Samsung has introduced its new Galaxy S8 and S8+ models, a pair of smartphones that offer a new level of functionality, features, and ease of use. And, as they’re collectively marketed to compete more directly than ever with Apple, they could give the iPhone a real run for its money.
The S8+ will be more expensive than the comparable iPhone. That may be the smartest element of the new campaign: selling confidence. In a hyper-consumerist culture, value designations are absolutely associated with higher cost and, for the consumer who has $1K to drop on a smartphone, an additional hundred dollars for the latest model only makes the proposition more attractive. That’s a marketing win-win. You’ve just improved the cachet and market performance of your product, and made considerably more cash in the bargain.
Add to that the fact that Samsung has now effectively aligned their model names with Apple’s, and so they’re beating them to a release date on an ‘8’ and ‘8+’. But, of course, Apple could avoid the ‘iPhone 8’ moniker in favor of something suggesting a little more in the way of revolution.
The display of the S8 measures in at 5.8 inches, while the screen on the “plus” model comes in at 6.2 inches. The Infinity Display design offers a clean, crisp screen that is seamless with no interruptions or buttons. That’s in advance of a rumored edgeless display on the next iPhone model.
This stunning screen is ultra durable as well. The front and back of the screen feature Corning Gorilla Glass 5—used more and more extensively on new automobiles, including the $250K Ford GT supercar—meaning it’s both strong and smooth, with a sleek high-quality finish.
Part of the allure of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ are the cameras included in both. They include the 12MP F1.7 Dual Pixel rear camera that offers the best possible low-light, zoom, and anti-blur photos possible with enhanced image processing, and an 8MP f1.7 Smart autofocus front camera for taking the perfect selfie.
The S8 and S8+ also come readily equipped with Samsung Pay, so users can leave their wallets at home and digitally pay anywhere they’d use a credit or debit card thanks to 870 worldwide banking partnerships. Both smartphones also come with Samsung Connect, Samsung Health, and the new Samsung DeX feature that turns one’s phone into a desktop display.
The cherry on top comes in the form of the new AKG by Harman high-quality earphones included with S8 and S8+. These unique earphones offer a comfortable ear canal fit that increases the noise cancellation ability, and they are made from an anti-tangle metal-fabric material.
Samsung will offer the Galaxy S8 and S8+ starting on April 21. Both will be offered in a range of color options, including Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold, Midnight Black, and Orchid Gray.
We’ll see what Apple has up their sleeve with the next iPhone. They’ve been capable of a surprise or two in the past. Now that Samsung has their new model out, Apple has time to respond.
