The budget tablet market is heating up, and two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme Pad Mini and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. Both offer compelling features at accessible price points, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 edges out the Realme Pad Mini thanks to its slightly better performance, larger display, and Samsung's brand reputation. However, the Realme Pad Mini offers reverse charging and a more compact design, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing portability and a lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 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 | 2022, April 04 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 08 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 211.8 x 124.5 x 7.6 mm (8.34 x 4.90 x 0.30 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 | 372 g (13.12 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.5% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | 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 | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6400 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | RMP2105, RMP2106 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Realme Pad Mini
- Compact and lightweight design
- Reverse charging capability
- More affordable price
- Decent display for the size
- Lower performance compared to Tab A8
- Smaller display
- Less premium build quality
- Limited storage options
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Larger and more immersive display
- Slightly better performance
- Samsung's brand reputation and software support
- Good value for money
- No reverse charging
- Plastic build
- Charging speed could be faster
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a larger 10.5-inch display compared to the Realme Pad Mini's 8.7-inch screen. This translates to a more immersive experience for watching videos and playing games. While both displays are LCD panels with decent color accuracy, the Tab A8's larger size gives it a clear advantage. Resolution is also slightly higher on the Tab A8.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a primary focus in this price range. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 generally produces slightly better images and videos than the Realme Pad Mini, with more accurate colors and better dynamic range. However, both cameras are adequate for casual snapshots and video calls.
Performance
While both tablets utilize Unisoc chipsets, the Galaxy Tab A8's T618 offers a marginal performance boost over the Pad Mini's T616. This difference is noticeable in multitasking and demanding applications. Both tablets handle everyday tasks like browsing and social media with ease, but the Tab A8 feels slightly smoother overall. The Tab A8 also benefits from Samsung's optimized software.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's larger battery capacity gives it a slight edge in longevity. The Realme Pad Mini's reverse charging capability is a unique feature that allows it to charge other devices, adding to its versatility.
Buying Guide
The Realme Pad Mini is ideal for students, casual users, and those seeking a compact tablet for reading, browsing, and light entertainment. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a better choice for users who want a more immersive viewing experience, slightly better performance for multitasking, and the reliability of a Samsung device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is slightly better for gaming due to its marginally better performance and larger display.
❓ Can the Realme Pad Mini charge my phone?
Yes, the Realme Pad Mini has a reverse charging feature that allows it to charge other devices via USB-C.
❓ How much storage do these tablets offer?
Both tablets offer various storage options, typically ranging from 32GB to 128GB, with expandable storage via microSD card.
❓ What operating system do these tablets run?
Both tablets run on Android, with Samsung offering their One UI on top of Android for the Tab A8.
