Watch how far Samsung's Galaxy S8 has evolved from the original Galaxy S

What a difference 7 years makes.
 By 
Raymond Wong
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

After months of anticipation and daily leaks, Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ finally arrive on April 21.

The S8's got arguably the most beautiful screen ever put into a phone, packed into a sleek, elegant glass and metal design that's the result of years of refinement. But these things didn't just happen overnight.

It's hard to believe it, but it's been seven years since Samsung launched its first Galaxy S.

Much has changed, and while the original Galaxy S wasn't a beautiful or premium phone -- the plastic build quality sucked, Android 2.3 Gingerbread 2.3 was ugly and slow, the camera took potato-quality pics, and so on -- but it paved the way towards today's large high-res screens, and kept the iPhone on its toes.

So much that it's rumored Apple might actually copy some features from Samsung for the iPhone 8.

YouTuber EverythingApplePro's put together an extremely thorough comparison between the original Galaxy S and the new Galaxy S8, and it's pretty incredible to see how phone technology and design (for both hardware and software) has evolved.

So the next time you look at a new phone and think "how boring" or get frustrated when Snapchat isn't opening fast enough, take a moment and remember how awful it used to be.

Topics Android Samsung

Mashable Image
Raymond Wong

Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Act fast to score $90 off our favorite Samsung smartwatch right now at Amazon
samsung galaxy watch 8 against a red, purple, and blue patterned background

Reserve a new Galaxy device before Samsung Unpacked and get a free $30 credit
the Samsung logo on a purple oval with a green background




More in Tech
How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale online for free
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts

How to watch 'Wuthering Heights' at home: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's controversial romance now streaming
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing in still from "Wuthering Heights"

How to watch New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers online for free
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders warms up

How to watch Mexico vs. Belgium online for free
Israel Reyes of Mexico reacts

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free
Vinicius Junior #10 of Brazil leaves

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!