There has been so much talk about Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones even before launch of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 plus in Nigeria. Fortunately i was able to try out the new Galaxy S8 and after about two weeks of using the phone, i have discovered a few interesting features that might intrigue other smartphone freaks and tech enthusiasts like myself.
Before going into details of its technological features, i’d like to write about the sleek design of the high end smartphone, which i am sure most people have seen in pictures and videos. This new phone looks awesome, in fact, that is its hallmark headlining feature. Being a flagship, it has all the leading edge specs and hardware you’d expect from a premium android phone.
Design:
The corners of the smartphones have been rounded off leaving a powerful silhouette. The curves are harmoniously synchronised with the rounded edges to fit comfortably in a user’s hand. The obverse part of the phone is mostly just display with perfect symmetry, thereby virtually eliminating the bezel. The physical home button usually located in the front of the phone has been replaced with a digital home button, built into the glass.
The Galaxy S8 features a rear mounted fingerprint reader, right next to the rear camera lens. A change that got people wondering how comfortable it will be but it is definitely something that can easily be adapted.
The always-on display makes a return, and now shows you the home button whenever the phone is locked – so you know where to press to wake it up again. its Infinity Display lets you do more with the bigger screen, making it perfect to watch videos and play games on your phone, as it all screen and no buttons. Even with the huge screen, the phone is small enough to fit perfectly into the palm of your hand.Pretty much everything about the outside build of this phone is premium and well built.
Tech specifications:
The Super AMOLED display panel has an aspect ratio of 18.5:9 and a resolution of 2,960 x 1,440 resulting in a crisp display and a pixel density of 530 ppi. The AMOLED panel delivers deep, inky blacks and incredible contrast, making images and video really pop allowing users immerse themselves in the action.
Whatever you are watching, the large AMOLED screen will bring the content to life with rich colours, intricate details, and stunning definition.Similar to the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ are IP68 certified for dust and water. This feature protects the device from immersion in up to 1.5m of fresh water for 30 minutes. Users can use the Galaxy S8 and S8+ to capture memories at pool parties or out on the beach with loved ones. When wet, the device stops charging automatically to prevent short circuits.
Security:
It is only logical that the security on a phone that can carry so much personal data and do so much should be top notch. Samsung tightened security features on the new Galaxy S8 series by including facial recognition, finger print and iris scanner unlock to its previously featured passcode, PIN and pattern unlock. Although some people have complained about the location of the finger print scanner, saying the print sensor should have been placed a little lower on the back of the phone for reachability, Samsung’s word on this is that they now provide you with other ways to unlock your phone biometrically without having to use the finger print sensor, mainly being the iris scanner, and the face recognition unlock. In my opinion, although it looks nice right beside the camera lens at the back of the phone, it is definitely harder to reach. I did not particularly like the facial recognition, as it never worked when i had makeup on my face, since i set it when i had not makeup on my face.Users can also use the Secure Folder app to save important files, images, videos, and apps.
Camera
The Galaxy S8 and S8+’s 12 MP rear camera utilises Dual Pixel technology for incredibly fast autofocus allowing users capture important moments. Thanks to the F1.7 lens, pictures appear bright and crisp even if taking in low-lit environments. Samsung did revamp the front-facing camera to an 8MP with auto focus. This will definitely excite selfie addicts as pictures come out sharp and vibrant. Another obvious addition is a new multi-frame image processor that takes three shots every single time a picture is taken, reducing blur and leaving users with a sharper shot.
Smooth Multitasking
The Galaxy S8 and S8+’s extended screen is perfect for multitasking. Users can multitask seamlessly while watching a video; just open your favourite IM app along with the video player using Multi Window and text with the full keyboard without having to hide the video playing. While the Multi Window resizes the whole app window, the Snap Window feature will display only the selected area so you can refer to it while you are doing any other task. I found the edge panels quite interesting, as you can easily access your favourite apps and functions on the edge screen, by swiping the edge of your phone left or right to view different panels. you can also download more panels from Galaxy apps.
Cool accessories:
You got yourself a high end smartphone, why not splurge on some of the coolest smartphone accessories available for the Galaxy S8 and S8 plus. I went to the Samsung stand at Mega Plaza mall in Lagos and i was taken away by all the very cool accessories available for the S8 and S8 plus. I got myself an LED view cover with a near field communication (NFC) antenna that allows me to protect my phone as well as answer or reject a call on my mobile using the LED window without having to open the LED view cover.
Surprisingly, i have not come across any Galaxy S8 reviews that talks about the unique Dex accessory that the phone has, which allows you dock your phone and then connect it to your traditional keyboard, mouse and monitor so that you can use it as a normal computer.
Also, you can get the fast charge wireless convertible pad from Samsung that lets you charge your phone without any wires.
JUMOKE AKIYODE
