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Why you should buy a second-hand Samsung Galaxy S8 in 2020

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy S8 1949
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The Samsung Galaxy S8 was introduced at the beginning of 2017 and is actually old-fashioned if you follow the pace of today's development. However, the device has aged with dignity and is still suitable for two more years of use. We will once again present its unique selling points, compare them with current models and tell you where you can buy a Galaxy S8 at a stunningly low price today.

Buy Samsung Galaxy S8 for less than $200

Almost three years and two successors after its introduction, the Galaxy S8 is, of course, hard to find in shops new anymore. Dealers sell remaining stock on eBay or Amazon still have some new and refurbished models that go for around $275 to $375. But real savers look around on eBay auctions. Because there you can find a Galaxy S8 in good condition for as little as $150

You can also find the fancy LED View Cover on eBay for another $30 to $40. I enjoyed its functionality during my long-term review of the Galaxy Note 8. It protects the display of the Galaxy S8, whose repair often costs around $300.

Buying used equipment is an important signal to the industry to reduce the production of new equipment. In view of poor recycling rates and increasingly scarce resources, the use of older models is the responsible alternative. And in the case of the Galaxy S8, it's also one you won't regret. Because...

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy S8 2032
A headphone jack is becoming increasingly rare. / © NextPit

The Galaxy S8 still gets updates

Granted, the Galaxy S8 has already received its two big Android updates. It went on the market with Android 7 and is now on Android 9, but it receives security patches every month. Should Samsung again follow the update schedule of the Galaxy S7, we expect security updates every three months from March 2020 onwards, before receiving the last update lands in March 2021. Another indication of the reliability of the Galaxy S8 software is that the device is included in Google's list of "Enterprise Ready" devices.

The Galaxy S8 had resisted two unpopular design trends at the time. The display came onto the market without a notch and instead had thin black bezels at the top and bottom. And the Koreans gave their fans a headphone jack when many others were ditching it. The included AKG headphones sounded great - and you could use them for all your other audio devices as well.

Some weaknesses have to be conceded to the aged Galaxy S8. The fingerprint sensor is not a millimeter away from its unfortunate position next to the camera lens. So you will want to wipe the greasy fingerprints from the lens before each time you take a shot, so that the photos do not blur.

AndroidPIT Samsung Galaxy S8 1992
The S8's camera and fingerprint sensor are no longer up to date. / © NextPit

Cameras have become much better since the S8

The only thing that not only the successor, the Galaxy S9, but many other smartphones since then can do significantly better than the S8 is photos and videos. Don't get me wrong! Both the main and the selfie camera of the S8 still deliver solid results, even in low light conditions. But the competition, as well as Samsung itself, have been making significant progress in the camera sector since March 2017. There are now modern features like...

  • Ultra-wide angle lenses
  • Night mode
  • Portrait mode
  • Optical zoom
  • Slow-motion mode
  • Macro mode

All processor power including new computing subunits as well as main cameras, some of which are equipped with five sensors, came into the focus of the arms race for the best smartphone camera. This is the discipline in which the Galaxy S8 will no longer compete. Among the devices from the year 2019, your favorite is a OnePlus:

Conclusion: The S8 doesn't look old yet!

Thanks to its high-quality workmanship right from the start, the Galaxy S8 still shows no signs of weakness. Only the camera has hardly anything left to oppose the more modern competitors. On the second-hand market, however, you will hardly find a better device of this quality for this money.

If you already own a Galaxy S8, you can continue to use it for a whole year; security patches will come after 90 days at the latest. Otherwise, you can sell it now on good terms; it could be your last chance!

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Eric Ferrari-Herrmann

Eric Ferrari-Herrmann
Senior Editor

Eric has been with AndroidPIT since 2014. He’s writing articles and reviews for the German website. Topics are mostly privacy and new technology but there's also the occasional piece on environmental sustainability.

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11 comments
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  • 5
    Kevin Jan 4, 2020 Link to comment

    S8 is still an amazing device.

    Deactivated Account


  • Pete Garner 1
    Pete Garner Dec 28, 2019 Link to comment

    Still in love with my "Galaxy of the Guardians". Only disappointment is that it won't be getting the Android update I need to fully utilize my hearing aids. :0(
    Hoping I'll be able to "side-load" Bluetooth LE from a 3rd party.


  • Stuart Halliday 1
    Stuart Halliday Dec 27, 2019 Link to comment

    And there's me finally given up on my Samsung Note 4 last month...
    Kind of tired of sites assuming we all just upgrade every 1 or 2 years...
    Was surprised at how much an improvement the battery life is with my Samsung S9 compared with the Note 4.


  • 1
    Ogn Dulk Dec 27, 2019 Link to comment

    Tried pure Android Moto G4. Terrible experience. Then I bought an iPhone SE which works perfectly. Unfortunately the last iPhone with Thunderbolt port is iPhone 8. Too bad, earpods and wireless charging is just more Apple greed. I'll use my SE for many years to come, but I'm no fanboy and at under $300 renewed on Amazon is an OK deal for a phone released nearly 3 years ago I guess. I always look for last year's products instead of bleeding edge.


  • 25
    Deactivated Account Dec 26, 2019 Link to comment

    In future I would like to buy a flagship Samsung smartphone. But not today. I'm happy with my Oneplus.


    • 46
      Deactivated Account Dec 27, 2019 Link to comment

      I looking forward to the LG V60 dual screen model. That is going to be the best phone of the year in my opinion. The LG G8X is also a good option or G9X if they make it.

      Dean L.


  • 2
    Apollo Dec 26, 2019 Link to comment

    I still own my S8+, and is still going strong to this day. It's a beautiful device, still like it. I do have Note 10+, but I still use the S8+.

    Kevin


  • marco sarli 39
    marco sarli
    • Admin
    Dec 26, 2019 Link to comment

    Not really sure I would ever buy a new Samsung ,imagine a second hand one

    Dean L.Deactivated Account


  • 49
    storm Dec 26, 2019 Link to comment

    But I dislike curved screens.

    Dean L.Deactivated Account


    • 46
      Deactivated Account Dec 26, 2019 Link to comment

      That is why I switched to LG, I hate curved screens. Honestly after years of Samsung use I like LG phones better the UI does not matter because I use Nova launcher anyway.

      Dean L.marco sarli


    • Dean L. 34
      Dean L. Dec 26, 2019 Link to comment

      I am aware that the Samsung s10e doesn't have a curved display. But unfortunately it's more expensive.

      Deactivated Account

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