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Samsung Launches Galaxy S8 Smartphone (cnbc.com)

Posted by msmash on from the new-phones-on-market dept.

Samsung on Wednesday unveiled the Galaxy S8, its latest flagship smartphone boasting a new voice assistant and larger display as the technology titan looks to steal a march on Apple and regain ground after the embarrassing Note 7 saga. The phone comes in two models with different screen sizes -- the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and 6.2-inch Galaxy S8 Plus. From a report: Some of the key features of the device include a so-called "infinity display", giving the device a bezel-less curved edge and a 12 megapixel back camera. [...] Samsung also revealed Bixby, a smart voice assistant to rival Apple's Siri. It will be able to answer questions you ask, but Samsung highlighted how it's different. One use case involved taking a picture of a monument and Bixby being able to tell you information about this as well as recommendations of restaurants nearby. The display has a resolution of 2960 x 1440. The Galaxy S8 (both variants) comes powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core SoC (in international markets, Exynos octa-core). Other features include 12MP rear camera, 8MP front-facing camera, 3,000 mAh battery (3,500 mAh battery on Plus model), USB-C charging port, 3.5mm headphone jack, IP68 water and dust resistance capability, support for wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.0, and support for LTE Cat 16. It runs Android 7.0. Prices are yet to be announced.

104 comments

  1. Boom baby! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    No headline like "explosive launch"? :)

  2. Live Stream: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    https://youtu.be/pfJVUd1gjT8

  3. In related news...fire! by edxwelch · · Score: 1

    Samsung store catches fire:
    http://www.notebookcheck.net/S...

    1. Re:In related news...fire! by OneHundredAndTen · · Score: 1

      Samsung store catches fire: http://www.notebookcheck.net/S...

      That's what happens when a company ships such hot devices.

    2. Re: In related news...fire! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's da bomb!

  4. proper link by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfJVUd1gjT8

    proper link instead of to cnbc :)

    1. Re:proper link by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Review

      http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8_s8plus_hands_on-review-1595.php

  5. 5.8 inches is way too big! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I hate how these are all so big and long. Like 5.8 inches is just way too big for me to handle. I need smaller. Like closer to 5 inches than to 6 inches. I know some people slobber for big ones that are 6 inches or bigger, but I prefer them small. It doesn't even matter whose it is, they're all too lengthy for my hands. I can't get a good grip on them. Please, somebody, offer me one that's smaller! I want to be able to handle it easily.

    1. Re:5.8 inches is way too big! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fucking size queen.

    2. Re: 5.8 inches is way too big! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Marry me?

    3. Re: 5.8 inches is way too big! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's the opposite of what she said.

  6. Look like spec by denisbergeron · · Score: 2

    From last year second level Corp. Like my zenfone 3 that have 4gb and 64gb in its smallest version, and you can get a 256gb zenfone for the price of a Samsung 7!

    --
    Ceci n'est pas une Signature !
    1. Re:Look like spec by Solandri · · Score: 1

      The silly thing is Samsung is the world's largest DRAM and NAND manufacturer. It would cost them literally a few dollars to bump up the amount of RAM and storage on their devices.

    2. Re:Look like spec by thegarbz · · Score: 2

      The silly thing is someone thinking this is silly because of reason X without having any of the inside information that went into the design and engineering.

      It's even sillier complaining about this on a phone with an SD card slot. I for one will be buying the smallest version available because unlike other manufactures this one doesn't limit my storage.

    3. Re:Look like spec by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 2

      The silly thing is Samsung is the world's largest DRAM and NAND manufacturer. It would cost them literally a few dollars to bump up the amount of RAM and storage on their devices.

      You're assuming that Samsung is just big pile of products and divisions.

      In reality, Samsung's mobile device manufacturing company has to BUY components from Samsung Semiconductor company. They probably get an extreme sweetheart deal; but I can guarantee they don't just "transfer stock" for zero dollars over cost.

    4. Re:Look like spec by Joosy · · Score: 1

      It's even sillier complaining about this on a phone with an SD card slot. I for one will be buying the smallest version available because unlike other manufactures this one doesn't limit my storage.

      SD card memory is handy for storing photos, videos and movies, but not so good (typically it's useless) for installing programs.

      --
      I'm sick and tired of these hip, "ironic" sigs. This is an actual, honest-to-goodness no-nonsense sig!
    5. Re:Look like spec by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 1

      This is not how embedded device companies think/plan.

      I want to sell 4million S8s over the course of a year for a price below X (X related to prices of the competition).

      If I pay $10 more in RAM for each unit, then the production price goes up by about $40 (rule of thumb: $x more spent in production for one part ends up as 4 * $x in the final costs .. YMMV).

      So: what now? If we increase the original planned selling price, we are "cost neutral" but might miss the market.
      If we swallow the cost, then we have to give up $160 million ($40 * 4million) in earnings.

      In other word: every $1 extra spent in production of a single unit will cost me millions in sales, the more I sell the more I lose, you could argue.

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
    6. Re:Look like spec by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      but not so good (typically it's useless) for installing programs.

      And yet the vast majority of programs have no problem running on the SD card. Mind I'm truly in awe of anyone who actually needs this function, given the over 100 apps I have on my crappy little 16GB device.

  7. bezel-less curved edge by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    "bezel-less curved edge"

    F that! I already have a hard enough time holding my phone with a bezel without accidentally touching the edges of the screen. Forget putting adding a protective case to protect your multi-hundred dollar toy as you won't be able to use the edges of the screen.

    1. Re:bezel-less curved edge by The+Snowman · · Score: 3, Interesting

      F that! I already have a hard enough time holding my phone with a bezel without accidentally touching the edges of the screen. Forget putting adding a protective case to protect your multi-hundred dollar toy as you won't be able to use the edges of the screen.

      I traded in my S7 Edge specifically because the curved edges were so damn annoying. I would almost constantly trigger functionality on the edges of the screen, interrupting what I was doing. Adding a case did not help: the pressure the case put on the edges actually made it worse. Touching elsewhere on the phone would distort all the interconnected pieces of the case just enough to trigger a touch in a random place. It was also annoying when playing games where I might need to touch near the edge of the screen: the curvature made it harder to read the screen and touch the edges.

      Upgrading to an "old-school" flat-screen phone eliminated all of the annoyances caused by the curved edges. I will never buy another curved-screen phone. Since Samsung is committed balls-deep to technology that actively pisses me off, I doubt I will ever buy another one of their phones.

      --
      24 beers in a case, 24 hours in a day. Coincidence? I think not!
    2. Re:bezel-less curved edge by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have an even bigger problem with those non-edgy edges. Is this phone indestructable if I drop it? I didn't think so. I put my phones in cases because sometimes I bobble my grip on them. I'm really big on Otterbox cases. The lip around the edge of the case at the front of the phone protects those vulnerable edges. The bezel around the screen serves a definite purpose: the screen does not extend there so that the lip of the case can cover the area without blocking any of the screen. Now these woefully impratical clowns come around and screw that up.

      Bah on form over function!

    3. Re:bezel-less curved edge by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Really, if manufacturers want to increase screen real estate by eliminating bezels, that's ok. But then they need to make sure the touch-sensitive area of the screen is at least a quarter inch or so in from the edge. Preferably by not extending the underlying touch-sensing hardware out beyond that. Then software developers will just have to ensure that touchable ui elements stay within the touch boundary, but can draw visible content beyond it.

  8. The question on everyone's mind: by Gravis+Zero · · Score: 1, Funny

    Now that's it's been launched, will it explode on impact? ;)

    --
    Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
    1. Re:The question on everyone's mind: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, Samsung has adopted a new airburst fuse, which maximizes anti-personnel effects.

  9. Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Bring back the removable/easily swapped-out battery _with_ waterproofing. Stop thinking thinness is the primary design goal.

    1. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      This. I don't mind a thicker phone if it has a larger capacity or swappable battery, and it will likely be easier to hold anyway especially if it has a stupid bezel-less design.

    2. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Dracos · · Score: 2

      Yes: thinness is an anti-feature, just like bezel-less screens.

    3. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dear Samsung, I will not even consider buying a phone with a non-removable battery. Your move.

    4. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by eam3 · · Score: 1

      Agreed 100%. Looks like I'll keep my trusty S5 and keep updating until Samsung decides to abandon it.

    5. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Solandri · · Score: 1

      I'd prefer a thicker phone too (I had to add a case to my Nexus 5 to make it thicker because I kept dropping it). But I believe the reason Samsung got rid of the removable battery was because too many people were killing their phone in the water. The Galaxy S5 was waterproof and had a removable battery. But that required the back cover be removable with a big gasket around its edge. People weren't placing the cover on properly, so the gasket wouldn't seal and the phone would leak and die when placed underwater.

      These people complained and demanded replacement phones, blaming Samsung's design for the problem instead of blaming their own failure to make sure the back cover was properly closed. So Samsung did the logical thing and eliminated the back cover as a failure point in their waterproofing.

    6. Re: Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dear AC, we have 164 different phones on sale with removable battery. /Samsung

    7. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Bratch · · Score: 1

      Same reason I am still using my Note 4. One of the batteries makes the phone suddenly shut down around 30%, so I just ordered another one yesterday. The other one will run the phone all the way down to 1%.

      I also miss having a built in FM radio. ehhhhh get off my weeds ....

      --
      Beware of the Redittor who loans you a Sharpie.
    8. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The S5 wasn't especially good at sealing the back cover, especially when the battery starts expanding and pushes the back cover or screen off the front. Even Samsung didn't have much confidence in the design as the device constantly warns you to make sure the back cover is in place; regardless of whether the seal is actually open.

    9. Re: Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Type44Q · · Score: 1

      And a non-removable battery would be viable with each and every low-budget but it simply has no place in a flagship model.

    10. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      Bring back the removable/easily swapped-out battery _with_ waterproofing. Stop thinking thinness is the primary design goal.

      Please go buy another phone. I don't want a removable battery with *compromised* water proofing (because that's what it is), and I sure as hell don't want a thicker phone because of it.

    11. Re: Still clinging to iPhone limitations by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 0

      Dear AC, we have 164 different phones on sale with removable battery. /Samsung

      And WHY would any company want to have 164 different phones on sale, PERIOD?

      Samsung is a sad, sad joke.

    12. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How about you go buy an iPhone instead? There is 0 chance the guys in Cupertino will listen to their customers, but maybe if you "ooooh, shiny" people stop buying Android phones, then it will make those manufacturers listen to the rest of us.

    13. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Thruen · · Score: 1
      Here, this is what I wrote back when people were saying they want removable batteries because Samsung's phones were exploding. Basically it's never going to happen more than it already does because there's no demand and no real benefit for the vast majority of customers, but have a read:

      I see a lot of people saying they'd prefer a phone with a removable battery. Here's the thing: They exist, you have that option, everyone does and nobody takes it. Phones with removable batteries don't sell very well and that's why you don't see them advertised all over the place nor do you see manufacturers trying to pack in more features when it's not worth the effort for them. I know, everyone wants to believe the lack of removable batteries is so you'll be forced to replace your phone due to a dead battery instead of getting a new battery. I am going to tell you what my S/O who has sold this stuff for the last decade has told me repeatedly: They made a lot more selling extra batteries than they do selling replacement phones, there has been no notable increase in the rate at which people replace phones while we've made the move to non-removable batteries, and it's actually less common that people come in with complaints about their battery now than before as batteries now typically work well for as long as the average consumer uses their phone. It's also worth pointing out that, back when replaceable batteries were common, folks would often complain about the short lifespan of their batteries claiming they were being forced to buy replacements just to keep their phone on for a day at a time.

      I know, I've been using the same phone for years, too. I could use a replaceable battery as mine is not holding a charge the way it used to. We are the minority, most folks don't suffer many ill effects from not being able to replace the battery in their phone. This situation is a fluke, and even after this you will only see a very small minority of folks talking about the need for replaceable batteries. The vast majority of consumers don't care about replaceable batteries and wouldn't really benefit from them.

    14. Re:Still clinging to iPhone limitations by Gussington · · Score: 1

      I think the Phone hype curve has peaked. We had ten years of iphone/android fun, but I just bought an Oppo F1S that looks just as shiney as any flagship phone. Iphone/Galaxy/Pixel etc are $1300+ in my market, the Oppo was $320 and does the job for 99% of the use cases. I suspect Samsung, Apple etc are in for a post-expensive-phone shock as people tire of the never ending cycle. It's just a phone, and we've now reached 'good enough' that people will stop caring about new features.

  10. Location based recogntion by TheCastro1689 · · Score: 1

    I wonder if it will be able to identify monuments from unique angles or with the location turned off, the restaurant thing makes me think it's location based mostly, unless the restaurant part is a separate thought, but then Siri and Cortana do that too.

  11. Re:"It runs Android 7.0." by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    modded as stupid

  12. Why Is International Different? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    The Galaxy S8 (both variants) comes powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core SoC (in international markets, Exynos octa-core).

    So international markets have a different chip? The tinfoil hatter in me says it's because the US government put a back door in one of the chips, but I'm wondering what other reasons there might be for this?

    1. Re:Why Is International Different? by ctilsie242 · · Score: 1

      The tinfoil hatter in me makes me wonder if it is because the Snapdragon is more resistant to unlocking the bootloader or rooting, while other countries don't really give a rat's ass about that.

    2. Re:Why Is International Different? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      no, it's about LTE frequencies, patents and using your own cell modem

      qualcom CPU you have to use a qualcomm cell modem. samsung makes their own CPU's and outside the US they do this to pair them cell modems other than qualcomm

    3. Re:Why Is International Different? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Snapdragon and Exynos SoCs probably have different patent-encumbered wireless tech on board. The Snapdragon build is probably faster on US networks than the Exynos build.

  13. 3.5mm jack and IP68? by LynnwoodRooster · · Score: 4, Funny

    Clearly a lie - after all Apple would have done it if it could be done!

    --
    Browsing at +1 - no ACs, I ignore their posts. So refreshing!
    1. Re:3.5mm jack and IP68? by thegarbz · · Score: 0

      Don't worry Apple's new headquarters are nearly finished.

      Did you see it's shape? The distortion field generated by a coil that size will finally cover the entire planet. No more issues with range causing people on the other side of the internet to question the mighty half eaten fruit.

  14. "Bixby" by Rick+Schumann · · Score: 3, Funny

    Don't make Bixby angry, mister McGee; you won't like Bixby when it's angry.

    1. Re:"Bixby" by the_skywise · · Score: 1

      "People let me tell ya 'bout my beeeeesstt friend! [ it's bixby!]"

    2. Re: "Bixby" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      White POWER!!!

      Clayton Bigsby oblg ref.

    3. Re:"Bixby" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hope (HOPE!) that it's interface is green ;)

    4. Re: "Bixby" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That is funny, I do remember when it came out. But the Bixby reference (and hopefully a new meme?) is actor Bill Bixby
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bixby

      Bixby played Bruce Banner the human part of The Incredible Hulk, (who was played by Lou Ferrigno https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Ferrigno ).

      Bixby's most famous like is "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry" is awesome!!
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4BwG7UF-l4

      And of course you know what happens when Banner gets angry!! :D

    5. Re: "Bixby" by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 1

      White POWER!!!

      Clayton Bigsby oblg ref.

      My all-time favorite Chappelle bit!

  15. Money burning a hole in my pocket by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I'd rather have money burning a hole in my pocket than a phone.

    I'll wait and see...

  16. Battery by fnj · · Score: 2

    The battery is removable, or they can go straight to hell with the crap. I wouldn't take it as a gift.

    1. Re:Battery by XxtraLarGe · · Score: 1

      The battery is removable, or they can go straight to hell with the crap. I wouldn't take it as a gift.

      Okay. It isn't open--I think I can still return it. What would you prefer instead? I can get you a gift card to Fazoli's for the same amount, or I can make a donation in your name to the Human Fund.

      --
      Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
    2. Re:Battery by Spy+Handler · · Score: 1

      what recent high-end phone from a major manufacturer has a removable battery? High-end meaning performance good enough to compete with iphone 7.

      This is not a satirical question, I honestly don't know and would like to find out which of the latest iphone competitors has a removable battery.

    3. Re:Battery by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm afraid it's not removable, which is something that is offputting for me as well. It's an obscene sort of built-in obsolescence. Plus, I have a 5000 mAh battery in my current phone, and it's awesome! I'd hate to have to downgrade to 3000 mAh.

    4. Re: Battery by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I wish I knew what " high end" meant. Every time I think I knew, a new model comes out and the features of last year's "high end" costs only about $120.

      Thanks, I can wait an extra year, plus afford a new phone every year, without needing to spend $40 (to protect my "investment") on a case that makes my phone thicker than the $120 alternative.

    5. Re:Battery by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      I'm Samsung will be regretting their decision to piss off a hand full of slashdotters by sealing the battery, while fanning themselves with millions in profits.

      Removable batteries can go to hell. Waterproof is where it's at.

    6. Re:Battery by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Bullshit. If you need a waterproof phone, you don't deserve to have a phone. Removable batteries ARE where it's at.

  17. Sounds boring & expensive by jareth-0205 · · Score: 2

    Which is good really. That smartphones have matured to a state where there is not much new each year gives us a bit of stability, which I welcome after the past few years of constant upgrades.

    But I have to wonder who now pays $800 or whatever for a phone. My current is a Moto Z Play, which is mid-range really, but I haven't found anything to complain about at all... or atleast nothing that I believe would be fixed by a faster (more power-hungry) CPU or a higher screen resolution (that I can't see). If you were in the market for an Android phone, why would anyone get a flagship these days?

    1. Re:Sounds boring & expensive by dreamstateseven · · Score: 1

      I totally agree with your point in stability. I'm still using a BlackBerry Z30 that is 3 years old. I'm in the market for an Android, and I think a key driving factor to get a flagship is because I specifically don't want to be buying another phone for another 3 years.

    2. Re:Sounds boring & expensive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The happy coincidence of the cloud model of the playstore and google's other services make transitioning from one device to another pretty easy. On the other hand, if you actually value privacy using alternatives is a lot more difficult.

    3. Re:Sounds boring & expensive by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      But I have to wonder who now pays $800 or whatever for a phone.

      No one pays $800 for a phone. People pay $30/month and get an $800 phone for free (after all they were paying $30/month already).

    4. Re:Sounds boring & expensive by Thanatiel · · Score: 1

      Depends on the country.
      In France and in Belgium having a "rented" phone costs up to 3 times buying the phone unlocked and getting the appropriate service.

      --
      Irrelevant news and morons using moderation to mod down what they disagree on. 2018 resolution: so long.
    5. Re:Sounds boring & expensive by Vegan+Cyclist · · Score: 1

      Same here, was looking at the Samsung S7, almost $800 here in Canada at Costco, went with the Moto G4 Plus for $400, am very happy I saved that cash and the phone is still much more than I generally need.

    6. Re:Sounds boring & expensive by CrashNBrn · · Score: 1

      The various cell providers got rid of "contracts for phone discounts", no longer offer free phones, and their phones are listed with the "monthly price" (to hide the actual price from the expected uninformed consumer). The bulk of the subscribers get phones from their provider, and the monthly pricing makes it difficult for even half-way intelligent people to discern the true cost when you see an average price of $15/mo and top-end prices of $24-$30/mo, with very few phones in the $5-10 range.

      cf. Verizon Smartphones

      $32.08/mo - iPhone 7 Plus
      $24.00/mo - Samsung Galaxy S7
      $27.08/mo - Pixel

    7. Re:Sounds boring & expensive by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      So people pay $30/month to get a $1600 phone for free. Point is the same, on a continuous contract basis a lot of people don't ever look at the cost of the phone, only the cost of the contract.

  18. Bixby by tinkerton · · Score: 1

    One use case involved taking a picture of a monument and Bixby being able to tell you information about this as well as recommendations of restaurants nearby.

    In the original series Bixby would even tell you where you wanted to go and what food you were thinking of. And he lived in a plane that he named 'The Spirit' and the pilot was named Jerry.

  19. If only by Artem+S.+Tashkinov · · Score: 3, Interesting

    they could make their phones 2mm thicker and add 20-40% larger battery.

    CPU and GPU performance increase is nothing to write home about despite the new 10nm fabrication process.

    The screen to body ratio is just excellent. This is what we should have had years ago.

    DEX is really cool or even more functional. Microsoft should start worrying about Windows dominance on the desktop right away.

    VR has been and will remain a gimmick people will try and then forget about in a month.

    Overall it's a very cool and functional phone Apple will be copying in the next three years. I'd buy one if not for its staggering price.

    1. Re:If only by kimvette · · Score: 1

      > VR has been and will remain a gimmick people will try and then forget about in a month.

      VR goggles are great for commercial flights. I bring my Gear VR and Sennheiser headphones with me, then I watch movies on the virtual huge screen and don't care if I can't get a window seat. :)

      --
      The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
    2. Re:If only by philipmather · · Score: 1

      DEX is the innovation here, the phone becoming just a compute engine powerful enough sit in your bag will become a thing soon. Ubuntu knew it but never produced on the hardware front. The only reason you need a dock is to get a decent resolution to a real display. If you could do that without wires... then it becomes a game changer. Might even be enough to run a low resolution link that's acceptable enough to use for email or word type applications and bootstrap a customer base from there.

      --
      Regards, Phil
  20. The must have specs... by HockeyPuck · · Score: 2

    Waterproof, usb-c and a headphone jack...

    Why can't Apple just include these...?

    1. Re:The must have specs... by LynnwoodRooster · · Score: 1

      Courage.

      --
      Browsing at +1 - no ACs, I ignore their posts. So refreshing!
  21. LTE Patents by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Qualcomm have LTE patents, and their ARM based Silicon has LTE modem built in, creating a financial advantage in using their chip in markets where it holds the patent since you can use their chip and get the license included.

  22. Not impressed by Bill+Hayden · · Score: 1

    I'm not a fan of removing the home button AT ALL, and I dislike the rounded edge screens. You know what I *would* pay for, though? A phone that didn't need a case, and that could be dropped from chest height with no visible damage. That is the next killer feature in my book. Paying top dollar for a slick-looking phone that you have to wrap in an ugly, thick Otterbox case to hope to *maybe* protect it, is a waste of a good design.

    --
    Protect your browser with the Force Safe Search add-on
    1. Re:Not impressed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I get by fine without a case. I would settle for a couple loops where I could attach a wrist strap, that would probably not get in the way of accessories like my controller or my GearVR.

      However, on the subject of dropping one's phone, it's hard enough to safely grip the S7 without touching the huge screen; I suspect it will be even harder with the S8's curved screen. Can we have our bezels back yet?

    2. Re:Not impressed by CrashNBrn · · Score: 1

      Motorola X Force (x1580) from Nov.2015 @ ~$300 from various outlets, and on sale @ eGlobal for $229. 3GB RAM, 32GB Flash, sd-card, shockproof, water resistant, etc.

      Have already dropped the x1581 model from above waist-height and the phone landed (with no damage) on it's side onto a wood floor. Although you may need to roll your own updates, which can be found over at XDA in the "Droid 2" forums.

      The Moto Z Force as well, which is more current (2016) with 4gb RAM, but 2-3 times the price.

    3. Re:Not impressed by hackel · · Score: 1

      The home button always was an awkward anti-feature. This is about the only good decision Samsung has made. Just hope they figured out to put the back and recent buttons in the right place, too.

    4. Re:Not impressed by Geeky · · Score: 1

      Just hope they figured out to put the back and recent buttons in the right place, too.

      Apparently it's now a software option to swap them from Samsung's version to the Android standard, so yes.

      Unfortunately they put the fingerprint scanner right next to the camera lens on the back. Great idea if you want all your photos to be soft focus through the fingerprint smudges...

      --
      Sigs are so 1990s. No way would I be seen dead with one.
    5. Re:Not impressed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't know about the S8, but for the last few editions of the SGalaxy, Samsung has released "Active" versions which are a bit thicker and heavier with larger batteries (4000 v. 3000) and increased ruggedness. Don't know why all the "I want a thicker phone with a bigger battery" whiners don't just buy one of those.

    6. Re:Not impressed by Tough+Love · · Score: 1

      You know what I *would* pay for, though? A phone that didn't need a case, and that could be dropped from chest height with no visible damage.

      I dropped my Nexus 4 from higher than that, onto cement, and I'm still using it. Landed solidly on one corner, now slightly chewed, damage barely visible. No massive shatter.

      --
      When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
    7. Re:Not impressed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The camera app warns you when the lens needs cleaning.

  23. Don't forget about Samsung Dex by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just as I predicted, it has a desktop-like interface which users interact with via a docking accessory. This has been kicked around since before the Ubuntu phone R&D, but now that Android has better support for multiple windows, it's becoming a practical reality.

    The real question is whether this patent will be granted to Apple (they filed it 5 years after Ubuntu Phones began development). Android O already added features specifically for this kind of interaction, we have the Andromium products and Dex, etc. Will all of that be stolen away by patent shenanigans?

  24. as Samsung pushes its bezel-less devices.. by foradoxium · · Score: 1

    Where do you hold the thing?

    1. Re:as Samsung pushes its bezel-less devices.. by LynnwoodRooster · · Score: 1

      In your hand.

      --
      Browsing at +1 - no ACs, I ignore their posts. So refreshing!
  25. Fuck Samsung by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I don't want your crapware. I don't want to wait months for patches to critical security updates to become available, if at all. I liked the Samsung phone I had in terms of hardware, and it lasted a very long time, but I don't think it ever received any OS updates after it was purchased. You basically took my money and then abandoned me. For me you have soiled your reputation and I would need to see drastic changes in order for you to win my business back. Meanwhile I'm enjoying my Google Pixel with it's superb OS updates and support.

  26. question is... by kiviQr · · Score: 0

    Does it come with fire extinguisher or do you have to buy it separately and does Bixby handle voice commands that activate fire extinguisher?

  27. Garbage in, Garbage out by hackel · · Score: 1

    I don't understand how anyone with any technical aptitude could choose a Samsung mobile device. They don't respect their customers at all. The thing's loaded with proprietary software, locked bootloaders, and all manner of other user-unfriendly "features." Not to mention they cripple Android with buggy, bloated software. And all that's before you even consider phones starting on fire and exploding. You might as well buy some crappy Apple product—seems like the difference is negligible these days. If only Android had been released under a responsible license like the GPL we wouldn't have to deal with this shit. They are incredibly overpriced as well. Just say no!

    1. Re:Garbage in, Garbage out by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't understand how anyone with any technical aptitude...

      But you DO understand that there aren't that many of us right?

    2. Re:Garbage in, Garbage out by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I have high technical aptitude. I don't want to unlock the bootloader to my phone, I consider Galaxy phones fast, I can easily ignore the software I don't use with no harm done, and my phone has never exploded, nor do I consider it remotely possible it will do so.

      Overpriced? Maybe you are just poor or old (probably both, considering you are a 5 digit UID). Considering how much I use cell phones for, paying what amortizes to $1/day or $1.50/day is an amazing price. People easily pay a lot more for barely-used luxury items.

  28. Re:"It runs Android 7.0." by hackel · · Score: 2

    Exactly what I was thinking. Not even 7.1? Really? Certainly doesn't bode well for software updates, where they already have a miserable track record.

  29. Fingerprint scanned on the Back!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If I wanted the fingerprint scanner on the back, I would've kept my LG V10.

  30. Why? by sootman · · Score: 1

    By my math this thing is close to 600 pixels per inch. WHY? 300ppii, 400ppi at the most is just all that most people can see from any reasonable distance. The rest is just waste, resulting in worse battery life and slower performance as useless pixels are driven.

    --
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    1. Re:Why? by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 1

      By my math this thing is close to 600 pixels per inch. WHY? 300ppii, 400ppi at the most is just all that most people can see from any reasonable distance. The rest is just waste, resulting in worse battery life and slower performance as useless pixels are driven.

      Proving that Samsung has NO idea what PRODUCT design means, and pure specsmanship for no real advantage is actually a DISadvantage.

    2. Re:Why? by kamapuaa · · Score: 1

      The s6 is 577 ppi and it's definitely not good enough for VR apps.

      I remember back in the day people saying 150ppi was all people could see, and that's obviously not true. I haven't done the Pepsi challenge, but I'm willing to believe that higher ppis do in fact look better.

      --
      Slashdot: providing anti-social weirdos a soapbox, since 1997.
    3. Re:Why? by joemck · · Score: 1

      I've got an S7 Edge and it's 534 DPI. If I draw a non-antialiased line, I can still see jaggies, though small, with it about a foot from my face. And when I put it in a Gear VR, the RGB dots are very noticeable.

  31. Yes, but how many MP is the back camera? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's what *I* want to know!

  32. Warning... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Annoying auto-play video on the site.

  33. Re:"It runs Android 7.0." by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 1

    Congratulations on bring last years OS to this years phone!

    That's ok; it'll probably never get an update through your Carrier's "approval" process...

  34. Samsung fan here, owned 4 or 5 of them. by AbRASiON · · Score: 2

    Great job doing what the whiners said, the whiners who don't buy your phones.

    "We want metal" - now they're heavier, less flexible, more prone to break. (Apple, HTC fans)
    "We hate the home button" - finally removed.
    "Make it flashy" (forced curved screen)

    Excellent job. You've added all the shit which NON SAMSUNG CUSTOMERS whined about, meanwhile alienating Samsung customers.

    I can deal with the transition to a metal case, but the home button and especially the curved display? Great job. You lost a long time customer if you force this shit on the next model.