The tablet market is booming, and finding the right device can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Realme Pad X and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Pad X takes the lead with its significantly faster processor, brighter display, and faster charging. While the Galaxy Tab A8 offers Samsung's reliable software and a familiar ecosystem, the Pad X provides a more compelling overall experience for the 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 25 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 12 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 256.5 x 161.1 x 7.1 mm (10.10 x 6.34 x 0.28 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 499 g / 506 g (1.10 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic charging) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 b/g/n/ac, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 8340 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glowing Gray, Glacier Blue, Green | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | RMP2107, RMP2108 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1664:1 | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-22.5 LUFS (Excellent)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 395824 (v9)
GeekBench: 2026 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme Pad X
- Faster Processor
- Brighter Display
- Faster Charging (33W)
- 5G Connectivity
- Better Gaming Performance
- Potentially Less Established Brand
- Software Updates May Be Less Frequent
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Samsung Ecosystem Integration
- Reliable Software
- Familiar User Interface
- Established Brand Reputation
- Slower Processor
- Dimmer Display
- Slower Charging (15W)
- No 5G
Display Comparison
The Realme Pad X boasts a brighter display (496 nits vs. ~350 nits estimated for the Tab A8) and a higher contrast ratio (1655:1 vs. 1664:1), resulting in more vibrant colors and deeper blacks. Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display, but the Realme Pad X's superior brightness makes it more enjoyable to use outdoors.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the Realme Pad X generally offers slightly better image quality due to its more capable chipset and potentially better image processing. Both cameras are primarily intended for video calls rather than serious photography. (Realme Pad X: 8MP Main, 8MP Front; Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: 8MP Main, 5MP Front)
Performance
Here's where the Realme Pad X truly shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is significantly more powerful than the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Galaxy Tab A8. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Pad X. The Snapdragon 695 also supports 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the Tab A8.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life for everyday use. However, the Realme Pad X's 33W fast charging provides a significant advantage, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. The Tab A8's 15W charging is considerably slower.
Buying Guide
The Realme Pad X is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and fast charging for gaming, media consumption, and multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a good choice for those deeply invested in the Samsung ecosystem, seeking a reliable and user-friendly tablet for basic tasks and media consumption, and prefer a more established brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Realme Pad X is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and better graphics capabilities.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 worth buying if I already own Samsung devices?
Yes, the Tab A8 offers seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem, making it a convenient choice for Samsung users.
❓ Does the Realme Pad X support expandable storage?
Yes, the Realme Pad X supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity.
❓ What is the RAM configuration of each tablet?
The Realme Pad X typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is available with 3GB or 4GB of RAM.