Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) vs Galaxy A7 (2017)

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Last year, when the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017) came out, we quickly compared the two as the tech-specs were quite similar back then. Fast forward to one year later, the Galaxy A8 (2018) is coming out real soon so if you have the Galaxy A7 (2017), you might have wondered if it's worth it to upgrade or not. Just in case you were wondering, no, there's no Galaxy A8 (2017) model and the last time that an A8 model did come to Malaysia was way back in 2015. Anyway, check out our comparison below.

Tech-specs and performance - Galaxy A8 has the upper hand

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First up, the Galaxy A8 (2018) is now using a new mid-range tier processor called the Exynos 7885. It's an octa-core processor with two cores running at 2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 while the remaining six runs at 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53. This is an improvement from the Galaxy A7 (2017), running at 1.9GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 for the Exynos 7880 chipset. For memory, the Galaxy A8 (2018) also has more - 4GB of RAM and 32GB worth of space, while the Galaxy A7 (2017) stays at 3GB of RAM and 32GB internal storage, but it can still use the expandable memory though for up to 256GB. The Galaxy A8 (2018) is using Android 7.1.1 Nougat whereas the Galaxy A7 (2017) is still at Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Apparently, the Galaxy A8 (2018)'s battery got a decrease to 3000mAh. It's weird because the Galaxy A7(2017)'s battery is 3600mAh, so why the drop? Perhaps it's due to the Exynos 7885 taking up a bit more space, not to the mention that the cores are separated into two parts for certain tasks. Despite the 600mAh drop, the Galaxy A8 (2018)'s battery doesn't deplete as fast as we thought, as it can go on a day easily with average usage. Even with intense gaming, the phone doesn't really heat up that much so that's great. 

On top of that, it's worth mentioning that the Galaxy A8 (2018) has superior connectivity, and is able to support top 4G speed and Bluetooth 5.0.

Camera - Say hello to your new selfie smartphone

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Before and after using the Live Focus adjustment feature

The camera sensors on both devices are the same 16MP on both back and front with an aperture of F/1.9. However, the Galaxy A8 (2018) now has a secondary camera on the front, an 8MP + F/1.9 and this marks Samsung's first Dual Front Camera on a device. What's the secondary camera for? It's similar to the way Galaxy Note 8 works with its Live Focus, creating a bokeh effect for a more natural "portrait" shot. There's also some Beauty and Stickers effect too so you can say the Galaxy A8 (2018) is made for the selfie lover.

Design and features - A8 looks better

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Since the Galaxy A8 (2018) has chosen the path of the full-view display, you might think its display is bigger than the Galaxy A7 (2017) but surprise, surprise, it's not. Although the difference is not that far apart, it has shrunk down from 5.7-inch to 5.6-inch. The Galaxy A8  (2018) is also thicker than the Galaxy A7 (2017), as well as more rectangular-ish (somehow) since the measurement is 149.2 x 70.6 x 8.4 mm against 156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm. Despite being slightly smaller, this also means the Galaxy A8 (2018) offers a better grip for the user. 

Moreover, the Galaxy A8 (2018) has an 18.5:9 aspect ratio (covering about 75.6% on the front), which is more than the Galaxy A7 (2017) which only has around 73.6% screen-to-body ratio. Both are using the same Super AMOLED display, but if I have to choose, the A8 looks better in terms of a more premium look, as it features an Infinity Display. 

For features, both have the same IP68 water and dust resistant grade, Samsung Pay and fingerprint sensor (the Galaxy A8 (2018)'s fingerprint sensor is at the back and the Galaxy A7 (2017)'s one is at the front home button). Fast charging is available and for the Galaxy A8 (2018), it takes less than 2 hours to fully charge. Oh yeah, the Galaxy A8 (2018) also has Bixby ready to assist you on your daily schedules.

Price and conclusion - Maybe get the A8?

When the Galaxy A7 (2017) first made its debut, it was RM1899 and here's the kicker - the Galaxy A8 (2018) actually costs RM100 less which is RM1799 officially as of January 2018, From the price alone, this is definitely a better buy due to having a better processor, dual front cameras, dual front camera, the more comfortable grip, its beautiful design and a full-view 18.5:9 aspect ratio display. Otherwise, the Galaxy A7 (2017) is just fine as it is.

However, if you prefer having a bigger screen, the Galaxy A8+ (2018) stands tall with a 6-inch full-view display and slightly wider body than its younger brother. To add on to that, the plus variant has a bigger battery too at 3500mAh and more memory as well, utilizing 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. However, do keep note that it also costs RM2499 but if you have the budget and need the space, we aren't stopping you. 

So how does the Galaxy A8 (2018) sound to you? Is this something you're looking for? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more comparisons at TechNave.com.