It’s that time of year; we’re going to be comparing Samsung’s Galaxy S8 Plus and S8 against other smartphones. So, that later this month you will be well equipped to make the decision to upgrade or not. As such, today we’re comparing the South Koreans current flagship the Galaxy S7 Edge to the larger new S-Line device. So, sit back and prepare to be dazzled with information, from design, display, camera, power, and more.
Galaxy S8 Plus Vs. Galaxy S7 Edge
As a trendsetter when it comes to smartphone design, you expect both of the handsets in this comparison to be stylish. In fact, where the Galaxy S8 Plus is concerned there are certainly hints of a natural progression at work, meaning it’s gorgeous to look at. However, if there’s something you should know about the Galaxy S7 Edge, it is that it’s beautiful too. Additionally, if you think the older device will be wiped away by the newer more technologically advanced S8 Plus, don’t. Jumping to conclusions will only lead you down the wrong path, as it is no slouch either.
So, here’s where the battle for your big Samsung affections begin’s in earnest, which one will you choose?
Design
The first thing you will notice when looking at the Galaxy S8 Plus and Galaxy S7 Edge side-by-side is the home button is gone. Unlike the Edge with its physical button, Samsung has decided to place the key with on-screen approximations. Additionally, the fingerprint sensor has been moved to the rear next to the camera. A move which the likes of LG have been lambasted for in the past.
However, Samsung has been on a mission to create a near edge-to-edge display for years. And with the S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, the time had come to do so, which meant the moving/replacement of the keys. Unfortunately, the moving of the Fingerprint sensor has caused an issue for the camera sensor. Apparently, its operation leads to an increased risk of smudging the camera lens, which causing problems when taking pictures.
To the rescue, is Iris recognition, as an additional choice of accessing the Galaxy S8 Plus. Meaning you could ignore the fingerprint sensor altogether and use your eyes to access the handset. So, where the Galaxy S7 Edge had the lead, the S8 Plus snatches it back, with a feature on available on its older sibling.
Size and Weight
As far as size is concerned, the S8 Plus is huge; it dwarfs the S7 Edge which is not a small device. Here are their overall dimensions including weight:
- Galaxy S8 Plus – 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm (6.00 x 3.09 x 0.31-inch), 173g (6.10 oz)
- Galaxy S7 Edge – 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7 mm (5.94 x 2.86 x 0.30-inch) and 157g (5.54 oz)
You can see from the details above, that there is a significant size difference, as is there a difference is weight. However, for its size, the S8 Plus is remarkably lightweight by comparison. This could be due to new materials used during its production, and and chipsets continuously getting smaller.
Display
The big news about the Galaxy S8 Plus and the feature which envelopes 84% of its front is the display. Called an infinity display, it’s actually Super AMOLED technology, something which the Galaxy S7 Edge has too. However, there are differences and these start with aspect ratio.
At 18.5:9, the display on the yet to be released S8 Plus is narrower and taller compared to the 16:9 aspect ratio of the S7 Edge. Which means, not only is there a similar amount of PPI on the 6.2-inch display. But, it’s also easier to hold and use in one hand than you would expect.
- Galaxy S8 Plus – 6.2-inch Super AMOLED 1440 x 2960 pixels, 529 ppi pixel density
- Galaxy S7 Edge – 5.5-inch Super AMOLED 1440 x 2560 pixels, 534 ppi pixel density
Overall, this means there’s more onscreen room to watch movies, chat on social media, and edit documents. Additionally, the fact that it’s HDR means, the likes of Amazon and Netflix are going to be including support soon.
Camera
Looking at the specifications of the cameras on each handset, it’s clear that the Galaxy S8 Plus has largely the same. Both have 12MP rear sensors with f/1.7 apertures and dual-pixel autofocus. However, Samsung assures wannabe S8 Plus owners, that its camera is the better. Mainly, thanks to tweaks of the onboard software, which when taking an image snaps three pictures at once.
It then uses two of those images to help enhance the final output, leading to improved image quality in both light and dark. Additionally, there’s been an improvement to the autofocus on the front sensor, another slight tweak but worth it. Overall, like with the Galaxy S7 Edge, the Galaxy S8 Plus will give you optical image stabilization and 4K video recording.
Power
In general, it’s OK to think that a new Flagship should surpass an old one where performance is concerned. And fortunately, the same can be said when comparing the Edge and Plus. However, we’re not talking about iPhone 7 to iPhone 6S Plus increases; instead, Galaxy users should expect a little less.
As for what these increases are, here’s what Samsung has to say on the matter: The Galaxy S8 Plus with its all new powerful Snapdragon 835 chipset or Exynos 8895 will give you overall. A 10% improved CPU speed and 21% improvement from the GPU, couple this with 4GB of RAM and that’s not bad.
However, if you compare the increases in the S7 Edge compared to its predecessor the S6, the latest isn’t great. Featuring a Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 it provided a CPU which was 30% faster, and a GPU with a massive 64% increase in power.
What does this mean? It means, that while the Galaxy S8 Plus has improved chipset performance, it’s not offering as much as earlier upgrades did. Yes, there’s more to this Snapdragon chipset than just power, it ultimately, delivers better battery performance via less energy usage. Which is something which will be altogether noticeable, and worth having?
Conclusion
While the Galaxy S8 Plus is a huge handset in overall size, display, and features we can’t help but feel that Samsung missed something. Yes, it is an improvement over the S7 Edge, but is it one worth spending $$$’s to own? We feel that with a minimum of 6GB of RAM, and a dual-camera lens as was rumored, would have made it worthwhile. However, in its current configuration, we would suggest you, handle each side-by-side and then decide. After all, it maybe the deal sweeteners that ultimately sway your decision.