The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a flagship smartphone that has taken the world by storm with its sleek design, powerful performance, and innovative features. One of the most important aspects of any smartphone is its operating system, and the Galaxy S8 is no exception. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Android and explore what version of Android the Galaxy S8 has, and what implications it has for users.
Understanding Android Versions
Before we dive into the specifics of the Galaxy S8’s Android version, it’s essential to understand the basics of Android and its version history. Android is an open-source operating system developed by Google, and it’s used by a vast majority of smartphones and tablets around the world. Android versions are denoted by a codename, which is typically a dessert name, and a numerical version number.
Android versions are released in a specific order, with each new version building upon the previous one. The version history of Android is as follows:
- Android 1.0 (Alpha): Released in 2008, this was the first version of Android.
- Android 1.1 (Beta): Released in 2009, this version introduced new features and bug fixes.
- Android 2.0/2.1 (Eclair): Released in 2009, this version introduced a new user interface and improved performance.
- Android 2.2 (Froyo): Released in 2010, this version introduced USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.
- Android 2.3 (Gingerbread): Released in 2010, this version introduced a new keyboard and improved copy/paste functionality.
- Android 3.0 (Honeycomb): Released in 2011, this version was specifically designed for tablets.
- Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich): Released in 2011, this version introduced a new user interface and improved performance.
- Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 (Jelly Bean): Released in 2012, this version introduced Google Now and improved performance.
- Android 4.4 (KitKat): Released in 2013, this version introduced a new user interface and improved performance.
- Android 5.0/5.1 (Lollipop): Released in 2014, this version introduced Material Design and improved performance.
- Android 6.0 (Marshmallow): Released in 2015, this version introduced new security features and improved performance.
- Android 7.0/7.1 (Nougat): Released in 2016, this version introduced a new user interface and improved performance.
- Android 8.0/8.1 (Oreo): Released in 2017, this version introduced new features such as picture-in-picture mode and improved performance.
- Android 9.0 (Pie): Released in 2018, this version introduced a new user interface and improved performance.
- Android 10.0 (Q): Released in 2019, this version introduced a new user interface and improved performance.
The Galaxy S8’s Android Version
So, what version of Android does the Galaxy S8 have? The answer is Android 7.0 Nougat. The Galaxy S8 was released in 2017, and at the time, Android 7.0 Nougat was the latest version available. Samsung, being a prominent Android device manufacturer, ensured that the Galaxy S8 came with the latest version of Android pre-installed.
Android 7.0 Nougat Features
Android 7.0 Nougat introduced several new features and improvements over its predecessor, Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Some of the key features of Android 7.0 Nougat include:
- Multi-window mode: This feature allows users to open two apps simultaneously, making it easier to multitask.
- Improved battery life: Android 7.0 Nougat introduced several battery-saving features, including a new Doze mode that reduces battery consumption when the device is idle.
- Enhanced security: Android 7.0 Nougat introduced several new security features, including file-based encryption and improved biometric authentication.
- Improved performance: Android 7.0 Nougat introduced several performance improvements, including a new JIT compiler and improved garbage collection.
Galaxy S8-specific Features
In addition to the standard Android 7.0 Nougat features, the Galaxy S8 also introduced several device-specific features, including:
- Bixby: Samsung’s AI-powered virtual assistant, which allows users to perform a range of tasks using voice commands.
- DeX: Samsung’s desktop experience feature, which allows users to turn their Galaxy S8 into a desktop-like environment using a DeX dock.
- Iris scanner: A new biometric authentication method that uses the device’s camera to scan the user’s iris.
Upgrades And Updates
Since its release, the Galaxy S8 has received several software updates, including Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9.0 Pie. These updates introduced new features, improved performance, and enhanced security. Samsung has also released several security patches and bug fixes to ensure that the Galaxy S8 remains secure and stable.
Android 8.0 Oreo Update
The Galaxy S8 received the Android 8.0 Oreo update in 2018, which introduced several new features, including:
- Picture-in-picture mode: This feature allows users to open two apps simultaneously, with one app running in a smaller window.
- ** Autofill framework**: This feature allows users to save login credentials and autofill them in apps.
- Notification dots: This feature allows users to view notifications on the home screen without having to open the notification shade.
Android 9.0 Pie Update
The Galaxy S8 received the Android 9.0 Pie update in 2019, which introduced several new features, including:
- New user interface: Android 9.0 Pie introduced a new user interface, including a new navigation system and improved multitasking capabilities.
- Improved performance: Android 9.0 Pie introduced several performance improvements, including a new compiler and improved garbage collection.
- Enhanced security: Android 9.0 Pie introduced several new security features, including improved biometric authentication and enhanced encryption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Galaxy S8 comes with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, which provides a robust and feature-rich operating system experience. Over time, Samsung has released several software updates, including Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9.0 Pie, which have introduced new features, improved performance, and enhanced security. Whether you’re a power user or a casual user, the Galaxy S8’s Android version has something to offer.
| Android Version | Release Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Android 7.0 Nougat | 2016 | Multi-window mode, improved battery life, enhanced security |
| Android 8.0 Oreo | 2017 | Picture-in-picture mode, autofill framework, notification dots |
| Android 9.0 Pie | 2018 | New user interface, improved performance, enhanced security |
Note: The table above summarizes the key features of each Android version mentioned in the article.
What Is Android 7.0 Nougat?
Android 7.0 Nougat is the seventh major version of the Android operating system. It was launched in August 2016 and is the successor to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Android 7.0 Nougat brings a number of significant changes and improvements to the Android platform, including a new multi-window mode, improved notifications, and enhanced performance.
The Galaxy S8 is one of the first devices to offer Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, allowing users to take advantage of all the new features and improvements from day one. With Android 7.0 Nougat, users can enjoy a more seamless and intuitive mobile experience, with improved performance, better battery life, and enhanced security features.
What Are The New Features Of Android 7.0 Nougat?
Android 7.0 Nougat introduces a number of new features and improvements, including a new multi-window mode, improved notifications, and enhanced performance. The new multi-window mode allows users to open two apps simultaneously, making it easier to multitask and get more done on the go. The improved notifications system allows users to quickly respond to messages and notifications without having to leave the app they are currently using.
Other new features of Android 7.0 Nougat include improved battery life, enhanced security features, and a new Vulkan graphics API, which provides better graphics performance and allows for more complex and detailed graphics. The update also includes a range of new emojis, improved language support, and a new Doze mode, which helps to conserve battery life when the device is not in use.
What Is The New Multi-window Mode In Android 7.0 Nougat?
The new multi-window mode in Android 7.0 Nougat is a feature that allows users to open two apps simultaneously, making it easier to multitask and get more done on the go. This feature is particularly useful for users who need to reference information in one app while working in another, such as writing an email while referencing a document.
To use the multi-window mode, users simply need to long-press on the recent apps button, select the app they want to open, and then select the “Open in split-screen view” option. The two apps will then be displayed side-by-side, with the user able to resize the windows to suit their needs.
How Does The Improved Notifications System Work In Android 7.0 Nougat?
The improved notifications system in Android 7.0 Nougat allows users to quickly respond to messages and notifications without having to leave the app they are currently using. This feature is particularly useful for users who receive a lot of messages and notifications, as it saves them from having to constantly switch between apps.
To respond to a message or notification, users simply need to pull down the notification shade, select the notification they want to respond to, and then enter their response in the reply field. The response will then be sent directly from the notification shade, without the user having to open the app.
What Are The Benefits Of The New Vulkan Graphics API In Android 7.0 Nougat?
The new Vulkan graphics API in Android 7.0 Nougat provides better graphics performance and allows for more complex and detailed graphics. This feature is particularly useful for gamers, as it enables faster and more realistic graphics rendering.
The Vulkan graphics API also provides a range of other benefits, including improved power management, reduced latency, and enhanced debugging and testing tools. This makes it easier for developers to create high-quality, graphics-intensive apps that take full advantage of the latest hardware.
How Does The New Doze Mode Work In Android 7.0 Nougat?
The new Doze mode in Android 7.0 Nougat is a feature that helps to conserve battery life when the device is not in use. Doze mode is designed to reduce battery consumption by limiting the device’s ability to perform tasks in the background, such as syncing data and running apps.
When the device is in Doze mode, it will periodically wake up to perform tasks, such as syncing data and checking for updates. However, the frequency of these wake-ups is reduced, which helps to conserve battery life. Doze mode can be customized to suit the user’s needs, with options to allow certain apps to continue running in the background.
Is The Galaxy S8 Compatible With Android 7.0 Nougat?
Yes, the Galaxy S8 is one of the first devices to offer Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. This means that users can take advantage of all the new features and improvements of Android 7.0 Nougat from day one, without having to wait for an update.
The Galaxy S8’s compatibility with Android 7.0 Nougat also means that users can enjoy a more seamless and intuitive mobile experience, with improved performance, better battery life, and enhanced security features. The device’s powerful hardware and advanced software make it the perfect platform for Android 7.0 Nougat.