When buying a budget phone, most people don’t expect it to get software updates for very long. Samsung is trying to change that with the new Galaxy A08.
The Samsung Galaxy A08 has launched in Malaysia with a 6,000mAh battery, MediaTek Helio G99+ processor and a 50MP main camera. But the bigger surprise is software support. Samsung is promising up to six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates, which is quite a long time for a phone in this segment.
Samsung Galaxy A08 Gets a 6,000mAh Battery
Samsung has increased the battery size this time. The Galaxy A08 packs a 6,000mAh battery, compared to the 5,000mAh battery on the previous Galaxy A07 4G. That extra 1,000mAh should be useful if you spend a lot of time watching videos, browsing or using social media.
Samsung has not given a battery-life figure for normal use, so we will need to see how long the phone actually lasts. The official Malaysian announcement also does not give a charging speed. Samsung has given the phone an IP64 rating. It can handle dust and normal water splashes, but this doesn’t mean you can take it swimming or put it underwater.
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Six Years of Software Updates
This is probably the most interesting part of the Galaxy A08. Samsung says the phone will receive up to six generations of OS upgrades along with six years of security updates. Long software support is common on expensive Samsung phones now, but seeing a similar promise on an entry-level Galaxy A-series phone is useful.
Someone buying the phone for basic use won’t have to worry about software support ending after just two or three years. The phone also comes with Samsung Knox Vault for additional security. Circle to Search with Google is included too, so you can search for something on the screen without leaving the app you are using.
Helio G99+ and Up to 2TB Expandable Storage
Samsung has used the MediaTek Helio G99+ processor in the Galaxy A08. It is a 4G chipset, so there is no 5G support here. The model listed on Samsung Malaysia’s website comes with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.
There is a dedicated microSD card slot, and storage can be expanded by up to 2TB without removing either SIM. The Helio G99+ should be enough if most of your use includes WhatsApp, YouTube, calls, browsing and other normal apps. We would wait for testing before judging gaming performance. People specifically looking for a 5G phone will need to look elsewhere.
6.7-inch Display With HD+ Resolution
On the front, you get a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with 1600 × 720 resolution. Samsung’s official Malaysian listing does not state a refresh rate, so the 120Hz claim circulating elsewhere is not something we can confirm.
The HD+ resolution is one compromise to keep in mind. An FHD+ screen would have been better for watching videos, especially on a display this large. The phone weighs 197 grams and measures 8mm in thickness. It comes in Dark Blue, Green and Silver colour options.
50MP Camera on the Back
The Galaxy A08 has two cameras at the back. The main one is a 50MP sensor with autofocus, while the second is a 2MP depth camera. There is an 8MP camera on the front for selfies and video calls.
Samsung hasn’t tried to fill the back with extra cameras just to increase the camera count, so the 50MP main sensor is the one that matters here. We will need real photos to judge its quality, particularly at night. You also get a fingerprint sensor for unlocking the phone.
Samsung Galaxy A08 Specifications
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A08 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch PLS LCD |
| Resolution | HD+ (1600 × 720 pixels) |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G99+ |
| RAM and storage | 6GB + 128GB on Malaysian listing |
| Expandable storage | Dedicated microSD slot, up to 2TB |
| Rear camera | 50MP main + 2MP depth |
| Front camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 6,000mAh |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE |
| Protection | IP64 |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor, Knox Vault |
| Software support | Up to six OS upgrades and six years of security updates |
| Weight | 197g |
| Thickness | 8mm |
| Malaysia price | RM899 |
Samsung Galaxy A08 Price and India Launch
The Galaxy A08 is priced at RM899 in Malaysia. That doesn’t tell us what the phone would cost if it launches in India. Samsung prices phones differently across markets, and there is no official Indian price yet.
Samsung has also not confirmed when the Galaxy A08 will launch in India. For now, the phone is mainly interesting because Samsung has combined a bigger 6,000mAh battery with unusually long software support. The lack of 5G and HD+ display are worth keeping in mind, especially when comparing it with other affordable phones.
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Sources: Samsung Malaysia launch announcement and official specifications.
