Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) smartphone

Photo: EEIM via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016)

October 2016 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) was a mid-range Android smartphone released in October 2016, featuring a premium metal design and a powerful Exynos 7420 processor, which was previously used in Samsung's 2015 flagship devices. It offered a vibrant Super AMOLED display and a capable camera setup for its time, aiming to provide a flagship-like experience at a more accessible price point.
Display5.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1080p
ChipsetExynos 7 Octa 7420
Main Camera16 MP, f/1.9
Battery3300 mAh

💰 Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) Price

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED
Size5.7 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels (~386 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4

Platform

OSAndroid 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
ChipsetExynos 7 Octa 7420 (14 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPUMali-T760MP8

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) up to 256GB
Internal32GB 3GB RAM

Main Camera

Single16 MP, f/1.9
FeaturesAutofocus, LED flash
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single8 MP
Video1080p

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable
ChargingAdaptive Fast Charging

Body

Dimensions156.6 x 76.8 x 7.2 mm
Weight182 g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame, metal back
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, hybrid dual stand-by)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.2
GPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCYes
RadioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedSeptember 2016
StatusReleased October 2016

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium build quality and design for a mid-range phone of its time
  • Excellent Super AMOLED display with vivid colors and deep blacks
  • Solid performance thanks to the Exynos 7420 chipset
  • Good camera quality for casual photography
  • Includes convenient features like a fingerprint sensor and Samsung Pay

Cons

  • Now runs on an outdated Android version with no further official updates
  • Hybrid SIM slot means sacrificing either a second SIM or expandable storage
  • Battery capacity is moderate by today's standards
  • No optical image stabilization (OIS) for the camera
  • Limited initial availability to certain markets
★ Our Verdict

While a strong mid-range contender in 2016 with premium features, its age means outdated software, security, and hardware capabilities compared to modern alternatives.

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) is now a very old smartphone, and its software (Android 8.0 Oreo maximum) is no longer supported with security updates, making it vulnerable. It is not recommended as a primary device for daily use due to performance limitations with modern apps and potential security risks. However, it could serve as a very basic secondary device for simple tasks like calls, texts, or as a media player if found at an extremely low price. Be aware that battery degradation is likely, and finding replacement parts or repairs might be challenging. Consider newer, budget-friendly smartphones for a more reliable and secure experience.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) smartphone
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick start guide
  • Earphones
  • Adaptive Fast Charging power adapter
  • Micro USB cable

Standard manufacturer's warranty typically covers one year from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What Android version does the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) run?

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) originally launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and can be updated to Android 8.0 Oreo.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) have a good camera?

For its release year, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) featured a capable 16 MP main camera with an f/1.9 aperture and an 8 MP front-facing camera, suitable for decent photos and videos.

Is the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) still a good phone in 2024?

In 2024, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) is considered outdated. It lacks modern software support, security updates, and its hardware may struggle with current applications, making it unsuitable as a primary device.

Does the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) support fast charging?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) supports Adaptive Fast Charging, allowing for quicker battery replenishment.

Can I expand the storage on the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016)?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) has a hybrid microSDXC card slot that supports expansion up to 256GB, though it shares the slot with the second SIM card.

What are the common issues with the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016)?

Common issues reported for the Galaxy A8 (2016) include potential performance throttling, battery swelling over time, and application compatibility problems after OS upgrades.