Is it still a mid-range phone?
Today is the first day of 2018, and Samsung’s recently refreshed A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) are officially our first reviews for this year. The new phones are pretty good looking devices that bring Samsung’s Infinity display tech down from their flagship offerings to their mid-range phones, though pricing for both devices aren’t exactly what you’d call mid-range in the grand scheme of things.
Samsung Galaxy J7+ Review: Premium Dual-camera Mid-ranger You Should Buy?
Considering the pricing for the A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) which sits at Php 26,990 and Php 32,990 respectively, it’s clear that Samsung is still marching to the beat of their own drum when it comes to what they consider mid-range. While their A-series of devices have traditionally been styled and positioned as having the same design aesthetic as last year’s Galaxy S-series flagship with mid-range innards and price tags slightly higher than the competition, the pricing for both puts them at a really tight spot.
Samsung’s pricing for the A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) might also mean a slight shift on how the company positions the A-series of devices. Previously the A-series were strictly mid-range phones at the 10-20K price point, but now it seems that that price segment has been taken over by more premium members of the J-series family like the J7+, putting the A-series devices into a more premium mid-range positioning.
With the Galaxy A8+ priced at near flagship levels, it’s difficult to convince consumers nowadays to drop that much cash for what is essentially a mid-range phone. At Php 32,990, the Galaxy A8+ is going up against tough competition from Chinese rival Huawei and their Mate 10, as well as OnePlus and their OnePlus 5T.
Samsung’s also fighting against its own flagship, as many stores in the metro are now offering the Galaxy S8 at around Php 32,500 to Php 34,500. Why pay for a mid-range phone inspired by the flagship S-series when you can get an actual flagship for a little more, right?
With an insanely competitive mid-range segment, the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) in for a tough fight. Mid-range phones are getting better and better nowadays, with flagship-esque features and hardware that’s only going to get better. It’ll be interesting to see if Samsung’s efforts in the premium mid-range market will succeed, or if the company needs to start re-thinking its strategy.
