The Samsung Galaxy A Series was launched two years back. As of now, there are 5 smartphone models in the Galaxy A series; A3, A5, A7, A8 and A9, which receive yearly refresh with iterative updates. Samsung’s A series is their premium midrange series. Consequently, these smartphones have midrange specifications and above-average prices for the segment.
But with Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8 Plus 2018 models, Samsung is ready to break the trend. This time both the Galaxy A8 devices will borrow a lot of features from this year’s flagships Galaxy S8 and the Note 8 series.
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Samsung Galaxy A8 & Galaxy A8 Plus – Features
The user manuals of both these smartphones are live on Samsung’s website.
Design
As per the leak, Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8 Plus will feature a curved glass at the back and metal frame on the sides giving it a premium look as well as feel in the hand.
The user manual has confirmed that both the A8 models will feature water and dust protection.
Display
Both the smartphones will come with univisium 18:9, AMOLED displays, just like Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus this year. However, Galaxy A8 and A8 Plus may not carry the signature all-curved Samsung design on the sides.
The Galaxy A8 Plus is tipped to come with a 6 inch bezel less 18:9 AMOLED display with a 2280 x 1080 pixels resolution. Though as the name suggests, the screen size will be slightly smaller.
Hardware
The smartphones will pack an octa-core Exynos 7885 processor under the hood with two cores clocking at 2.2GHz and six cores clocking at 1.6GHz coupled with 6GB of RAM (there will be a cheaper 4GB RAM model available as well).
Software
As per unconfirmed reports, the Galaxy A8 will probably not run Android Oreo out of the box, and the UI is very similar to recent Samsung smartphones running Android Nougat.
Storage
The 2018 Galaxy A8 series is expected to come in 3 variants; 4GB RAM + 32GB storage, 4GB RAM + 64GB storage and 6GB RAM + 64GB storage. The storage will be expandable up to 256GB via a microSD card slot.
Camera
The Galaxy A8 series will also be the first-ever Galaxy smartphones to come with dual front cameras. It will be a combination of a 16MP f/1.9 primary sensor and an 8MP f/1.9 secondary sensor with shallower depth of field. At the back, there will be a 16MP camera with an f/1.7 aperture and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
Connectivity
Both the smartphones will come with two SIM card slots and will have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/ A-GPS, and NFC support on board. Both the phones will come with USB Type C ports and with the regular 3.5mm headphone jack.
Battery
The A8 Plus will be powered by a 3,500mAh battery, while the A8 is expected to pack in a smaller 3,000mAh batteey.
The new 2018 A8 phones will be unveiled at Samsung Global event or Asia Forum in late December or early January. They are expected to cost under Rs. 40,000/- and will go up against the likes of the OnePlus 5T, Nokia 8 and Mi MIX 2.
Galaxy S9 & S9 Plus Leaked
The flagship Android phone for Samsung in the year 2018, will be the upcoming Galaxy S9 duo.
Display
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ will feature Samsung’s Infinity Display technology. According to the renders, the S9 will feature a 5.65 inch Quad HD+ display and the S9 Plus will feature a 6.1 inch Quad HD+ display.
Processor
The Galaxy S9 has beek leaked online, and is expected to be powered by the recently announced Snapdragon 845 chispet. But in India, they will feature a comparable Exynos 9810 SoC.
Storage
There will be two variants of each available; 4GB RAM + 64GB storage and 6GB RAM + 64GB storage.
Camera
The Galaxy S9 will feature a single rear camera, and will feature AI-driven software.
Build Quality
Both the S9s will have a slightly smaller form factor, and the Galaxy S9 will feature narrower bezels for a larger display as compared to Galaxy S8.
Software
The Galaxy S9 is likely to launch with the latest Android Oreo 8.0, customised with Samsung’s Touchwiz user interface on top.
The Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus are going to be the top-end flagship phones in terms of pricing. They are likely to be unveiled in January at the CES 2018 event, although the formal launch may take place in February.