Samsung Launches Galaxy A08 — One of the Brand's Cheapest Smartphones
Samsung has introduced the Galaxy A08, a new budget smartphone that replaces last year's Galaxy A07. There was no formal announcement or press release: the device simply appeared on Samsung's regional websites, though the manufacturer has already confirmed its specifications and design. The biggest change compared to its predecessor is a noticeably larger battery and a longer software support cycle.
Display and Design
The Galaxy A08 comes with a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display at 720x1600 resolution (HD+) and a waterdrop-style notch for the front camera. It's a conservative choice compared to more modern punch-hole designs, but it remains typical for the budget segment. The phone measures 167.4 x 77.4 x 8mm and weighs 197 grams. According to earlier reports, the device carries an IP64 rating for splash and dust resistance; the official Samsung documentation available to us does not list this rating separately. Its sensors include a fingerprint scanner, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, and a screen rotation sensor.
Performance and Cameras
The Galaxy A08 runs on an octa-core processor clocked at up to 2.2GHz; Samsung does not officially name the chip, though several outlets report it as a MediaTek Helio G99. The phone ships with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (about 109GB available to the user), expandable via a dedicated microSD slot up to 2TB that doesn't require sacrificing the second SIM card. For photography, Samsung fitted a 50-megapixel main camera with an f/1.8 aperture alongside a 2-megapixel secondary sensor (f/2.4) and up to 10x digital zoom, while the front camera offers 8 megapixels (f/2.0). Video recording tops out at Full HD 1080p at 30fps, with a 120fps HD slow-motion mode available.
Battery and Software Support
The key change from the Galaxy A07 is a 6,000mAh battery, roughly 1,000mAh larger than its predecessor's. It charges over a wired connection, though a charger is not included in the box. The phone runs Android, and Samsung guarantees security updates through September 30, 2032 — at least six years of support from the device's launch. At an estimated $170, the Galaxy A08 ranks among Samsung's most affordable phones, though not the single cheapest: the older Galaxy A07 remains on sale in some markets, with its base configuration starting even lower, at around $86–100 depending on the region.
A 6,000mAh battery — nearly a quarter larger than the Galaxy A07's — should provide around two days of use under moderate load.
Security updates through September 30, 2032 — Samsung maintains its long-term support policy even for the most affordable model in the A-series.
A dedicated microSD slot supporting up to 2TB, which doesn't take up the second SIM slot, is a rare feature at this price point.
The Galaxy A08's international price sits at around $170, based on a UAE retail listing where the phone sells for AED 625 against a recommended AED 659 (~$179). Samsung has not yet confirmed official pricing for specific markets, including Ukraine.
Specifications
- Display: 6.7" PLS LCD, 720x1600 (HD+)
- Processor: octa-core, up to 2.2GHz
- Memory: 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, dedicated microSD slot up to 2TB
- Camera: 50MP (f/1.8) + 2MP (f/2.4), 8MP front (f/2.0)
- Video: FHD 1080p@30fps, 120fps HD slow motion
- Battery: 6,000mAh, non-removable
- OS: Android
- SIM cards: two Nano-SIM + dedicated microSD slot
- Dimensions and weight: 167.4 x 77.4 x 8mm, 197g
- Ports: USB-C (USB 2.0), 3.5mm audio jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS/Galileo/Beidou/QZSS
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