vkworld s8 review

This time we bring you a device from a lesser-known Chinese firm that also intends to gain a foothold in the European market. Vkworld presents its new smartphone, the vkworld S8. A new device that shares a name with Samsung's latest top of the line.

A nomenclature, S8, which is no coincidence. Not only does it share the name of its latest model with Samsung. If we take a look at the back of the device we see that the location of its elements is exactly the same. Therefore they also share several physical similarities.

The vkworld S8, not just another clone of the Samsung S8

The strategy of using the same name and model number of a world-class top sometimes works. It is able to attract the attention of those who cannot aspire to the "original" version due to price. And they would see good to be able to acquire one that looks like it. But most of the time, calling a device the most important of a powerful signature can backfire. And it is so because it gives rise to comparisons between one and the other.

The truth is that physically the vkworld S8 resembles the Samsung S8 in several points. Although we will not enter into comparisons between them. Next we are going to reel off point by point what vkworld offers us with this device.

As the most striking aspect, on the wkworld S8 the size of its huge screen is striking. A panel that touches very closely the 6 inches, and that offers a huge screen of 5,99 inches Full HD with Corning Gorilla Glass protection signed by LG. Screen to which is added, as an aspect to be highlighted, a generous 5.500 mAh battery about which we will talk next.

What's in the vkworld S8 box

We open the box of this smartphone, and as usual, on the front page we find the device itself. By catching it early we notice a considerable weight. Weight that is accentuated even more when we can compare it with another nearby phone. A 5.500 mAh battery is responsible, although perhaps the autonomy it offers is compensated by the excess weight.

We find a rare accessory, and it is due to a novelty that this phone has. The vkworld S8 opts for USB Type-C, more modern and supposedly more efficient than the hitherto more common micro USB. The accessory is none other than a “Mini Jack” to USB Type-C connector adapter necessary to connect our headphones. Yes, in wkworld they have also decided to do without the headphone jack par excellence.

We also have the USB cable for data connection and charging battery. And the Wall plug to connect it to the electrical current. And once again we have to talk about an absence in the box of a smartphone. Manufacturers seem to have forgotten the headphones. It would have been a detail to add some with the specific USB type C output.

Although we should be grateful to find inside the box a Silicone sheath that will serve to protect our new smartphone from minute one. And a screen protector. Another signature that gives us one of lime (silicone case), and one of sand (absence of headphones). We still do not lose hope. At this rate, that a phone incorporates headphones could be an advantage or benefit over its competitors, there we leave it.

The design of the vkworld S8

As we have commented, the vkworld S8 is very reminiscent of its Samsung namesake. Although with some nuances and differentiations. For example, the location of your items at the rear is the same. From left to right we find the double LED flash, the camera and the fingerprint reader. But with one big difference, the wkworld S8 features a dual camera, something with which Samsung has not yet endowed its devices.

We have already commented on occasion that the rear location of the fingerprint reader, at an anatomical level it is more comfortable than in its front part. But we also point out that right next to the camera is not the best option either. Well, the camera lens is continually subject to "fingerprints" that can fog or dirty the lens area.

The harmony presented by its components is good. The three aligned elements are very showy and none of them are out of place. But given the choice, we prefer that the fingerprint reader is located a little lower than the camera. Although it must be recognized that aesthetically it is a success.

As for Materials used in construction, vkworld has done a good job. What at first glance looks like plastic material with a glossy polish is much more than that. It's about a glass treated with up to 40 different procedures in which different tools were used until the desired finish was obtained.

Titanium and tempered glass, noble materials for the vkworls S8

So we have on its back with a tempered glass under which a metal plate is located for an even more durable finish. Vkworld ensures that the back, even with glass finishes, is much more resistant to bumps and scratches than most smartphones. Really his finish is good and looks very elegant.

The curved end of its rear part seamlessly inserts into a unibody frame made of titanium. The use of this material, together with the treatment of the glass on the back, results in a rugged and exclusive device. An important aspect considering the times that we inevitably fall to the ground. And that provide a great grip and a good fit to the anatomy of our hand.

In its front we find one of the largest screens on the market on a Smartphone of this size. Physically its size is like that of a smartphone with a five-inch screen. And this is achieved thanks to a making the most of the front panel with a front panel occupancy ratio of 91%.

Bad location of the front camera

It has been in its front part where I have come across something that in my opinion could be considered a "snag". It is the location of the front camera. As a general rule, it is located on top of either side of the sensors and the loudspeaker for calls. In this case wkworld risks placing the camera in the lower right.

Assuming that only 15% of the world's population is left-handed. Most of us Smartphone users use the right hand to hold the phone. And as a general rule, with the position of our hand when we use the mobile, or we access applications, the area where the camera is is covered.

The natural gesture when we activate the selfie camera is to look at the top of the phone. By doing this we see ourselves on the screen as looking at the horizon. Y the approach to the face from the bottom is not always the most flattering. Until one gets used to it, it is very difficult to find a way to take a framed photo without a finger sticking out.

Even to use facial recognition unlocking, which we will talk about later, the position of looking down at the mobile is not natural. So that we consider it a mistake to install the camera at the bottom of the front panel Of the device.

In his Right side We only find the button to lock or unlock and on / off.

At left side we have the volume controls in a single elongated button.

We have always commented that when a firm offers some "detail" such as a silicone case, it is appreciated. The one that accompanies the vkworld S8 seems of good quality, and it also fits the device like a glove. But we observed some difficulty when pressing the buttons with the silicone case on. Specifically, the lock button, which with the cover on, you have to press perhaps harder than expected to activate it.

In the lower part of the phone we find the microphone, the connector for charging, in this case USB Type C, as well as the speaker. We notice an important absence, the mini jack connector. The wkworld S8 doesn't go for the quintessential headphone jack. Something that considered by many a step back instead of an advance ..

A huge 5,99-inch screen

With each new smarpthone we meet we see that the 5 inches were definitely forgotten. Even the 5,5-inch screens are slowly getting small. The size of the screens continues to increase and this is clear proof of this. The wkworld S8 rides a 5,99 inch screen perfectly embedded in a body no bigger than any mobile with a 5-inch screen.

We have a screen with 18: 9 Full HD format. That it has XNUMXth generation Corning Gorilla Glass protection. And with a 2160 x 1080 resolution that will make us enjoy the quality offered by a screen to the fullest made by LG.

The vkworld S8 confirms the theory that more and more we use our smartphones to consume series or movies. For this reason, a high-resolution and good-size screen is increasingly valued among users. Being able to suppose for some the opt for one or the other terminal.

The vkworld S8 display features a viewing angle up to 178 degrees. And a density of 403 pixels per inch. And it offers us a data that few manufacturers choose to reveal in terms of the level of luminosity and brightness. The vkworld S8 reaches 550 nits of brightness. This means that we will not have problems reading or using the mobile with a great light outdoors.

As we can see, a very good screen in terms of quality, resolution and size. Data that scores high when it comes to competing in the fierce middle-class Smartphone market. And in which one front panel occupancy ratio of up to 91% like a lot among the general public.

We look inside the vkworld S8

It is time to see what this Smartphone offers us in terms of power. And we have to say that it is good to run into such data in devices that a priori are not top of the range. We have seen how in the last months of 2017 the 2 GB of RAM for a phone seemed scarce. And like most manufacturers, it has opted to expand that memory.

The vkworld S8 in particular has decided to duplicate it. Thus we find a 4 GB RAM memory. That together with a 64GB ROM for storage starting they make an ideal couple. Not inconsiderable numbers in a Smartphone that is located in a price range of almost a quarter of what a high-end would cost us.

So that everything works perfectly, the vkworld S8 works under a processor with more than proven reliability. The MediaTek 6750, a processor that firms such as Huawei, LG, Meizu or Doogee continue to trust, among others. And that ensures that all the components of the phone give maximum performance without excessive energy consumption. An Octa-core that is still present in countless smartphones thanks to its good results.

As for the operating system, of course, we have the latest version of android. And we're happy to see that it doesn't come with any cumbersome layer of customization. Therefore, we can have access to all the settings and controls that Android makes available to us. A success without any doubt, Android "pure" is the best option if we want to avoid operations between cuts or unnecessary overheating.

Therefore we are before a Smartphone that performs wonderfully at any task. We have tested games with demanding graphics. Movies and series playback applications. And the GPS navigator. The result has been good in all the tests. Multitasking is not a problem. A device that works fluently in all tests performed, and it does without noticing any increase in temperature.

As we can see, the high-end must put the batteries urgently. With each new device that we meet, we see how the considered mid-range is coming closer and closer on its heels. It may be that acquiring a smartphone of those considered "top" will be less and less profitable over time. For some time now, the differences that we can find between one and the other are less and less.

Vkworld S8 datasheet

Buy here the vkworld S8 at the best price

The cameras of the vkworld S8

As with processors, mid-range smartphone manufacturers are increasingly trying to fine-tune their cameras. Knowing that among lovers of social networks, having a competent camera can be all or nothing. We are seeing how the terrible fame that Chinese phone cameras had a few years ago is going down in history.

El vkworld S8 has a competent dual camera rear. Equipped with two lenses with resolution of 16 Mpx and 5 Mpx that combined are capable of offering very good results. We will be able to obtain photographs with a high level of detail, capable of reflecting the colors in their purest state. And a good level also very achieved in the white balance.

In an image taken with good natural light we see how the focus is really good. And contrast with different shades of the same color is no problem to deliver a sharp image.

Thanks to the dual camera we can take photographs with the famous portrait effect. Highlighting the subject in the foreground and softly blurring the background for an artistic and professional look. Y We can also choose from a wide variety of scene modes in which automatic camera settings. Landscape, party, beach, cinema, snow and many more.

In his front part we found one camera which has a resolution of 13 Mpx. Our selfies will reach the same level of quality as the photos taken with the main camera. But we cannot avoid re-influencing that the location of it is an error bulk. It is unnatural to have to remove your hand from the place where we hold the phone to take a photo without a finger or part of the hand sticking out.

When taking a photo with the front camera we can select the facial beauty mode. You will no longer have an excuse for not doing well. At our disposal a whole catalog of effects to improve (if possible) a selfie photo. Beauty, polishing, stretching, whitening or big eyes. Who Needs a Surgeon?

In a photograph using the zoom to the maximum we see how the final image is not pixelated. We perfectly identify the elements of the capture. And with good natural light the result, in the case of optical zoom, is acceptable.

A battery so that the rhythm does not stop

When we find a Smartphone with a large screen, the autonomy offered by its battery is essential. The energy consumption caused by prolonged use on a screen of almost 6 inches in size is very high. Therefore difficult to support for a full day by a conventional battery. The vkworld S8 has taken this detail into account.

We have a 5.500 mAh battery. Enough charge so you don't have to worry about a charger for a full day. In fact, Always depending on how we use the phone, we can stay up to two full days without plugging it in to load. A treat for those who walk all day with the cable in tow.

With prolonged use of the device for a full day I was able to use it without charge until late in the afternoon the next day. Something unthinkable with other devices even with less screen. The wkworld S8 battery is designed to withstand long-term use and so that we can completely forget during the day about having to charge it.

As a negative part, having a large battery is directly proportional, at least for the moment, to that the phone has a higher weight. And also to what physically the terminal gain a few centimeters in thickness There are two conflicting opinions on this point. On the one hand, there are those who prefer duration and autonomy, assuming a greater weight of the device as a lesser evil.

But on the other hand there are those who consider a high weight in a phone a huge failure. The portability of smartphones is its main reason for being. And running into a phone that has twice the usual weight is not feasible. So that there are those who prefer to have to charge the phone daily in exchange for a much lighter weight.

As a general rule, all users agree that they want more RAM and ROM. Higher screen and camera resolution. Even greater autonomy. But it is difficult to put all users in agreement in this regard. They face weight against autonomy. The vkworld S8 will undoubtedly satisfy those looking for more battery above all else.

The wkworld S8 sounds good

The sound section is becoming less and less important in mobile phone reviews. And maybe it's because it's something we don't care about. That is, it is one of the aspects in which we least pay attention. If an excellent phone has slightly poor speaker sound that is not something to worry about.

We are increasingly using external accessories to listen to music or watch videos. Unfortunately, it is already common to find a single speaker in practically all smartphones on the market. And as we have observed for a long time, sound is an aspect in which little or nothing has evolved.

The vkworld S8 in terms of sound it offers is one more phone. In fact, it is very difficult to compare a Smartphone with other data with data. And this is because we do not have data. Manufacturers mostly omit even the watts of power from their speakers. And the configuration level in terms of sound settings is usually zero.

In this case, after testing it in different situations, we can affirm that with volume level at maximum sound remains clear. It does not distort even when playing music with accentuated bass. It does its job perfectly, it sounds good. Always improvable, but meets expectations.

Now that portable speakers are used so much, and that even being small they are capable of offering great power and sound quality. Wouldn't it be nice for a firm to think of offering a Smartphone that would also serve as a player? A phone capable of delivering enough sound power to sound good even outdoors. That itself could become a novelty in the market. You're welcome manufacturers.

It is relevant to highlight in the sound section the absence of the mythical mini jack port. The port to which we have connected our headphones almost from the beginning of mobile phones. When Apple, with its iPhone 7, decided to eliminate it, it was a matter of time before others followed. The vkworld S8 does not have this entry, and I have to say that on certain occasions it is missed.

We cannot therefore consider an evolution to eliminate a port that today is still entirely useful. Manufacturers include an adapter in the box so that we can connect any headset to the USB type C connector. But there is something we can no longer do: elisten to music while we have the mobile charging. And that unfortunately is something that is done frequently.

Security and a weak point

At this point we find one of the aspects in which manufacturers have invested more resources. We are already familiar with fingerprint readers. And how each firm has made them their own by changing their shape or location. Virtually all new phone models already have the fingerprint reader.

Before these fingerprint readers appeared, we had to settle for what there was. Practically since the beginning of the Android Operating System, our phones have the possibility of establishing an unlocking pattern. Or a numeric password that, together with the pattern, is used to access the main menu of the Smartphone.

In the past year We have seen how the most powerful firms have incorporated a new security system for your most “top” devices. A technology relatively novel that allows us to unlock our phone only with our face. And unsurprisingly, once again, many have set out to copy this technology.

The face detector: needs improvement

When we turn on a new phone for the first time, we are already used to the questions and adjustments for its initial configuration. But we were especially excited, once our fingerprint was authenticated. The vkworld S8 requests face recognition to unlock the device.

We have to say that in principle the sensations were very good. Bringing your face closer to the device unlocks relatively quickly. Bypassing the discomfort of the front camera location, with a simple glance at it, the phone unlocks. An advance and something that when we use it for the first time like a lot.

But after testing, we strongly discourage using this technology. facial recognition to unlock this phone. As we have said it works well and it works fast. The problem is that it has not only been unlocked with the start engraved side. In a test of 10 people, three of them were able to unlock the phone with their face. And none of those who were able to unlock it looked like each other.

First of all, we thought that the photo taken by the device for facial recognition had not been taken in good lighting conditions. But after repeating the photo in the most ideal conditions, facial recognition was still Very Inaccurate. An aspect therefore in which there is much to refine. Which is curious and could be great, but at the moment it is something very improvable.

The best and the best in the vkworld S8

We like

The first and most striking thing is the your screen size. Some measurements that are completed by a Good resolution. Its screen makes the wkworld S8 an ideal Smartphone for playing multimedia content.

The autonomy offered by a 5500 mAh battery it is in line with what a 5,99-inch screen is capable of consuming. Making an average use of the phone, the battery is capable of offering us up to two full days of duration.

Improvable

In the section on things to improve we have included several aspects. This does not mean that the vkworld S8 is not a Smartphone that is worth it. On the contrary, it is a highly recommended phone, even more so knowing the prices between which it moves.

We want to point out as one of the main aspects to improve the front camera location. We have been able to see in the first person how, at least being right-handed, it is difficult to take a photo without showing a finger or part of the hand. A shame considering that we are dealing with a quality sensor that is clouded by not having put it in a more comfortable place.

The weight I still feel an obstacle for many. And a large part of consumers would be willing to give up hours of autonomy for a more portable weight.

We repeat ourselves once more that the location of the fingerprint reader can be improved. Having it so close to the camera lens causes our fingers to end up dirtying it many times.

Editor's opinion