Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018) was created to bring the premium Galaxy trademark to the midrange category, combining a large infinity Super AMOLED display, elegant glass-and-metalmanufacture, and one of Samsung’s first dual front-camera systems. Even years after its release, the device still attracts attention in the used smartphone market thanks to its balanced performance, dependable battery capacity, and strong multimedia experience. In this complete buyer’s guide, we explore everything you need to know about the Galaxy A8+, from full specifications and real-world performance to camera constitution, battery life, repairability, and used-market buying advice. Whether you’re considering it as an affordable daily driver, backup phone, or budget media device in 2026, this guide will help you decide if the Galaxy A8+ is still a smart attachment today.

Why this guide matters  

If you’re considering the Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018) as a daily driver or a used purchase, this pillar article accumulates everything you need in one place: official specs, real-world performance and battery behavior, camera testing checks, repairability notes, a copy-ready used-buyer checklist, pricing bands, and SEO-ready metadata for publishers. Wherever possible, the article points you toward dependable resources so you can verify claims and follow up.

Release & model identifiers  

• Model name (marketing): Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018)
• Common model numbers / SKUs: SM-A730F (global); SM-A730F/DS (dual-SIM)
• Release/announcement date: Announced January 2018 (official press).
• Device status (2026): Discontinued from new peddle by OEM; commonly available in used, refurbished, and secondary-market listings. Availability and price vary generally by region.

Why this matters for buyers: model numbers condition radio banding, firmware compatibility, and update history; always verify the exact SKU before buying replacement parts or firmware.

Software

OS at launch: Android 7.1 with Samsung Experience skin; later retailer updates delivered Android 8/9 in many regions. Samsung’s official support pages and firmware portals list historical OTA builds and instructions for SM-A730F.

Last-known official patch level: Because official patch modulation and end-of-life vary by region and carrier, always confirm the final certainty patch and last build number on the official support page for your exact SKU.

Buyer checklist for software:

• In Settings → About phone, check the Build number and Android Security patch level.
• If the unit hasn’t seen security patches in particular years, treat that as a reduction in device practicality and security.
• Verify there’s no active OEM or transporter activation lock (Samsung Account “Find My Mobile”) and that the previous possessor has removed any linked accounts.

Performance & battery life

Performance summary: The Exynos 7885 with 4–6 GB RAM dispenses smooth daily performance for web browsing, social apps, media consumption, and light gaming. It is a midrange chipset: good for procedure tasks but not ideal for prolonged high-frame-rate gaming or heavy multitasking compared with modern SoCs.

Thermals & throttling: Under sustained load (long gaming sessions, prolonged benchmarking), the device can warm and show CPU/GPU throttlingstandard for midrange designs of its era.

Synthetic vs real-world: Synthetic benchmarks like AnTuTu and Geekbench (2018 era) placed the 7885 in the midrange class; real-world experience often aligns with these scores: smooth UI, occasional stutters under heavy background tasks.

Battery life

• Light users: ~6–8 hours SOT (screen-on time) typical (light browsing, messaging).
• Medium users: ~4–6 hours SOT (social apps, medium browsing, some media).
• Heavy users/gamers: ~3–4 hours SOT (games, high brightness).
• Charging: 0→50% in ~30–40 minutes with a compatible Adaptive Fast Charger; 0→100% depends on battery health, typically ~90–120 minutes for aerobicized batteries.

Practical tips to maximize runtime:

• Use adaptive resplendence or cap brightness under 60% for longer SOT.
• Turn off always-on sync for seldom-used accounts.
• Use the battery saver procedure for long travel days.
• Replace battery when capacity falls below ~80% (see repair section).
  

Camera 

When reviewing or verifying an A8+ camera, collect consistent samples to fairly evaluate strengths and weaknesses.

Mandatory shot list 

1. Daylight wide (full-res): Outdoor, bright, speculative resolving power.
2. 1:1 crop daylight: 100% crops to check fine detail.
3. Low-light single frame (no night mode): Assess noise & exposure.
4. Low-light + bright/night mode (if available): Compare multi-frame noise reduction.
5. HDR backlit scene: Evaluate dynamic range handling and highlight recovery.
6. Portrait selfie (dual-front depth): Check bokeh correctness and edge detection.
7. Zoom crop (digital zoom): See detail loss at higher crops.
8. Video sample: 1080p @ 30 fps, stabilize hand-held; check microphone and autofocus behavior.
9. EXIF check: Confirm reported focal length, ISO, and shutter speed via EXIF.

Capture settings recommended: Auto mode for routine samples; HDR on for high contrast scenes. For low-light single frames, use a platform and consistent exposure settings.

Repairability & maintenance

Teardown resources: community teardowns and guides exist. For step-by-step parts guidance, use dedicated repair hubs and company pages (see Sources).

Common failure points: screen/digitizer damage, rear glass fractures, battery aging, USB-C port wear/corrosion, and headphone jack censure (if used heavily).

Parts availability: Moderate. Original OEM parts become insufficient with time, but third-party OEM-compatible replacement screens and batteries are often available via marketplaces and renovation suppliers. Prices and quality vary.

Battery replacement:

• Non-removable battery design requires opening the rear glass with heat and adhesive tools.
• Expect moderate repair complexity; repairs often involve full rear Panel Replacement, viscous, and small flex cable reconnections. If you’re not experienced, professional repair is recommended.

Water damage checks: Inspect SIM tray area and speaker grills for corrosion; if the seller permits, check internal LDI locations in the construction photos to verify water exposure.

Repair cost guidance: For older midrange phones, balance the cost of replacement parts and labor against device value. A full screen + rear glass replacement may delay a significant fragment of the fair used price factor that should be factored into negotiation.

Pros & Cons 

Top pros

• Gorgeous Infinity Super AMOLED display with deep contrast and vivid color.
• Dual front cameras give ductile selfie modes and portrait shots.
• Decent 3,500 mAh battery for typical daily use.
• Expandable storage via microSD.
• Headphone jack preserves a practical perk in 2018 and was useful for used buyers.
• Solid glass + metal build for a premium feel.

Top cons

• Single rear camera limits photographic variability (no wide, ultra-wide, or tele options).
• Official software updates and security patches ended years ago. Security is a concern.
• Performance lags modern standard chips for demanding gaming and heavy multitasking.
• A non-removable battery is an indispensable tool to replace.
• Parts availability and OEM pricing vary by advertised model ages.

FAQs 

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018) remains a particularly capable smartphone for users who want a large AMOLED display, definitive everyday performance, and strong selfie camera features without spending much money in the used market. Even years after launch, its glass-and-metal design, vibrant Infinity screen, and expandable stockpile help it feel more processed than many appropriate phones available today. However, buyers must understand its limitations in 2026. Software updates have ended, security support is outdated, and the Exynos 7885 processor cannot match modern devices for heavy gaming or demanding multitasking. Battery condition also Varies Extensively between used units, making proper inspection required before purchase.