Samsung Galaxy A8+ Review: A Premium Mid-Range Experience

Samsung Galaxy A8+ Review: A Premium Mid-Range Experience

The Samsung Galaxy A8+ positions itself as a premium mid-range smartphone, blending high-end aesthetics with practical features. With a striking design, a vivid display, and enduring battery life, it appeals to users who value style and everyday performance, though its processing power falls short of flagship standards.

Design and Build

From the first glance, the Galaxy A8+ mimics the look of Samsung's flagship S-series devices. Its curved Gorilla Glass 4 back, precise camera and fingerprint placement, and IP68 water and dust resistance make it feel and handle like a high-end phone. Despite lacking the curved edges of the display found in models like the S9, the overall premium feel is undeniable.

Display

The 6-inch Super AMOLED screen boasts an 18.5:9 aspect ratio and full HD+ resolution, delivering deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. With a peak brightness of 590 nits, it remains legible even in direct sunlight. The display adapts apps to the new format seamlessly and includes a blue light filter for eye comfort.

Performance

Equipped with the Exynos 7885 octa-core processor and 6GB of RAM, the A8+ handles everyday tasks smoothly. However, multitasking can lead to occasional lag, and gaming performance is mixed. While casual games run well, more demanding titles like Asphalt 8 show noticeable slowdowns. Compared to the OnePlus 5T’s Snapdragon 835, the A8+ falls short in benchmarks and real-world use.

Software

Running Android 7.1.1 with a promised update to Oreo, the Experience UI 8.5 includes features such as face unlock, always-on display, and on-screen navigation. Useful additions like a fingerprint scroll for quick settings, gaming mode, and one-handed operation enhance usability.

Camera

The 16MP main camera with phase detection autofocus produces sharp, well-saturated images, though it lacks optical image stabilization. Video recording is limited to full HD, without 4K support. The dual front cameras (16MP + 8MP) offer a live focus mode for bokeh effects, though the wide-angle lens falls short of expectations.

Battery

A 3500mAh battery provides roughly five hours of screen-on time, sufficient for a full day of moderate use. Adaptive fast charging brings the phone to 40% in 30 minutes and fully charges it in about 90 minutes.

Connectivity

The device supports dual nano-SIMs, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Audio quality through speakers and headphones is clear and well-balanced.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A8+ is a compelling option for those who prioritize design, display quality, and battery life over raw performance. However, at NPR 60,000, alternatives like the OnePlus 5T offer better processing power and faster updates, making them stronger contenders for power users. For users ready to invest more, the Samsung S8 or S9 provide a true flagship experience.

Alternatives to Consider

• OnePlus 5T: Offers a Snapdragon 835 processor, better performance, and faster software updates.
• Xiaomi Mi6: Provides a powerful Snapdragon 835 chipset at a lower price point.
• Samsung Galaxy S8: A true flagship with superior performance and features, though at a higher cost.