The tablet market is booming, and finding the right device for your needs can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the budget-friendly Honor Pad X8 Lite and the well-regarded Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a slightly more polished experience with its brand recognition, software support, and generally smoother performance. However, the Honor Pad X8 Lite provides excellent value for money, especially if you're on a tight budget and prioritize a large display. It's a close call, but the Tab A8 edges ahead.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 15 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~156 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 272.8 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8786 | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Blue | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | - | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Honor Pad X8 Lite
- Excellent value for money
- Large 10.5-inch display
- Sleek design
- Decent battery life
- Performance can be sluggish at times
- Camera quality is average
- Software updates may be limited
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Reliable brand and software support
- Slightly better performance
- Good display quality
- 15W fast charging
- More expensive than the Honor Pad X8 Lite
- Camera quality is average
- Design is somewhat generic
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 typically boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Honor Pad X8 Lite's display is perfectly adequate for everyday use, but the Tab A8's panel offers a more immersive viewing experience. Resolution is similar, both offering a good viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 generally has a slightly better main camera, but image quality on both devices is adequate for casual snapshots. Don't expect to take professional-quality photos with either of these tablets.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618, while not a powerhouse, generally performs slightly better than the Honor Pad X8 Lite's Mediatek MT8786. The Tab A8's octa-core CPU with identical Cortex-A75 cores and slightly improved Cortex-A55 cores provides a smoother multitasking experience. However, both tablets are best suited for lighter tasks like browsing, streaming, and basic gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both devices, typically offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's 15W wired charging is a slight advantage over the Honor Pad X8 Lite, allowing for faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Honor Pad X8 Lite is ideal for students, casual users, and those seeking a large screen for media consumption on a budget. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a better choice for users who value a reliable brand, longer software support, and a slightly more premium feel, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers slightly better performance, making it a marginally better choice for casual gaming. However, neither tablet is designed for demanding games.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy Tab A8?
Samsung typically provides longer software support for its tablets compared to Honor. Expect at least 2-3 years of security updates for the Galaxy Tab A8.
