Samsung’s Wannabe Flagship Galaxy A8+ Launches in Kenya

The smartphone market is a confusing space and it is even more confusing when it comes to determining which phone fits the description of a flagship or midrange device. Samsung’s latest device into the Kenyan market wears this hat of confusion, this isn’t to say it’s a bad phone, no, it’s actually great and thus the confusion.

The phone in question is the Samsung Galaxy A8+, a supposed midrange device that brings some of the features of the Galaxy S9 at a friendlier* price. The A8+ packs the following features:

• 6.0″ Super AMOLED FHD+ (1080 x 2220) display in an 18.5:9 aspect ratio
• Exynos 7885
• 32/64GB Internal Storage
• 4/6GB RAM
• 16MP main camera
• Dual front-facing cameras (16MP + 8MP)
• Android 7.1.1 Nougat
• Fingerprint reader
• 3500mAh battery

The device also has an Always-on display – just like the S9, USB-C with adaptive fast charging – just like the S9, fingerprint reader placement – just like the S9 and even IP68 Certification – just like the S9, No Bixby button – just like the… oh wait!

Well, I guess for Kes.60,000, Samsung had to pack everything it could on the A8+, including the huge price tag.

Apart from wanting to be an S9, the Galaxy A8+ does have some unique features. The dual front-facing cameras allow users to take portrait selfies with the Live Focus feature, as well as allowing for wide-angle selfies. The device also features video digital image stabilisation (VDIS) technology, which stabilizes shaky videos. Other camera-centric features include stickers to add character to your selfies and a food mode to highlight a culinary extravaganza just in case you fall into the category of people who like documenting their meals.

While making the announcement, Samsung Electronics East Africa Head of Internet and Mobile, Charles Kimari said, “The Galaxy A8+ exemplifies our continued dedication to meeting the needs of our consumers by providing them with greater choice and convenience.”

The phone is available for purchase as Samsung experience stores across the country. If you have the money, the Samsung Galaxy A8+ sounds like a great phone.

Oh, what’s with the outdated Android version?

*I just put the asterisk there for fun, there’s nothing to see here.