Samsung A8, A8 Plus release date, specs news: Budget phone with state-of-the-art features arriving in January

Samsung has revealed two new midrange smartphones in state-of-the-art displays.

Samsung announced via its blog on Tuesday that A8 an A8+ will be the latest additions to its A series come 2018.

Despite being budget smartphones, the two new units are set to compete with higher-range gadgets of impressive features and stylish design.

"With the release of the Galaxy A8(2018) and A8+(2018), we're bringing our customers' favorite features from our flagship smartphones, such as the Infinity Display and our first Dual Front Camera with Live Focus, to our Galaxy A series, which is already known for its premium design," said Junho Park, Samsung Electronics Vice President for Global Product Planning, Mobile Communications Business.

The dual front camera should be able to provide great selfies with a 16-megapixel camera and another 8-megapixel lens, both in F1.9. Users can switch between the two, depending on what kind of photos they want -- portrait or close-up. A Live Focus feature can adjust the bokeh effect, before or after the photo is taken. The 16-megapixel rear camera, meanwhile, comes in F1.7. With high aperture options, all photos should still look great in low light.

Some believe the dual front camera, which so-far is exclusive to Samsung's A series, might also be coming to the 2018 flagship phone Samsung S9 to help it compete against Google's Pixel and iPhone X.

As for videos, there is a new video digital image stabilisation (VDis) technology to help capture crisp films in shaky environments, while the hyperlapse feature will allow users to film a timelapse from their phones.

For watching these videos, the infinite display should gives users the "ultimate cinematic experience."

Both devices offer IP68 water and dust resistance, which should help them withstand elements like sweat, rain, sand and dust. They will be available in four colors -- black, orchid grey, gold, and blue.

Samsung A8 and A8+ will be out starting early January.

News
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach

Shine Your Light is aiming to mobilise half a million Christians to share the gospel with five million people across the UK this Christmas, with more than 2,000 churches already signed up, organisers say.

The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'
The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'

The Church of England's uneasiness about the government's ‘conversion practices’ bill is a perfect lesson in the old adage, 'be careful what you wish for,' writes Dr Martin Davie.

Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns
Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns

An internal Home Office report lists concerns about immigration, multiculturalism and changing social values among the characteristics associated with what it calls "Christian extremism", it has been reported.

Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity
Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity

Tearfund warns that worsening climate conditions are threatening food production and pushing more people towards hunger.