Samsung's 2018 Mid-Range Camera Champ

Released in 2018, the Samsung Galaxy A8 Star (also known as the A9 Star) was a formidable mid-range contender, boasting a premium glass and metal design, a vibrant Super AMOLED display, and a powerful dual-camera system led by a 24MP sensor.

Introduction: The Stylish Performer

The Samsung Galaxy A8 Star, marketed as the A9 Star in China, was a significant release in Samsung's 2018 A-series lineup. It positioned itself as a premium mid-range device, offering features typically found in more expensive phones, such as a high-quality camera system and a stunning Super AMOLED display, all wrapped in a sleek glass and aluminum body.

Design & Display

With dimensions of 162.4 x 77 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 191g, the A8 Star had a substantial and premium feel. Its build featured a Gorilla Glass 5 back and front with an aluminum frame, available in classic Black and White colors. The 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display was the centerpiece, offering a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2220 pixels) with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. This resulted in a high pixel density of 392 ppi and an impressive screen-to-body ratio of approximately 80.6% for its time.

Performance & Hardware

At its heart, the Galaxy A8 Star was powered by the capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, built on a 14nm process. This octa-core CPU, paired with either 4GB or 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, delivered smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. It came with 64GB of internal eMMC 5.1 storage, expandable via a microSDXC card slot, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media.

Camera

Rear Dual Camera

The main camera setup was a highlight, featuring a dual-lens system. The primary sensor was a 24MP shooter with a wide f/1.7 aperture for excellent low-light performance, complemented by a secondary 16MP sensor, also with an f/1.7 aperture. This combination allowed for features like Live Focus (portrait mode) and high-detail photos. It supported 4K video recording at 30fps.

Front Camera

For selfies, the phone featured a high-resolution 24MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture, ensuring detailed self-portraits and clear video calls.

Battery & Charging

The device was equipped with a 3,700 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. It supported 15W wired fast charging, which helped users quickly top up the sizable battery to get through a full day of use.

Software & Features

The Galaxy A8 Star launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and received an upgrade to Android 9.0 Pie. It featured Samsung's experience layer on top, offering additional software features and customization options. A rear-mounted fingerprint sensor provided security and quick unlocking.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Excellent Super AMOLED display
  • Capable and versatile camera system
  • Premium glass and metal design
  • Solid performance from the Snapdragon 660
  • Includes a headphone jack
• Cons:
  • Used older eMMC 5.1 storage instead of UFS
  • No water resistance rating
  • Now runs outdated Android software

Tags: Samsung, Galaxy A8 Star, Android, smartphone, camera, specs, review, discontinued

A look back at the Samsung Galaxy A8 Star, a 2018 powerhouse with a dual 24MP camera, Super AMOLED display, and Snapdragon 660.