll be streaming movies on plane journeys or using your phone for work, the S8+ could be preferable.
Then again, the S8 has a higher pixel density than the S8+ (571ppi compared to 529ppi), so you’ll actually get crisper images on the smaller phone. This could sway people who value crystal clear photos (particularly as the S8 screen is still pretty large).
Battery is another issue that separates the two phones. Samsung have included a 3,500mAh battery with the S8+, but just a 3,000mAh battery on the S8. This translates into a few more hours of streaming or browsing, so can be important for travellers. However, as both phones offer wireless and fast charging, it’s not a massive deal.
Thanks to DeX, which allows you to convert the S8 or S8+ into a mini desktop, both models are suited to business users and students as well. If you intend to use the phone for word processing, graphic design or coding – you’ll be able to find a convenient setup regardless of which one you go for.
Overall, the differences aren’t huge. Streaming fans may desire the extra screen space, but for many people a smaller phone will be more convenient to carry. There’s also a slight price differential, but with plenty of offers cropping up on HotUKDeals all the time, both the S8 and S8+ should be available at affordable prices.
Do you even need to go for an expensive, top of the line Samsung Galaxy S8+, when older classics like the S6 are still on offer from major UK merchants?
This really revolves around how seriously you take your phone. If you are a casual user who values functionality and doesn’t need advanced graphics or processing power, older Galaxy phones will do fine. But if you are a smartphone obsessive, you’ll find that the Samsung Galaxy S6 struggles with demanding apps, and simply doesn’t provide the visual performance you expect.
You might also want to think about other classes of Samsung smartphone. The Korean company offers more affordable models like the Galaxy A (which tends to have lower specs), and phablets like the Galaxy Note. Shop around and check our buyer’s guides to find one that ticks your boxes, and fits your budget.
When it comes to smartphones, everyone has different needs. For some people, having a great camera is essential. For others, screen size matters, while others need extra memory and processing power. Here’s how the S8+ measures up on some vital metrics:
Camera – The camera is actually the area where the S8+ fails to shine. Samsung didn’t choose to upgrade their camera, pouring investment into the screen instead. While the 12MP and 8MP cameras are fine for most people, if you are a passionate smartphone photographer, you might be disappointed.
Screen – There’s no doubting it: the S8+ has the most advanced screen around, and it works superbly. The Infinity display is unlike any other, covering almost the entirety of the front of the phone, while the octa-core processor delivers enough power to make the most of this extra space. HDR capability means that video is crisp as well, all of which makes the S8+ ideal for movie lovers and gamers alike.
Professional work – One of the other strengths of Samsung’s S8 and S8+ is their compatibility with DeX. DeX allows users to hook their phones up to keyboards and mice, and even to project the image on the phone onto flat screen monitors. It’s an elegant, easy to use way to work on the move that other phones generally don’t cater for.
Battery – The S8+ has a 3,500mAh battery, which is more than enough to handle the demands placed upon it, but some commentators have suggested that this isn’t large enough. You can certainly find alternatives with more power and longer battery lives, but the S8+ doesn’t lag too far behind. Samsung have focused more on providing extra charging options like fast charge and wireless charging, instead of finding space for more battery capacity.
Another thing to think about before deciding to go for the Galaxy S8+ is how it compares to Apple's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus - Samsung's main competitor.
The S8+ beats the iPhone in terms of screen size, and the infinity screen is probably a winner in terms of aesthetics as well. The Galaxy also still has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which the iPhone lacks.
Then again, Apple's phone has some major strengths. For instance, Siri is recognised as superior to Bixby, while iOS 10 is probably a slightly slicker, more reliable operating system (although it's less easy to customise).
Naturally, if you already own Apple devices like iPads or Macs, the iPhone will harmonise with them, making it more powerful. However, for most people there isn't much to choose between the two companies. Both of them make high-quality, reliable, stylish devices that are at the top of the class in 2017.
If you are a hardcore smartphone gamer, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ could be the ideal phone. The screen size is the most obvious strength – offering space to play 3D shooters and sports games in a way that other phones can’t match.
Then there’s Samsung Gear VR, which is an industry-leading VR gaming system. If you want to explore VR gaming, you won’t find a similar system from Apple, so the S8+ is the phone to choose.
DeX also allows you to play smartphone games on desktop monitors, essentially turning your S8+ into a low-level gaming P (and enabling various gaming controllers as well).
Add in the excellent screen resolution and colour contrast, and the general processor power of the S8+, and you have a phone that should meet the needs of gamers for a while to come.
Whenever you make a smartphone purchase, the accessories you choose are almost as important as the phone itself. The S8+ is no exception, and there are some add-ons that all buyers should think about:
DeX – Samsung’s advanced desktop-integration system, DeX allows you to connect your S8+ to keyboards, monitors, mice and controllers, which will be a huge bonus for gamers and professionals.
Wireless charging docks – Even if the battery on the S8+ isn’t the largest around, you can charge your phone almost anywhere with a wireless docking station, which hooks up to ordinary hotspots.
Battery packs – if you don’t want to rely on wireless charging, Samsung also offer 5,100mAh battery packs to supplement the core battery of your S8+.
Custom cases – Samsung have come up with a range of cases specifically designed for the S8+, including cases with stands, soft touch cases, different colours and LED covers which let you carry out certain functions without even opening it up.
When it comes to making a purchase, think hard about what kind of smartphone deal you are looking for. Generally, you’ll have to pay a combination of call costs, data charges and the price of the handset – which varies between retailers. Shopping around is a must, with a huge range of contract lengths, bundled accessories, free calls and data bonuses.
A good way to do your research is to search for Samsung Galaxy S8+ deals at HotUKDeals. You’ll find all of the UK’s major smartphone retailers represented, including Three, O2, Carphone Warehouse, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, Argos, Currys and also Samsung's online shop themselve.
Be careful to calculate the total cost of contract deals, as they can work out more expensive than pay as you go handset-only deals. Discounts come and go, and you can pick up an S8+ for a bargain price without a contract attached, so keep your eyes peeled.
If you are willing to wait for the right time of the year, you can save even more money. By the time that Black Friday arrives, the price of the Galaxy S8+ should have fallen considerably, and retailers also tend to offer major contract deals to kickstart their Christmas sales as well.
But if you need the latest phone right now, you’ll find a constantly changing stream of offers at HotUKDeals – the best place to pick up a cutting edge Samsung phone with all of the features and accessories you require.
Technologically advanced, beautifully designed, perfect for gamers, professionals and casual users – the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is one of the most impressive smartphones on the market. Whether you are upgrading from an S6 or S7, or you are shopping for your first Samsung phone, you’ll find plenty of unbeatable Samsung Galaxy S8+ deals at the HotUKDeals listings.
m3racer123
MrSwitch
andrewworrall1
DealsDen101
deleted1655616
I do not see this price via student beans or employee portal, currently £721.65. Strangely the Ultra is the same price
It came out to be £10 cheaper lol, which is nothing in terms of getting a better deal through the Employee Portal / Student Account. What a joke.
You also get a lower buy price...
Depends on your use case. I've just got the Ultra and bought it because of it's size. I mainly use it to consume content at home (it doesn't very often leave the house), edit photos and a minor bit of video editing. For my particular needs it works very well, but I appreciate everybody has different requirements.
But you get lower rrp and can combine additional 10% with other mobile products.