Finally! Samsung launches the long-awaited Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+

Samsung Electronics has introduced its top-line Galaxy S8 and S8+ to the world. Sales in Africa begin on 5 May.

The 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+ feature a bezel-free design with a smooth surface that has no buttons or harsh angles. The Galaxy S8’s compact design enables comfortable one-handed operation and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 on the front and back for durability and a high-quality finish, the company said in a press release.

In addition to the new design elements, the company said the phones, which will be available in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue and Maple Gold, also include:

Updated cameras: The Galaxy S8 and S8+, on sale in some markets on 21 April, are equipped with a 8MP F1.7 Smart autofocus front camera and 12MP F1.7 Dual Pixel rear camera with enhanced image processing, the company said.

Improved performance: The devices feature the industry’s first 10nm processor, enabling heightened speed and efficiency, according to Samsung, which added that the devices are gigabit LTE and gigabit Wi-Fi ready with support for up to 1 Gbps so users can quickly download files, regardless of the file size.

Robust entertainment: The phones let you see the same vibrant colors and contrasts that the filmmakers intended and provides Game Pack, which features popular game titles including select titles supported by the Vulkan API.

Upgraded mobile security: The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are built on Samsung Knox, what the company calls a defense-grade security platform. In addition, the phones will offer “a wide selection of biometric technologies including a fingerprint scanner, iris scanner and facial recognition so users can select a secure biometric authentication method that works best for them.”

“The Galaxy S8 and S8+ will also come with the foundational Galaxy features including IP68 water and dust resistance, MicroSD support up to 256GB, always-on display, and fast and wireless charging capabilities,” the statement said.

The phones will also feature, Bixby, what Samsung describes as “an intelligent interface that will help users get more out of their phone.” “With the new Bixby button, you will be able to conveniently access Bixby and navigate through services and apps with simple voice, touch and text commands,” the company said.

“At launch, Bixby’s Voice function will integrate with several Samsung native apps and features including Camera, Contacts, Gallery, Messages and Settings, with the plan to expand its capabilities to include more Samsung and third-party apps in the near future. Contextual awareness capabilities enable Bixby to offer personalized help based on what it continues to learn about the user’s interests, situation and location.

“Users can also shop, search for images and get details about nearby places with Bixby’s image recognition technology. As the Bixby ecosystem grows, it will connect across devices, apps and services as a ubiquitous interface, and open up new experiences and scenarios to simplify life.”

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ offers additional products and services.

Both phones unlock the new Gear VR with Controller, powered by Oculus. “Enabling convenient one-handed control and navigation, the controller provides better motion interaction when accessing interactive VR content. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ will also connect to the new Gear 360 to create 4K 360-degree videos and 15MP photos,” the company said.

Samsung DeX “transforms your smartphone into a desktop by providing a secure desktop-like experience. With Samsung DeX, users can easily display and edit data from their phone, making working from a smartphone faster and smarter.”

In addition, as more IoT devices enter the market and the connected network becomes more complex, Samsung Connect simplifies smart device management, the company said. “With Samsung Connect, users can easily activate IoT-enabled devices through a quick three-step configuration process and manage all connected devices through one integrated app.”

The phones also come with the enhanced Samsung Health service, expanding what the company says is one of its most widely used services. Samsung Health includes personal coaching and social capabilities, the company said.

New earphones tuned by AKG by Harman will come as an in-box accessory, the company added. These earphones will have what Samsung calls “a comfortable hybrid canal fit for better noise cancellation.”