Huawei P Smart Vs Samsung S8 Three Years Later Is The Samsung Still Worth It

When the Samsung Galaxy S8 launched in 2017, it was a flagship marvel—featuring an edge-to-edge display, premium build quality, and top-tier performance. Meanwhile, the Huawei P Smart, released in 2018, targeted budget-conscious users with modest specs and mid-range ambitions. Three years later, both phones are long past their prime, yet many people still use them daily. The question isn’t just about which device aged better—it’s whether the once-premium S8 still holds enough value to justify holding onto it over a more modern but less powerful alternative like the P Smart.

This comparison dives deep into real-world longevity, software support, hardware degradation, and overall user experience to determine if the Galaxy S8 remains a worthwhile device in 2024.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical

The Galaxy S8 set a new standard for smartphone design. Its glass-and-metal body, curved edges, and symmetrical AMOLED display made it stand out in a market still dominated by thick bezels. Even today, holding an S8 feels like using a well-crafted piece of technology. In contrast, the P Smart uses a polycarbonate (plastic) body with a glossy finish that attracts fingerprints and shows wear quickly.

While the S8’s design is objectively superior, it comes with trade-offs. The glass back is prone to cracking, and the lack of water resistance certification (despite IP68 rating) means long-term durability depends heavily on user care. The P Smart, while less elegant, is sturdier in everyday handling and easier to replace if damaged.

Performance Over Time: Hardware Lifespan Matters

Under the hood, the S8 ran on Samsung’s Exynos 8895 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (depending on region), both high-end chips at launch. The P Smart used the Kirin 710—a capable mid-range processor, but not designed for heavy multitasking or extended performance demands.

Three years later, the difference is stark. On paper, the S8 should dominate. But real-world usage tells a more nuanced story. After prolonged use, lithium-ion batteries degrade, and thermal throttling becomes more common. Users report that even a clean-installed S8 now struggles with app loading times, occasional stutters, and slower background processing—especially when running Android 9-based One UI updates.

The P Smart, while never fast, maintains consistent performance for basic tasks: messaging, browsing, light social media. It runs EMUI 8.1 (based on Android 8.0), which receives fewer background processes and lighter animations, resulting in smoother day-to-day operation despite weaker hardware.

“Flagship processors age better, but only if software optimization keeps pace. Without timely updates, even powerful hardware becomes sluggish.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Cost of Obsolescence

One of the most critical factors in long-term phone viability is software support. Samsung provided three years of major OS updates and security patches for the S8—ending in 2020. Since then, no official updates have been released. That means the S8 runs outdated software vulnerable to known exploits, incompatible with newer banking apps, and unsupported by modern versions of Google services.

Huawei’s situation is more complicated. Due to U.S. trade restrictions, the P Smart never received Google Mobile Services (GMS). Instead, it relies on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), which lacks many popular apps and has limited third-party developer support. While the P Smart received minor EMUI updates until 2021, its app ecosystem remains fragmented.

In practice, neither phone offers a fully secure or seamless software experience today. However, the S8 retains access to the full Google Play Store and can sideload updated APKs for core apps, giving it a functional edge over the P Smart’s HMS limitations.

App Compatibility Comparison (2024)

Battery Life and Charging: Degradation Is Inevitable

Battery health is often the deciding factor in whether a three-year-old phone remains usable. The S8 came with a 3000mAh battery, while the P Smart had a slightly larger 3000mAh unit. However, real-world endurance differs significantly due to display technology and software efficiency.

AMOLED screens on the S8 consume more power when displaying bright content, and over time, pixel aging can cause burn-in—especially noticeable with static navigation bars. Many S8 units now suffer from reduced battery capacity (often below 70%), requiring daily charging, sometimes twice.

The P Smart’s LCD panel is less demanding, and its lower-resolution display combined with lighter software results in steadier battery drain. Although its battery also degrades, users report getting through a full day with moderate use—something increasingly rare on aging S8 devices.

Real-World Example: Daily Use After Three Years

Consider Maria, a teacher who uses her phone primarily for email, calendar, WhatsApp, and occasional web searches. She owns both devices: upgraded from the S8 to the P Smart in 2019 but kept the S8 as a backup. When forced to use the S8 again in early 2024, she noticed immediate issues: slow Gmail loading, failed two-factor authentication on her banking app, and the phone shutting down unexpectedly at 30% battery. Switching back to the P Smart restored functionality—even without Google apps, her essential tools worked reliably.

This scenario highlights a key insight: raw specs don’t always translate to usability. For lightweight needs, consistency matters more than peak performance.

Is the Samsung S8 Still Worth It? A Practical Checklist

If you're deciding whether to keep, sell, or replace your S8 or P Smart, consider this checklist before making a move:

• Does your phone power on consistently? If it crashes or freezes frequently, replacement is advisable.
• Can you install critical apps? Test banking, messaging, and productivity apps for compatibility.
• Is the battery lasting a full day? Below 70% health usually means poor endurance.
• Do you rely on Google services? The S8 wins here unless you're comfortable with workarounds.
• Are security concerns important? Neither phone is truly secure, but the S8 allows manual APK updates for protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy replacement parts for the Galaxy S8?

Yes, though availability varies. Official Samsung service centers may no longer stock S8 components, but third-party repair shops often carry screens, batteries, and charging ports. Expect higher costs due to scarcity.

Is the Huawei P Smart safe to use in 2024?

It's functional for basic tasks, but not ideal for sensitive activities like online banking. Without regular security patches and limited app access, it carries higher risk than supported devices.

Should I upgrade from either phone?

Absolutely. Even entry-level smartphones in 2024 offer better performance, security, camera quality, and battery life than these models. Consider devices like the Samsung Galaxy A14 or Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for a significant leap forward.

Final Verdict: The S8 Was Great, But Time Has Moved On

The Galaxy S8 was a landmark device—one of the last true innovation-driven flagships before the industry settled into iterative updates. For enthusiasts, holding onto it might feel nostalgic. But practically speaking, its advantages have eroded. Outdated software, degraded hardware, and growing app incompatibility make it a liability rather than an asset.

The Huawei P Smart was never meant to compete on performance, but its role as a reliable secondary device for simple tasks gives it unexpected staying power. It won’t impress, but it works—often more predictably than the aging S8.

So, is the Samsung S8 still worth it three years later? Only if you’re using it as a backup, a media player, or in a controlled environment where security isn’t a concern. For daily driving, neither phone stands up to modern standards. The real answer lies not in comparing two obsolete devices, but in recognizing when to let go and invest in something built for today’s digital demands.