Comparing the O2 XDA Serra and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) isn't simply a device-versus-device matchup; it's a look at over a decade of mobile processor evolution. The Serra, representing an earlier generation of smartphones, faces off against a tablet designed for modern multimedia consumption. This comparison will dissect the core differences and highlight why the Tab A is a far more capable device for contemporary use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) is the clear winner. Its Exynos 7904 chipset delivers a dramatically superior performance experience, enabling smooth multitasking, modern app usage, and media playback that the aging Qualcomm MSM7201A simply cannot match. The Tab A offers a modern Android experience, while the Serra is severely limited by its outdated hardware.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2008, July. Released 2008, September | 2019, February 15. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 102 x 51 x 18.1 mm (4.02 x 2.01 x 0.71 in) | 245.2 x 149.4 x 7.5 mm (9.65 x 5.88 x 0.30 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 469 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 640 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~46.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT resistive touchscreen, 65K colors | TFT LCD |
| | Handwriting recognition | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 528 MHz ARM 11 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM7201A | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 130 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 288MB RAM, 512MB ROM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA videocall camera | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | miniUSB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | MP3/WAV/WMA player
MP4/WMV/3gp player
Pocket Office
Voice memo
Predictive text input | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 406 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | - |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1340 mAh battery | Li-Po 6150 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | - | SM-T515, SM-T510 |
| Price | - | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.36 W/kg (body) |
O2 XDA Serra
- Extremely affordable (likely very cheap on the used market)
- Compact size
- Simple to use for basic tasks
- Severely outdated hardware
- Poor performance
- Limited software support
- Small screen
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
- Modern processor (Exynos 7904)
- Large 10.1-inch display
- Improved camera capabilities
- Longer battery life
- Access to modern Android apps
- Not a flagship-level tablet
- May not receive future software updates
Display Comparison
While display specifications for the Serra are difficult to ascertain definitively, it's safe to assume a small, low-resolution screen typical of its era. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) boasts a 10.1-inch display, offering significantly more screen real estate for viewing content. More importantly, the Tab A benefits from a more modern panel technology, likely IPS LCD, providing wider viewing angles and better color reproduction than the Serra's likely TFT display. The Tab A's larger size and higher resolution are crucial for comfortable media consumption and productivity.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are likely minimal on the O2 XDA Serra, typical of phones from that period. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) offers a more capable camera system, though still not a primary focus for a tablet. While details on the Tab A's camera are limited, it likely features a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing compared to the Serra. The Tab A's camera is sufficient for casual snapshots and video calls, while the Serra's camera is likely limited to low-resolution images.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The O2 XDA Serra's Qualcomm MSM7201A, paired with a 528 MHz ARM 11 CPU, represents a generation of mobile processing that is now obsolete. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) utilizes the Exynos 7904, an octa-core processor built on a 14nm process. This means the Tab A has eight processing cores – two Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and six Cortex-A53 cores at 1.6 GHz – offering vastly superior multi-tasking and application performance. The architectural leap from ARM 11 to Cortex-A73/A53 is immense, resulting in a dramatically faster and more responsive user experience on the Tab A. The Tab A's processor is capable of handling modern games and applications, while the Serra will struggle with even basic tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Serra is unknown, but given its age and hardware, it's likely small. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) features a larger battery capacity, allowing for extended usage. While charging wattage isn't specified, the Tab A likely supports faster charging than the Serra, which would have relied on slower, older charging standards. The Tab A's larger battery and potentially faster charging provide a more convenient and reliable power experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the O2 XDA Serra if you need a very basic, extremely affordable device for simple tasks like making calls and sending texts, and are willing to accept significant limitations in performance and software support. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) if you prioritize a responsive user experience, multimedia consumption, multitasking, and access to modern Android apps and features. It's the choice for anyone seeking a functional and versatile tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Exynos 7904 in the Tab A overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7904 is a relatively efficient processor. While it can get warm during prolonged gaming, it's unlikely to overheat significantly due to the tablet's larger chassis providing more surface area for heat dissipation. It's not a flagship gaming chip, but it's capable of handling most mobile games at reasonable settings.
❓ Can the O2 XDA Serra run modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
It's highly unlikely. The O2 XDA Serra's outdated hardware and operating system (likely a very old version of Android) are not compatible with the latest versions of these apps. Even if you could find older APKs, performance would be extremely poor.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) suitable for streaming video services like Netflix or YouTube?
Yes, absolutely. The Tab A's 10.1-inch display and Exynos 7904 processor are well-suited for streaming video content. It supports common video codecs and resolutions, providing a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience.
❓ What kind of storage options does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) offer, and is it expandable?
The Tab A 10.1 (2019) typically comes with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, and importantly, it includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This allows you to add up to 512GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and other files.
