The tablet market offers a range of options, but finding the right one for your needs can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the LG Ultra Tab and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which tablet reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG Ultra Tab edges out the Galaxy Tab A8 thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset. While both are budget-friendly, the LG offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Samsung's strength lies in its brand recognition and potentially wider software support.
| 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, August 05 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 05 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 157.3 x 7.1 mm (9.75 x 6.19 x 0.28 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 458 g (1.01 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | MIL-STD 810G
Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.35 inches, 304.9 cm2 (~78.3% 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 (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 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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 | 16W wired, QC3 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 7040 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | 10A30Q | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
LG Ultra Tab
- More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Faster performance
- Potentially better future-proofing
- QC3 charging
- Potentially less polished software experience
- Unknown software update support
- Display may not be as vibrant as Samsung's
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Samsung's One UI interface
- Brand recognition and support
- Potentially longer software update support
- Good for media consumption
- Less powerful chipset (Unisoc Tiger T618)
- Slower performance
- May struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display, but the Samsung likely has better color accuracy and viewing angles due to Samsung's display technology. The LG's display is expected to be adequate but may not match the Samsung's vibrancy. Resolution is likely similar, offering a decent viewing experience for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is expected to have exceptional cameras. The Samsung likely has a slight edge in image processing due to Samsung's software optimization. Both cameras are primarily intended for video calls and casual snapshots.
Performance
This is where the LG Ultra Tab shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Unisoc Tiger T618. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the LG. The Samsung will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life is likely comparable, with both devices offering around 8-10 hours of typical usage. The Samsung's slightly less power-hungry chipset might give it a marginal advantage, but real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The LG Ultra Tab is ideal for users seeking a responsive tablet for browsing, streaming, and light productivity. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a good choice for those prioritizing Samsung's ecosystem, a familiar user interface, and potentially longer software update support, even if performance is slightly less impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The LG Ultra Tab is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better frame rates.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy Tab A8?
Samsung typically provides 2-3 years of software updates for its tablets. However, this can vary, so it's best to check Samsung's official website for the latest information.
