Samsung Galaxy A8 2018: unboxing and first look
Nonetheless, the A8 2018 has a slightly lower price than the S8, and offers two key distinctions: instead of the curved display of the S8, we have a flat screen on the A8 2018, and - most importantly - the fingerprint scanner is located in below the rear camera where it is far easier to reach.
We were eager to take it out of the box and here is what we found...
Inside the box:
- Phone
- User manual
- Wall charger
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- In-ear headphones (with 3.5mm jack)
- SIM card ejector tool
First impressions
Our first impressions with the phone are that it is very solidly put together. Adding to this feeling is the added weight: the Galaxy A8 2018 tips the scales at 6.07 ounces (172 g), noticeably heavier than the Galaxy S8 with its 5.36 oz (152 g). We don't mind this, but we ought to mention it as this is the first thing that you feel.
And here is the size of the new A8 compared with some popular phones:
5.87 x 2.78 x 0.33 inches
149.2 x 70.6 x 8.4 mm
6.07 oz (172 g)
5.86 x 2.68 x 0.31 inches
148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm
5.47 oz (155 g)
5.75 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches
146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 mm
5.61 oz (159 g)
6.15 x 2.95 x 0.29 inches
156.1 x 75 x 7.3 mm
5.71 oz (162 g)
5.87 x 2.78 x 0.33 inches
149.2 x 70.6 x 8.4 mm
6.07 oz (172 g)
5.86 x 2.68 x 0.31 inches
148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm
5.47 oz (155 g)
5.75 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches
146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9 mm
5.61 oz (159 g)
6.15 x 2.95 x 0.29 inches
156.1 x 75 x 7.3 mm
5.71 oz (162 g)
Compare these and other phones using our Size Comparison tool.
The Galaxy A8 2018 has a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display with the familiar lush AMOLED colors and it looks very good at first sight. The aspect ratio is the new 18.5:9, meaning it's a taller and narrower screen than the 16:9 screens that were the norm just recently.
A solid in-hand feel and a gorgeous Super AMOLED screen
The loudspeaker is on the side and it's not too big, but sounds fairly loud. And thankfully there is a USB-C port for charging the phone, as well as a fast charger in the box.
The notable camera feature of the new Galaxy A8 is the dual front camera that can blur the background on your selfies for portrait-style shots.
With all this in mind, we are off to running our full suite of tests and measurements, and to actually using this phone to give your our full review soon. Stay tuned!
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