Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2021) are popular contenders. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? We'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 takes the crown. While the Lenovo Tab M8 is a budget-friendly option, the A8's superior processor, larger display, and better overall features make it the more compelling choice for most users seeking a versatile tablet experience.
| 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, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - 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 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 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 | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| 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, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Very affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Underpowered processor
- Small screen
- Mediocre camera
- Limited storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Larger, higher-quality display
- Faster processor
- More RAM
- Better multitasking
- 15W charging
- More expensive than Tab M8
- Camera still not great
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a significantly larger 10.5-inch display compared to the Lenovo Tab M8's 8-inch screen. Both are HD, but the A8's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. The A8 also generally has better color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both offer basic cameras suitable for video calls, but image quality is generally mediocre. The A8 might have a slight edge in low-light conditions, but don't expect flagship-level photography.
Performance
Here's where the Galaxy Tab A8 truly shines. Its Octa-core Unisoc Tiger T618 processor with Cortex-A75 cores offers a noticeable performance boost over the Lenovo Tab M8's Quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A8.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two, typically offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The A8's slightly larger battery capacity can provide a bit more longevity, but real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
Who should buy Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)? Ideal for casual users, students needing a basic device for note-taking and light browsing, or those on a very tight budget. Who should buy Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)? Best for users wanting a more powerful tablet for streaming, gaming, and general productivity, with a larger screen and better features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M8 good for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M8 can handle basic games, but more demanding titles will likely suffer from lag and performance issues. The Galaxy Tab A8 is a better choice for gaming.
❓ How much storage do these tablets offer?
Both tablets typically come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of storage. Both support microSD card expansion for additional storage.
❓ Which tablet has better speakers?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 generally offers better audio quality and louder speakers than the Lenovo Tab M8.
