Samsung Electronics America, Inc. just revealed results from a new survey around smartphone use during the summer. The survey found (based on 1,000 smartphone owners) that usage increases 42 percent during the summer. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are the ideal companions for summer experiences.

We recently attended the launch of Samsung’s “Made for Summer” campaign and had a chance to preview various consumer product experiences and discover, on our own, that the company’s flagship device is perfect to celebrate the season of adventure and entertainment.

Sixty-one percent of smartphone users are worried about how well their phone is protected from water, sand, dust, and other elements. In fact, more than a quarter of smartphone users (27 percent) have damaged their smartphone while participating in summertime activities. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are designed to endure the enticing elements of the outdoors. Both smartphones are rated IP68 water and dust resistant to withstand anything summer throws at you. Or you throw at it.

Americans are less “selfie-centered” than commonly believed with 84 percent saying they would rather take a group shot of family and friends than a selfie to capture the ideal summer moment. For all the group shots and selfies of summer, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ feature Samsung’s most advanced smartphone camera for professional level photos regardless of light, focus or motion. The rear camera features a bright F1.7 lens and large 1.4 µm pixels to capture more light when there’s not enough around, so you can get amazing shots — even at night. Both devices also feature an enhanced Smart Auto Focus on the front-facing camera that tracks every face in frame so all your shots stay sharp and in focus, even when you’re on the go.

Smartphone cameras are driving consumer behavior with 32 percent of those surveyed noting they are more likely to participate in a summertime activity if they have good photo-taking opportunities. So you don’t have to worry about running out of space, Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ support expandable storage cards (up to 256GB4) to store all of your favorite summer photos and videos.

Now, you can binge on (or off) the beach with all day battery life on the first ever Mobile HDR Premium certified smartphone. The expansive Infinity Display stretches from edge to edge to maximize your view. The Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display brings films and shows, games and images to life in vivid detail, so you can watch them the way they were meant to be seen.

Meet Bixby
Bixby, Samsung’s intelligent interface, is built into the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ to be your helpful summer companion with a new way to interact with your phone using voice, text and touch. With Bixby,
you can use the camera to identify landmarks, translate foreign languages or shop for products online right from the phone6 during your summer travels. With 54 percent of consumers responding they have already taken a summer landscape photo this season, Bixby can help inspire discovery of unfamiliar places and destinations. Bixby’s upcoming voice-control capabilities will allow for easy navigation of your phone’s apps, services and settings with a mix of voice and touch commands.

In its survey, Samsung found people are so passionate about using their phone that 39 percent have already shared a photo from the beach this year. For those seeking additional inspiration this season, Samsung is launching a series of consumer programs and activities across the country to help Americans get the most from their Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ during the summer months.

Samsung also begins the roll-out of its Galaxy Studios with the opening of the pop-up experience in Dallas at Stonebriar Centre. Galaxy Studios will give consumers access to product experiences, interactive activities, summer parties and events – all of which will debut summer-themed content created with Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ phones. There are plans for Galaxy Studio pop-ups in Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago throughout the summer.

Samsung is bringing its “Made for Summer” campaign to life at Samsung 837 – Samsung’s technology playground and cultural destination in New York City’s Meatpacking District. Now through Labor Day weekend, Samsung is collaborating with artists, visionaries, storytellers and innovators to build weekly programming for consumers to experience within Samsung 837, which will be transformed into the ultimate summer destination complete with cabanas and a rooftop beach.

Sam Hunt performs at Studio 837

Country star Sam Hunt kicked off the “Live at 837” concert series. In addition to live musical performances, other experiences will include photography workshops, run clubs and sunset rooftop screenings, all designed to empower consumers to capture, create and share their favorite summer moments using Samsung’s latest technology, including the Galaxy S8/S8+.

Andy Cohen Celebrates The Season at Samsung Galaxy S8 ‘Made For Summer’ Event in the Meatpacking District.

Visit www.samsung.com/837 for the full Made for Summer Series schedule. For more information on the Galaxy S8/8+ visit www.samsung.com/us/explore/galaxy-s8/.

HOMBRE Magazine’s Francisco Romeo attends Samsung’s Made For Summer Campaign Launch