In 2017, two flagship smartphones set the benchmark for mobile photography: the Apple iPhone 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S8. While both devices were praised for their design and performance, the camera became a central point of debate. Samsung heavily marketed the Galaxy S8’s advanced optics and software enhancements, while Apple quietly improved the iPhone 8’s imaging system with smarter processing. But nearly seven years later, does the Galaxy S8 still hold up? And was the hype around its camera truly justified when compared to the iPhone 8?
This article dives deep into real-world camera performance, examining sensor specs, image processing, dynamic range, low-light capability, and user experience to determine whether Samsung’s marketing claims stood the test of time—or if Apple’s more conservative approach delivered better results.
Sensor Specs and Hardware Differences
The foundation of any camera lies in its hardware. Both phones featured single rear cameras at the time—unlike today’s multi-lens setups—but approached imaging differently.
| Feature | iPhone 8 | Galaxy S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Sensor | 12 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 1.22µm pixels | 12 MP, f/1.7 aperture, 1.4µm pixels (Dual Pixel) |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus Technology | Phase Detection + Focus Pixels | Dual Pixel AF |
| Front Camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/1.7 |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps, 1080p @ 240fps slo-mo | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 240fps |
On paper, the Galaxy S8 appears stronger in low light thanks to its larger pixel size and slightly wider aperture. The Dual Pixel autofocus system also promised faster focusing, especially in motion or dim conditions. Meanwhile, the iPhone 8 focused on tighter integration between hardware and software, leveraging Apple’s image signal processor (ISP) within the A11 Bionic chip.
Daylight Performance: Color Science and Detail
In well-lit environments, both phones produce sharp, detailed images, but they differ significantly in color interpretation.
The Galaxy S8 leans toward vibrant, saturated colors—a hallmark of Samsung’s display tuning philosophy. Greens appear lusher, skies are bluer, and skin tones can take on a warm, sometimes artificial glow. This look appeals to users who prefer “pop” in social media photos, but it can stray from realism.
In contrast, the iPhone 8 captures more natural, balanced tones. Apple prioritizes accurate white balance and subtle saturation, resulting in images that resemble what the human eye sees. Details are preserved without aggressive sharpening, making textures like fabric or foliage appear more lifelike.
“Samsung’s early push for vivid imagery influenced an entire generation of smartphone photos. But accuracy often beats exaggeration in professional evaluation.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2017)
In side-by-side tests, the S8 may initially impress due to its bold output, but repeated viewing reveals oversaturation in reds and yellows. The iPhone 8, while less flashy, maintains consistency across lighting conditions and requires less post-processing for sharing or printing.
Low-Light and Night Photography
This is where Samsung claimed superiority—and with some justification. The S8’s larger pixels and Dual Pixel AF allowed quicker focus acquisition in dim settings. In moderately dark scenes, such as indoor restaurants or evening streets, the S8 often captured brighter images with fewer shutter delays.
However, brightness isn’t synonymous with quality. The S8 frequently applied heavy noise reduction, smearing fine details like hair or brickwork. Shadows sometimes turned greenish, and highlights could blow out due to aggressive HDR blending.
The iPhone 8 took a different route. It didn’t aim to brighten the scene as much but instead preserved contrast and shadow detail. While the image might appear darker initially, pulling up shadows in editing apps revealed cleaner data and less chroma noise. Its optical stabilization also reduced blur during longer exposures.
Neither phone had Night Mode (introduced years later), so results varied widely based on steadiness and available ambient light.
Real-World Example: Concert Snapshot
Consider a scenario: a fan takes a photo at a dimly lit indie concert. The stage lights flicker orange and purple, and the artist is moving.
- Galaxy S8: Snaps the photo quickly thanks to fast autofocus. The subject is recognizable, but facial features are softened, and background lights create halos. Colors are exaggerated, especially under mixed lighting.
- iPhone 8: Takes a fraction longer to focus but produces a more balanced exposure. Skin tones remain neutral, and there’s less color fringing. Though slightly darker, the image retains more usable detail for editing.
In this case, the iPhone delivers a more authentic representation despite slower capture speed.
Video Capabilities: Frame Rate and Stability
For videographers, the iPhone 8 holds a clear edge. It supports 4K recording at 60 frames per second—double the frame rate offered by the Galaxy S8, which maxes out at 30fps in 4K. Higher frame rates mean smoother motion, crucial for action shots or panning scenes.
Both devices offer excellent electronic and optical stabilization for 1080p video, but Apple’s cinematic tone mapping and consistent exposure transitions give its footage a more professional feel. The S8 tends to adjust exposure more abruptly when lighting changes, creating visible “jumps” in brightness.
Additionally, the iPhone 8 includes stereo audio recording with enhanced noise suppression, while the S8’s mono-heavy audio can sound muffled in windy conditions.
Software Processing and Long-Term Usability
Beyond hardware, software defines how photos are rendered. Apple’s approach has always been about consistency. Photos taken on an iPhone 8 in 2017 still open seamlessly in current iOS versions, with full editability and iCloud sync.
Samsung’s software updates were less consistent during this era. Some users reported changes in camera behavior after OS upgrades, and proprietary formats (like HEIC alternatives) caused compatibility issues with non-Android devices.
Moreover, Apple’s Photos app introduced smart albums, facial recognition, and search capabilities earlier and more reliably than Samsung’s gallery solutions at the time. For users managing large libraries, this made long-term organization easier.
Checklist: Choosing Based on Your Needs
Use this checklist to determine which device better suits your photography style:
- ✅ Do you share mostly on social media and want punchy, vibrant photos? → Galaxy S8
- ✅ Do you value natural colors and plan to edit photos later? → iPhone 8
- ✅ Are you filming fast-moving subjects or want 4K at 60fps? → iPhone 8
- ✅ Do you frequently shoot in low light and need fast focus? → Galaxy S8
- ✅ Do you prioritize seamless ecosystem integration and cloud backup? → iPhone 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy S8 camera better than the iPhone 8 overall?
It depends on your priorities. The S8 excels in autofocus speed and vibrant daytime photos, but the iPhone 8 offers superior video quality, more natural color reproduction, and better shadow detail. Neither is universally “better,” but the iPhone edges ahead in versatility and consistency.
Can the Galaxy S8 compete with modern mid-range phones?
By today’s standards, no. Even budget smartphones now include night modes, AI enhancement, and ultra-wide lenses. The S8’s single lens and lack of computational photography features make it outdated for serious use, though it remains functional for casual snapshots.
Why do some people still prefer the iPhone 8 camera?
Many photographers appreciate its true-to-life color science and reliable performance across conditions. Additionally, iOS ensures long-term software support and photo management tools that Android struggled to match in 2017.
Final Verdict: Was the Samsung Hype Justified?
The Galaxy S8 was undeniably impressive at launch. Samsung succeeded in positioning it as a technological marvel—with curved displays, iris scanning, and a camera tuned for instant visual impact. The hype was real, driven by aggressive marketing and genuine innovation in autofocus and sensor design.
Yet, upon closer inspection, the iPhone 8 proved more resilient in practical use. Its images aged better, its video capabilities were objectively superior, and its ecosystem integration ensured longevity. While the S8 dazzled in reviews, the iPhone satisfied daily shooters who valued reliability over spectacle.
In hindsight, the hype around Samsung’s camera was partially justified—but more so for its technical ambition than its real-world results. Apple, meanwhile, won the long game by focusing on refinement rather than flash.
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