Samsung Galaxy A8 Star — Full Specifications, Features & Price in Pakistan

The Samsung Galaxy A8 Star is the odd one out in the A8 family: a camera-first mid-ranger with a 24MP + 16MP dual rear camera and a 24MP front camera, running a Snapdragon 660 instead of an Exynos chip. Launched in mid-2018, it was sold as the Galaxy A9 Star in China — and contrary to some listings, it was not China-only: it also launched in Korea, India, and the Philippines. Now discontinued, it trades in Pakistan only as a used import. This guide covers its verified specifications and what to check before buying used.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Design and Build Quality

The A8 Star uses glass on both sides — Gorilla Glass 5 front and back — with an aluminium frame, at a slim 7.6 mm and 191 g. It looks more premium than its A8 (2018) sibling, with the fingerprint sensor on the back and a dedicated Bixby button on the left edge. On a used unit, check both glass panels for cracks (back-glass replacement is costly) and confirm the fingerprint sensor responds.

Display Features

The 6.3-inch Super AMOLED panel at 1080 x 2220 (18.5:9, roughly 392 ppi) is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and supports Always-On Display. It's a strong media screen for the era. As with any used AMOLED of this age, check for burn-in with a plain grey image at full brightness and test touch response across the full panel before paying.

Processor and Performance

The Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) — four Kryo 260 Gold cores at 2.2 GHz plus four Kryo 260 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz, with Adreno 512 graphics — was one of the best mid-range chips of 2018, and Samsung's choice of Qualcomm silicon over Exynos is part of what makes this phone distinct. In 2026 it handles everyday tasks — messaging, browsing, video, social apps — adequately, but don't expect it to keep up with demanding games or heavy multitasking. The 6GB RAM variant (the one sold in India) ages noticeably better than the 4GB version.

RAM and Storage

4GB or 6GB of RAM with 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512GB — but the slot is shared with the second SIM, so it's dual-SIM or single-SIM plus memory card. When comparing used units, prefer the 6GB RAM variant; it was the standard configuration in India and holds up better today.

Camera Features

Cameras are this phone's reason to exist. The rear dual setup pairs a 24MP f/1.7 main sensor (with PDAF) with a 16MP f/1.7 secondary sensor — both at a wide f/1.7 aperture, which was unusual and genuinely helpful in low light — with Live Focus background blur. It records 4K video at 30fps. The front camera is a 24MP f/2.0 shooter with Samsung's Pro Lighting and Smart Beauty features. For a used buyer, the camera system is the value proposition: test all three sensors, check Live Focus engages, and inspect the lenses for scratches.

Battery and Charging

A 3,700mAh non-removable battery with 15W wired charging over USB Type-C. The 15W charging is slow by modern standards — a full charge takes a while — and after seven-plus years the cell will be degraded. Test real-world drain in the shop; sudden drops under camera use are the classic symptom of a tired battery. No wireless charging.

Software and Updates

Launched on Android 8.0 Oreo with Samsung Experience 9.0, updated to Android 9 Pie with One UI — GSMArena lists Pie as the final version, while Wikipedia reports some units reaching Android 10. Either way, it has received no security updates for years. App compatibility is narrowing: verify your must-have apps — especially banking and payment apps — by installing them in the shop before buying.

Connectivity and Additional Features

4G LTE (VoLTE), dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, FM radio, and USB Type-C, with the 3.5mm headphone jack retained. Extras include Samsung Pay (NFC-based) and the Bixby assistant with its dedicated button. Security: rear fingerprint sensor plus face recognition. Note that Samsung Pay's availability depends on region and the unit's firmware — don't assume it works on an imported unit in Pakistan.

Variants, Colours and Availability

Variants: 4GB + 64GB and 6GB + 64GB (model numbers SM-G885F, SM-G8850, SM-G885Y, SM-G885S, SM-G8858), in Black and White. Naming is the trap here: it's the Galaxy A9 Star in China, the A8 Star in Korea, India, and the Philippines — same phone (SM-G885x family), different badge. Announced June 2018 and discontinued long ago. Every unit in Pakistan is a used import; verify the model number and condition individually.

Price in Pakistan and PTA Information

The listed price is Rs. 32,000 on zohaanmobilegallery.com (verified 2026-10-11). For a used import, the RAM variant (4GB vs 6GB) and the camera system's condition drive the real value — confirm both, plus the current price, with Zohaan Mobile Gallery before buying.

PTA: PTA approval is per device and IMEI — especially important for imports like this. SMS the unit's IMEI (dial *#06#) to 8484 and confirm "Compliant" status before paying. How to check PTA approval.

Main Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Camera-first setup: 24MP + 16MP rear (both f/1.7) and 24MP front
• 4K video recording — rare in this price bracket
• 6.3-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display with Gorilla Glass 5
• Premium glass-and-metal build at 7.6 mm thin
• Snapdragon 660 — a strong 2018 mid-range chip

Limitations:

• Discontinued import — used units only, no updates for years
• 15W charging is slow; battery will be degraded
• Shared SIM slot: dual-SIM or microSD, not both
• Samsung Pay may not work on imported firmware in Pakistan
• Naming confusion (A8 Star vs A9 Star) muddies used listings

Who Should Consider This Phone?

Good fit: budget buyers who prioritise cameras — the 24MP sensors front and back are still the most interesting optics in this slice — and anyone who wants a slim glass Samsung for media and light use. The 6GB variant is the one to hunt for.

Look elsewhere if: you need fast charging, current software, or guaranteed Samsung Pay — or if cameras aren't your priority, in which case simpler used options in the Samsung collection or all mobiles may suit better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Samsung Galaxy A8 Star in Pakistan?

Rs. 32,000 as listed on zohaanmobilegallery.com (verified 2026-10-11). Confirm the current price and whether the unit is the 4GB or 6GB RAM variant.

Is the Galaxy A8 Star the same as the Galaxy A9 Star?

Yes — same phone (SM-G885x), different badge: it's sold as the Galaxy A9 Star in China and the A8 Star in Korea, India, and the Philippines. Don't pay extra for one name over the other.

Was the A8 Star only sold in China?

No. It launched in China (as the A9 Star), Korea, India (Amazon exclusive, August 2018), and the Philippines. Any unit in Pakistan is an import regardless of origin market.

What processor does it use?

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14 nm): 4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold + 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver with Adreno 512 graphics.

How good are the cameras?

Dual rear 24MP + 16MP (both f/1.7) with 4K video, and a 24MP f/2.0 front camera — the strongest camera setup in this article's price band. Test all sensors on a used unit.

What is its battery capacity and charging speed?

3,700mAh with 15W wired charging — slow by today's standards, and the cell will be aged. Test drain before buying.

Can I use banking apps on it?

It runs Android 9 (possibly 10 on some units) with no recent security updates. Verify your essential apps by installing them in the shop before paying.

Is the A8 Star PTA approved?

PTA status is per-device. SMS the unit's IMEI to 8484 and confirm "Compliant" before paying.

Is the Galaxy A8 Star available at Zohaan Mobile Gallery?

Check the Galaxy A8 Star product page or WhatsApp +92 305 8452080 for current availability and condition.

Final Verdict

The A8 Star is the photographer's pick of the old A8 family: 24MP cameras on both sides, 4K video, and a slim glass body on the dependable Snapdragon 660. As a used buy, consider it if cameras are your priority and you find the 6GB variant in good shape — verify the badge doesn't inflate the price, test the battery, and check PTA via 8484.

Call to Action

See the Samsung Galaxy A8 Star at Zohaan Mobile Gallery, browse the Samsung collection, or WhatsApp us at +92 305 8452080 for the confirmed current price, the unit's condition and PTA status, and the 7-day check warranty terms. Or visit our Rahim Yar Khan store (Shop No. 6, First Floor, Iqra Plaza, Railway Road) and inspect the phone in hand before you buy.