The Lenovo Tab K11 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options in the crowded budget tablet space. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the impact of the Snapdragon 680 versus the Unisoc Tiger T618 on performance, battery life, and overall usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and longevity, the Lenovo Tab K11 Plus emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the 12nm Unisoc T618 in the Galaxy Tab A8, translating to smoother multitasking and better long-term responsiveness.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 01 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 169 x 268.7 x 7.2 mm (6.65 x 10.58 x 0.28 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~204 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.45 inches, 373.2 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Luna grey | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | TB352FU | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 92:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class F | - |
| Free fall | Class E (3 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class A | - |
Lenovo Tab K11 Plus
- Superior chipset performance with Snapdragon 680
- More efficient 6nm process for longer battery life
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Potentially longer battery lifespan (1000 cycles)
- Lenovo's brand recognition is lower than Samsung's
- Camera specifications are unknown and likely average
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Strong brand reputation and user interface familiarity
- Potentially more readily available accessories
- Simple and streamlined Android experience
- Competitive price point
- Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Slower 15W charging
- Likely shorter battery lifespan
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, the provided data doesn't detail panel technology or resolution. However, the chipset differences suggest a potential disparity in graphics rendering capabilities, impacting visual fidelity during video playback and gaming. The Samsung Tab A8's brand reputation often leans towards vibrant displays, but without specific nit brightness or color gamut data, it's difficult to definitively assess which offers a superior viewing experience. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and the provided data doesn't offer detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets. It's safe to assume both will feature adequate cameras for video calls and casual snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing tactic with limited real-world benefit.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab K11 Plus boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, fabricated on a 6nm process. This smaller node size inherently leads to improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618, which is built on a 12nm process. The Snapdragon 680’s octa-core configuration (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) is architecturally more modern than the Unisoc’s (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), suggesting better single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Lenovo.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab K11 Plus claims an impressive 92:26h endurance, coupled with a 1000 cycle lifespan, suggesting a robust battery and charging system. While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its 15W charging is slower than the Lenovo’s 20W wired charging. The Snapdragon 680’s superior efficiency further contributes to the Lenovo’s extended battery life, allowing for longer usage between charges. The 1000 cycle lifespan on the Lenovo also indicates a longer-term battery health advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab K11 Plus if you need a tablet capable of handling moderate gaming, extended video streaming, and multitasking without significant slowdowns. The Snapdragon 680 provides a performance edge for power users. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize brand recognition and a simple, streamlined user experience, and your tablet usage is primarily limited to basic tasks like web browsing and light media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Galaxy Tab A8 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T618 is likely to exhibit noticeable frame drops and stuttering in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact, even at lower settings. The Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab K11 Plus offers a more stable gaming experience due to its superior GPU and more efficient architecture.
❓ How does the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 impact real-world battery life compared to the 12nm Unisoc T618?
The 6nm process allows the Snapdragon 680 to operate more efficiently, consuming less power for the same level of performance. This translates to significantly longer battery life in the Lenovo Tab K11 Plus, allowing for hours more of usage compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) under similar workloads.
❓ Is the 1000 charge cycle claim for the Lenovo Tab K11 Plus a significant advantage?
Absolutely. A 1000 charge cycle rating indicates that the battery is designed to retain a substantial portion of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This suggests the Lenovo Tab K11 Plus will experience less battery degradation over its lifespan compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, potentially saving you the cost of a battery replacement.
