Released in 2018, the Samsung Galaxy A8+ and Nokia 7 Plus represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The A8+ aimed for a premium feel with its Infinity Display, while the Nokia 7 Plus focused on a clean Android experience and impressive battery life. Today, as these devices find new life on the used market, understanding their core differences is crucial for potential buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and a clean software experience, the Nokia 7 Plus emerges as the better choice. While the Samsung Galaxy A8+ boasts a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration, the Nokia 7 Plus’s Snapdragon 660 offers a more efficient architecture and a demonstrably superior battery endurance rating of 87 hours.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, December. Released 2018, January | 2018, February 25. Released 2018, April 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame (6000 series) |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 158.4 x 75.6 x 8 mm (6.24 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 91.4 cm2 (~75.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.4 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 7885 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
13 MP, f/2.6, (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF, 2x optical zoom |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Zeiss optics, dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8”, 1.12µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
8 MP, f/1.9, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | - | Zeiss optics |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Music play | Up to 73 h | Up to 126 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 723 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 23 h (3G) | Up to 19 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, orchid grey, gold, blue | Black/Copper, White/Copper |
| Models | SM-A730F | TA-1041, TA-1062, TA-1046 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 490 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.78 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -38.8dB / Crosstalk -95.9dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 87h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1701:1 (nominal), 3.479 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 67dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 79dB
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 140820 (v7)
GeekBench: 5893 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 8.6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018)
- Slightly more powerful CPU core configuration (potentially faster single-core performance)
- Samsung’s Infinity Display design (potentially narrower bezels)
- Samsung One UI software experience (preference-based)
- Less efficient Exynos 7885 chipset (potential for throttling)
- Likely shorter battery life compared to Nokia 7 Plus
- Software updates may be less frequent than Nokia 7 Plus
Nokia 7 plus
- Exceptional battery life (87-hour endurance rating)
- Clean Android One software (guaranteed updates)
- Efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset (sustained performance)
- CPU core configuration may be slightly less powerful than A8+
- Design may be less visually striking than A8+’s Infinity Display
- Camera performance relies heavily on software processing
Display Comparison
Both the Samsung Galaxy A8+ and Nokia 7 Plus feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio of 1701:1 and a sunlight contrast ratio of 3.479, indicating similar visibility in bright conditions. However, Samsung’s marketing emphasized the ‘Infinity Display’ design, suggesting narrower bezels, though specific measurements aren’t provided. The Nokia 7 Plus’s display benefits from the excellent contrast ratio, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the A8+ relies on Samsung’s color science, which tends towards more saturated hues. Without specific nit brightness data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but both displays are likely adequate for typical outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. The Nokia 7 Plus, benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 660, likely delivers more consistent image processing. The A8+’s camera performance is heavily reliant on Samsung’s software algorithms. Without specific details on sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS), it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Nokia 7 Plus’s ISP is known for its strong dynamic range and accurate color reproduction, giving it a potential edge. We can safely assume both phones feature a standard array of camera modes, but the Nokia 7 Plus’s image processing is likely more refined.
Performance
The performance battle centers around the Exynos 7885 in the Galaxy A8+ versus the Snapdragon 660 in the Nokia 7 Plus. Both are 14nm chips, but the architectural differences are significant. The Exynos utilizes a big.LITTLE configuration with 2x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, while the Snapdragon 660 employs 4x 2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores and 4x 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. Qualcomm’s Kryo cores are generally more efficient and offer better sustained performance than their Cortex counterparts. While the A8+ has more cores, the Snapdragon 660’s architecture is optimized for a smoother, more consistent experience, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. The Nokia 7 Plus benefits from Qualcomm’s optimizations and likely exhibits less thermal throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Nokia 7 Plus boasts an impressive endurance rating of 87 hours, a significant advantage over what was typical for 2018 smartphones. While the Galaxy A8+’s battery capacity isn’t specified, both devices support 18W wired charging. The Snapdragon 660’s power efficiency, combined with the Nokia 7 Plus’s optimized software, translates to significantly longer battery life. Users prioritizing all-day usage and minimizing charging frequency will find the Nokia 7 Plus far more appealing. The A8+’s Exynos 7885, while capable, is less efficient, resulting in a shorter time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018) if you prioritize a slightly more powerful CPU for occasional demanding tasks and prefer Samsung’s One UI software experience. Buy the Nokia 7 Plus if you value exceptional battery life, a clean Android One implementation with guaranteed updates, and a more balanced overall package for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7885 in the Galaxy A8+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7885 is known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle moderate gaming, extended sessions with demanding titles may lead to reduced performance as the chip heats up. The Nokia 7 Plus’s Snapdragon 660 is more efficient and less prone to overheating, offering a more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How does the Android One software on the Nokia 7 Plus impact long-term usability?
The Nokia 7 Plus’s Android One implementation guarantees timely software updates and security patches directly from Google. This ensures the device remains secure and compatible with the latest apps for a longer period compared to the Galaxy A8+, which relies on Samsung’s update schedule, which can be slower and less consistent.
❓ Is the 2MP depth sensor on either phone actually useful for portrait mode photos?
While both phones likely include a 2MP depth sensor, its impact on portrait mode quality is limited. The effectiveness of portrait mode relies heavily on software algorithms. The Nokia 7 Plus’s Qualcomm ISP likely provides better software processing for depth estimation, resulting in more natural-looking bokeh effects.
❓ Can either phone handle demanding tasks like video editing or multitasking without significant lag?
The Nokia 7 Plus, with its Snapdragon 660, is better equipped for multitasking and moderate video editing. The Exynos 7885 in the A8+ can handle these tasks, but may exhibit more noticeable lag, especially when multiple apps are running simultaneously.
