Five reasons to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S8

Meet the handset shaking up the smartphone status quo

Game-changer: the Samsung Galaxy S8 (Drew Angerer/Getty)

The Samsung Galaxy S8 has finally arrived, and it’s a major new leap for mobiles.

The handset, available now at John Lewis, shakes up the smartphone status quo with plenty of game-changing updates.

It’s the perfect excuse to finally make that upgrade – here’s what you need to know.

1) It’s got an amazing new screen

Catching up on the latest episode of Silicon Valley on your commute just got even better thanks to the Galaxy S8’s 5.8” Infinity Display. Samsung has ditched the home button found on most mobile handsets, allowing them to fit a huge 2960 x 1440 pixel screen on the S8 without taking up any more space in your pocket.

2) The upgraded cameras offer increased protection

Privacy is important on a gadget that contains so much of your personal information. Security on the S8 has been upped thanks to an iris scanner in the front camera which can unlock the phone. The 12MP Dual Pixel back camera has had an upgrade too, with low-light, zoom, and anti-blur technology to get even more Instagram-enviable snaps.

3) It’s the world’s first Bixby device

The S8 marks the arrival of Samsung’s all-new ‘personal assistant’ Bixby. The voice-activated software can summon information, curate your news feed, and even help you shop with product recognition.

4) It works with Samsung’s impressive VR range

The Galaxy S8 is more than just a phone – it becomes a virtual reality display when paired with the Oculus-powered Samsung Gear VR headset, which now comes bundled with a motion-sensing handheld controller for even greater control. Film your own immersive videos too with the Gear 360 camera, shooting at 15 megapixels in 360 degrees to capture moments you can literally step back inside.

5) You can go SIM-free at John Lewis

It’s not just about the phone you pick – it’s how you choose to buy it. Going SIM-free offers more flexibility in how you use your mobile, instead of signing a pricey contract that charges too much for perks you might not use. At John Lewis you can skip the reams of paperwork and get straight to the phone, with a two year guarantee (and that renowned customer service) for added peace of mind.

At John Lewis you’ll find the Samsung Galaxy S8, SIM-free from £689 with a two-year guarantee included. Buy online or visit John Lewis stores and try before you buy.