Samsung introduced the Galaxy A8 (2018) as part of its mid-range Galaxy A series, officially launching in early January 2018. Designed for users seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank, the A8 (2018) offers an elegant design, capable cameras, and solid performance.
This phone is ideal for young professionals, social media enthusiasts, and users looking for a stylish yet functional smartphone. With water resistance, a dual front camera, and Samsung Pay, it stands out in its segment.
Design & Display
The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) features a glass back and a metal frame, offering a premium feel similar to flagship devices. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, while the slightly curved edges make it easy to hold.
Display
- Screen size: 5.6 inches
- Resolution: Full HD+ (2220 x 1080 pixels)
- Technology: Super AMOLED
- Aspect ratio: 18.5:9 Infinity Display
- Additional features: Always-On Display
The Infinity Display provides an immersive viewing experience with vivid colors and deep contrasts. The Always-On Display keeps essential information visible without unlocking the phone, adding convenience.
Performance & Hardware
The Galaxy A8 (2018) is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 7885 chipset, designed to handle daily tasks and moderate gaming with ease.
Hardware Specifications
- Processor: Exynos 7885 (14nm), Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A53)
- GPU: Mali-G71
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD up to 400GB)
- Ports: USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Real-World Performance
- Smooth multitasking and app switching
- Handles most social media apps, browsing, and streaming without lag
- Casual gaming performance is good, but struggles with high-end games at max settings
- No excessive heating issues
Camera & Photography Capabilities
A major highlight of the Galaxy A8 (2018) is its dual front cameras, a rare feature in mid-range phones at the time.
Camera Specifications
Front Cameras (Dual Setup):
- 16MP (f/1.9) + 8MP (f/1.9)
- Live Focus (Portrait Mode) with adjustable background blur
- Great for selfies and video calls
Rear Camera:
- 16MP (f/1.7), PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus)
- No Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), only Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
- Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps
Camera Performance
- Daylight shots: Excellent detail and dynamic range
- Low-light performance: Decent, thanks to f/1.7 aperture, but lacks OIS
- Selfies: One of the best in its segment, with natural skin tones and background blur
- Video recording: Stable in good lighting but lacks 4K support
Battery & Charging
The 3,000mAh battery is decent for a day’s use under moderate conditions.
Battery Features
- Charging port: USB Type-C
- Fast charging: Supported (15W charger included)
- Battery life: Around 5-6 hours of screen-on time
- No wireless charging support
Software & Special Features
- OS: Android 7.1.1 (upgradable to later versions)
- User Interface: Samsung Experience UI
- Security: Fingerprint scanner (rear-mounted), Face Unlock
- Water & Dust Resistance: IP68 certified
- Samsung Pay: Supported (NFC & MST)
- Gear VR Compatibility: Supported
The Samsung Experience UI offers a smooth user interface with useful features like multi-window support and Bixby AI assistant.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium glass & metal design | No Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) |
| Super AMOLED display with Always-On Display | No wireless charging |
| Great selfie camera with dual-lens setup | Older software (Android 7.1.1 at launch) |
| IP68 water & dust resistance | Mediocre gaming performance at high settings |
| Samsung Pay support | |
| Expandable storage up to 400GB |
Competitor Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) competes with devices like:
- Oppo F5 (Better AI beautification, weaker build quality)
- Vivo V7+ (Larger screen, lower resolution)
- Xiaomi Mi A1 (Stock Android, no water resistance)
Compared to rivals, the A8 (2018) excels in design, display, and water resistance but lacks in gaming performance and camera stabilization.
Conclusion & Buying Recommendation
The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) is an excellent mid-range choice for those prioritizing design, display, and selfies. It’s a great option for users who need a stylish, reliable smartphone with modern features like Samsung Pay and water resistance.
Who should buy it?
- Selfie lovers (dual front camera with Live Focus)
- Samsung ecosystem users (Samsung Pay, Gear VR support)
- Casual users looking for a premium feel
- People needing a durable phone (IP68 water resistance)
Who should look elsewhere?
- Gamers (Better options like Poco F1 exist)
- Those needing OIS for video recording
- Users wanting the latest Android version
For its price, the Galaxy A8 (2018) offers a balanced mix of premium features and performance, making it a strong contender in the mid-range market.
🔗 Check out the official listing for more details and latest prices: Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) at Amazon
