Bluboo S8 Review

Design, build and controls

Bluboo S8 has an elegant body that is reminiscent of that of the Galaxy S8/S8+. Its frame and back plate are made of Zn-Ti alloy that has undergone CNC cutting and polishing, nano-moulding and IML electroplating for the back plate, which creates a multi-coloured visual effect similar to the one of the CD texture. The body is treated with an oleophobic coating, too. The front and rear vertical corners are rounded creating a slimmer profile and an elegant appeal, which we have already seen in the Galaxy S series from Samsung. The model is available in gold, blue, and black colours. We are reviewing a black unit. With a width of 70.6 mm, Bluboo S8 is the narrowest smartphone among all models with a 5.7-inch display. In terms of height, it is also one of the shortest devices with a height of 149.5. Only the LG G6+ (148.9), Essential PH-1 (141.5 mm), Sharp Aquos XXx (146 mm), and iNew i2000 (147.2 mm) are shorter than this model. As long as it concerns the thickness, Bluboo S8 has an average waistline of 8.4 mm for a smartphone with a 5.7-inch display and a battery that has a capacity around 3450 mAh. In terms of weight, it is one of the heaviest devices among those in this display and battery size class – 192 grammes. On the front, above the display, the following elements are positioned (left to right): LED notification light, proximity sensor, light sensor, earpiece, front camera. The chin below the display is bare. The back is dominated by the dual rear camera module. The cameras are placed vertically along the centre of the device. To their left, there is a dual-LED flash and to their right - an element with a purely aesthetic purpose to preserve the symmetry. Below the cameras, an oval fingerprint sensor is positioned. The Bluboo logo in silver-coloured letters can be seen below the fingerprint sensor. On the left-hand side of the frame, there is a single button for volume up and down. The power button is positioned on the right-hand side of the frame. Both are made of metal and provide excellent tactile experience. On the top frame, very much like with the Galaxy S8/S8+ the hybrid, dual Nano-SIM+Nano-SIM/microSD card tray is positioned accompanied by a microphone hole. On the bottom frame, you will see a USB Type-C 2.0 port, a microphone hole, and speaker grille to its right. There is no 3.5 mm jack and Bluboo compensates that with providing a headphone adapter in the package.