Solenn Heussaff debuts Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+ at gala event

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones were unveiled to the Philippine public for the first time by GMA talent and Encantadia actress Solenn Heussaff at a gala event at the Samsung Infinity Hall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, on Thursday, April 27.

Other celebrity endorsers inlcuded reigning Miss International Kylie Versoza and actress Alice Dixson.

The unveiling was prefaced by a word from Rhinn Piczon, Samsung's Business Unit Head for IT and Mobile. “We are here to celebrate the newest, and best way to experience the world,” he said.

Solenn Heusaff with the new Samsung S8+ @gmanews @tjdimacali pic.twitter.com/dK66ZKHreE

— Angelica Y. Yang (@angelicayyang) April 27, 2017

Solenn Heusaff is hosting the Samsung Galaxy S8+ launch! @gmanews @tjdimacali pic.twitter.com/4LV37s9TPI

— Angelica Y. Yang (@angelicayyang) April 27, 2017

GMA star Solenn Heussaff, reigning Miss International Kylie Versoza, and actress Alice Dixon show off the newly-released Samsung Galaxy S8 at a gala event at the Samsung Infinity Hall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, on Thursday, April 27. DANNY PATA

Both the Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature Infinity Displays, multi-frame technology, an IRIS scanner, BIXBY virtual assistant, and a dual pixel camera.

Heussaff touted the phone's almost bezel-less display. “It's never been done on any other phone. Basically the entire block you're holding is the screen. There are no borders,” she said.

The IRIS scanner allows users to take a picture of any object, while the system searches for its price, origin, and availability online. Meanwhile, BIXBY serves as Samsung's own foray into AI assistants alongside rivals such as Apple's Siri and Google Assistant.

The S8 series is also water-resistant to a depth of 1.5 m for 30 minutes, and comes with a free AKG headset.

Aside from the S8 series, the Samsung Team is also rolling out the MySamsung app and VIP Customer Service for its customers. 

Heussaff claimed to have been a long-time Samsung user before becoming the brand's ambassador. “I truly believe in Samsung. They're always up to date when it comes to new technology. They know what they're doing; the quality is just insane,” she said. — TJD, GMA News

The 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 is priced at PHP 39,990; and the 6.2-inch S8+ is priced at PHP 45,990.