The tablet market is booming, and finding the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly space are the Realme Pad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which tablet reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Pad edges out the Galaxy Tab A8 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset, brighter display, and reverse charging capability. However, Samsung's brand recognition and One UI offer a familiar and polished experience. Ultimately, the Realme Pad provides better value 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 | 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 | 2021, September 09 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 16 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 246.1 x 155.9 x 6.9 mm (9.69 x 6.14 x 0.27 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 | 440 g (15.52 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | 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 | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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) |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| 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, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 7100 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | RMP2102, RMP2103 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1554:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-22.4 LUFS (Excellent)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 187913 (v8), 226474 (v9)
GeekBench: 1236 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme Pad
- More powerful chipset (Helio G80)
- Brighter display (455 nits)
- Reverse charging capability
- Larger battery (8000 mAh)
- Generally better value
- Less established brand recognition
- Potentially less polished software experience
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Samsung's brand reputation
- Familiar One UI interface
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Good for families
- Less powerful chipset (Unisoc Tiger T618)
- Likely lower display brightness
- Slower charging (15W)
- Less value for money
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.5-inch displays, but the Realme Pad boasts a slightly higher measured brightness of 455 nits compared to the Tab A8's likely lower figure (spec not provided, but generally lower than Realme). The Realme Pad's 1554:1 contrast ratio is also impressive, suggesting better image depth. While both offer decent viewing experiences, the Realme Pad has a slight edge in visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is generally not a priority for tablets, but the Realme Pad likely has a slightly better camera setup. The Tab A8's cameras are adequate for video calls and casual snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Specific megapixel counts are needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The Realme Pad's Mediatek Helio G80 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618. The G80's GPU is more capable, making it better suited for gaming and demanding apps. While both handle everyday tasks well, the Realme Pad provides a smoother and more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both tablets likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Tab A8's battery capacity is likely around 7040 mAh, while the Realme Pad's is around 8000 mAh. The Realme Pad's slightly larger battery and more efficient chipset could give it a slight advantage in battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Realme Pad is ideal for students, casual users, and those seeking a bit more performance for gaming or multitasking on a budget. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a great choice for families, those who prefer Samsung's ecosystem, and users prioritizing a reliable and user-friendly experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Realme Pad is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and GPU.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 good for kids?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a good option for kids due to its user-friendly interface and parental control features.
❓ Which tablet has faster charging?
The Realme Pad supports 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 supports 15W wired charging, making the Realme Pad charge faster.