Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ (2017): Infinity Display Model Guide

Samsung Galaxy model archive · 2017

Galaxy S8 replaced the familiar physical front home button with a taller Infinity Display and on-screen controls. The regular and Plus models share that design direction while offering different screen sizes.

Official Samsung product image. Image source: Samsung.

Introduced 29 March 2017. Filed under the original announcement date. This retrospective was prepared in November 2026; shop availability may have followed later.

Generation at a glance

5.8-inch S8 and 6.2-inch S8+
Infinity Display with on-screen navigation
12MP Dual Pixel rear camera
IP68 rating and microSD support

When the front of the phone changed

Moving navigation onto the display changed both the appearance and handling of the device. A taller screen can hold more content while keeping the body relatively narrow, but the usable reach still depends on your hand and case. The S8 also brought Bixby into the S-series story. Treat its original service demonstrations as historical context: software availability and assistant features can change long after the hardware is released.

Which version is which?

S8 and S8+ are the two main sizes introduced together. The plus sign means the larger member of this family; it does not identify an Ultra-style camera tier. Samsung’s model number is still the safest way to check a carrier or imported version. Do not use the similarity of an S8 and S9 photograph as a substitute for that check.

Looking at one today

Inspect the curved display for chips, burn-in and uneven colour. Try rear fingerprint unlocking, the cameras, speakers and charging socket. Check that a case does not interfere with reaching the rear controls. Before treating it as an inexpensive daily phone, confirm app requirements and current security support. Cosmetic condition cannot reveal whether an old handset will meet those needs.

Before choosing an older phone, check the exact model on Samsung’s current security-update list and confirm local network compatibility.