Galaxy S8 vs. iPhone 7: Battle of the platforms

How do the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ stack up to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus?

Now that the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are official, they will immediately be compared to the best of Samsung’s chief competitor in the mobile space, Apple. While Apple is halfway through its product cycle, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are still formidable opponents, so let’s take a look to see how the two sets of phones stack up against one another.

Galaxy S8 vs. iPhone 7

Perhaps the most striking thing about the Galaxy S8 next to the iPhone 7 is how much more efficiently it uses space. While nearly the same width and only a few millimeters taller than the iPhone 7, Samsung’s newest flagship manages to fit a 5.8-inch screen into a compact body; the iPhone 7 still has a small 4.7-inch display.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ specs

Apple is expected to do away with the home button on the iPhone 8, but for now the Galaxy S8 just looks more space-efficient.

Moreover, Apple’s 1334×750 pixel resolution, with its 326ppi pixel density, seems to fall further and further behind every year; Samsung’s 2960×1440 pixel QHD+ SuperAMOLED screen is bright, vivid and color accurate while maintaining a clear advantage in sharpness and clarity, at 570ppi. This year, Samsung has also done away with its physical home button, for the first time integrating its controls into the display (as Google encourages). That reclaimed space is now extra screen, which helps with games, media and other fullscreen activities. And while Apple is rumored to do away with its own home button later this year, it’s unclear how the company will minimize the impact to the way iOS works, since it has, since the beginning relied on that single press or tap to return home.

Of course, the Galaxy S8 also sports curved glass, a move that puts Samsung all-in on a the so-called “edge display.” While this may initially be seen as a controversial move, it is also one of Samsung’s clearest technological advantages right now, and as limited a gain in productivity as the curved glass currently offers, it plays very well with consumers, and that’s all that matters.

Around back, Samsung has moved its formerly front-facing home button to the back, next to the camera, in what is quickly becoming a very controversial decision. As Andrew Martonik points out in his hands-on preview, as much as Samsung wants you to take advantage of the integrated iris scanner to unlock the Galaxy S8, the fingerprint sensor is still the most effective way of doing so quickly, but it may take users some time to get used to the new rear placement — and cleaning the camera lens from the smudges that will inevitably accrue.

But Samsung has also taken a small page from Apple’s playbook by integrating a pleasant haptic engine into the area below the virtual home button on the front, making it feel like a physical press. It’s not quite the real thing, but after a while, just as you do with the iPhone 7’s capacitive home button, you quickly grow used to it.

The ports and buttons on the two phones line up fairly predictably, with Samsung positioning its power button on the right side of the phone, and its volume buttons on the left. This year, though, there’s an addition to Samsung’s outfit: a dedicated Bixby AI button that sits just below the volume rocker on the left side, offering one-press access to dozens of on-phone features. Apple relies on a long-press of its home button to access Siri, its own AI assistant.

Moving to the bottom of the phone, Samsung has transitioned to a USB-C port, which is much more versatile and offers faster data rates and quicker charging through a compatible USB 3.1 connection. A single speaker cavity sits to its right, while Samsung has wisely chosen to keep the 3.5mm headphone jack around for at least one more year.

Both phones are made of a combination of metal and glass, but like the Galaxy S7 the back is covered with strong Gorilla Glass rather than brushed or matte aluminum. And while the Galaxy S8 looks and feels very similar to its predecessor, it the design is improved in one major way: its matte black version has color-matched metal on the sides to follow the contours of the black rear and front glass, providing an unbroken pool of gorgeous darkness. More companies have begun doing this, but Samsung still does it best.

Finally, it has to be said that as narrow as the Galaxy S8 is — which means it’s usable in one hand without discomfort — it does feel much taller than the iPhone 7. That 18.5:9 aspect ratio is going to be new to Android and iPhone users alike, so if you do decide to buy a Galaxy S8 after coming from an iPhone, you’re in for a small adjustment period.

Apple’s A10 chip is faster than anything out there right now, but you’d be hard-pressed to notice a difference between it and the Snapdragon 835.

Internally, the iPhone 7 sports the A10 chip, a quad-core SoC that includes two high-frequency, high-performance cores and two low-energy cores for ambient activities, with just 2GB of RAM (and the 7 Plus has 3GB). The RAM deficit hasn’t been a problem in years past, though, since iOS is generally more efficient than Android in its resource and RAM management.

It’s already been determined that the A10 is faster in single-core activities, but both the Snapdragon 835 and Exynos 8895 best it in multi-core benchmarks — conclusions that don’t really mean anything in the real world, but are interesting nonetheless. And while both Galaxy S8 models sport 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, the iPhone vacillates in storage size — and price — between 32GB, 128GB and 256GB. With the Galaxy S8’s microSD card, none of that price shuffling is necessary.

Galaxy S8+ vs. iPhone 7 Plus

The screen to bezel efficiency continues with the story of the Galaxy S8+, especially when compared to the iPhone 7 Plus. While Apple’s bigger phone boasts a 5.5-inch 1080p display, much more akin to most Android phones, it is very wide and extremely tall. Indeed, Samsung’s 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+ is considerably narrower, and only slightly longer, than the iPhone 7 Plus. Neither phone is exactly one hand-friendly, but you’re definitely going to need to adjust the way you hold the Galaxy S8+ to swipe down from that notification shade without a second hand.

The Galaxy S8+ has all the same ports and button placements as its smaller counterpart, including the rear fingerprint sensor, which is even harder to reach on the larger version of the phone. Its 6.2-inch QHD+ SuperAMOLED display shares the same resolution as the Galaxy S8, 2960×1440 pixels, which makes it slightly less dense at 529ppi, but still far sharper than the 401ppi iPhone 7 Plus. As accurate and bright as Apple’s screens are, they will likely never catch Samsung in the pixel density arms race — if that’s a real thing anymore.

The cameras

The Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 both have single rear 12MP camera sensors with f/1.7 lenses, making them pretty similar on paper and in real-world results. While Samsung tends to go for a more exaggerated color palette and Apple for a flatter, more realistic photo, they both have the potential to take amazing photos in daylight and low light.

The Galaxy S8+ lacks a second sensor, but Samsung doesn’t think it needs one.

While we haven’t had a lot of time to play with the cameras on the Galaxy S8, Samsung tells us it shares hardware components with the Galaxy S7; what is different, though, is the connection to the main chip, which has been upgraded from the Snapdragon 820 to the Snapdragon 835 (and in Europe, the Exynos 8890 to the Exynos 8895). This improved ISP, or image signal processor, should have a significant impact on things like focus speed and HDR performance, but we’ll see.

The one thing that the Galaxy S8 series doesn’t have that the iPhone does — at least, the iPhone 7 Plus — is a second camera sensor. While the LG G6 has a second camera for wide-angle shots, and the iPhone 7 Plus uses its for additional distance and depth-of-field effects, Samsung was comfortable with the Galaxy S8+’s performance to live on its own.

We’ve seen plenty of good and bad photos from Apple’s second camera — it lacks optical image stabilization, and has a much narrower aperture, so it lets in much less light — it’s still going to be a point of comparison when shopping for a new phone. Samsung did reportedly experiment with adding a second sensor to the new Galaxy S8 lineup but felt the technology wasn’t quite ready — in whatever form it was going to take — so it may be delayed a year.

Either way, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ should have amazing cameras, some of the best on the market, and we’re looking forward to putting them through their paces in comparison to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

Platforms

Finally, we come down to software. Samsung is shipping the Galaxy S8 with Android 7 Nougat, and while Samsung’s software has improved markedly over the past few years, to the point where it can be considered neck-and-neck with the best interpretations of Android, its update record is still shoddy. Take the Nougat update on the Galaxy S7 series; it took nearly 11 months for the update to begin rolling out to U.S. carrier devices, and it’s still not available on the unlocked version.

Apple, on the other hand, updates all of its devices at once, and does so with the cooperation of its carrier partners. It would be nice for Samsung to get to that point, but for now it — and Android — work differently.

As close as the two platforms are in terms of features, there’s another major consideration to take into the account: the two app stores. Google Play and Apple’s App Store don’t have too much between them these days, but some companies, especially smaller startups, still choose iOS as a first, or even exclusive, destination when publishing their apps. So do game companies, which derive considerably more revenue from iOS than Android. That being said, most of the major titles eventually come to Android, and the delta between releases is shortening, but it’s still a reality.

The other side of the argument comes in the form of continuity; Samsung relies on Android, so it’s increasingly trying to find ecosystem tie-ins in other ways. Take DeX, Samsung’s hardware dock that turns the Galaxy S8 into a Microsoft Continuum-like desktop experience. This is Samsung trying to exert as much control over its software as possible — this is Android, not Chrome or anything else, but it’s Samsung’s Android — and that’s admirable.

Which should you buy?

The question of which phone you should buy largely comes down to platform preference, but you should also keep in mind that Samsung’s phones are a full half-year newer than the iPhone 7 series, and benefit from a highly competitive Android ecosystem that is consistently pushing partners to develop innovations in the hardware space.

Apple feels less of a need to constantly redesign its phones because it has an entrenched and loyal user base that have, over time, grown reliant not just on the iPhone hardware but iOS as a platform, with iMessage, iCloud and many other features with which Android manufacturers can’t directly compete, since Google controls Android. Samsung has tried, and Bixby is a good example of that, but it still uses Google services as its backbone.

So it then comes down to hardware. The most notable upgrade in this year’s Galaxy S series is the screen — larger screens and smaller bezels make for phones that use space far more efficiently than ever before. They’re also taller, thanks to the odd 18.5:9 aspect ratio. That Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 processor keep things moving at a fast clip, and bring some much-needed efficiency improvements to the table. Of course, battery life benefits from the more-efficient processor, but we’ll have to wait a bit longer before we determine whether the 3,000mAh battery in the GS8, or the 3,500mAh cell in the GS8+, perform better than the equivalent cells in the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

Both the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S8 series are great, but Samsung has maximized the usable space on the front, and that makes it feel far more modern than the aging design on the iPhone.

Learn everything you need to know about the Galaxy S8!

There’s lots more to know about the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, from the subtle (and not so subtle) hardware changes to the software, Bixby, DeX and more. Grab a coffee and sit back to read our full hands-on preview of Samsung’s latest devices!

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ preview

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ vs. Pixel and Pixel XL: Two ways to do a flagship

There’s something out there for everyone.

Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL have won over the hearts and wallets of many since their introduction, but that doesn’t mean they live in a world without competition. With a lust-worthy feature set and high prices, the Pixel and Pixel XL are quite likely to be compared directly to the new Galaxy S8 and S8+ as people look to buy their next high-end phone.

Both companies give you a choice of two different screen sizes with no differentiation in core features, though those core features really do differentiate between Samsung and Google. The same goes for the hardware design and software direction, which will each appeal to different types of potential buyers.

Let’s take a look at the new Galaxy S8 and S8+ alongside the Google Pixel and Pixel XL.

Hardware, specs and features

Setting the Galaxy S8 and S8+ next to the Pixel and Pixel XL shows you how there are so many different ways to build a nice-looking phone. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are even flashier than their predecessors, going with a shiny glass exterior that’s now highlighted by highly polished metal as well. Both models have curved screens and tiny bezels, giving an “all screen” look that just feels futuristic.

More: Complete Galaxy S8 and S8+ specs

We all knew the Pixels had large bezels … but they look downright comical next to Samsung’s latest. While there are definitely usability arguments for not having to reach so high to touch the top of the display, most will likely look at the Galaxy S8 as the more modern phone here. In terms of usability the Pixel is actually wider than the Galaxy S8 while the Pixel XL is also wider than the Galaxy S8+. But in turn the Pixels have a fingerprint sensor placement that actually makes sense — the Galaxy S8 and S8+ can’t come anywhere near that claim.

The Pixel and Pixel XL have really good displays, but you can’t deny that Samsung is still leading the industry here. Whether or not you like the subtle curves on the sides of the screens, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ have absolutely amazing panels that are extremely bright and colorful. And with their 18.5:9 aspect ratio you get a bit more display to look at without making the phone itself wider.

Samsung is always going to ‘win’ with the number of raw specs and features.

In terms of the raw number of specs and features, Samsung is always going to “win” there. Being newer, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ get the latest processors — either a Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895, depending on region — but have also bumped up to 64GB of base storage, while still including an SD card slot, wireless charging and full waterproofing. The Galaxy S8’s 3000mAh battery is a tad larger than the Pixel’s 2770mAh, and the Galaxy S8+’s 3500mAh is right on par with the Pixel XL’s 3450mAh.

How about the cameras? Well we don’t know just how the Galaxy S8 and S8+ will perform yet, but we do know they’re using the same 12MP “Dual Pixel” sensor and f/1.7 lens as last year — with improvements in software and processing, of course. And as we’ve seen with the Pixels, software processing can do a lot to make great photos.

Software and experience

In many ways the approach to software mirrors that of the hardware. Samsung offers more features and more flash, while Google exercises restraint in the name of simplicity. Despite Samsung’s overall slimming down and cleaning up of its interface, the piles of often superfluous features can be annoying even if you find you like one or two of the added features. Duplicate apps and services just get in the way sometimes, and that’s before you see what the carriers tack onto these phones.

You’re either getting a ton of features up front, or starting clean and building up from there.

Thankfully you can replace the basics like the launcher and keyboard if you don’t like Samsung’s, but it won’t ever match the simplicity of what the Pixels have to offer. Which one you prefer here really comes down to your preference: do you want as many features as possible that you have to trim back, or do you want to start with a clean slate and build up? That’s Samsung versus Google right there.

Samsung is highlighting its new Bixby voice interface for the Galaxy S8 and S8+ launch, but out of the box it only works with a handful of Samsung apps — so it’s hard to use that as a true selling point. The same goes for the DeX docking station, which has potential for a small group of users but has yet to prove itself as dramatically useful. On the other hand, on the Pixel you can use Google Assistant … and there’s no forward-looking desktop docking in any way, if that’s something you really think you want.

Bottom line

In terms of performance and core features, either size of Samsung’s or Google’s latest will get the job done. But when you’re paying top dollar for a phone, more thought goes into the decision. First, choose your size — do you want compact, or as big as you can get? The pixel is the smallest of the four, while the Galaxy S8+ is the largest. The Galaxy S8 is a nice middle ground, and the Pixel XL is starting to put it for some people’s hands.

Then see which design appeals to you — is it the standout extra-flashy Galaxy S8, or the understated and sleek Pixel? Meanwhile, keep the software in mind. Samsung offers more features than you can shake a stick at, but that can make things complicated; Google is all about simplicity and speed, and it shows.

It’s an argument that will continue on well past this release, but if you’re honest about your needs in the above categories, you’ll find one that works for you.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Latest Galaxy S8 rumors!
• Galaxy S8 announcement coming March 29 in NYC
• Galaxy S8 release date set for April 28
• Join our Galaxy S8 forums

5 things to know about the Samsung Galaxy S8’s DeX dock

The Galaxy S8’s hidden feature is desktop-style operating system you can use in lieu of a laptop.

If you could hook up your Android smartphone to an external monitor to unlock a desktop mode, would you? Samsung is making a major play towards its truly mobile users with a desktop-style operating system embedded into the software of the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Here’s what Samsung DeX is, and why it might make Samsung’s new flagship appealing to those with bonafide on-the-go lifestyles.

You need the dock to use DeX

To even access Samsung DeX, you need the DeX dock, which is sold separately. The dock itself is cheaper than, say, an Asus Chromebook Flip, but you’d still have to adopt one of the Galaxy S8 smartphones for it to work.

Once the Galaxy S8 is plugged in, you can hook up peripherals as you please.

But of course you need all of the other things to plug into the dock as well. Once the Galaxy S8 is plugged in, you can hook up peripherals as you please to start the computerization process. The DeX dock comes with an HDMI port, two USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also keeps the Galaxy S8 charged while it works, of course, so you don’t have to worry about running down the battery. And there’s a built-in fan (don’t worry, you won’t even notice it’s there) to keep the smartphone cool as you’re operating in in DeX mode.

It’s (kind of) like a Mac or PC

Samsung DeX offers a Start menu.

Samsung’s desktop experience isn’t too different from what you’re used to.

Samsung’s desktop experience isn’t too different from what you’re used to. There’s a start button of sorts that offers quick access to compatible apps and you can minimize and maximize individual windows or close out of them like you would on a Mac or PC. Oft-used commands are available, too, and there’s a dock where you can pin your favorite apps. The notifications and status bar from your phone appear along the bottom of the desktop, just where you’d expect them to be, so you always have access to your typical “phone” functions while in the DeX dock.

The Samsung DeX also features a lock screen — think of it as a screensaver. You can secure the DeX with a passcode or facial recognition to keep peering eyes out of your secret stuff.

But it doesn’t run Windows or Mac apps

If you’re thinking that the Samsung DeX sounds a bit like Microsoft’s Continuum with Windows 10, you’d be on the right track. It’s essentially the same concept, with the main appeal being that DeX offers a scaled-up desktop when the Galaxy S8’s comparatively smaller display is simply not enough.

The DeX is a bit like Continuum.

So because this is just Samsung’s Android build scaled up to a larger screen, you can’t use any Windows or Mac apps on this computer wannabe — but there are compatible Adobe and Microsoft apps, including Adobe Lightroom and Microsoft Word, that are designed specifically for the big screen. DeX also supports virtual desktops like Citrix, Amazon Workspace, and VMWare, so you can actually get some work done if you need to. And if you wanted access to any of your Android apps, those are also compatible.

It’s unclear exactly how normal Android apps and the DeX apps will work in tandem, and how the system handles apps that aren’t designed to run on a larger display or in a windowed environment — right now, Samsung is (understandably) only talking about its own apps.

DeX is not a laptop replacement

Samsung doesn’t appear to be positioning the DeX dock towards those looking for a laptop replacement — and certainly not in the way that the Chromebook has been positioned.

The DeX is something you’d bring with you on a business trip.

Instead, it seems the DeX is something you’d bring with you on a business trip, particularly if you knew there was a monitor hookup already waiting where you’re headed. It could also be a useful accessory for the frequent traveler — it can be hooked up to any television with HDMI — or exist as an on-the-go photo editor.

Sadly, this isn’t a spiritual successor to the Motorola Atrix.

We still have a few questions

There’s got to be more to the Samsung DeX.

Is there more to the Samsung DeX than just a blown-up phone screen to a desktop interface? Well, software support from other apps will be extremely important for the experience. The existence of different docking options would be fantastic, and of course the general availability of the DeX dock in the places you want to work would be the key to unlocking the power of this platform.

We’re not sure about many of the details, but Samsung is excited about the possibilities of DeX.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Latest Galaxy S8 rumors!
• Galaxy S8 announcement coming March 29 in NYC
• Galaxy S8 release date set for April 28
• Join our Galaxy S8 forums

Galaxy S8 is the first phone with Bluetooth 5: Here’s what it means for you

Samsung is the first to market with an increasingly important spec.

As we all analyze the Galaxy S8 and S8+ spec sheet it’s easy to skip over some of the smaller things like the jumble of acronyms in the connectivity area. But one thing you shouldn’t look beyond is the Bluetooth designation: Samsung’s new Galaxy S8 is the first to be released with support for Bluetooth 5.

Bluetooth 5 is definitely “better” than previous versions, just by the fact that it is newer, but why is it important to want it on your phone? Well it may not be a game changer immediately, but it’s super important for the future of wireless connectivity.

By the numbers, Bluetooth 5 has serious improvements to the core functionality of the standard. It offers four times the theoretical range, two times the speed and eight times the broadcasting message capacity. It doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that that’s a big improvement over what we all have today. You’ll also notice that there isn’t any “LE” (low energy) designation on Bluetooth 5 — that’s because LE is part of the core spec now, and it’s always about lower energy use even over its full range of operation.

Bluetooth 5 is going to be important 6 months or a year down the road.

Bluetooth 5 has huge implications for IoT devices and the connected home, but Bluetooth has of course become increasingly important for our phones as they connect to headphones, speakers, wearables, computers, cars and more on a daily basis. Bluetooth 5 won’t just make headphones sound better (the codec in use matters in that equation), but could make them cut out less and work from a further distance, for example.

Now it needs to be noted that all of these improvements really only come into play once the other devices you’re connecting your Galaxy S8 to also have Bluetooth 5. As has always been the case, connecting to a Bluetooth device on a previous version of the standard will bring the whole conversation down to the lowest common set of capabilities — in this case, connecting to a standard Bluetooth 4.0 speaker or Bluetooth 3.0 in-car stereo will yield the same results on your Galaxy S8 as it would on a Galaxy S7.

But going forward, it’s important to know that you’ll have Bluetooth 5 on your Galaxy S8 or S8+ and be ready for the future of Bluetooth connectivity. Being that Samsung made the move to put Bluetooth 5 in its phones you can bet it will be early to adopt the same standard on its vast range of headphones, speakers and other accessories that rely on Bluetooth. As other companies get on board as well, you’ll be able to take advantage of the latest Bluetooth standard without even thinking about it.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Latest Galaxy S8 rumors!
• Galaxy S8 announcement coming March 29 in NYC
• Galaxy S8 release date set for April 28
• Join our Galaxy S8 forums

Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus preview: 6-inches plus, but perfectly manageable

Samsung is probably the most watched of the smartphone manufacturers. Arguably, for right or wrong, the company probably took more headlines for its tumultuous 2016 that Apple did with the iPhone. The Galaxy S7 edge won awards while the Galaxy Note 7 was a disaster. 

The Samsung Galaxy S8, then, is more than just another phone. It not only needs to be the phoenix that rises, it needs to stamp out the flames of the Note 7 and establish the company’s position as a smartphone powerhouse.

Fortunately, Samsung is approaching this as only Samsung can: the Galaxy S8 is going bigger, it’s going better and from what we’ve seen so far, it’s pretty bold too.

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Samsung Galaxy S8+: Design 

• Dual-edge 18.5:9 aspect Infinity Display
• 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1mm, 173g
• IP68 waterproofing

While the transition from Galaxy S6 edge+ to Galaxy S7 edge had some blink-and-you’ll-miss-it changes, the Galaxy S8 looks to catapult this phone into the future. There’s a sweeping run of changes to this phone, but it’s distinctly Galaxy. Dual curved edges, sculpted sides and a glass back is all familiar territory, as is the IP68 protection. 

There’s a big change on the front that would be unique had Korean rivals LG not pipped Samsung to the post with the launch of the LG G6. The big shift is the reduction of bezels top and bottom, shifting the aspect to 18.5:9. That’s fractionally different to the LG, but the motivations are the same.

• LG G6 review: The first truly great flagship phone for 2017

The aim is to increase the screen to body ratio and give you more display without resulting in a bigger overall phone. The Samsung Galaxy S8+ has a huge 6.2-inch display, but it’s only 73.4mm wide. That’s narrower than the iPhone 7 Plus, while only being fractionally taller – but giving you over half an inch more display.

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Of course, changing the aspect results in that display increase: it’s taller rather than wider, so although that diagonal is larger you don’t get the same display area as you would from a 6.2-inch 16:9 phone. 

Essentially, Samsung has expanded the display into sections of the phone that used to be top and bottom bezel, shifting the controls onto the display and amongst other things, ditching that logo bar at the top. Moving the controls onto the display is something that Samsung has avoided for many years, but it now necessitates moving the fingerprint scanner to the rear. It has also lead to a pressure sensitive home button under the display, but more on that later.

Pocket-lint

The Samsung Galaxy S8 embraces innovation: there’s a newness to the design while retaining the more eye-catching features of the Galaxy S7 edge. The result is a beautifully updated handset that makes its rivals look tired and boring.

Samsung Galaxy S8+: Specs and battery 

• Samsung Exynos 8895, 4GB RAM
• 64GB storage + microSD
• 3500mAh battery, USB Type-C, wireless charging
• Gigabit LTE

Outside of design, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ comes with a fully-updated internals. For the geeks, this phone is the first to be powered by a 10nm chipset. Sure, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium will too, but Samsung will be the first to market. 

We’re yet to really see how the new Exynos chipset will perform, but Samsung is saying that the efficiencies will lead to a more powerful CPU, and a 20 per cent boost to the GPU. One thing is clear though: Samsung sees this as much more than just a phone, as the announcement of the Samsung DeX (desktop experience), sees this phone able to act like a desktop when docked.

Pocket-lint

Samsung hasn’t detailed exactly who is getting what chipset where: we expect to get Exynos in the UK, while some other territories will likely get the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. We’ll update as we learn more. There’s 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, with microSD card for expansion and of course, there’s a lot still to learn about how this phone performs under load in the real world.

Those with eagle eyes will have spotted the USB Type-C on the bottom for charging the 3500mAh battery: this is where the larger S8+ is likely to trounce the smaller model, as it has a larger battery. There’s no telling how long it last, again, something we’ll test when we fully review the phone. There’s wireless charging support, as before, too. 

Samsung Galaxy S8+: Display 

• 6.2-inch 2960 x 1440 pixels, 529ppi
• AMOLED Infinity Display with dual edges, 18.5:9 aspect
• Mobile HDR Premium certification 

When it comes to displays, Samsung has a reputation. We’ve seen luscious AMOLED after luscious AMOLED and we’ve never failed to be impressed. They might not have the colour balance or realism that some others strive to achieve, but they deliver the brightness and the punch to make everything look fantastic, indoors and out.

Pocket-lint

Samsung is in new territory with the Galaxy S8+, pushing for a taller display with that 18.5:9 aspect. That means you have more space if you want to multi-task, splitting the display to have different apps top and bottom. That’s something that Samsung has offered for some time and if natively supported by Android Nougat, but it’s more effective on this type of display.

There’s a shift in resolution to 2960 x 1440 pixels, resulting in 529ppi, which is pretty close to the Google Pixel XL (535ppi). That means incredible detail from this display. First impressions are that it’s every bit as capable as the S7 edge and that’s a very good thing, as it looks fantastic.

One of the interesting details is the confirmation certified by the Ultra HD Alliance. Samsung said it was the first display to get this certification for Mobile HDR Premium – there was no mention at the launch of the Galaxy Tab S3 launch. For those who don’t know, the Ultra HD Alliance certifies that TVs reach a particular standard in terms of quality to carry the Premium badging, with this new Mobile HDR Premium established for the best mobile devices.

• Mobile HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, Mobile HDR Premium explained

Undoubtedly, this is a move to oppose the LG move to offer the first mobile Dolby Vision device, as these two rivals battle it out in the mobile HDR space. The good news for consumers is that there’s likely to be more content as companies provide the hardware to view it on – watch out for Netflix and Amazon HDR content coming to a phone near you.

Pocket-lint

Returning to the aspect ratio, the one-handed aim is achieved to a certain extent, because you can more easily reach across the width of the phone one-handed. That means that things like keyboard entry is easier. The top of the phone, however, is a little further away, so some might find that reaching for the notifications area is a little more of a stretch than it was before. 

If there’s one detail we’re not totally sold on, it’s the rounded corners to the display area. Having been using the S7 edge, it is essentially a squared display in the corners, so this is a change that might take some time to get used to. Whether it results in the notifications and system icons getting a little squashed across the top, time will tell. 

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ has a display that will blow others away. There’s loads of space in a device that’s not excessively large, it’s packed with detail, dripping in saturation and pushing those HDR skills. 

Samsung Galaxy S8+: Fingerprint scanner and home button 

• Iris scanner
• Rear fingerprint scanner
• “Force Touch” home button

The elephant in the room is the rearrangement of that home button, which is linked to the fingerprint scanner and the iris scanning skills. But let’s rewind a little. The original Samsung Galaxy S had a physical home button at launch in 2010. Every Galaxy S model has followed suit, as Samsung avoided the temptation to go for on-screen controls.

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That’s now all changed. Shifting the display size and removing the bezel top and bottom means there’s no space for buttons. The fingerprint scanner is now on the rear, sitting next to the camera lens. That’s not an uncommon position and those who have used Huawei or Pixel devices will know it presents no problem at all – but Samsung’s almost seamless framing and positioning will likely mean that many put fingerprints on the camera. This will take time to get used to. 

That’s the reason that Samsung is now talking up the alternative biometric unlocking option it offers – iris scanning. You can have the iris scanner unlock the phone when you look at it and Samsung says this is now a much more advanced system. That should hopefully easy away any barriers to unlocking, but we can see that having offered a seamless home button unlocking experience, this change is a big one for serial Galaxy S users. We’ll find out when we fully review the phone.

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But let’s talk about that new home button. With the navigation controls on the display (and customisable) you now have the option of firm pressing button centre to act as the home button. There’s haptic feedback when you do (also adjustable) so that you know it’s worked. Having used plenty of phones with on-screen controls (Pixel XL, LG, Huawei, for example), it feels like a normal Android experience. Again, it’s something we’ll have to explore in more detail in the future.

Samsung Galaxy S users should embrace the change: it’s different, but it’s not bad. 

Samsung Galaxy S8+ cameras 

• Rear 12-megapixel f/1.7
• Front 8-megapixel f/1.7
• Multi-frame image processing
• Bixby integration

The last Galaxy S had a great camera and a year on, we still think it’s one of the best cameras you’ll find on a mobile device. There are no gimmicks, no dual lens, it just gets on with the job and returns great results. 

Before we get into the details, let’s talk about quick launch. Obviously there’s no home button to double press, so you can quick launch the camera with a double press of the standby button – standard Android stuff, and just as easy.

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The rear camera is 12-megapixels with a rear aperture of f/1.7, which is the same as the S7. The front moves up to 8-megapixels, which seems to be becoming the norm. The software appears to very much reflect the Nougat experience of the S7, but with the addition of AR and stickers. Hey, it’s 2017, deal with it. 

One of the new elements aiming to boost performance is something that Samsung is calling  “multi frame image processing”. Basically it takes three photos and uses the information to produce one better image. It’s a useful addition but not a new technology. This type of bracketing has been used in cameras and other phones before.

The camera also has Bixby integration, meaning you can basically use Bixby vision to identify things and return results, very much like Google Googles or the Amazon shopping app.

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From the time we’ve spend with the S8+, we can’t judge how well the cameras perform in all conditions. We’d expect it to be excellent as the last camera was, but of course we’ll be testing it extensively and reporting back. 

Samsung Galaxy S8+ software and Bixby

• Android Nougat with TouchWiz
• Bixby AI for US English and Korean
• Google Assistant

Finally turning to the software experience of the Galaxy S8+, it very much reflects the updated Nougat software of the S7. This refines the software experience of the original S7, adds in some of the tweaks from the Note 7, pulls in the natively supported parts of Android Nougat and spits out a very complete and friendly UX.

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It’s a complete reworking of Android, however, as far away from the Google Pixel as you can get. But if you’re using a recent Galaxy device, you’ll find it familiar, except that missing apps tray button. On the S8, you’ll swipe up to access your apps, rather like Google’s Pixel Launcher.

It’s packed with features and functions, which we won’t dwell on here, but there’s connectivity to help you with home control, there’s integration with Samsung TVs, there’s a full range of Samsung apps, some of which you might not really want – the browser or gallery, for example. 

But the big new thing is Bixby. Samsung announced this prior to launch as an AI system designed to be integrated with apps and have a level of intelligence to make your device easier to use. Bixby also gets its own launch button on the side of the device. 

Here’s the bad news: Bixby will only be launching with support for Korean and US English at launch, with no details on when it’s coming to other territories. It will come to Europe, but there’s no confirmation of when.

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For those who don’t get the full Bixby option, the Bixby button will just take you to and area called Bixby Home. This combines the existing Upday news aggregation feature with information cards very much like Google Now. You’ll get the weather and other details.

Bixby is very much a rival to Google Assistant (which you also get through Google Search). But Bixby aims to control your device as well as find other information.

• What is Bixby? Everything you need to know about Samsung’s assistant

We’ll not dwell too much on Bixby here, as we’ve written about it separately, but it’s a little disappointing that those in the UK won’t get this full experience from launch day. On the flip side, Bixby looks very capable and brings another string to Samsung’s S8 bow.

First Impressions

The Samsung Galaxy S8+ is a demonstration that Samsung isn’t standing still with its smartphones. There’s no sense of playing it safe, instead embracing a push in new directions. The S8 show the biggest rethinking of device interaction that we’ve seen in the history of Samsung Galaxy and we love it.

It’s a change, sure, and we expect Samsung fans will approach it with trepidation. You’re looking at a new display shape, a new home button experience, a new method for device control through voice. These are bold moves for Samsung’s new flagship, moving into previously uncharted territory. 

The result is that the Samsung Galaxy S8+ succeeds in making its rivals look old. This is a phone has been worth waiting for and we can’t wait to test it to the extreme.

The Samsung Galaxy S8+ price is £799 and pre-orders will run from 29 March to 19 April. The general release date for the Galaxy S8+ is 28 April.

Samsung Galaxy S8 preview: The 5.8-incher that’s small enough for everyone

Samsung’s Galaxy S8 has finally arrived and while its design will come with absolutely zero surprise to those who have been following the constant stream of rumours over the last few months, it will undoubtedly still have all eyes on it.

It not only has some big boots to fill with the Galaxy S7 edge being a fantastic device, but it also has to regain the confidence lost by the Galaxy Note 7. In short, it has its work well and truly cut out.

Luckily, the Galaxy S8 holds no prisoners with Samsung pulling out all the stops. First impressions: It absolutely nails it.

Samsung Galaxy S8: Design

• Dual-edge 18.5:9 aspect Infinity Display
• 148.1 x 68.2 x 8mm, 155g
• IP68 waterproofing

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a fabulous looking device that takes the Galaxy S7 edge’s stunning design and pushes all its boundaries, delivering a futuristic successor that exceeds even our expectations on first look.

The IP68-rated metal and glass sandwich, dual-curved edges and sculpted sides all remain, offering the familiar Galaxy finish we have come to know and love over the last couple of years, but there are several key design changes that set the S8 apart from the S7 and S6 edge ranges.

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First and foremost is the Infinity Display that encompasses the front of the device with its curved edges, super slim bezels and not even so much as a logo ruining the finale. It isn’t the first smartphone to be all about the display, with the LG G6 stealing that accolade, but both Korean manufacturers are aiming for the same goal: better screen-to-body ratios that deliver larger displays without increasing the overall footprint.

Despite the Galaxy S8’s 0.3-inch larger display over the S7 edge, it is actually smaller in body and lighter, measuring just 148.1 x 68.2 x 8mm and weighing 155g, resulting in a device that is a pleasure to handle.

• LG G6 review: The first truly great flagship phone for 2017

The home button is now pressure sensitive and built into the display, along with navigation controls, rather than a physical button sitting beneath it, while the bezels that do exist on the Galaxy S8 are now black, instead of the the same colour running through from the rear of the device.

There is something to be said for the addition of colour through bezels and some may even prefer the design of the S7 edge for this reason alone, but the black finish does put more emphasis on the lovely display, while also hiding the plethora of sensors at the top – more on those later.

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The glass back of the Galaxy S8 has the square camera lens positioned centrally at the top with a flash to its left, as was the case with the S7 edge, but there is now also a fingerprint sensor to the right. Perhaps a strange position in terms of usability but in terms of design, it delivers a level of symmetry that is very pleasing to the eye like the rest of the device.

The Galaxy S8 is stunning, as far as smartphones go, with a design that makes some of its biggest competitors look boring and dated in comparison. It will be available in Midnight Black and Orchid Grey in the UK, both of which are lovely, though we do have a big crush on the grey [insert emoji with love heart eyes here]. A third colour, Arctic Silver, will also be available eventually.

Samsung Galaxy S8: Display

• 5.8-inch 2960 x 1440 pixels, 570ppi
• AMOLED Infinity Display with dual edges, 18.5:9 aspect
• Mobile HDR with Ultra HD Alliance certification

Samsung is no stranger to a fantastic display with its Super AMOLED screens leading the way for brightness, vibrancy and punch, resulting in everything looking fabulous, even if not as realistic as some of its rivals.

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The Galaxy S8’s screen once again opts for AMOLED and unsurprisingly, it appears to be as impressive as its predecessors and every bit as capable. It’s curved like the Galaxy S8+ meaning there is no flat option this time round. A bump in resolution to 2960 X 1440 results in a pixel density of 570ppi and exceptional detail in the new device, while the aspect ratio moves from the standard 16:9 to 18.5:9, which is similar though not quite identical to LG’s G6.

The taller display allows for better multi-tasking capabilities, enabling users to split the display more effectively than is possible with a 16:9 display. You’ll not only be able to have different apps at the top and bottom of the screen, which is something Samsung and Android Nougat already offer, but you’ll also be able to pin apps on top of each other.

The extended height does mean that notifications are a little bit more of a thumb stretch to access than they would be on the S7 edge, but as the width remains the same, one-handed use is certainly achievable and surprisingly comfortable on both the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and the larger 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+.

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Mobile HDR Premium is also on board the Galaxy S8, a technology that was first introduced on the he-who-must-not-be-named Galaxy Note 7, and more recently on the LG G6 and Galaxy Tab S3. Where LG bagged the first Dolby Vision smartphone medal, Samsung has bagged the first Ultra HD Alliance certified smartphone for its Mobile HDR.

He said, she said and jargon aside, ultimately this battle for the best Mobile HDR experience should mean the likes of Netflix and Amazon will produce more HDR content in order for you to take full advantage of the technology, which is great.

• Mobile HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and everything you need to know about future mobile entertainment

Samsung Galaxy S8: Specs and battery

• Samsung Exynos 8895, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, microSD
• Iris scanning, rear fingerprint sensor
• 3000mAh battery, USB Type-C, wireless charging
• Gigabit LTE

Beauty comes from within, as they say, and luckily the Galaxy S8’s beauty is skin deep. Yep, it runs all the way to the core being the first smartphone to market powered by a 10nm chipset.

The Exynos processor still needs to prove itself in the real world, but according to Samsung, the Galaxy S8 will offer over a 10 per cent improvement in CPU compared to the S7 edge, and a 21 per cent improvement in GPU.

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No doubt some territories will get the Samsung-made Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip rather than the Exynos 8895, and it too will need to prove itself, but it isn’t currently known which chip will be going where. We will update this preview when we find out, as well as when we have tested the performance in the real world.

What we do know for now is the Galaxy S8 will have 4GB of RAM support, coupled with 64GB of internal storage and microSD support for storage expansion. There is also a 3000mAh battery on board, which is a little smaller than the 3500mAh found in the larger Galaxy S8+, though both are charged via USB Type-C, a feature Samsung missed off the spec sheet last year. They also both have fast charging and wireless charging support.

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In terms of other specs, the Galaxy S8 also offers iris recognition, which Samsung claims is now more advanced than when it launched on the Note 7 and there is also that rear-mounted fingerprint sensor we mentioned briefly earlier.

If you don’t like the idea of either of these, the invisible pressure sensitive home button we also briefly mentioned can be firmly pressed to unlock the Galaxy S8, delivering customisable haptic feedback so you know it’s worked. Galaxy S users, you’ll get used to one of them eventually, don’t worry.

Samsung Galaxy S8: Camera

• Rear 12MP f/1.7, front 8MP f/1.7
• Multi-frame image processing
• Bixby integration

Samsung upped its game tremendously in its smartphone camera department over the last couple of years, with the Galaxy S6 and S7 devices both excelling in this area putting expectations high for the Galaxy S8.

Like the Galaxy S7, the new device has a 12-megapixel Duo Pixel rear camera with optical image stabilisation and an aperture of f/1.7, while the front camera sees a bump in resolution to 8-megapixels. Samsung has also added autofocus to the front snapper, along with filters, augmented reality and stickers overall. All the fun to be had, even if a little gimmicky.

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In an effort to meet those high expectations, a technology called “multi-frame image processing” has also been introduced. This technology takes three images and uses the information collected to create one better, more detailed image. It has been used in other devices in the past, so while not new, it is a useful addition that will no doubt boost performance, though we will let you know when we try it out properly. 

Last but not least on the camera front, the Galaxy S8’s snapper features Bixby integration, allowing you to use the Bixby Vision feature to identify things. This works in a similar way to Google Googles and the Amazon shopping app, so again, not a new technology as such, but certainly a feature worth mentioning.

Samsung Galaxy S8: Software and Bixby

• Android Nougat with TouchWiz
• Bixby assistant for US and Korea
• Google Assistant

The Samsung Galaxy S8 runs on Android Nougat with TouchWiz over the top, as we all expected. The result is a familiar experience to what is offered on the S7’s Nougat software but with a few refinements and some additions from the Note 7.

It’s far from the pure, raw Android experience you would find on the likes of Pixel, but for the Galaxy S users, the UX will be familiar, while those new to Galaxy will be greeted with an easy to use and pleasurable experience.

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There are plenty of features and functions, including home control and integration with Samsung TVs but the most exciting of these is the company’s new AI system, Bixby. Samsung launched this system prior to the Galaxy S8 so you may have already heard some murmurings about it, though unfortunately for those in the UK, you’ll be waiting a little longer to try it out properly.

Samsung has said Bixby will be coming to Europe at some point before the end of the year, though didn’t specify exactly when. Instead, European users at launch will see the dedicated Bixby button on the left hand side of the Galaxy S8 take you to Bixby Home. This is an area that offers a range of information cards like Google Now, as well as news and activity data.

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When Bixby does eventually launch, you’ll get a similar experience to Google Assistant but Bixby aims to go that little bit further, helping you control your device and find other information. Based on what we saw, Bixby seems to be very capable and worth the wait so hopefully that wait won’t be too long for those of us on this side of the pond.

First Impressions

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a stunning smartphone that seems to tick all the boxes. Yes there are some big changes, especially for the Galaxy S user, but sometimes change is great and in the case of this device, it is excellent.

Where some of its rivals have stood still, Samsung has pushed the boundaries, crossed the lines and returned with a device that is genuinely exciting and a huge step away from what may now be considered boring.

Well done Samsung. The Galaxy Note 7 may have been an exploding disaster but from what we’ve seen, the Galaxy S8 looks like it will be an exploding (not literally) triumph that we for one, can’t wait to fully review.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 will cost £689, with pre-orders starting on 29 March. General availability will begin on 28 April. All Galaxy S8 devices will come with AKG in-ear headphones in the box.

Samsung updates Gear 360 VR camera, second gen offers 4K recording

Samsung has introduced an all-new Gear 360 virtual reality camera to coincide with the launch of the Samsung VR content platform. It also joins the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones.

The new Gear 360 ushers in 4K recording for the first time from its dual 8.4-megapixel cameras and Bright Lens F2.2 aperture, both with fisheye lenses.

With the new camera comes a new design too, which makes the Gear 360 more ergonomic than before for holding in your hand to record video. It also ditches the small tri-pod of the old model in favour or a small rubber-disced bottom.

• Samsung Galaxy S8 preview: The 5.8-incher that’s small enough for everyone
• Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus preview: 6-inches plus, but perfectly manageable

You can access a number of viewing modes, editing tools and photo effects and filters to add to your videos and images, and everything you do create can be easily shared. Alternatively, content can be stored on a microSD card inside the camera up to 256GB.

When connected to a compatible smartphone or PC, you can use the Gear 360 to broadcast video live to Facebook, YouTube or Samsung VR.

Compatible smartphones include the entire Samsung Galaxy lineup from the new Galaxy S8 and S8+, going back to the S6, S6 Edge and Note 5 along with the 2017 versions of the Galaxy A5 and A7. Apple iPhone SE users and above can connect to the Gear 360 too, as can Windows and Mac computers.

Pricing and availability of the new Gear 360 are yet to be revealed, but we’ll update this story as soon as we find out.

Bixby, Samsung’s smart AI, launches on the Galaxy S8 but only supports US English and Korean

Samsung has announced the Galaxy S8 and S8+, which also debuts the new smart AI service known as Bixby.

Bixby is Samsung’s answer to Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa, looking to bridge devices and offer smart voice control for a wide range of functions, avoiding the need to dig into the settings.

Samsung says that devices are getting more complicated and that Bixby will help you get the most out of them, like letting you place quick calls, change the settings on your phone and a whole lot more, with a dedicated button on the side of the phones. 

• What is Bixby? Samsung’s smart AI explained

Samsung also has ambitions to expand this service across all its devices: as long as it has an internet connection and a microphone, then it could potentially use the Bixby cloud service.

There’s one slight problem, however. Bixby is launching with support for Korean and the US English so those in the UK and Europe will have to wait for local language support. Samsung is also being tight lipped about when it might be appearing elsewhere, but has assured us that it will happen.

For those who don’t get the full Bixby service, you’ll find that the Bixby button on the side of your Samsung Galaxy S8 instead accesses something called Bixby Home, a sort of Upday meets Google Now page, offering news nippets and information cards. 

Everyone, fortunately, gets Bixby Vision, however, which allows you to aim the camera at something and get more information about it.

ICYMI: SpaceX’s rocket re-launch and a universal wireless charger

Today on In Case You Missed It: We take a look at SpaceX’s plan to see if its rockets are really reusable. Tomorrow the company plans to send the first Falcon 9 rocket that successfully landed on its floating barge back into orbit where it will deploy a telecommunications satellite. Be sure to bring some popcorn. It’s also time to get (milli)amped! The Juiced battery system uses wirelessly-charged 1500mAh power packs and a universal, tethered base station to charge up to 6 mobile devices at once. Squad goals!

As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @terrortola.

Intel: Our next chips will be a ‘generation ahead’ of Samsung

Intel says that when its long-delayed 10-nanometer Cannon Lake chips finally arrive, they’ll be a “full generation ahead” of rivals Samsung and TMSC, thanks to “hyper scaling” that squeezes in twice as many transistors. That will yield CPUs with 25 percent more performance and 45 percent lower power use than its current Kaby Lake chips when they ship towards the end of 2017. Furthermore, Intel thinks the tech will keep Moore’s Law going and give it a 30 percent cost advantage over competitors like AMD.

These are bold words, particularly since its chief rival Samsung is already producing 10-nanometer chips like the Snapdragon 835, the world’s hottest mobile CPU. However, Intel says that while the chip trace sizes are the same, it has better feature density, letting it squeeze in twice as many transistors as chips from Samsung. That in turn produces smaller die sizes, which “allows Intel to continue the economics of Moore’s Law,” the company explains in a PowerPoint.

Down the road, Intel will also release enhanced 10-nanometer tech called 10+ and 10++. To be sure, that’s mostly marketing-speak that will help it keep consumer’s attention until 7-nanometer chips come along. However, the refinements will offer a further 15 percent performance and 30 percent efficiency boost, it says.

Intel laid out all this chip info as part of its Technology and Manufacturing Day yesterday, probably to sooth buyers and investors. Not only did Samsung and Qualcomm beat it to the punch for 10-nanometer chips, AMD also unveiled Ryzen processors that could eat into both its high- and low-end PC markets.

However, Intel sounds pretty confident about its next-gen chips and beyond. It’s planning on building 10-nanometer chips for three years before moving on to 7-nanometer tech, about the same cycle length as its current 14-nanometer chips. “We are always looking three generations –- seven to nine years — ahead,” says Intel Executive VP Stacy J. Smith. “Moore’s Law is not ending at any time we can see ahead of us.”

Source: Intel (PDF)