The tablet market offers options at every price point, but finding the right balance between features and affordability can be challenging. We pit the Karbonn A37, a budget-focused device, against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0, a slightly older but more established offering, to determine which provides the best value for users seeking a basic tablet experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability, the Karbonn A37 is the more sensible choice. While the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 boasts a faster processor, the price difference likely outweighs the performance gain for everyday tasks like web browsing and video playback. The Tab 3 is best for those needing a bit more processing power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SM-T3110, SM-T315 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-T311, SM-T315 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - SM-T315 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013. Released 2013 | 2013, June. Released 2013, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 197 x 124 x 12.3 mm (7.76 x 4.88 x 0.48 in) | 209.8 x 123.8 x 7.4 mm (8.26 x 4.87 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 335 g (11.82 oz) | 314 g (11.08 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~133 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 139.5 cm2 (~57.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 4212 Dual |
| GPU | - | Mali-400MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM, 32GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | Proprietary | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, compass, proximity (3G/LTE models only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 96 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 240 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 11 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery | Li-Ion 4450 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/White | White, Gold |
| Models | - | SM-T311, SM-T310, SM-T315 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.82 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -91.4dB / Crosstalk -91.0dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 989 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Karbonn A37
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor
- Functional for basic tablet tasks
- Slower processor compared to the Tab 3
- Likely lower build quality
- Limited software support
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0
- Faster processor for smoother multitasking
- Larger 8.0-inch display
- Samsung brand recognition and potentially better software
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Older device with limited software updates
Display Comparison
Both tablets share a nominal contrast ratio of 989, suggesting similar display quality in terms of black levels and color depth. However, the Karbonn A37’s display size is not specified, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 features an 8.0-inch display. This larger screen size on the Tab 3 provides a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for video content. Without knowing the Karbonn A37’s resolution, it’s difficult to assess pixel density, but the Tab 3’s 8-inch panel likely offers a sharper image. Bezels are expected to be larger on both devices given their age and price point.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature basic photo and video capabilities, but details are sparse. Given the market segment, image quality is unlikely to be a primary focus. The absence of specific megapixel counts or aperture information suggests that the cameras are intended for casual snapshots rather than serious photography. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0, being a Samsung product, likely benefits from more refined image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. However, neither camera is expected to perform well in low light.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0’s Exynos 4212 Dual chipset, featuring dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 processors, represents a significant performance advantage over the Karbonn A37’s dual-core 1.0 GHz CPU. The Cortex-A9 architecture is more efficient than what is likely found in the A37, resulting in faster application loading times and smoother multitasking. While both are dual-core, the higher clock speed and more advanced architecture of the Exynos chip translate to a noticeably more responsive user experience. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern on either device given the relatively low power consumption of these processors.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is not specified. However, given the lower processing power of the Karbonn A37, it’s reasonable to assume it could achieve comparable or even slightly better battery life than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. The Tab 3’s more powerful processor will consume more energy during intensive tasks. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices, meaning 0-100% charge times are difficult to estimate. The A37’s simpler hardware may allow for faster charging with a compatible charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Karbonn A37 if you need a functional tablet for basic tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and occasional video streaming, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 if you prefer a slightly smoother experience for multitasking and are willing to pay a premium for the Samsung brand and potentially better software support (though end-of-life support is a factor).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 still receiving software updates?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is an older device and is unlikely to be receiving official software updates from Samsung. This means it may be vulnerable to security risks and may not be compatible with the latest app versions.
❓ Can the Karbonn A37 handle basic video streaming services like YouTube and Netflix?
Yes, the Karbonn A37 should be capable of handling basic video streaming services like YouTube and Netflix, although performance may be limited to lower resolutions and potentially some buffering depending on internet connection speed. The dual-core processor is sufficient for these tasks, but multitasking while streaming may be sluggish.
❓ What type of storage does the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 use, and is it expandable?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 utilizes microSD card storage, allowing for expandable storage up to 32GB (though larger cards may be compatible). This is crucial as internal storage is likely limited, especially considering the age of the device.
