Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have been launched finally, bringing a new design that gives prominence to the screen like never before. The Galaxy S8 series is undoubtedly a comprehensive update to the Galaxy S7, and brings a lot of new features to the flagship range. But the attractive design and big screens are not the only big draws of the new Samsung flagships, as they also offer the Dual Pixel camera on the back, Bixby digital assistant, DeX desktop dock, among its array of new features. In addition, Samsung has stressed that the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will “usher in a new era of smartphone design and fantastic new services” from the company. Here are eight of the top Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ new features you must know about:
1. Refined lookSamsung has ditched its signature home button design for the bezel-less design on the Galaxy S8. Samsung believes that removing the home button will help Galaxy S8 series to offer a more immersive viewing experience while will also make multi-tasking more convenient. Additionally, the Galaxy S8 will come with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back offering a premium finish.
The Galaxy S8 measures 148.9×68.1x8mm and weighs 155 grams which is slightly heavier than its predecessor Galaxy S7 that measured 142.4×69.6×7.9mm and weighed 152 grams. The Galaxy S8+, on the other hand, measures 159.5×73.4×8.1mm and weighs 173 grams thanks to the large screen size. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge came with 150.9×72.6×7.7mm dimensions, and weighed 157 grams.
2. All-new UX
Samsung’s latest Galaxy S8 also debuts the company’s brand new UX. Samsung says that the all-new UX of the Galaxy S8 has been developed to enhance the user interactions. At the event, the company showcased that the Galaxy S8’s app icons and typography incorporate the Galaxy S8’s design language.
Samsung has also updated brand sound “Over the Horizon” and ringtones with the all-new UX. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will also sport the now-standard Galaxy S-Series features including Always-On display.
3. Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 series is the first to debut with the all-new Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. The company touts that the Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature the “industry’s first 10nm processor, enabling heightened speed and efficiency.” In the US market, the Galaxy S8 series will be powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor (2.35GHz quad-core + 1.7GHz quad-core).
The company will be also releasing a variant with the Exynos 8895 SoC, which is an octa-core processor (2.35GHz quad-core + 1.9GHz quad-core). Both new 10nm processors are also claimed to be Gigabit LTE and Gigabit Wi-Fi ready with support for download speeds up to 1Gbps.
4. Infinity Display
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ sport Infinity Display, and in comparison, the Galaxy S8’s display is 18 percent larger than the display seen on the Galaxy S7. In landscape mode, Galaxy S8’s 18.5:9 display will be perfect for 21:9 movies, and Samsung claims the Galaxy S8’s display offers 36 percent more viewing area compared to the Galaxy S7.
Samsung is also promoting the two phones’ High Dynamic Range (HDR) Premium capabilities. The Infinity Display is said to be optimised for multi-window usability. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will also sport a new Snap Window feature that will enhance productivity by allowing users to pin a specific area from a recent app to the top of the screen, and continue using the area below it. Both the handsets sport a screen resolution of Quad HD+ (1440×2960 pixels).
5. Dual-pixel technology
The Galaxy S8 and S8+ sport 12-megapixel dual pixel technology with OIS (optical image stabilisation) with f/1.7 aperture while there is an 8-megapixel autofocus sensor at the front with f/1.7 aperture.
The dual-pixel sensor technology with wide aperture and autofocus is said to perform better in low-light conditions. The camera UX is also claimed to optimise for one-handed operation. The front camera comes with facial recognition technology that can recognise and track faces to provide focused selfies. The camera app also includes wide variety of filters, animated stickers, and stamps.
6. Bixby
Samsung’s Bixby virtual assistant will be making its debut on the Galaxy S8. The company at the event confessed that the Bixby is still being developed and it was created to enhance the way users can interact with the Galaxy S8. Bixby will offer contextual information based on users’ habits. The Galaxy S8 also comes with a dedicated hardware button for Bixby.
7. Samsung DeX
The South Korean company at the New York event also announced the new Samsung DeX mobile-to-PC transition tool that can turn the Galaxy S8 into a desktop. It works similar to Microsoft’s Continuum feature. The Samsung DeX tool will be compatible with the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+, and will offer users an Android-based desktop-like experience. Samsung Galaxy S8 users will have to plug the handset into the DeX Station, which will connect the handset to an HDMI compatible monitor as well as connect to any Bluetooth-enabled, USB, or RF-type keyboard and mouse.
8. Samsung Connect
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 series will come preloaded with Samsung Connect which will let users manage and monitor the smart devices in their home from one unified app. At the event, the company confirmed that the Samsung Connect will support third-party devices with the SmartThings hub integration in the future. As of now, Samsung Connect is compatible with select 2017 Samsung IoT-enabled devices. Samsung believes that Samsung Connect will ease managing multiple IoT devices with a single unified app.
