Samsung’s big launch is done and the Galaxy S8 is official

Galaxy S8 Vs Galaxy S6: Should You Upgrade?

 Display - Big Is Better

Let’s cut to the chase: the number one reason the Galaxy S8 will grab your attention is its stunning display:

Galaxy S8 - 5.8-inch Super AMOLED, 1440 x 2960 pixels (570 ppi pixel density), 83.6% screen-to-body ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass 5

Galaxy S6 - 5.1-inch Super AMOLED, 1440 x 2560 pixels (577 ppi pixel density), 70.7% screen-to-body ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass 4

Yes the standard Galaxy S8 now has a display which is larger the Galaxy S6 Edge+ ‘phablet’, that’s some statement of intent. Furthermore the incredible 83.6% screen-to-body ratio means this is no oversized monster (more later).

Beyond this the Galaxy S8 also has the best smartphone screen ever made and is the first to attain Mobile HDR Premium certification thanks to improved brightness and contrast ratios. If you drop it, the Galaxy S8’s Gorilla Glass 5 is also better at surviving falls than the Galaxy S6’s Gorilla Glass 4 (though there isn’t much in it).

The Galaxy S8 running high quality video at full resolution is a stunning sight Gordon Kelly                                                 

It is worth pointing out Samsung ships the Galaxy S8 with a lower 2220 x 1080 resolution by default. It will still look great (and you can change it), but the reasoning behind this downgrade has implications when we come to discuss battery life.

Design - Compact And More Practical

And here is where the Galaxy S8’s screen-to-body ratio really should catch your attention:

Galaxy S8 - 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm ( 5.86 x 2.68 x 0.31-inch), 155g (5.36 oz)

Galaxy S6 - 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm (5.65 x 2.78 x 0.27-inch), 138g (4.87 oz)

Yes, you’re looking at a device with a 5.8-inch display which is only 17g (0.59 oz) heavier than the Galaxy S8 while actually being slightly narrower. This is achieved by drastically cutting down the top and bottom bezels and eliminating the side bezels completely in favour of curved edges. Samsung calls this the ‘Infinity Display’ and, for once, the marketing is not overblown.