Think there will be a "mini" S8? - Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers

I saw the S8 & S8+ yesterday at Best Buy. Pretty slick. It got me thinking that my personal preference would be an otherwise identical phone with a 5.2" or so sized screen. The S8 is slightly narrower than my S7, but significantly taller, making it tough to reach the whole screen with one hand. An S8 with roughly the same sized screen, while being physically smaller & lighter would be sweet.

I doubt it, I think it will cost too much making 3 different sizes, especially that majority will buy the Plus or the regular.

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Some initial impressions coming from Galaxy S4 (both TMOUS)

First off, this is the first time I've not had a rooted phone (upon receiving my old HD2, GS2, & GS4 phones, root and custom ROMs were already available), so comparing the software between the G4 & S4 is sort of apples and oranges at this point. However, I think LG does deserve some criticism for releasing the phone with a locked bootloader. This looks like this will probably change, but is still a BIG negative to me at this time. When you're used to root, it's tough to go stock.
Physical size: while it's fairly compact for a 5.5" device, it's simply larger than what I'd like it to be. This is, of course, largely down to the size of my hands and personal preferences, so is not really a criticism. Had LG released a 5.2" version roughly sized like a G2, but with otherwise identical specs, I'd have definitely tried that over this phone. The variable thickness gives a phone that's very thin at the sides (reminiscent of the S6 Edge, although not as severe), while being beveled in a way that makes it far less stable in my hand than the S4. The G4 is also noticeably heavier, which I don't like.
Rear buttons: I understand LG's thinking, and it's cool seeing manufacturers trying different things, but I am not a fan of the power / volume button arrangement. Having to arch my hand to get my index finger where the buttons are while securing the phone with my other fingers, and then feeling around to press the right button is pretty clunky. The more conventional layout that Samsung uses is more intuitive and simply easier to use with one hand, IMHO. Tap to wake is pretty cool, though.
Softkeys: this is a terrible arrangement to me. Side by side with my S4, when subtracting the screen real estate devoted to the soft keys, the height of the viewable screen is almost identical - the G4 is merely a couple of millimeters taller. In my opinion, this makes the "screen-to-body ratio" figure misleading. With the soft keys hidden, the screen grows, but it then requires an extra gesture to bring them up. This is, to me, a completely unnecessary compromise, especially considering the complete waste of space of the bottom bezel, which is actually larger than the S4's, despite the S4 having a hard button and 2 capacitive buttons. I suppose it makes for a slightly cleaner look, but I value function over form every time, and the LG design is simply less functional than Samsung's.
Screen: I find the screens to be largely comparable. The G4 is brighter, but has less deep blacks. The LG screen is surprisingly reflective, making for difficult viewing in some conditions, but overall there's not much to complain about at all. It's very good.
Camera: the LG is the easy winner here, but I'm not a big photography guy and the two year old S4 still does quite well.
Performance: the G4 is quicker and snappier in general. The S4 is still quite capable, but the more current specs of the LG make it the better performer overall.
Headphone jack: I prefer the jack on top. While holding the phone in my left hand, the phone ends up resting somewhat on the headphone connector, which is physically uncomfortable, makes the phone harder to hold, and makes me worry about damaging the jack over time.
Speaker: this isn't of huge importance to me, but there's no doubt the G4 speaker is significantly louder than the S4. It's also got a bit more heft to the sound, although it's slightly more shrill sounding than the S4.
Most of my criticisms of the G4 are down to my personal preferences, so - for example - I won't say the phone is too big, it's just too big for me, so that's not to knock the device for everyone. I'm going to continue with it for now to see if I adapt to the G4, but in all likelihood I'll be returning it. The free 128GB SD + 32GB SD + extra battery + external charger are really great deals, but ultimately I don't think the tradeoffs of the phone will make it worth it to me.
Did you just compare the S4 to the G4? Ummmm ok
krazy_smokezalot said:
Did you just compare the S4 to the G4? Ummmm ok
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Yes. In every performance area, the G4 is obviously better than the 2 year old S4, but the physical design & size of the Samsung still make it the preferred device for me. For what it's worth, I felt the same about the Note 3 I had briefly, although that doesn't apply to the button layout, which is identical to the S4. I actually think very highly of the G4, it's just the wrong phone for me. Now I've gotta decide between the S5 & S6...
I can't believe I wasted time reading this.
deathknellx said:
I can't believe I wasted time reading this.
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+1
+1
Sent from my LG-H811 using XDA Free mobile app

Swapped my S6 Edge for an S6

So I got the S6 Edge the moment it came out
(Actually arrived two days before its official release date in Ireland)
its the first Galaxy I've owned since the S2
(Might be controversial, but I hated the S3,4 & 5 due to over plasticy feel and rubbish TouchWiz interface)
So getting the Edge....I was very very impressed with the speed of the phone, the camera, the battery life......very good
Except I quickly felt the 'Edge' is just a total gimmick.
Style wise its really nice...but none of the Edge features were useful in anyway to me. I also didn't need the 64GB of storage as I never put music on it.
But instead of moving onto another phone model (which I have a massive tendancy to do) I decided to swap for the S6(+cash) And I am still really happy with the phone.
I dont miss the Edge at all.
Any of you guys feel the same?
yes same with me I initially went to buy the edge but ended buying plain S6, it's just a gimmick with the edge.
I heavily contemplated the edge when it came out. After playing with both in store and factoring in the price difference, I went with the s6 and haven't regretted it one bit - in fact, I'm very happy with my decision.
Edge is real real amazing design but badly I need dual sims so only regular S6 to me, this is the main reason.
The Edge screen is also smaller in reality bcoz of the curve on both sides, that meant when you surfing the web only got around 4.7" ~ 4.8" reading size which is another unacceptable reason to me. Not to mention the Edge screen is always darker and will consume more battery at the same brightness level and the battery is already not enough.....
There are just too many disadvantages other than the price, so I go for normal one. I still very like the edge until now but real no way.
To be honest...that was also one of the reasons was the slight loss of actual screenspace
Theverge said it best, go in store and look at the Galaxy s6 edge, enjoy its beauty, then get the regular S6
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Yes. I purchased the Edge kept it a few days then found it to be a waste of the extra cash so returned it for the S6 and am a happy camper. The Edge is stunningly good looking but truly over priced. The 32Gb versions are 150.00€ difference in price. I could not justify that.
The S6 is vastly outselling the Edge per unit. I ponder what Samsung make of that?
Ryland
they have been advertising the Edge a ton on TV around here, the format to me doesn't make any real sense. Never even considered it.
Absolutely, the S6 edge"s" makes the phone look narrow and you lose screen real estate. Awful gimmick. Regular S6 is gorgeous for me.
The Edge is stunningly good looking but truly over priced.
I couldn't stand the light reflections on the edge screen when watching youtube videos.
Sent from my SM-G920T
Well i picked up white S6 after couple of weeks of launch and then i played with both edge and regular and just felt that edge was too expensive. Also thought S6 felt better after a month or so i was regretting of not getting the edge but it seems that not many useful features have been added to it so now i feel better for going with the regular. I do feel it was too expensive to begin with.
I was dead set on getting the edge until I held one in a store. I opted for the standard S6. I felt the edge was slippery to hold, looked thinner, had light reflection. Prefer the feel and look of the standard S6.
I would have probably picked the regular S6 even at the same price. With the Edge being so much more expensive, for me getting the S6 was such an easy decision.
just so u didnt know, edge is far more durable than a regular s6.
look around youtube, s6 edge vs s6 drop test
Yeah, right. All you need is a proper case for your S6. You can find excellent choice of good cases for just 15$.
i got the normal s6 over the edge and must say more than happy with it
shiningarmor said:
just so u didnt know, edge is far more durable than a regular s6.
look around youtube, s6 edge vs s6 drop test
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Anyone dropping their phone is putting their phone in the lap of the gods. A normal drop from head height shouldn't be bothering the S6 or the Edge though, barring scratches.
The main problem I had with the Edge is the grip. The sides are so thin that the phone doesn't feel good in hand.
I ended up buying a 920F without any carrier subsidy like I've done with all my previous phones, and the price for an international Edge was just ridiculous. I couldn't bring myself to shell out that much for a depreciating asset. Anyways I'm happy with my normal s6, I did think the Edge screen made it look smaller and like others didn't like how it felt in the hand. Kinda important for something that you're holding all day every day.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Decision Decision!! Need help

I am still deciding on which one to buy s8 or s8 plus.
Do you guys think s8+ is going to be too big and awkward to use? Especially the fingerprint scanner on the back
BTW I am using S7 edge and it's perfect
I'm getting the plus and I'm going to mainly use the iris scanner instead of the fingerprint
Venkat548 said:
I am still deciding on which one to buy s8 or s8 plus.
Do you guys think s8+ is going to be too big and awkward to use? Especially the fingerprint scanner on the back
BTW I am using S7 edge and it's perfect
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If you have never use a Nexus 6P or something similar in size, you will find it huge !
I personally own a 6P and can't go under 5.7'' . S8+ screen is welcomed !
I own a S7 edge and I'll pre-order the S8. It's almost the same size as the S7e, so if you think it's perfect you should buy the 5.8 inches Galaxy S8
fyi S8+ has slightly better and bigger battery
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Upgrading from the Nexus6p to the S8+ ftw...
S8+ because of the bigger battery and screen
From S7E to S8+ !
Apparently, the S8+ is more or less the same size that Iphone 7 plus...
I'm getting the 8+ purely for the larger battery, but based on the dimensions, I don't think size will be too much of a problem, compared to other phablet phones out there. The only awkwardness may come from the taller display - definitely not the width.
Can anyone find a size comparison or video review between the S8/S8+ with the nexus 6p?
I preordered the S8+ and after playing with it in store, I cancelled my preorder and got the normal S8. I hate the size of the iPhone 7 Plus and the S8+ is just a little more narrow, but still girthy to me. Granted I don't have massive hands and could probably live with the S8+, but the S8 just felt so comfortable. I have a G6 and a Pixel currently and I highly recommend the normal S8 if you're used to a smaller device.
I went to Best buy yesterday and held both, the s8+ didn't feel so big that it was unweildly, but nonetheless it was still a big phone, the s8 felt pretty perfect especially if you like the size of the s7e, but I cancelled my preorder for the s8+ and will wait to see battery life reviews, I'm hoping s8 will be on par with s8+
I also went and looked at both today, and purchased regular s8. s8+ was too tall.
I am now going to bestbuy as well. Will see how each model feels and then will pre-order .
Anything you want me to check guys??
asphire23 said:
Can anyone find a size comparison or video review between the S8/S8+ with the nexus 6p?
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Take a look at the second image.
http://pocketnow.com/2017/03/10/samsung-galaxy-s8-s8-plus-dimension-comparison-rivals
asphire23 said:
Can anyone find a size comparison or video review between the S8/S8+ with the nexus 6p?
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go to phonearena.com and check out their size comparison feature....you can calibrate your screen based on your current phone and it will give you the option to generate an overlap or side by side comparison. This is the best way to figure out if you like the size as this is going to be the actual size of the phone and not just an eyeballed guess
Venkat548 said:
I am still deciding on which one to buy s8 or s8 plus.
Do you guys think s8+ is going to be too big and awkward to use? Especially the fingerprint scanner on the back
BTW I am using S7 edge and it's perfect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no difference between two except size and battery. Battery wise you won't see much difference because of the screen size. So if you want bigger phone go with S8+ else you know what to get.
Personal, I got S8 for myself. Should be easy to carry in pocket as well.
Sent from my SGP521 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
S8 is a hair shorter and a little narrower than the S7 edge.
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/si...y-S7-edge,Samsung-Galaxy-S8/phones/9818,10311
S8+ is just a little taller and a hair wider than the S7 edge.
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/si...y-S7-edge,Samsung-Galaxy-S8/phones/9818,10312
Because the only differences between the S8 and S8+ are the screen and battery sizes (5.8," 3000mAh vs 6.2," 3500mAh) it comes down to personal preference. Like other people have said, the S8 is slightly shorter and narrower than the S7 Edge, while the S8+ is slightly narrower and taller than the S7 Edge, so either version should be find.
Personally, if you have smaller hands (like I do) and/or already struggling with the size of the S7 Edge, then go with the S8. If possible, go to a Best Buy and check out both versions there in their Samsung section. Feeling them in hand will prove to be MUCH more helpful, than anyone's 2 cents on the matter. That's what helped me figure out what color and version of the S8 I wanted to pre-order.
Just saying, even with smaller hands, I didn't have much issue with the larger variant. Heck, took me literally an hour to actually do the pre-order because I had trouble making up mind on which size, haha. XD That, and if you do have a Best Buy near you, do the pre-order there as you can save $50 on the S8, $100 on the S8+. Unless you plan on buying it outright, because you won't get the discount, at least that's what I can tell on their site.

One Plus 5 dropped the bezel ball

Good grief. It's got Pixel sized bezels!
The good old Galaxy Note 3 was so far ahead of its time when it came to minimal bezels.
Galaxy finally has small bezels again but no root for US phones. Or LOS/AOSP ROM's.
OnePlus 5 had a chance to swoop in but dammit if the bezels and phone with its 5.5" screen are still bigger than the old Note 3 with it's 5.7" screen.
I really don't like this bezelless trend. I've played with the G6, S8 and owned the note 2-5.
Screens are delicate enough, and good tempered glass has only become harder to find since this curved screen craze has shown up. We don't need any help with making our phones any more delicate, thanks.
Not trying to flame you in anyway, I just honestly think we do not need bezelless displays.
Bezel-less is a gimmick. Looks good from a design aspect but the functionality isn't 100% there since black bars when watching Videos/VR Apps/OS have to be made to work
Also 1+ tries to keep the cost of their devices to a minimum and in a video they did mention they'd use a bezelless display but currently wasn't in a position to do it
In future we will all have them folding phones, but till then phones should retain a minimum amount of bezel, because its more functional that way, phones like S8 are a disaster. Those who actually use it know it. At the same time the size of bezel on the Pixel is an abomination.
I don't know why OP created the OnePlus topic though, liked their first attempt, second one was cooler, third one was the best from them and now this one is simply pathetic. Not that I buy these sort of phones (brand I mean here) but still, not everyone is gonna, or should land a U11 or a Pixel anyway.
ithehappy said:
In future we will all have them folding phones, but till then phones should retain a minimum amount of bezel, because its more functional that way, phones like S8 are a disaster. Those who actually use it know it. At the same time the size of bezel on the Pixel is an abomination.
I don't know why OP created the OnePlus topic though, liked their first attempt, second one was cooler, third one was the best from them and now this one is simply pathetic. Not that I buy these sort of phones (brand I mean here) but still, not everyone is gonna, or should land a U11 or a Pixel anyway.
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I use the S8+ and it is far from a disaster for my usage. That's just my opinion though.
MrWilsonxD said:
I really don't like this bezelless trend. I've played with the G6, S8 and owned the note 2-5.
Screens are delicate enough, and good tempered glass has only become harder to find since this curved screen craze has shown up. We don't need any help with making our phones any more delicate, thanks.
Not trying to flame you in anyway, I just honestly think we do not need bezelless displays.
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I completely agree.
I have larger hands than most and need some surface area other than the screen to hold on to.
parakleet said:
I completely agree.
I have larger hands than most and need some surface area other than the screen to hold on to.
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Same, I'm 2 meters tall with hands just as freakishly large, while I am no advocate for Xperia size bezels *Twitches* or pixel xl sized bezels *Shudders* I would much rather see some front firing speakers than this bezeless craze continue.
I just generally upset with where phones are going right now... I felt like last year we got so many awesome upgrades,
The Moto Z play keeping it conssitent with amazing battery life and a success at modularity.
The Honor 8 bringing dual cams in. (Even though this was not the first android phone to do this, I think the honr 8 was the first one that picked up a lot of steam.)
The S7 (I can't believe I said this, I dislike samsung, but I have to get them their credit) but water resistance, wireless charging, good camera, micro sd all in one package!
The Axon 7 filling in the gap for htc with their identity crisis, bringing the best front firing speakers with the same processor and screen resolution as flagships of that year..
The Pixel (Price way too high, I know..) but it's Google's Foray to inject their product to more people.
LG, with... Hah, wait, no they still ate it in 2016.
Then processors for 2016, I felt there was such a huge jump from the 810 to the 820. With performance and heat.. To me it seemed like manufacturers were trying to improve the usability of their phones, with this year, we are killing headphone jacks and trying to get bezelless phones that are wafer thin. I would much rather have a phone with a larger battery or more room for heat dispersion than a phone that would break if I accidentally sat on it wrong.
I'm not trying to discredit anyone's desires here, I just feel like focusing on bezels is so... Secondary.. It's aesthetics, I thought we should just leave that for Samsung and Apple to chase, (And LG to pretend they can catch up)
Smaller bezels = smaller phone. I want the smallest phone possible with a LARGE screen.
That Note 3 was just damned perfect.
CZ Eddie said:
Smaller bezels = smaller phone. I want the smallest phone possible with a LARGE screen.
That Note 3 was just damned perfect.
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I agree. Not sure Samsung's goal was specifically for a bezeless phone, but more likely to put the biggest screen possible on the smallest chassis they could build. In that respect, I love the trend. I'm not fond of cutting the screen a la the essential phone to decrease phone size
I'd be happy with a phone the same size as the Pixel with the same bezels. Better battery, SD card slot, waterproof, good camera, and unlockable bootloader.
aholeinthewor1d said:
I'd be happy with a phone the same size as the Pixel with the same bezels. Better battery, SD card slot, waterproof, good camera, and unlockable bootloader.
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I know it's probably a lost cause but i am hoping they keep the AUX jack as well.
Besides curved edges and delicate display concerns the thing that bothers me about the bezeless design trend is that the more they reduce the bottom bezel the further down on-screen keyboard becomes. This results in more stress to my hand when swipe typing which is my primary input method on my phone. On the S8 it's not too bad since the phone is narrow and I can reach the lower corners of the keyboard fine when holding one handed but on the S8+ stretch becomes more pronounced and I suspect long stints of texting will be an issue for me.

People still on Note Pro 12.2, will you be jumping ship to the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus?

Link:
https://www.sammobile.com/news/exclusive-samsung-galaxy-tab-s7-plus-specs/
I personally am thinking about it but the bigger screen uses AMOLED, which is a turn-off for me with regards to longevity but the other model feels like a downgrade in terms of screen size.
How about you guys?
For the amount of money the ask, no.
Maybe with future discounts.
I've been reluctant to give up on my unlocked Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 with the original keyboard. As long as I can get a decent price on the Bay for the 12.2, I'm gonna be picking up the S7+.
jmase said:
For the amount of money the ask, no.
Maybe with future discounts.
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Yeah, it's literally double the amount that I paid for for the Note Pro. I've seen it IRL and it's smaller but I'm not that impressed and it uses AMOLED, which is a big turn off. The S7 would have been nice but the screen downgrade stings.
For that price, why not go for any windows machine with an aspect ratio that doesn't letterbox everything?Assuming you use it for media consumption anyway.
Wish it was easier to find a reasonably priced replacement for this old boy though.
I was going to the S7+ 5G , because the P905 is now so slow, that I can't use them anymore to play pinball. Interesting fact is, that it was possible in history....Also if I fall back to the stock rom with minimal apps...The games freeze more or less.
The S7 is another Liga...but if I think of the price 6years ago for the P905...it was nearly the same
Not until the price comes way down, or I get a second hand one. Plus I want to see if anyone roots it and begins providing OS updates, given manufacturers all have a history of quickly cutting us adrift regarding updates.
I cut out a sheet of paper the same size as the S7+ screen yesterday and laid it over my Note Pro. The S7+ display is only a few mm difference.
I have waited for the S7+ but its 16:10 aspect ratio irritates me. I don't know why Android manufacturers are fixated on it. Samsung has cut out a large number of potential purchasers by not adopting something closer to the 4:3 aspect ratio of ipads. While I realize it's because most movies fit that better, ipad users watch plenty of video too and it doesn't seem to be hindering ipad sales any.
One examples of buyers they've cut out are the many people who deal with anything related to paper. Turn a tablet vertical to read documents and the 4:3 aspect ratio is a much closer fit. Whereas the 16:10 aspect ratio is narrower with bars of blank space top and bottom. This narrower width compared to its height also makes text smaller.
To match the width (and therefore text size) as a sheet of A4 paper on a 16:10 screen, you must go all the way up to 17". Whereas a 15" 4:3 screen is perfect.
Another group of buyers driven away (not all of course, but many) are musicians. Those musicians who use tablets mostly go with ipads, which are not ideal either because ipad pro screens are still smaller than paper. But at least they're much closer to paper aspect ratio without the 'side scrunch' and black bars of 16:10.
There are e-ink devices made specifically for musicians. But they're far too expensive given the typically ONLY good things about them is their e-ink screens, and due to that, long battery life. But their lack of features, limited hardware like processors, storage, and lack of provision for peripherals are pitiful to ridiculous given their price.

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