Samsung took us by surprise when it launched the Galaxy A8 (2018) and the Galaxy A8+ (2018) almost two weeks before 2017 ended. Today, it caught us off guard once again with what we discovered.

Turns out the Korean tech giant has — without any formal announcement — started selling the two smartphones in the Philippines. The 5.6-inch Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) is priced at P26,990 (roughly $539) while the 6-inch Plus version retails P32,990 ($659). The latter costs as much as the Samsung Galaxy Note FE, or what we call the tweaked Note 7.

SEE ALSO: Full specs of the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and complete specs of the Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018)

You’ll have to pre-order them from online stores like Argomall and wait till January 27 to get the devices. But it’s a different case on Abenson.com and Lazada Philippines; you may already buy the phones there.

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018), as seen on Abenson’s online store

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018), as seen on Lazada Philippines

We have no idea yet if the handsets are already available at brick-and-mortar Samsung stores and authorized resellers.

READ ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S9 specs revealed by leaked photo of retail box

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) both feature 18.5:9 screens, just like the company’s Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Note 8. And for the first time ever, two cameras have been placed on the front for selfies with background blur. They’re also the first A series devices to support the company’s Galaxy Gear VR headset.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) hands-on review: Off on a positive note

The smartphones are powered by an octa-core processor with 4GB (A8) or 6GB (A8+) of RAM and up to 64GB of internal storage. As with last year’s Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A7, both are IP68 water- and dust-resistant. Unfortunately, they’re running Android 7.1.1 Nougat, not Oreo.

Screen grabs from the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) preview video posted on Slashleaks

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Alora Uy Guerrero

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Editor-in-chief: Alora Uy Guerrero is a 24-year media veteran who has survived the newsrooms of giants like Yahoo and a high-stakes detour into OPPO's digital marketing. She eventually returned to her journalism roots to helm REVU. A strict advocate for quality over quantity, Alora lives by a family-first philosophy — mostly because her babies are the only bosses she can't negotiate with. When she isn't chasing kids or deadlines, she's probably traveling, shooting, or passionately over-analyzing her favorite bands, films, and basketball teams.