Just a few days ago, Samsung launched the Galaxy J8 in the Philippines. Out of the entire J-series, this device offers better hardware, camera, and display, which makes it Samsung’s most interesting midrange device today.
This also means that the Samsung Galaxy J8 will be facing a lot of competition. As you all know, the local smartphone industry is heavily saturated with midrange handsets. So to be able to survive, the Galaxy J8 needs to take on some of the big dogs in the market.
One of them is the Vivo V9. Before the controversial Vivo X21, the V9 was the company’s superstar here in the Philippines. Just like the Galaxy J8, the V9 is armed with a decent setof specs and strong marketing shenanigans to keep its boat sailing.
In our full review of the Vivo V9, we praised its large display, good cameras, and long battery life. While we are yet to get our hands on the Galaxy J8, we’re curious to see how these two devices compare on paper.
Can the new product from Samsung take on Vivo’s offering? Or is the Vivo V9 the better option than the Galaxy J8? Check out our Vivo V9 versus Samsung Galaxy J8 specifications and features comparison to find out the answer to these questions.
| Vivo V9 | Samsung Galaxy J8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.1 Oreo FuntouchOS 4.0 | Android 8.0 Oreo |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.3-inch FHD+ IPS 2280 x 1080 resolution ~400ppi 19:9 aspect ratio | 6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED 1480 x 720 pixel resolution ~274pp 18:9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octa-core | 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 octa-core |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 506 |
| Storage | 64GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB | 64GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB |
| Front camera | 24-megapixel f/2.0 | 16-megapixel f/1.7 LED flash |
| Rear Camera | 16-megapixel + 5-megapixel f/2.0 PDAF AI capabilities LED flash | 16-megapixel + 5-megapixel f/1.7 LED flash |
| Security | Fingerprint scanner Face Unlock | Fingerprint scanner Face Unlock |
| Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS FM Radio microUSB | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS FM Radio microUSB |
| Dimensions | 154.81 x 75.03 x 7.89mm | 160 x 75.8 x 7.95mm |
| Weight | 150g | 177g |
| Colors | Pearl Black Gold | Black Gold Purple |
| Battery | 3,260mAh non-removable | 3,500mAh non-removable |
| Price | Php17,990 | Php15,990 |
The Vivo V9 is priced Php2,000 more than the Samsung Galaxy J8. Now, one might think that it is just reasonable for the V9 to have better specs than the Galaxy J8 because of the price difference. But the thing is, the V9 still imposes a better value for the money despite that fact. With the Vivo V9, you’re getting far better features than the Samsung Galaxy J8. Features that are worth more than the Php2,000 price difference.
As you can see, the Vivo V9 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octa-core processor. It might not be the best chipset that you can have on a device at this price point, but it’s still better than the Snapdragon 450 processor of the Galaxy J8.
Thankfully, both devices come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. They also share an identical pair of rear cameras. Although the V9’s 24-megapixel front camera, partnered with its great camera app for selfies, is way better than the 16-megapixel front camera of the Galaxy J8.
See also: Huawei Nova 3i vs Samsung Galaxy J8: Specs Comparison
Moreover, there’s 6.3-inch FHD+ screen found on the V9 complete with a display notch on top and ultra-thin side bezels. On the other hand, the Galaxy J8 only has a 6-inch HD+ screen and an 18:9 aspect ratio. As a consolation, it does have a Super AMOLED screen, which is better than the IPS display found on the V9.
The 3,500mAh battery on the Samsung Galaxy J8 is also marginally bigger than the 3,260mAh battery of the V9. Since it’s a smaller screen and an AMOLED panel, the battery life difference should be significant.
To wrap it up, I think the Vivo V9 is obviously the better option here. You’ll be getting a far better set of features for the extra money you’d be paying when compared the Samsung Galaxy J8.
Vivo V9 is now available for a price of Php17,990 in Vivo stores, kiosks, and third-party retailers nationwide. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy J8 is available for a price of Php15,990. You can pre-order it until August 4 and get Php3,500 worth of freebies.