In an exciting move last year, Samsung and Google announced a commitment to providing seven years of updates for their leading Android smartphones. This promise could significantly extend the life expectancy of these devices. To explore the reality of using a phone for that span, I decided to revisit my seven-year-old Samsung Galaxy S8 for a week. This experience served as a test of its longevity and usability in today’s tech landscape.
When considering whether to keep a phone long-term, durability is a critical factor. Many phones face screen damage within a few years, often leading owners to upgrade rather than repair due to high costs. For example, while the Galaxy S8 remains functional after several years, official repair options for older models have become scarce. Samsung’s website ironically doesn’t include repair details beyond the Galaxy S20, which could become problematic once lengthy update promises are tested.
Despite its age, my Galaxy S8 remained in decent condition, showing only minor wear like chipped paint and one obvious scratch. It has survived casual use and occasional drops without severe damage. The phone’s water resistance, although still present, may not be reliable forever due to the potential degradation of seals over time. Apps like the Water Resistance Tester can help assess if a device’s seals are intact.
Aesthetically, I appreciate the Galaxy S8’s form factor. Although it’s slightly smaller than newer models, its sleek design and curved edge still provide a comfortable grip. Its rear fingerprint scanner, though awkwardly placed, offers useful features like swipe gestures for notifications, which are missed in newer devices. Additionally, the handy notification LED for alerts added a touch of convenience that many current smartphones lack.
Upon turning on the Galaxy S8, I noticed the performance lagged, especially at boot-up. Initially sluggish, it improved after a short period, but some noticeable delays persisted during routine tasks like navigating the settings menu or launching applications. The phone is limited to Android 9 Pie, which hampers my ability to use certain newer apps that require higher Android versions. While popular apps like WhatsApp still function, others like Slack have dropped support for older systems. There’s speculation that as app requirements continue to rise, many will become incompatible in the near future.
Battery life is another point of concern. The Galaxy S8’s performance in this area has diminished over time, struggling to last through a full day of typical use. With the battery losing capacity, heavy usage leads to rapid depletion. While I can recharge via its USB-C port, charging speeds are slow by today’s standards.
The camera system has some merits—it performs adequately in good lighting conditions, capturing colors similar to modern devices. However, low-light performance leaves much to be desired, as it misses modern enhancements like night mode. Furthermore, features like telephoto or ultrawide lenses are absent, which limits versatility.
Interestingly, the Galaxy S8 retains features that are fast disappearing from the smartphone market, such as a headphone jack and expandable storage via microSD cards, which enhances its appeal against modern alternatives.
Reflecting on my experience, I had low expectations going into it, and while aspects of the Galaxy S8 have aged poorly, it also surprised me with its capabilities. Its performance is sufficient for many non-demanding tasks, and it still competently handles casual gaming. Its limitations, however—particularly in charging speed, system lag, and short battery life—serve as reminders of the typical issues faced by older smartphones.
As manufacturers increasingly pledge extended support for new devices, many consumers may wonder whether these phones will truly deliver on their promises over the long haul. Factors like repair availability and component lifespan will play pivotal roles in the overall user experience as technology continues to evolve. If longevity is the goal, future devices from Samsung and Google, which aim to address these concerns, may be worth looking into when they are released.