Here Are 5 Reasons Why Not To Buy Samsung Galaxy S8

Photo by Marques Brownlee / MKBHD

We have a tradition where we publish a “Why it sucks” article for every important smartphone that companies release. However, these devices have improved so much, and Samsung has done such a great job with the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, that we can’t name this article with this kind of title.
This time it will be a list of reasons why you should not buy the Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus. Please note that the reasons mentioned below might be deal breakers for some, and for other users might be of the lowest importance.
Samsung just announced the Galaxy S8, which will be the company’s flagship phone for this year. After many months of anticipation, rumours and endless leaks, the phone is finally here, confirming everything we have been hearing about it. The phone is equipped with a huge 5.8″ Infinity Display, iris scanner, Snapdragon 835 chip, new camera sensors and more.
But here are a few things that could had been better on the Samsung Galaxy S8, and which might change your purchase decision.

 #1 – Battery size is the same as the old Galaxy S7

Photo by UrAvgConsumer

The Galaxy S8 comes with a 3000 mAh battery, which is the same size as the one on the Galaxy S7. This means the battery life is the same, right? Not quite.
The Galaxy S8 features a brand new 10nm manufacturing process, which delivers faster performance and uses less power. At the same time, the S8 has a 5.8″ display, which is .7 inches bigger than its predecessor. Consider the bigger screen size, more software features and the same battery size, and you get not-so-great battery life.
Samsung really focused on removing the bezels from the phone, but it would be great if there was a bigger battery inside the Galaxy S8. The 3000 mAh battery will do the job, but users were expecting a bigger sized battery.

#2 – Fingerprint scanner on the back of the phone

Photo by Marques Brownlee / MKBHD

Both the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have the fingerprint scanner under the home button. This is the traditional position of the fingerprint scanner as it is easy for users to reach and use. The Galaxy S8 however, doesn’t have a fingerprint scanner on the front. Since it is all screen, Samsung decided to move the fingerprint scanner on to the back of the phone.
The Galaxy S8 comes with a fingerprint scanner on the back, where the camera lens and heart rate sensor are located. This isn’t an ideal placement because users will have a hard time reaching up there, especially on the Plus variant of the phone. Additionally, since the sensor is so close to the camera, users will completely smudge the lens while trying to find the biometric scanner.

#3 – Curved displays all around, no option for flat screens

Photo by Jonathan Morrison

If you haven’t noticed already, there are two variants of the phone: S8 and S8 Plus.There is no Edge variant this time. Both the S8 and S8 Plus have curved displays. Samsung has made the decision to switch completely from flat to curved displays.
Many users prefer devices with flat screens. For most people phones with flat displays are easier to hold with one hand. Also, there is always the risk of accidental touches on the sides when the screen is curved.
If you want a phone with a flat display, you better search for another model or manufacturer, as Samsung has decided to go the all-curved route.

#4 – RAM memory still only 4GB, not 6GB as other flagships

Photo by Marques Brownlee / MKBHD

As a flagship device, the Galaxy S8 is expected to have the latest and greatest specifications – and it does. It has one of the best displays one can find on the market today and the blazing fast Snapdragon 835 chip.
There is one thing however which hasn’t changed, and that it RAM. The Galaxy S8 has 4GB of RAM, the same amount as the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Now, 4GB of RAM are considered a lot of memory on a normal phone, but not in a flagship of this scale. Considering that the OnePlus 3T has 6GB of RAM for a much lower price, it would be great to see that amount of RAM on the S8 as well.

#5 – Overall specifications very similar to its predecessor

Photo by UrAvgConsumer

If you compare the specifications of the Galaxy S8 to the Galaxy S7, they are basically the same with the exception of a few differences. Granted, the Galaxy S8 has the new Infinity Display and the blazing fast Snapdragon 835 chip, but other specs remain almost the same.
Both phones have 4GB RAM, 12 MP f/1.7 rear-facing camera, 3000 mAh battery, Android 7.0 Nougat and IP68 certification. It appears as Samsung was mostly focused on removing the bezels to create that Infinity Display, while leaving other aspects of the phone the same.
These are some of the reasons which might make you change your mind if you are a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge user thinking about buying the all new Samsung flagship phone. Bear in mind that all the reasons mentioned above are purely subjective and you might have a completely different opinion.
What is your take on the all new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus? Has Samsung convinced you to switch from your current phone, or will you pass and wait for other phones such as the Note 8?