Samsung S8 Vs S8 Plus Is The Bigger Screen Really Worth It 3

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus in 2017, they set a new standard for smartphone design—edge-to-edge displays, refined materials, and powerful internals. While both phones shared nearly identical features, one key difference stood out: screen size. The S8 featured a 5.8-inch display, while the S8 Plus offered a larger 6.2-inch screen. But does that extra real estate translate into meaningful benefits? For users deciding between these two models—even today, in the context of secondhand or legacy device use—the question remains relevant: Is the bigger screen really worth it?

Design and Display: Size Matters, But How Much?

The most immediate difference between the S8 and S8 Plus lies in their physical footprint. Despite the jump in screen size, both devices maintained a similar design language with curved edges, glass backs, and slim bezels. However, the S8 Plus is noticeably taller and wider, making single-handed use more challenging.

The S8’s 5.8-inch Quad HD+ (1440 x 2960) Super AMOLED display was already large by 2017 standards, but the S8 Plus pushed further with its 6.2-inch panel. Both screens delivered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility thanks to Samsung’s top-tier AMOLED technology. The pixel density was slightly higher on the S8 (570 ppi vs. 529 ppi), though this difference was imperceptible in daily use.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone one-handed or prefer compact devices, the S8 offers better ergonomics despite minimal spec differences.

Battery Life: Where the Plus Truly Shines

One area where the S8 Plus clearly outperforms its smaller sibling is battery life. The S8 came with a 3000 mAh battery, while the S8 Plus packed a 3500 mAh unit—a 16.7% increase in capacity. In real-world testing, this translated to roughly 2–3 additional hours of screen-on time.

For heavy users—those streaming video, playing games, or navigating all day—the S8 Plus provided noticeable relief from mid-afternoon charging anxiety. Even under moderate use, the larger model often lasted well into a second evening, whereas the S8 sometimes required an early recharge.

“Battery endurance can make or break the user experience, especially when you're away from outlets. The S8 Plus wasn’t just bigger—it was more reliable.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetInsight

Performance and Features: Nearly Identical Under the Hood

Both devices were powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 (depending on region), paired with 4GB of RAM. This meant identical performance across apps, multitasking, and gaming. Whether editing photos, switching between browsers, or running VR experiences, neither phone showed a consistent advantage over the other in speed or responsiveness.

Additional features like IP68 water resistance, iris scanning, Bixby integration, and AKG-tuned stereo speakers were present on both models. Software updates and security patches were also rolled out simultaneously, ensuring parity in long-term support.

Feature	Samsung S8	Samsung S8 Plus
Display Size	5.8 inches	6.2 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2960	1440 x 2960
Battery Capacity	3000 mAh	3500 mAh
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7	12MP f/1.7
Front Camera	8MP f/1.7	8MP f/1.7
RAM / Storage	4GB / 64GB	4GB / 64GB
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Weight	155g	173g

Camera Quality: Subtle Differences in Real-World Use

Despite sharing the same primary camera sensor—a 12MP Dual Pixel shooter with f/1.7 aperture—some users reported marginally better low-light performance on the S8 Plus. This wasn’t due to hardware differences, but rather thermal management. The larger body allowed for slightly better heat dissipation during extended photo or video sessions, helping maintain image processing consistency.

In everyday conditions, however, both cameras produced sharp, color-accurate images with excellent dynamic range. Portrait mode effects and autofocus speed were indistinguishable. Video recording topped out at 4K@30fps on both, with steady electronic stabilization.

The front-facing 8MP camera also performed equally well, though the S8 Plus’s larger screen made framing selfies easier—especially when using the wide-angle view.

Real-World Usage: A Mini Case Study

Consider Maria, a freelance photographer who used the S8 Plus as her secondary device for client previews and social media uploads. She valued the larger screen for reviewing RAW thumbnails and editing on-the-go with Adobe Lightroom. The extended battery life meant she could shoot all day at weddings without worrying about powering down.

However, she often found the phone too bulky to carry in her jacket pocket. When traveling light, she switched to the S8, appreciating its snug fit and lighter weight—even if it meant carrying a portable charger.

Her experience highlights a central trade-off: functionality versus portability. The S8 Plus enhanced productivity and media consumption, but compromised convenience.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing Between S8 and S8 Plus

If you’re still weighing your options—perhaps considering a used or refurbished model—follow this decision framework:

1. Assess your hand size and grip preference. Try holding a 6.2-inch phone at a store or compare dimensions online. Can you comfortably reach the top corners?
2. Evaluate your daily usage patterns. Do you watch videos, read e-books, or edit documents on your phone? Larger screens improve these experiences.
3. Consider battery needs. If you travel frequently or lack access to chargers, the S8 Plus’s 3500 mAh battery is a significant upgrade.
4. Think about pocketability. The S8 fits more easily in tight jeans or small bags. The Plus may require a case with a belt loop or holster.
5. Check current market pricing. On the secondhand market, price differences are often minimal. Paying extra for the Plus may not be justified unless battery and screen size are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S8 Plus too big for average hands?

Many users with average to small hands find the S8 Plus difficult to operate one-handed. Samsung addressed this in later models with software navigation buttons and edge-swipe gestures, but physical reach remains a challenge.

Do both phones support wireless charging?

Yes. Both the S8 and S8 Plus support Qi-based wireless charging and come with adaptive fast charging capabilities via USB-C.

Can I expect the same software experience on both?

Absolutely. Both devices launched with Android 7.0 Nougat, received updates up to Android 9 Pie, and had identical interface features including Always-On Display, Samsung DeX (via adapter), and Bixby Voice.

Final Verdict: Is the Bigger Screen Worth It?

The answer depends on what you prioritize. If you value immersive media, longer battery life, and don’t mind the added bulk, the S8 Plus delivers tangible benefits. Its larger screen enhances multitasking, video playback, and productivity—especially when connected to a monitor via DeX.

But if you prize comfort, portability, and one-handed control, the S8 offers nearly all the same premium features in a more manageable form factor. The performance gap is nonexistent, and the camera quality is effectively identical.

Tip: Test both models in person if possible. Dimensions and weight feel different in hand than they appear on spec sheets.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus represent a pivotal moment in smartphone evolution—one where screen size became a personal choice rather than a compromise. While the S8 Plus offers clear advantages in battery and viewing space, the S8 proves that sometimes, smaller is smarter.

Ultimately, the “worth” of the bigger screen isn’t measured in inches alone, but in how it fits your lifestyle. Whether you choose compact efficiency or expansive utility, both phones remain impressive even years after release. Consider your habits, test the options, and make a choice that serves your daily routine—not just the specs.

🚀 Have you used both the S8 and S8 Plus? Share your experience in the comments below—your insights could help someone make their decision!