Samsung A8 Vs S8 Is It Worth Upgrading In 2024 Or Is The S8 Still Good

In 2024, choosing between older Samsung smartphones like the Galaxy A8 and the Galaxy S8 isn't just about specs—it's about practical longevity, software support, and real-world usability. Both devices were once flagships or mid-range standouts in their time, but nearly seven years after the S8’s release and six since the A8 (2018), the question arises: should you upgrade from one to the other, or are both now obsolete for daily use?

This comparison cuts through nostalgia and benchmarks to deliver a realistic assessment of where each phone stands today—especially if you're considering using one as a budget device, backup phone, or hand-me-down.

Design and Build: Premium vs Practical

The Galaxy S8 set a new standard for smartphone design when it launched in 2017. Its edge-to-edge Infinity Display, minimal bezels, and glass-metal sandwich made it feel futuristic. The curved 5.8-inch AMOLED screen was not only stunning but also contributed to an immersive viewing experience. It was available in sleek colors like Midnight Black and Orchid Gray, with IP68 water resistance—a rare feature at the time.

The Galaxy A8 (2018), while newer, took a different approach. It featured a flat 5.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, which is sharper than the S8’s Quad HD panel when adjusted for size. However, the overall footprint is larger due to thicker bezels. The build is solid but leans more toward practicality than luxury, lacking water resistance and using a plastic frame under its glass back.

Tip: If you value a compact, premium-feeling device with water resistance, the S8 still impresses despite its age.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the differences become more pronounced. The S8 launched with either the Snapdragon 835 (U.S.) or Exynos 9810 (international), both powerful chips for their era. The A8 stepped down with the Exynos 7885—an octa-core processor built on a less efficient 14nm process, paired with 4GB RAM compared to the S8’s 4GB but faster UFS storage.

In 2024, neither chip handles modern multitasking smoothly. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Chrome will load slowly, and background app switching often results in reloads. However, the S8 generally performs better due to superior memory management and optimization during its prime.

“Phones from 2017–2018 weren’t designed for the data-heavy, always-connected apps we use today. Even flagship silicon struggles now.” — David Lin, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechLongevity Labs

Key Performance Factors in 2024

• App Launch Speed: S8 slightly faster due to UFS 2.1 vs eMMC 5.1 on A8
• Multitasking: Both struggle; frequent app reloads expected
• Gaming: Light games (e.g., Candy Crush) work; anything intensive lags
• Battery Efficiency: Older batteries degrade; expect 4–6 hours screen time max

Camera Capabilities: How Do They Hold Up?

The S8’s single 12MP rear camera was class-leading in 2017. With Dual Pixel autofocus and f/1.7 aperture, it captured sharp, well-exposed photos in daylight and surprisingly usable low-light shots. Video topped out at 4K@30fps.

The A8 introduced Samsung’s dual front cameras—a 16MP main and 8MP wide-angle selfie lens—catering to vloggers and social media users. The rear camera remained a single 16MP sensor with f/1.7, but image processing wasn’t as refined as the S8’s.

In head-to-head tests today, the S8 produces more natural colors and better dynamic range. The A8 tends to oversharpen and over-saturate, especially in HDR mode. Neither supports Night Mode or AI enhancements natively, though some third-party apps can add basic night shooting.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018)
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.7, OIS, Dual Pixel AF	16MP, f/1.7, no OIS
Front Camera	8MP, f/1.7	16MP + 8MP wide-angle
Video Recording	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps	1080p@30fps only
Low-Light Quality	Moderate; decent noise control	Poor; grainy and blurry

Software and Security: The Real Dealbreaker

This is where both phones fall short in 2024. The Galaxy S8 originally ran Android 7.0 Nougat and received updates up to Android 9 Pie with One UI 1.1. Samsung ended official security patches in 2020. The A8 launched with Android 7.1.1 and reached Android 9, with its last update in early 2021.

Running outdated software means:

• No protection against recent malware or phishing attacks
• Incompatibility with many banking, ride-share, and health apps
• Lack of Google Play Services updates, leading to app crashes

Tip: Never use these phones for sensitive tasks like online banking or email if connected to public Wi-Fi.

Real Example: Maria’s Backup Phone Dilemma

Maria kept her Galaxy S8 as a backup for emergencies. In early 2024, she tried using it to access her bank app while traveling. The app refused to open, displaying “Device not supported.” She switched to her primary phone and found two failed login attempts from unknown locations—likely triggered by outdated security protocols. After that, she reset the S8 and now uses it only offline for music and notes.

Is Upgrading From A8 to S8 Worth It in 2024?

If you currently own the A8 and are considering switching to a used S8, the answer is likely no. While the S8 has a better display, slightly faster performance, and superior camera tuning, both are technologically obsolete. The marginal gains don’t justify the effort or potential cost of acquiring a functional S8 in 2024.

However, if you’re choosing between them secondhand for $20–$40, the S8 remains the better option for media consumption and photography—but only if you accept severe limitations in app compatibility and battery life.

Checklist: Is an S8 or A8 Right for You in 2024?

1. Will you use it only for calls, texts, and music? → Possible yes
2. Do you need access to modern apps (Google Maps, WhatsApp, Gmail)? → Not recommended
3. Are you comfortable with frequent app crashes and slow loading? → Proceed with caution
4. Is this a child’s first phone or elderly relative’s simple device? → Acceptable with restrictions
5. Do you plan to root or install custom ROMs? → Only S8 has active LineageOS support

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 still run WhatsApp?

As of late 2023, WhatsApp officially dropped support for Android versions below 5.0, but the real cutoff is around Android 8.1+. The S8 can technically run it if already installed, but fresh installs may fail. Expect instability and missing features.

Is the S8 battery replaceable in 2024?

Original replacements are scarce, but third-party 3000mAh batteries are available online. Be cautious—many lack proper calibration or safety certifications. Professional installation is strongly advised.

Which phone lasts longer on a charge today?

Neither excels. Original batteries have degraded significantly. The S8’s 3000mAh cell typically lasts 5–6 hours screen-on time with light use. The A8’s 3000mAh battery performs similarly but degrades faster due to lower-quality power management.

Conclusion: When Legacy Devices Reach Their Limit

The Galaxy S8 was a landmark device. For a time, it defined what a smartphone could be. The A8 offered innovation in selfies and mid-tier design. But in 2024, both belong more in nostalgic retrospectives than in active service.

If you're clinging to either phone out of loyalty or frugality, consider stepping up to even a budget 2023–2024 device like the Galaxy A14 or Moto G Power. These offer five years of security updates, modern app compatibility, and vastly superior performance for under $200.

Technology evolves quickly. Holding onto legacy hardware risks security, functionality, and peace of mind. Whether you're upgrading from A8 to S8 or vice versa, the smarter move in 2024 is to look forward—not backward.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Explore current budget smartphones with long-term support and leave outdated devices behind. Your digital life deserves better security, speed, and reliability.