The Android tablet market is heating up, and two contenders are vying for your attention: the Google Pixel Tablet and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. Both offer compelling features, but cater to different needs. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S8 delivers superior performance and a faster charging experience, making it ideal for power users and gamers. The Pixel Tablet shines with its unique charging speaker dock and tight Google ecosystem integration, offering a compelling home hub experience for casual users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 10 | 2022, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 20 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 258 x 169 x 8.1 mm (10.16 x 6.65 x 0.32 in) | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 493 g (1.09 lb) | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MP7 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 (Gen 1), magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7020 mAh (27 Wh) | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Porcelain, Hazel, Rose | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | GA06156-EU, GA06157-EU, GA06158-EU | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N |
| Price | About 670 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.87 W/kg (body) |
Google Pixel Tablet
- Unique Charging Speaker Dock
- Seamless Google Ecosystem Integration
- Good for Home Hub Functionality
- Clean Android Experience
- Less Powerful Processor
- Slower Charging
- Smaller Display
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
- Vibrant 120Hz Display
- Faster Charging (45W)
- Versatile Camera System
- Larger Display
- Higher Price
- Less Unique Features
- Samsung's One UI can be divisive
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 boasts an 11-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Pixel Tablet features an 8.4-inch LCD display, also with a 60Hz refresh rate. While both are good, the S8's larger size, higher refresh rate, and generally brighter panel give it a clear edge for media consumption and gaming.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy Tab S8 has a more versatile camera system with a 13MP main camera, a 6MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The Pixel Tablet has an 8MP main camera and a 8MP ultrawide. While both are decent for casual photography, the S8 offers more flexibility and better image quality overall.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Galaxy Tab S8 provides significantly more processing power than the Tensor G2 in the Pixel Tablet. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the S8. The Tensor G2 is capable, but it's not in the same league as the Snapdragon.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Tab S8 has a larger 10,000 mAh battery and supports 45W fast charging, allowing for quicker top-ups. The Pixel Tablet has an 8,000 mAh battery and supports 15W charging. The S8 generally offers longer battery life and significantly faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Google Pixel Tablet if you prioritize a seamless home integration, value a unique charging dock, and prefer a more casual tablet experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 if you demand top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a versatile tablet for productivity and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Pixel Tablet worth it if I already have a Google Home?
The Pixel Tablet enhances the Google Home experience with its tablet functionality and charging dock. If you want a smart display that can detach and be used as a regular tablet, it's a compelling option.
❓ Can the Galaxy Tab S8 be used for drawing and note-taking?
Yes, the Galaxy Tab S8 is a great option for artists and note-takers, especially when paired with the S Pen (sold separately). Its display and responsiveness make it a suitable alternative to dedicated drawing tablets.
