Forget about the Note 7. Samsung’s comeback Galaxy smartphones are finally here and they look to be worth the wait. On paper at least, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are a monumental improvement over their aforementioned predecessor – sleeker, sexier and – wait for it – safer than before. Here are the specifications for both phones, along with Australian pricing and specifications.
Related: How To Buy The Samsung Galaxy S8 And S8+ In Australia
Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ specifications
The Samsung Galaxy S8 comes with a 5.8-inch Infinity Display boasting a native resolution of 2960×1440 pixels. Despite the roomier display, the phone is actually smaller than last year’s 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 thanks to a new, bezel-free design. The S8+ comes with a gargantuan 6.2-inch display. It has an identical resolution to the S8.
Both models run Android 7.0 and come with 4GB of RAM, a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera, an Octacore processor and 64GB of internal storage. (These specs are all quite similar to the Galaxy S7.) The S8 comes with a 3000mAh battery while the S8+ has a slightly larger 3500mAh battery. Having learned its lesson about expandable storage, Samsung has equipped both models with MicroSD slots that support up to 256GB. Hurrah!
Other noteworthy features include IP68 dust and water resistance (up to 30 minutes submerged in fresh water), inbuilt NFC, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back, Samsung Pay, wireless charging functionality and an 8MP F1.7 Smart autofocus front-facing camera. Both phones also come with Bixby: Samsung’s voice-controlled AI assistant and high-end earphones from AKG.
Here’s a look at the chief specifications for both phones:
| Galaxy S8 | Galaxy S8+ | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Dimensions | 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm | 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm |
| Weight | 152g | 173g |
| CPU | Octa core (2.3GHz Quad + 1.7GHz Quad), 64 bit, 10 nm process | Octa core (2.35GHz Quad + 1.9GHz Quad), 64 bit, 10 nm process |
| Memory | 4GB RAM (LPDDR4) | 4GB RAM (LPDDR4) |
| Storage | 64GB (+ MicroSD card slot) | 64GB (+ MicroSD card slot) |
| Display | 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED | 6.2-inch Quad HD AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2960 x 1440 (570ppi) | 2960 x 1440 (529ppi) |
| Camera | Rear: 12MP OIS (F1.7), Front: 8MP AF (F1.7) | Rear: 12MP OIS (F1.7), Front: 8MP AF (F1.7) |
| Battery | 3000mAh (non-removable) | 3500mAh (non-removable) |
Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ Australian availability
The Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be available to pre-order from March 31 and will go on sale in Australia on April 28. To stay notified, you can register your interest on Samsung’s website. Aussie telcos should have their own pre-order offers up shortly.
Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ Australian pricing
The Galaxy S8 will cost $1199 to buy outright in Australia. The S8+ will cost $1349, which is really pushing the boundaries for smartphone pricing. (By contrast, the 128GB Special Edition iPhone 7 costs $1229.) You might be able to find slightly cheaper offers from online retailers like Kogan, but don’t expect to shave much off the RRP for at least a few months.
As mentioned, eager beavers can pre-order the S8 or S8+ on Samsung’s website. The company will be accepting pre-orders from March 31 until April 27. If you’re on a limited budget and don’t mind being tied to a mobile phone contract, this is the option to go for.
Australia’s major telcos have started releasing their own pricing for the S8 and S8+. Both phones are available on a range of 24-month plans from Telstra, Optus, Virgin and Vodafone with prices starting at around $70 a month.
If you pre-order either device before April 27, Samsung will throw in its latest Galaxy Gear VR virtual-reality headset. Crucially, this version comes with a motion controller which makes it a proper gaming peripheral instead of an interactive video player. The free Gear VR offer will also be offered through Australia’s major telcos so keep an eye out on their respective product pages.
Related:
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/03/samsung-galaxy-s8-plans-telstra-optus-virgin-and-woolworths/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/03/Samsung-410×231.jpg” title=”Planhacker: The Best Samsung Galaxy S8 Plan From Every Telco” excerpt=”Here is the complete list of mobile plans for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in Australia from Telstra, Optus, Virgin Mobile, Vodafone and Woolworths. We also highlight the best plan from each telco based on price and data. Who provides the best value overall? Read on to find out…”]
Comments
7 responses to “Samsung Galaxy S8 And S8+: Australian Pricing, Specs And Availability”
Why is it safer? Hardened Android? Better battery design? Really curious, otherwise looks like a great phone. Roll on Note 8
I think its in the context of the battery debacle. If so, that joke has been done to death.
After a guide on the Samsung S8 6.2.
You stated 5.8-inch S8 is actually smaller than last year’s 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 thanks to a new, bezel-free design.
Can you give me a guide on the size of the 6.2 inch, I am a arm amputee which need to be able to hold and use the phone all in one hand. I am using the Iphone7+ at the moment and had the note 7 seven before the recall.
Also the type of speaker in the phone.
Cheers in advance
BigA007
The iPhone 7+ dimensions are 158.2 x 77.9, which means the S8+ is a little under 2mm longer, but close to half a centimetre narrower. Much easier to hold one handed.
Whatever phone you get, I highly recommend something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Gostrap-Multi-Task-Valuable-Comfortable-Accessory/dp/B00JSS4HBI I have one for my 6p, and makes one handed use, particularly when trying to reach the top and bottom of the screen, so much easier. You can basically use the phone without having to grip it or balance it on your palm
Hot phone!
The real bomb!
Sales should explode!
A lot of people burning holes in their wallet in eagerness!
I really hate to be one of those people who cry foul at the “Australia Tax” but surely we’re in an age where we should at least be starting to see some movement toward global price parity. I understand the shipping and distribution costs in the US are probably less than here but the S8+ is going for $850USD. A straight conversation as of todays exchange rates has that at about $1,120AUD.
I’d gladly be proven wrong but surely the extra costs of shipping and distribution here cant equate to an extra $229AUD (~$180USD) per unit.
Take all of this with a grain of salt mind you; I have pre-ordered mine already, but it’s still something that annoys me.