Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) with dual selfie cameras, Infinity Display launched: Price, Specs and features

Samsung has launched the Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018), the successors to Galaxy A5 (2017) and A7 (2017). The smartphones bring Samsung’s Infinity Display design to the mid-range price segment and also debuts the new name scheme.

As expected, the Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) sport the Infinity Display design similar to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note8 smartphones. The Galaxy A8 (2018) sports a 5.6-inch display while the Galaxy A8+ (2018) features a larger 6-inch display. Both the models use a Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 2220 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18.5:9.

The display sizes mean that the Galaxy A8 (2018) series sits right between the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and the 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+. The use of Infinity Display design supporting Full HD+ resolution means that the new A-series finally support Gear VR.

"With the release of the Galaxy A8(2018) and A8+(2018), we're bringing our customers' favorite features from our flagship smartphones, such as the Infinity Display and our first Dual Front Camera with Live Focus, to our Galaxy A series, which is already known for its premium design", Junho Park, vice president of Global Product Planning, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics said.

Apart from display and design, Samsung has also added dual-front camera setup to the new Galaxy A8 (2018) series. The Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) feature a combination of 16-megapixel and 8-megapixel front camera setup with f/1.9 aperture and support for Live Focus, that allows users to capture pictures in bokeh mode and add blur even after the picture is shot. The smartphones will seamlessly switch between the two front cameras to get the desired effect.

The rear camera has also been updated with new 16-megapixel sensor and wider f/1.7 aperture. The rear camera lacks optical image stabilization, but there is digital image stabilization for shooting steady videos while added hyperlapse mode allows for shooting timelapse on the go.

The Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) are powered by an octa-core processor, but Samsung isn’t confirming whether it’s Exynos or a Snapdragon chipset. The Galaxy A8 (2018) has a 4GB RAM and option for either 32GB or 64GB internal storage. The Galaxy A8+ (2018) comes in two storage variants: 32GB storage with 4GB RAM, and a 64GB variant with 6GB RAM. Both the smartphones are IP68 water and dust resistant and support Samsung Pay for contactless mobile payment.

They run Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box, which is disappointing considering that Android Oreo has been out for nearly four months now. The Galaxy A8 (2018) houses a 3,000mAh battery while the A8 (2018) gets a larger 3,500mAh power pack. Both the devices charge over USB Type-C port and support fast charging.

Samsung is yet to formally announce pricing for the Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+ 2018, it is being speculated that while the A8 will be priced at 499 Euros (roughly Rs 37,755), the larger A8+ will be available for 599 Euros (roughly Rs 45,323). Samsung will likely announce the Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+ 2018 for global markets (including India) at CES 2018 in January.