Bluboo S8 Plus Vs Samsung S8 Plus Is The Samsung Tax Worth It

In the smartphone market, consumers often face a dilemma between premium brands and budget alternatives. The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, released in 2017, was once a flagship powerhouse known for its sleek design, powerful internals, and refined software experience. On the other hand, the Bluboo S8 Plus, launched around the same time, offered similar aesthetics and mid-tier specs at a fraction of the price. But is paying the so-called \"Samsung tax\" truly justified when a device like the Bluboo S8 Plus promises comparable looks and functionality? Let’s break down the real differences.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, both phones are nearly indistinguishable. They feature curved glass fronts, slim bezels, and metal frames that give them a premium look. The Bluboo S8 Plus clearly took design inspiration from the Samsung model—some might even say too much—but this isn’t uncommon in the competitive Android space.

The key difference lies in materials and finishing. The Samsung S8 Plus uses aerospace-grade aluminum and Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, offering superior durability and a more refined tactile feel. In contrast, the Bluboo S8 Plus uses lower-grade aluminum and thinner glass, which feels less solid in hand and shows fingerprints more easily.

Tip: When comparing phones with similar designs, always assess weight, button feedback, and material finish—these subtle cues reveal build quality.

Display and Screen Experience

The display is where Samsung historically dominates. The Galaxy S8 Plus features a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ (1440 x 2960) Super AMOLED panel with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility. It supports HDR10 and automatic brightness adjustment powered by ambient light sensors.

The Bluboo S8 Plus, meanwhile, offers a 6.0-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2160) IPS LCD screen. While sharp enough for most users, it lacks the color accuracy, contrast ratio, and energy efficiency of Samsung’s AMOLED technology. Viewing angles are decent but not as consistent under direct sunlight.

“AMOLED displays aren’t just about aesthetics—they save battery, improve readability, and enhance media consumption.” — David Lin, Display Analyst at MobileTech Review

Performance and Software

This is perhaps the most critical divide. The Samsung S8 Plus runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 8895 in some regions), paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. This combination delivered flagship-level performance in its era, handling multitasking, gaming, and high-resolution video playback effortlessly.

The Bluboo S8 Plus, however, uses the MediaTek MT6753—a mid-range octa-core processor from 2015—paired with only 4GB RAM but running on Android 7.0 out of the box. While adequate for basic tasks like web browsing and messaging, it struggles with heavier apps and sustained workloads. Users report noticeable lag when switching between apps or playing modern games.

Software support further widens the gap. Samsung provided three major Android updates and monthly security patches for years. Bluboo offered minimal updates, leaving devices vulnerable to security flaws and incompatible with newer app versions over time.

Real-World Example: Daily Use After Two Years

Consider two users who bought their phones in 2017. One chose the Samsung S8 Plus; the other opted for the Bluboo S8 Plus to save $400. By 2019, the Samsung device still ran smoothly, received app updates, and supported Google services without issues. The Bluboo phone began exhibiting slow response times, failed app installations, and stopped receiving WhatsApp updates due to outdated OS requirements. What started as a smart savings decision turned into premature obsolescence.

Camera Comparison

Photography capabilities highlight another area where investment pays off. The Samsung S8 Plus comes with a 12MP rear sensor featuring Dual Pixel autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), and advanced processing algorithms. It captures sharp, well-exposed photos even in low light and produces natural bokeh effects.

The Bluboo S8 Plus has a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front shooter. While specs sound competitive on paper, real-world results fall short. Images suffer from poor dynamic range, inconsistent white balance, and excessive noise in dim environments. There's no OIS, and focusing can be sluggish in motion shots.

Feature	Samsung S8 Plus	Bluboo S8 Plus
Processor	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895	MediaTek MT6753
RAM	4GB LPDDR4X	4GB (type unspecified)
Storage	64GB (expandable via microSD)	64GB (expandable)
Display	6.2\" QHD+ Super AMOLED	6.0\" FHD+ IPS LCD
Rear Camera	12MP (f/1.7, OIS, Dual Pixel AF)	13MP (f/2.0, no OIS)
Front Camera	8MP (f/1.7)	5MP (f/2.0)
Battery	3500mAh	3000mAh
OS Support	Up to Android 9 + security updates	Stuck on Android 7.0
Water Resistance	IP68 rated	No official rating

Is the Samsung Tax Worth It?

The term “Samsung tax” refers to the premium pricing of Samsung devices compared to functionally similar models from lesser-known brands. In this case, the S8 Plus retailed for around $750 at launch, while the Bluboo S8 Plus sold for approximately $180.

So, is it worth paying an extra $570? For many, the answer depends on usage patterns and long-term expectations.

• Premium experience seekers: If you value smooth performance, reliable software updates, superior cameras, and durable hardware, then yes—the Samsung tax is justified.
• Budget-conscious casual users: If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, social media, and occasional photos, the Bluboo may suffice—for a while.

However, consider longevity. The Samsung S8 Plus remained usable and secure for five years or more with proper care. The Bluboo S8 Plus likely became obsolete within two to three years due to lack of updates and weaker hardware.

Tip: When evaluating smartphones, don't just compare current performance—consider how well the device will age over time.

Checklist: Evaluating Value Beyond Price

1. Does the manufacturer provide regular OS and security updates?
2. Is the processor capable of handling future apps?
3. How durable is the build quality? (Look for IP ratings, glass type)
4. Does the display offer good color accuracy and viewing angles?
5. Can the camera perform well in varied lighting conditions?
6. Is customer support available if something goes wrong?
7. Will the device retain resale value?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Bluboo S8 Plus run modern apps smoothly?

Not reliably. Due to its older MediaTek chip and limited optimization, many newer apps either run slowly or fail to install altogether, especially those requiring Android 8.0 or higher.

Does the Samsung S8 Plus still receive updates?

No major OS updates beyond Android 9, but it received security patches until 2021. Some third-party ROMs (like LineageOS) extend usability for tech-savvy users.

Is buying a clone phone risky?

Yes. Many budget clones use recycled parts, have poor after-sales service, and may include pre-installed bloatware or malware. Always research the brand thoroughly before purchasing.

Final Verdict

The Bluboo S8 Plus may win on initial price, but the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus wins in almost every meaningful category: performance, display quality, camera, software support, and long-term reliability. The so-called “Samsung tax” isn’t just branding—it reflects actual engineering, testing, and ecosystem investment.

If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, prioritize build quality, update history, and component reliability over upfront cost. Saving money today could mean spending more tomorrow on replacements or repairs.

🚀 Ready to make smarter phone choices? Share this article with someone considering a budget clone—help them see past the surface and invest in lasting value.