Looking for an affordable 8-inch Android tablet? The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) and Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) are popular contenders. Both offer a decent experience for casual use, but which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) edges out the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) thanks to its slightly better software support, more refined design, and generally smoother user experience. While both are budget options, Samsung's brand reputation and slightly superior features give it the advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2019, July 05. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) | 210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey | Carbon Black, Silver Gray |
| Models | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS | SM-T290, SM-T295 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Very affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic media consumption
- Slightly sluggish performance
- Less refined design
- Limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- Slightly better performance
- More polished design
- Better software support (longer updates)
- Reputable brand
- Slightly more expensive than Lenovo Tab M8
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) displays. While the resolution is similar, Samsung often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Lenovo Tab M8's display can appear a bit washed out in direct sunlight. Viewing angles are acceptable on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) typically has a slightly better front-facing camera for video calls. Image quality on both is adequate for casual snapshots but not suitable for serious photography.
Performance
Both tablets are powered by quad-core Cortex-A53 processors, but the Snapdragon 429 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) generally performs slightly better in real-world usage. The Mediatek Helio A22 in the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) can feel a bit sluggish, especially when multitasking or running more demanding apps. Expect some lag on both devices.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) generally offers slightly better battery life, often lasting a bit longer on a single charge due to its more efficient chipset and software optimization. Both should provide a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is ideal for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is a better choice for those seeking a more polished experience, longer software support, and a slightly more premium feel, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
Neither tablet is ideal for demanding games. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) offers slightly better performance, but both will struggle with graphically intensive titles.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)?
Samsung typically provides longer software support than Lenovo for their tablets. Expect at least two major Android updates and several security patches for the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019).
