Introduction
If you already own a Samsung Galaxy S8+, you can continue to use it for everyday things: messages, browsing, social apps, and video. The 6.2-inch Infinity display remains visually obvious when the screen is in good shape. The camera still takes decent daylight photos. However, by 2026, the phone will be old: official software updates terminate years ago, battery capacity will likely be reduced, and its single rear camera lacks modern multi-lens features. Keep it if you want a classic, compact, large-screen phone and can accept shorter battery life and fewer software updates. Replace the battery and get a professional restore if you plan to rely on it daily.
What the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is the short history and release
The Samsung Galaxy S8+ launched in early 2017 as Samsung’s flagship large-phone model. It inaugurates the “Infinity Display”, a near-edge-to-edge curved Super AMOLED panel, and a sleeker design compared with previous models. The S8+ brought features that were important at the time: iris scanning, a single but capable 12MP rear camera with Dual Pixel autofocus, and support for cordless charging. It shipped on Android Nougat and later received official reconditioning up through Android 9 (One UI 1.0); after that, Samsung stopped major Android upgrades for this model. In 2026, the S8+ is firmly in the “legacy” category: good hardware for basic tasks, but beyond in security and software support.
Key specs at a glance
Below are short specs you can drop into a CMS card, comparison table, or product page. The main keyword is materialized in bold where useful.
Short spec table
| Field | Detail |
| Model name | Samsung Galaxy S8+ / S8 Plus |
| Model codes | SM-G955F (varies by region) |
| Release date | March–April 2017 (global rollout April 2017) |
| Display | 6.2″ Super AMOLED, 2960 × 1440 (WQHD+), 18.5:9 Infinity Display |
| SoC | Exynos 8895 (most regions) or Snapdragon 835 (NA/China) |
| RAM / Storage | 4 GB RAM (some SKUs 6 GB); 64 GB storage + microSD |
| Rear camera | 12 MP, f/1.7, OIS, Dual Pixel AF |
| Front camera | 8 MP, autofocus |
| Battery | 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | Fast wired; Qi wireless charging underwrite |
| Biometrics | Rear fingerprint sensor, iris scanner, face unlock |
| Water resistance | IP68 |
| Weight / Dimensions | 159.5 × 73.4 × 8.1 mm ; 173 g |
| Repairability | iFixit score: 4/10 (moderate–hard to repair) |
Design, display, and camera
Design looks & feel
The Samsung Galaxy S8+ changed how Samsung phones looked: glass front and back with a slender metal frame create a Premium Feel. The curved edges of the display give the phone a modern, flowing look. If the glass isn’t fractured and the frame is straight, the S8+ still feels premium in 2026. Quick visual check when buying used: inspect front and back glass for chips or hairline cracks; check the structure for bent edges.
Display why it mattered
The 6.2″ Super AMOLED screen has a tall 18.5:9 ratio and high resolution (2960 × 1440). Colors are vivid, and blacks are deep (OLED advantage). If the display has no burn-in and the brightness is impressive, it still looks better than many low-cost modern phones.
How to spot display problems:
- Show a full white image to the shopkeeper and look for “ghosting” / burn-in (persistent faint images).
- Show a full black image and observe edges for uneven brightness or flashlight reflection (curved panels sometimes show edge discoloration if damaged).
Camera
The single 12MP rear camera with f/1.7 and Dual Pixel autofocusing was excellent at launch for daytime photography and competent at low-light compared with contemporaries. It lacks multiple lenses (ultra-wide, macro, telephoto) that present phones include. For casual shots and social sharing, it’s still fine, but it won’t match contemporary night modes or computational multi-frame merges.
Tip: test the camera by taking a daytime photo, a low-light shot, and a short video. Check continuous focus speed and image stabilization.
Software and updates
The Samsung Galaxy S8+ shipped with Android 7 (Nougat) and officially experienced updates through Android 9 (One UI). After Android 9, Samsung ended extensive Android upgrades for this model. Security patches also become outdated years ago.
What this means:
- Most daily apps still run, but new properties or apps that require newer Android APIs may not work.
- Security vulnerability revelation is higher than on modern devices receiving current patches.
- If you need a secure device for banking or work with up-to-date security, consider a newer model with contemporary patches.
Advanced users: there are company custom ROMs (LineageOS and similar) that can provide a later Android version, but flashing a custom ROM carries risk: possible loss of features (e.g., fingerprint, Samsung Pay) and developing bricking if done incorrectly. Only advanced users who understand the trade-offs should appraise this.
Battery and Charging
Battery facts
- Original capacity: 3500 mAh.
- After 8+ years, the typical battery proportion will be degraded due to charge cycles, and expect a decrease in time between charges.
If the battery proportion is under ~70% of the original, consider replacement.
Simple in-person tests:
- 30-minute video test: Play a local or discarded 720p video on full brightness for 30 minutes and note the battery percentage drop. This gives a rough evaluation of remaining capacity.
- Charging test: From <20% to ~50% with a known fast charger, evaluate the time and ensure charging is consistent (charging speed should not be very slow unless the battery is degraded or the port is damaged).
- Heat test: Light gaming or cascade for 15 minutes to check if the phone overheats. Excessive heat can indicate battery or thermal issues.
- Battery health apps: Use an app such as AccuBattery (or take a screenshot provided by the seller) to get an estimated battery capacity percentage.
- Inspect for swelling: Lay the phone flat on a table; if the screen lifts or the case bulges, the battery might be swollen. Avoid acquiring such a phone.
If capacity looks poor, plan a battery replacement. Replacement cost varies by region and can be moderate. Always get local quotes.
Repair, common faults, and cost guide
Common failure points:
- Screen / front glass: Curved edges extension cost; replacement is one of the most expensive repairs.
- Battery degradation: common for old phones.
- Charging port: USB-C wear or frustration.
- Rear glass cracks: glass-on-glass design adds complexity.
- Water damage: seals prostitute over time, and moisture or corrosion in the SIM tray are warning signs.
Repairability
The Samsung Galaxy S8+ has an iFixit score of around 4/10. Repair is possible, but adhesive, glass panels, and sensitive flex cables demand care and special tools.
Typical repair cost ranges:
- Battery replacement (authorized/quality part): $50–$120.
- Screen substitution (good quality OEM/clone): $150–$300. Curved OLED panels are pricier.
- Back glass replacement: $60–$160 (glass + adhesive; sometimes back shell replacement).
- Charging Port Repair: $30–$80.
Always get a local quote and verify part quality. If the restore cost is close to the used price, factor that into your offer or walk away.
Price checks & where to buy
I did not fetch live prices for this draft. For publishing, I recommend your CMS include a dynamic price CSV with: country, distributor, price, currency, date_checked, and url. Sources to check per country:
- eBay (global used listings)
Amazon Renewed/certified recondition - Local classified sites (OLX, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace)
- Regional countenance refurbishers and carrier-certified pre-owned stock
When submerging prices on a live page, show condition, date checked, and a seller rating or return policy for purchaser reassurance.
Alternatives
If you like the S8+ size and design but want a more modern experience, consider:
- Samsung Galaxy S9 / S9+ or S10+ newer cameras, slightly better performance; still available used.
- Google Pixel 3 / Pixel 4 (used) has strong camera software, good for still photography.
- New midrange phones (2023–2024) will have contemporary Android versions, better battery life, and modern features for a modest new-buy price.
- Certified refurbished newer flagships if security and updates matter, a refurbished S20 or later is a much better long-term option.
One-line suggestion: Keep an S8+ if you love its screen and design and only use it casually. Consider upgrading to a used S9/S10 or a new intermediate model if you require improved battery life, software support, and camera versatility.
FAQs
A: Yes, for cardinal use like calling, WhatsApp, YouTube, browsing, and social media. It is not ideal for heavy gaming, has limited battery life, or requires strong security.
A: The Galaxy S8+ officially supports up to Android 9 (One UI 1.0). It does not receive newer Android updates from Samsung.
A: No. Official security updates have ended. This means it may be less safe for banking or sensitive data.
A: The camera is good for daylight photos and casual use, but it cannot compete with modern phones in night portraiture or video quality.
A: Battery life is usually weak on used units because the phone is old. Most devices need a battery replacement for dependable daily use.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S8+ is still serviceable in 2026 for basic daily occupations like calling, messaging, browsing, and watching videos. Its Infinity Display still looks good, and the build quality feels premium. However, the phone is old, no longer experiencesecurity or Androidupdates, and most used elements have weak battery life.
