The Android tablet landscape is heating up! Google's Pixel Tablet offers a unique home integration experience, while Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra remains a powerhouse. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra delivers superior performance, a stunning display, and faster charging. However, the Pixel Tablet's smart home integration and unique charging dock offer a compelling alternative for those prioritizing convenience and Google's ecosystem. It's a trade-off between raw power and smart home functionality.
| 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, April 30 |
| 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) | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 493 g (1.09 lb) | 726 g (Wi-Fi), 728 g (5G) (1.60 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus, 2.8ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 1848 x 2960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 14.6 inches, 612.6 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| 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, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB 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/2.2, 26mm (wide)
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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7020 mAh (27 Wh) | Li-Po 11200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Porcelain, Hazel, Rose | Graphite |
| Models | GA06156-EU, GA06157-EU, GA06158-EU | SM-X900, SM-X906, SM-X906B, SM-X906U, SM-X906N |
| Price | About 670 EUR | About 1150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.69 W/kg (body) |
Google Pixel Tablet
- Unique Charging Dock & Smart Home Integration
- Good Google Ecosystem Integration
- Clean Android Experience
- Compact and Portable
- Slower Performance than Tab S8 Ultra
- Less Powerful Camera System
- Slower Charging
- LCD Display
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Exceptional Performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
- Stunning AMOLED Display
- Fast Charging (45W)
- Versatile Camera System
- Included S Pen
- Larger and Heavier
- Higher Price
- Samsung's One UI can be bloated
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra boasts a massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredibly smooth visuals. The Pixel Tablet has an 11-inch LCD display, which is still good but lacks the punch and contrast of the AMOLED panel. The Tab S8 Ultra's larger size also makes it better for multitasking and content consumption.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra features a more versatile and higher-resolution camera system, including a 13MP ultrawide and a 108MP main camera. The Pixel Tablet has an 8MP main and ultrawide camera, which are adequate for casual photography but don't compete with the Tab S8 Ultra's capabilities. The Tab S8 Ultra also has a better front-facing camera setup.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra provides significantly more processing power than the Tensor G2 in the Pixel Tablet. This translates to faster app loading, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness. While the Tensor G2 is capable, it doesn't match the raw horsepower of the Snapdragon.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has a larger battery and significantly faster charging (45W) compared to the Pixel Tablet's 15W charging. While both offer all-day battery life with moderate use, the Tab S8 Ultra provides quicker replenishment and potentially longer usage times under heavy load.
Buying Guide
The Google Pixel Tablet is ideal for users deeply invested in the Google ecosystem, seeking a smart home hub with tablet capabilities, and valuing ease of use. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is perfect for power users, creatives, and gamers who demand top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a versatile S Pen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Pixel Tablet worth it if I already have other Google devices?
Absolutely! The seamless integration with Google services and the smart home hub functionality make it a compelling addition to the Google ecosystem.
❓ Can the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra replace my laptop?
While powerful, it's not a full laptop replacement. However, with the optional keyboard cover, it can handle many productivity tasks effectively.