Galaxy S8+ Overview — Once a Premium Flagship, Now Outdated
When it debuted in 2017, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ was one of the most advanced smartphones in the world. It featured a stunning 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, ultra-slim bezels, and a beautifully curved design that defined Samsung’s premium look for years to come. Powered by the Snapdragon 835 processor and paired with 4GB of RAM, it offered smooth performance and solid battery life for its time.
However, in 2025, the S8+ is well past its prime. Its once-cutting-edge hardware has been overtaken by mid-range phones, and its lack of software support makes it difficult to use safely or efficiently. While it can still handle basic tasks like calls, texts, and web browsing, the S8+ struggles with newer apps, modern games, and multitasking.
Despite its elegant design and nostalgic appeal, the Galaxy S8+ simply doesn’t meet today’s standards for performance, camera quality, or security — making it a poor choice for modern buyers.
Price and Availability in 2025
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S8+ is mostly out of stock in 2025. The model is now considered too old for most Certified Resellers to refurbish or support. This is largely due to the lack of replacement parts, limited resale demand, and the phone’s outdated software.
You might still find a few used Galaxy S8+ listings from individual sellers on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, often priced around $120+. However, these are typically uncertified, heavily used, and lack warranties — meaning you’re taking on all the risk if the device fails or shows battery or display issues.
By contrast, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ has dropped significantly in price to around $150+, especially with ongoing holiday promotions. The S22+ delivers flagship performance, 5G connectivity, and long-term software support — making it a much smarter and safer purchase.
Software Support — Ended Years Ago
Samsung officially ended software and security updates for the Galaxy S8+ in 2021, leaving it permanently stuck on Android 9 (Pie) with One UI 1.0. This means it has missed out on several major generations of Android updates — including key improvements in performance, security, and battery management.
Without ongoing support, the S8+ faces significant security vulnerabilities and app compatibility issues. Many modern apps now require Android 12 or higher, leaving the S8+ increasingly incompatible with popular banking, productivity, and social media platforms.
Even if the hardware still functions, the lack of updates makes the Galaxy S8+ unsafe and unreliable for everyday use. For this reason alone, it’s no longer practical to buy or depend on in 2025.
Performance and Hardware — Can It Still Keep Up?
The Galaxy S8+ was powered by the Snapdragon 835 processor — a top-tier chip back in 2017. It offered smooth performance and decent gaming capabilities when new, supported by 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage. But in 2025, that hardware is showing its age.
Modern apps, games, and multitasking tasks push the S8+ far beyond what it was designed for. Opening multiple tabs, streaming HD video, or switching between social apps can cause noticeable lag or even crashes. The Adreno 540 GPU also struggles with newer, more graphics-intensive apps, making gaming performance feel outdated compared to even budget smartphones released in recent years.
Storage and connectivity are also limiting factors. The S8+ uses UFS 2.1 storage, which is much slower than the UFS 3.1 standard found in newer devices like the Galaxy S22+. It also lacks 5G support, relying only on 4G LTE — a noticeable disadvantage as carriers expand their 5G networks across the U.S.
While the Galaxy S8+ can still handle light tasks, it’s not built for modern demands. Apps take longer to load, animations stutter, and overall responsiveness is behind current expectations. If you want a smooth and reliable experience in 2025, upgrading to a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ is the far better choice — delivering faster performance, improved efficiency, and future-proof support.
Battery and Display — Aged Components Show Their Limits
When it launched, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ featured a stunning 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display that was among the best in the industry. Its curved edges, vibrant colors, and deep contrast made it a visual standout. However, by 2025, even this impressive display shows its age. It’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, making it feel less smooth compared to modern 120Hz panels like the Galaxy S22+. Brightness levels and outdoor visibility have also declined over time, especially on older screens that may have suffered burn-in or pixel wear.
Battery life is an even bigger concern. The S8+ originally shipped with a 3500 mAh battery, which was solid for its time — but after eight years, most units experience significant battery degradation. Many refurbished or used devices can barely last half a day of regular use. Replacing the battery is possible, but reliable parts are increasingly hard to find, and quality varies widely.
The phone also lacks modern charging technology. It supports only 15W wired charging, while newer flagships like the Galaxy S22+ feature 45W fast charging that can reach 50% in under 30 minutes. The difference in everyday convenience is substantial.
Overall, the Galaxy S8+ display remains beautiful but outdated, and its battery performance no longer meets modern expectations. Between limited endurance, slow charging, and an aging screen, it’s clear that this once-premium device has reached the end of its practical lifespan.
Galaxy S8+ vs Galaxy S22+ — Big Leap in Value and Features
Specs Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S8+ | Galaxy S22+ |
|---|
| Launch Year | 2017 | 2022 |
| Display | 6.2" Quad HD+ Super AMOLED, 60Hz | 6.6" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1750 nits |
| Processor (U.S.) | Snapdragon 835 (10nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / up to 128GB (UFS 2.1) | 8GB / up to 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Main Camera | 12MP (single) | 50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 10MP |
| 5G Connectivity | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Battery | 3500 mAh, 15W charging | 4500 mAh, 45W charging |
| Software Support | Up to Android 9 (One UI 1.0) | Android 16 (One UI 8), Supported through 2028 |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2025) | ~$120 (individual sellers only) | ~$150+ (Certified Resellers, holiday promo) |
Performance and Speed
The Galaxy S8+ was fast in 2017, but its Snapdragon 835 chip is no match for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powering the Galaxy S22+. The newer chip offers nearly three times the processing power and far better efficiency thanks to its 4nm architecture. Everyday tasks like switching between apps, gaming, and using the camera are dramatically faster and smoother on the S22+. The difference is immediately noticeable in responsiveness and overall performance.
Display Quality
The Galaxy S8+ display still looks beautiful, but its 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated compared to the 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen on the S22+. The newer panel delivers richer contrast, better HDR performance, and a much brighter display — up to 1750 nits, making it easier to see in sunlight. The S22+ also features Gorilla Glass Victus+ for better scratch and drop resistance, while the S8+ is more fragile and prone to screen damage after years of use.
Camera System
The S8+ relied on a single 12MP rear camera, which produced good results in its day but now feels limited. The S22+ triple-lens system — featuring a 50MP wide sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto — offers far more versatility and detail. You get true optical zoom, better low-light performance, and enhanced AI-driven features like portrait mode and night photography. Even casual photos look sharper, more balanced, and vivid on the S22+.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery endurance is one of the biggest drawbacks of the old S8+. Its 3500 mAh battery has likely degraded significantly, meaning most units won’t last a full day. In contrast, the S22+ packs a 4500 mAh battery with 45W fast charging, allowing a 0–50% charge in less than 30 minutes. Combined with a more efficient processor and modern power management, the S22+ easily outlasts the S8+ in both runtime and convenience.
Software and Longevity
Samsung ended all support for the Galaxy S8+ in 2021, leaving it stuck on Android 9 (Pie) with no security patches. The S22+, on the other hand, runs Android 16 (One UI 8) and will continue receiving updates through 2028, with monthly patches until 2026 and quarterly updates afterward. That’s years of guaranteed stability, security, and app compatibility — something the S8+ can’t offer anymore.
Value and Pricing
The price gap between these two devices is surprisingly small. The Galaxy S8+ costs around $120+ from individual sellers, while a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ starts around $150+ — especially during holiday promotions. For just a little more, buyers get a phone that’s faster, safer, and supported for years to come.
Considering the massive jump in performance, camera quality, and update support, the Galaxy S22+ is clearly the better value. The S8+ might have been a masterpiece in 2017, but in 2025, the S22+ delivers everything the older phone can’t — modern power, longer life, and lasting reliability.
Conclusion — Should You Still Buy the Galaxy S8+ in 2025?
No — the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is no longer a smart or safe purchase in 2025. While it was one of Samsung’s most beautiful and innovative flagships in its day, time has caught up with it. With no software updates since 2021, outdated hardware, and a heavily degraded battery, the S8+ simply can’t deliver the performance, security, or reliability that modern users expect.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S8+ units are mostly out of stock, as professional resellers no longer support or refurbish models this old. And while you might still find listings from individual sellers for around $120+, these often come with worn batteries, old components, and no warranty — making them a poor long-term investment.
Instead, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+, now available from trusted sellers for about $150+, is the clear winner. It offers flagship-grade performance, 5G connectivity, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and long-term software support through 2028 — all at a surprisingly affordable price. With current holiday promotions, it’s the perfect time to upgrade to a much newer, faster, and more future-proof Samsung flagship.
FAQ: Buying the Galaxy S8+ in 2025
How old is the Galaxy S8+ in 2025?
The Galaxy S8+ was released in April 2017, making it eight years old in 2025.
Does the Galaxy S8+ still receive software updates?
No. Samsung ended support for the Galaxy S8+ in 2021, leaving it stuck on Android 9 (Pie) with One UI 1.0.
Is it safe to use the Galaxy S8+ in 2025?
Not really. Without recent security patches, the phone is vulnerable to malware and data breaches, especially when using apps that require newer Android versions.
How much does the Galaxy S8+ cost in 2025?
Individual sellers may list the S8+ for around $120+, but these units are typically uncertified and not backed by a warranty.
Can I still find Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S8+ units?
Rarely. Most Certified Resellers have stopped selling this model due to age, limited parts availability, and lack of software support.
What’s the last Android version the Galaxy S8+ supports?
The Galaxy S8+ maxed out at Android 9 (One UI 1.0) and did not receive Android 10 or later updates.
How does the Galaxy S8+ compare to the Galaxy S22+?
The Galaxy S22+ outperforms the S8+ in every aspect — speed, battery life, camera quality, display, and long-term support — while costing nearly the same in 2025.
Is it worth repairing or replacing the Galaxy S8+ battery?
No. Replacing the battery isn’t cost-effective given the phone’s limited lifespan and lack of updates.
What’s the best alternative to the Galaxy S8+ in 2025?
The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ is the best option. It’s newer, faster, and backed by years of software support — making it a much smarter long-term investment.
Is now a good time to buy the Galaxy S22+?
Yes. Thanks to ongoing holiday promotions, the Galaxy S22+ has dropped to around $150+, making it one of the best smartphone deals of 2025.
Does the Samsung S8+ support 5G?
No. The Galaxy S8+ only supports 4G LTE networks and does not include 5G hardware or compatibility.
Is the Galaxy S8+ a good phone?
It was an excellent phone when launched in 2017, offering a premium design and strong performance. However, by 2025, it’s outdated, lacks software support, and is no longer recommended for daily use.
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