Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ voted best smartphones of 2017-2018

 

The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), collaboration between different multimedia magazines that offer tests on cameras, audio equipment, mobile tech etc. has announced the annual Best Mobile Device Awards

and in case you were in doubt as to the awesomeness of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, remove it. Both phones clinched the much coveted Best Smartphone award and that is no easy feat. The judges called it a “do-it-all” device and commended it for the Infinity Display, “excellent” camera and even the maligned Bixby assistant. Last year, this award went to the Huawei P9

Below is the list of winners in select categories.

 

Best all round Smartphone: Galaxy S8 and S8+

This exquisitely-crafted flagship phone comes in a striking combination of metal and glass, with the seemingly bezel-less Infinity Display giving a larger viewing area while retaining the product’s comfortable dimensions. Available in two sizes, the screen is HDR-ready with an aspect ratio of 18.5:9, and the specs also include the top-notch Exynos 8895 chipset. The Samsung Galaxy S8 duo also keeps its excellent 12MP camera, auto HDR, phase detection autofocus, OIS and f/1.7 lens in place, while introducing iris scanning for greater security, and the all-new Bixby voice assistant. It’s a formidable do-it-all device.

Best Smartphone Camera: Huawei P10

Huawei’s latest flagship is an improvement in almost every respect. Starting with its design, including a diamond cut chassis and brave new colors, through to the faster and more secure Kirin 960 Octa-core chipset, and finishing with the shining star – the Leica-branded cameras. The dual system on the back of the Huawei P10 now has a 20 million pixel monochrome sensor, and a 12 million pixel color sensor, enabling the introduction of a brand new Portrait mode for stunning portrait photography. On the front is an 8 million pixel F1.9 selfie camera, also supporting the portrait mode and including Leica technology that is smart enough to recognize if there are more people in the picture, and consequently make the shot wider. For an even more professional photography experience, EISA recommends the Huawei P10 Plus.

Best Mobile Speaker: JBL Boombox

Here’s a seriously lively loudspeaker – its 20,000mAh battery is punchy enough to power a party for over 20 hours non-stop. Indeed, the Boombox keeps going come rain or shine, thanks to its IPX7 waterproof certification – and the indoor and outdoor mode selection optimizes the sound to your chosen venue. If you need more power, just add one or more of over 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers, which sync up with it via Bluetooth at the touch of a button, to spread the sound around. For marathon garden, beach or pool parties, its dual USB outputs will charge your mobile devices to keep you connected.

Best In-Ear Wireless headphones: Sennheiser MOMENTUM in-ear Wireless

With its battery and Bluetooth receiver built into the neck band, this great wireless in-ear design makes sense in every way – it’s comfortable at home, stable on the road, and rugged for playing sports. As you would expect from this illustrious German manufacturer, it is beautifully finished with red-stitched nappa leather on the neckband. The Momentum’s super-sensitive microphone, NFC and Bluetooth 4.1 aptX compatibility give easy pairing and clear phone calls. Music is a joy too – its rich harmonics and powerful but precise bass make you want to keep on listening. It’s a great companion for those who love their music on the move.

Best Head Phones:  JBL Everest Elite 750NC

Wave goodbye to cables and embrace wireless Bluetooth connectivity with these very special headphones – while tuning out the world in the way you want with the powerful adaptive noise cancelling system. This lets you control the level of ambient noise that you want to hear, so you don’t completely lose touch with the outside world while out and about. The JBL Everest Elite 750NC gives a solid 20 hours of playing time, and is easily updatable through the mobile app that also controls its many features. There’s even a SDK available for programmers to develop new smart experiences specifically for this exciting new design.

Best Consumer Smartphone: Huawei Honor 8 Pro

Even in the latest generation of flagship smartphones, octa-core chipsets with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage aren’t common. Yet the Honor 8 Pro gives exactly this, and much more besides. This beauty is equipped with a huge 5.7in QHD display and Kirin 960 chipset, capable of running even the most difficult of tasks. It’s ready to immerse you in the world of VR too, as the clever packaging turns into cardboard goggles, putting the 515ppi display to great use. Its 4000mAh battery powers you through every adventure, while Huawei’s EMUI 5.1 launcher makes Android 7.0 even better to use. This is a seriously capable Smartphone.

Best wearable device: Huawei Watch 2

Whether you’re looking for a classy-looking timekeeper or a useful sports partner, Huawei’s Watch 2 is the one. Coming in both classic and sport versions, this smart watch is fully self-contained thanks to its integrated 4G connectivity. The ceramic bezel and customizable faces confer a style for every occasion. Equipped with GPS and heart rate monitoring, it is perfect for your daily workout, and its clever apps – along with Google’s Assistant – come in handy every day. The crystal-clear 1.2in circular AMOLED screen, built-in water resistance and two-day battery life make it a great companion wherever you go.

Head here for the entire awards winners in category.

PS: Apple devices, despite being popular in tech consumer circles did not clinch any mobile device award which begs the question, are they not considered in these award shows or they just don’t get invited? And please someone should not say Apple devices just aren’t that good.