We compare the Galaxy A8 and A8 + with the Galaxy A3, A5 and A7

Samsung's Galaxy A family is renewed. The Korean company today announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy A8 and Samsung Galaxy A8 +. Actually, the new models arrive to replace the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 and the A7 2017. But Samsung has not wanted to wait for 2018. Among its novelties we have a frameless design, more power and a double front camera. We also have a brighter main camera. Although it is not yet official, the Samsung Galaxy A8 could be launched with an approximate price of 450 euros. So we have thought about comparing the new Samsung Galaxy A8 with its predecessors , the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017, A5 and A7. Let's see how mobile phones have changed next year.

Design and display

As is logical, the design is one of the most radical changes of the new equipment. The Samsung Galaxy A8 and its older brother adopt the Infinity Display design , reducing their top and bottom bezels considerably. However, Samsung has kept the materials. Thus, all models are made up of a metal frame and 3D glass on the back. The IP68 certification is also maintained. That is, they are all resistant to water and dust.

This design change leads to the fingerprint reader being located at the rear , just below the camera lens. In the Samsung Galaxy A3, A5 and A7 of 2017 we have it located on the front, as was usual in Samsung terminals.

Comparison table of dimensions

As we can see, the reduction of frames allows the Samsung Galaxy A8 to include a 5.6-inch screen. It is a very similar size to the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 .

And since we are talking about screens, we are going to review the panel that includes each of these mobiles. The Samsung Galaxy A8 features a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED panel. This has a resolution of 1,080 í- FHD + 2,220 pixels . After seeing the resolution you will imagine that the screen format is 18.5: 9 . Its older brother offers the same features, but with a 6-inch screen.

As for the A series of 2017, the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 features a Super AMOLED 4.7 inch screen with HD resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels . Its older brothers, however, increase the resolution up to Full HD, with 5.2 inches for the A5 2017 and 5.7 inches for the A7 2017 .

All models have the Always On Display function , with which we can see notifications, the clock and the calendar without having to unlock the mobile.

Processor and memory

A new generation almost always arrives with new processors. And the Samsung Galaxy A8 and A8 + are no exception. Both the Samsung Galaxy A8 and A8 + equip an eight-core processor, with four cores at 2.2 GHz and another four at 1.6 GHz .

Both the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 and the A7 2017 have an eight-core processor running at 1.9 GHz . The smallest model, the Galaxy A3 2017, equips an eight-core processor running at 1.6 GHz .

We also have a significant increase in memory. The Samsung Galaxy A8 has a generous 4GB of RAM . As for storage, we have 32 or 64 GB , depending on the model we choose.

In the Samsung Galaxy A of 2017 we have different configurations. Of course, the smaller model has less memory. The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 equips 2 GB of RAM memory and 16 GB of internal storage . On the other hand, both the A5 and A7 have 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage . All of them can be expanded using a microSD card.

Comparative table of technical characteristics

Cameras

And how could it be otherwise, the photographic section has also been renewed . However, to everyone's surprise, Samsung has decided not to bring the dual camera to the rear. Instead we will have a double camera on the front. Koreans thus seek to compete face to face with the most modern Chinese mobiles.

Specifically, the Samsung Galaxy A8 and A8 + have a double 16 and 8 megapixel sensor, both with f / 1.9 aperture . That is, we are facing one of the best selfie cameras on the market. In addition, they include the Live Focus function, which allows us to adjust the blur to our liking, both before and after taking the picture.

At the rear, however, Samsung has simply preferred to improve the brightness of the sensor. So we have a 16 megapixel sensor with a magnificent f / 1.7 aperture . This will allow us to capture sharp images, even in low light conditions. It also includes digital video image stabilization technology (VDis), with which we will be able to avoid shaky videos. Also, the incorporation of the hyperlapse function allows you to create time-lapse videos.

His rivals in this comparison are also well served in the photographic section. We start with the youngest of the family. The Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 has a main camera with a 13 megapixel sensor and f / 1.9 aperture . On the front it has an 8 megapixel sensor with aperture f / 1.9 .

Its older brothers, however, increase the resolution of the main camera. Specifically, both the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 and the A7 include a 16 megapixel sensor and f / 1.9 aperture . Interestingly, it is the same camera that we see on the front . As we said, the Galaxy A range is one of the best options if we are looking for quality selfies.

Comparison table cameras

Connectivity and autonomy

When we did the in-depth analysis of the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 and the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 we could already see the great work that Samsung had done in terms of the autonomy of the terminals. We have not yet had a chance to test the new models, but we hope they will live up to their predecessors.

To try to find out, we can compare the capacity that each model equips. The Samsung Galaxy A8 has a 3,000 milliamp battery . Is it sufficient or scarce? Let's compare it to its predecessors.

Battery comparison table

As we can see, Samsung has followed a very similar strategy with the new models to what we saw with the previous models . Leaving aside the A3 2017, which is smaller, we have a 3,000 milliamp battery in the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 and 3,600 milliamps in the Samsung Galaxy A7 2017. Something similar happens with the Galaxy A8, with a 3,000 milliamp battery like We said, and the Galaxy A8 +, with a 3,500 milliamp battery. So everything makes us suppose that the autonomy of the Galaxy A8 will be just as good as that of the Galaxy A5 2017.

By the way, all models except the A3 2017 have fast charging . It wasn't particularly fast on last year's models though, so we hope Samsung fixed it this year.

As for connectivity, the new models come with the latest . The Samsung Galaxy A8 and also the A8 + include 4G LTE Cat.9, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS (Glonass and BeiDou), ANT +, USB Type-C, NFC, and dual-band 802.11 ac WiFi.

However, this should not be a determining factor, as the "old" models were also well served . All models in the Galaxy A range from 2017 have Bluetooth v4.2, USB Type C, GPS (Glonass), NFC, ANT + and dual-band 802.11 ac WiFi.

Conclusions and prices

We reached the end of the comparison and we must draw conclusions. There is no doubt that the improvements of the Samsung Galaxy A8 over its predecessors are substantial . The most remarkable thing is the design change, updating to the current market trend. In addition to looking more "modern", the use of an infinity screen with reduced frames means that we can have a larger screen in an equally compact body.

Still, Samsung has not wanted the Galaxy A8 to have a giant screen and has stayed at 5.6 inches. It is a risky decision, since almost all current models touch 6 inches. Perhaps that is why they have decided to also launch the Galaxy A8 +, with a 6-inch screen. However, we will have to wait to see if it reaches Spain.

We also have a major update on the technical set. The new models have a more powerful processor and more RAM , matching the high-end terminals. That is, it is to be assumed that the performance of the Galaxy A8 will be superior to that of its 2017 brothers.

Something similar happens with the photographic set. Samsung started with one of the best cameras for selfies on the market, so to improve it has opted for a dual camera system . But not a simple system with an almost anecdotal second sensor (as we see in many other models), but with a double camera as God intended. Likewise, it maintains a main camera that substantially improves brightness.

Finally, neither connectivity nor autonomy should be decisive when making a decision . We think that the new Galaxy 8 will have a range very similar to that seen in the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017.

And we end up talking about the price. The Samsung Galaxy A8 will go on sale in early January 2018 . Although its price has not been confirmed, it is expected to be around 450 euros.

Both the Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 and its older brothers have been on sale for some time. We can get the Galaxy A3 2017 now for about 210 euros . On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 has an official price of 360 euros . But you can get it for around 300 euros on Amazon. Finally, the Samsung Galaxy A7 2017 is not officially sold in Spain. However, we can get it in some stores for about 400 euros .