S8 vs S8+ at a Glance
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ share nearly everything under the hood but diverge in size, endurance, and price. Both run the same Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 processor, the same 12MP dual-pixel camera, and the same Android 7.0 Nougat experience with Bixby. The real decision comes down to how much screen you want, how long you need the phone to last, and whether your hands prefer a compact frame or a larger canvas. This comparison walks through each trade-off so you can pick the right one without overspending.
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Display and Design
The Galaxy S8 sports a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, while the S8+ steps up to a 6.2-inch panel. Both share the same 18.5:9 aspect ratio, the same Infinity Display edge-to-edge glass, and the same slim bezels that make each phone feel taller than it is wide. The S8+ is noticeably wider and heavier, which can be a drawback for one-handed use. If you regularly watch videos or browse on a larger screen, the extra real estate of the S8+ is a clear advantage. If pocketability matters more, the S8 keeps the same premium look in a more manageable frame.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery capacity is where the S8 and S8+ part ways most practically. The S8 carries a 3,000mAh battery, while the S8+ gets a 3,500mAh cell. In real-world use, the S8+ routinely lasts a full day of heavy screen time, while the S8 often requires a top-up before bedtime. Both support fast wired charging, wireless charging, and Samsung's Adaptive Fast Charging. The larger battery on the S8+ also means longer screen-on time for the same tasks, which matters if you travel or work long stretches away from an outlet.
| Attribute | Galaxy S8 | Galaxy S8+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch Quad HD+ | 6.2-inch Quad HD+ |
| Battery Capacity | 3,000mAh | 3,500mAh |
| Weight | 155g | 173g |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 |
| Rear Camera | 12MP dual-pixel | 12MP dual-pixel |
| Storage | 64GB, microSD expandable | 64GB, microSD expandable |
| Price (Launch) | Lower | Higher |
Camera Performance
Both phones use the same 12MP rear camera with f/1.7 aperture, dual-pixel autofocus, and optical image stabilization. Daylight shots are sharp and colorful, and low-light performance is strong for the time of their release. The S8+ does not gain any camera hardware advantage from its larger body; the difference is entirely in how you hold and stabilize the phone during capture. Front-facing cameras are identical at 8MP with autofocus on both models. If camera quality is your sole deciding factor, the two phones are effectively tied.
Price and Value
The S8 launched at a lower price point than the S8+, and that gap often persists in the used and refurbished markets. Choosing the S8 means saving money upfront while still getting the same processor, camera, and software experience. The S8+ costs more but delivers the larger screen and the better battery life that power users tend to appreciate. For most people, the S8+ represents the better long-term value if you plan to keep the phone for two years or more, because the extra endurance reduces daily friction.
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Galaxy S8 if you prefer a compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand, if you carry a charger or portable battery anyway, or if you want the lowest possible entry cost into the S8 lineup. Pick the S8+ if you watch a lot of mobile video, if you need the longest possible screen time between charges, or if you find the 5.8-inch S8 too restrictive for productivity tasks like reading or multitasking. Both phones receive the same software updates and security patches, so your choice should hinge on physical comfort and battery needs rather than performance.