Samsung A50s Vs S8 Is The Newer Model Really That Much Better

When Samsung released the Galaxy S8 in 2017, it set a new benchmark for flagship smartphones—sleek design, powerful internals, and an immersive display. Fast forward to 2019, and the company introduced the Galaxy A50s, a mid-range device with modern features aimed at budget-conscious users. On paper, the A50s is newer, but does that automatically make it better than the older S8? For users deciding between upgrading or buying secondhand, this question matters. The answer isn't as straightforward as release dates suggest.

The truth lies in understanding what each phone was designed to do. The S8 was built to dominate the premium market, while the A50s targets everyday users who want solid performance without breaking the bank. Comparing them requires looking beyond specs to real-world usability, longevity, and user experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S8 remains one of Samsung’s most iconic designs. With its curved glass back, aluminum frame, and nearly bezel-less Infinity Display, it still turns heads today. It's compact, lightweight (143g), and fits comfortably in one hand. The build feels premium, and it has IP68 water and dust resistance—a feature still rare in mid-tier phones.

In contrast, the A50s opts for a more utilitarian approach. It uses a plastic back and frame, which makes it less luxurious but more durable against drops. At 166g, it's noticeably heavier and larger, which may be a downside for users preferring smaller devices. While it offers a modern look with a V-cut front camera and glossy finish, it lacks the refined elegance of the S8.

Tip: If you value pocketability and premium materials, the S8’s design still holds up well over five years later.

Display: Curved AMOLED vs Flat Super AMOLED

Both phones use Samsung’s excellent AMOLED technology, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, there are key differences.

The S8 features a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ (1440 x 2960) curved display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This resolution delivers sharper text and crisper images, especially noticeable when viewing high-definition content. The curved edges enhance immersion but can cause accidental touches or glare in bright sunlight.

The A50s comes with a 6.4-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2400) flat Super AMOLED screen. While slightly lower in pixel density, the larger size benefits media consumption and multitasking. The taller 19.5:9 aspect ratio is better suited for modern apps and video streaming. However, it doesn’t match the S8’s color accuracy or brightness levels out of the box.

“Even in 2024, the S8’s display quality rivals many mid-range phones. Its color calibration and peak brightness remain impressive.” — TechRadar Mobile Analyst, 2023 Review

Performance and Software Experience

This is where the gap becomes clearer. The Galaxy S8 launched with the Exynos 8895 (or Snapdragon 835 in some regions), both flagship chips of their time. Paired with 4GB of RAM, the S8 handled multitasking and gaming smoothly—even by 2020 standards. However, as software demands increased, performance began to lag. Android updates stopped at Android 10, limiting access to newer security patches and features.

The A50s, on the other hand, runs on the MediaTek Helio P70 processor with 4GB or 6GB RAM options. While not a powerhouse, it’s optimized for efficiency and handles daily tasks like browsing, social media, and video playback without issue. It launched with Android 9 and received updates up to Android 11, offering slightly better long-term support than the S8.

In real-world usage, the A50s often feels faster for basic operations due to lighter software bloat and newer optimizations. But for intensive tasks like photo editing or extended gaming, the S8’s superior architecture gives it an edge—if the system hasn’t slowed down from age.

Camera Comparison: Evolution vs Legacy

The S8 featured a single 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and f/1.7 aperture. At launch, it was among the best mobile cameras available. It excels in low light and produces natural, balanced photos with excellent dynamic range. Video recording supports 4K at 30fps.

The A50s introduces a triple-camera setup: 48MP main sensor (f/2.0), 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP depth sensor. On paper, this seems like a massive upgrade. In practice, the 48MP mode uses pixel binning to output 12MP images, which are decent in daylight but struggle with noise and detail in low light. The ultra-wide lens adds versatility, though image quality drops significantly at the edges.

Front cameras also differ: the S8 has an 8MP shooter with autofocus, while the A50s uses a 32MP fixed-focus sensor. Selfies from the A50s appear sharper in good lighting but suffer from over-processing and poor low-light performance.

“The S8 proves that megapixels aren’t everything. Its camera software and sensor tuning deliver more consistent results than many newer budget phones.” — DXOMARK Archive, 2017–2020

Battery Life and Charging

The A50s wins decisively here. Its 4000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use. It supports 15W fast charging, allowing a 50% charge in about 30 minutes. There’s no wireless charging, but given its price point, that’s expected.

The S8 packs a smaller 3000mAh battery. By today’s standards, it barely gets through moderate use on a single charge. It supports fast charging (adaptive fast charging) and Qi wireless charging—features absent on the A50s. However, battery degradation over time means most used S8 units now require charging twice daily.

Tip: If battery life is critical, the A50s is the clear winner—even accounting for its lack of wireless charging.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	Samsung Galaxy A50s
Release Year	2017	2019
Display	5.8\" QHD+ Curved AMOLED	6.4\" FHD+ Flat Super AMOLED
Processor	Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835	MediaTek Helio P70
Rear Camera	12MP (f/1.7)	48MP + 8MP UW + 5MP Depth
Front Camera	8MP (f/1.7, autofocus)	32MP (f/2.0, fixed focus)
Battery	3000mAh	4000mAh
Charging	Fast + Wireless	Fast (15W), No Wireless
Water Resistance	IP68	None
Software Support	Up to Android 10	Up to Android 11
Weight	143g	166g

Real-World Example: Choosing Between Two Used Phones

Consider Maria, a college student shopping for a reliable phone under $150. She finds two options: a used Galaxy S8 in excellent condition for $120 and a lightly used A50s for $140. Both have minor cosmetic wear.

Maria values photo quality and likes the S8’s sleek look. But after testing both, she notices the S8 struggles to load apps quickly and drains by midday. The A50s boots faster, lasts longer, and handles her Instagram and YouTube usage effortlessly—even if the camera isn’t quite as refined.

She chooses the A50s. Not because it’s “better” in every way, but because it better suits her current needs: reliability, battery life, and smoother performance. The S8, while impressive, shows its age in daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A50s faster than the S8?

In everyday tasks like opening apps and browsing, yes—the A50s often feels snappier due to newer software optimization and sufficient RAM. However, the S8’s original processor was more powerful, so in raw computing power, it had an advantage when new. Today, aging batteries and outdated software negate much of that benefit.

Can the S8 still run modern apps?

Yes, but with limitations. Basic apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and Chrome work, but performance degrades over time. Some newer apps may not install or run poorly due to API and security requirements. App compatibility will continue to decline.

Which phone should I buy in 2024?

If you're buying used and prioritize camera quality, design, and water resistance, the S8 is still appealing—but only if the battery is new. For most users, the A50s offers better practicality, longer battery life, and more consistent performance at a similar price point.

Final Verdict: Newer Isn’t Always Better, But It Often Lasts Longer

The Galaxy S8 was a technological marvel in 2017. Its design, display, and camera remain admirable. But technology evolves, and real-world usability trumps legacy prestige. The A50s may lack the S8’s refinement, but it delivers where it counts: battery life, modern software support, and dependable daily performance.

For most users in 2024, the A50s is the smarter choice—not because it’s objectively superior, but because it aligns better with current expectations. The S8 shines as a collector’s item or secondary device, but as a primary phone, its age shows.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Assess your priorities: Do you want timeless design or dependable function? Share your thoughts or experiences comparing old vs. new phones—we’d love to hear what matters most to you.