The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, released in 2013, represents a bygone era of premium compact tablets. Now, we compare it to the Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen), a modern budget offering. This isn't about raw power; it's about understanding how architectural advancements and design philosophies translate into a usable experience in 2024, and whether a legacy device can still hold its own.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) is the better choice. While the Note 8.0 offered stylus support and a premium build in its time, the Tab M8’s more efficient Mediatek Helio A22 chipset and modern manufacturing process deliver a smoother, more reliable experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - N5100, N5120 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - N5100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 8, 20 - N5120 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2(LTE)/21.1(3G)/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, February. Released 2013, April | 2023, April 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 210.8 x 135.9 x 8 mm (8.30 x 5.35 x 0.31 in) | 197.8 x 119.8 x 9 mm (7.79 x 4.72 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 338 g (3G) / 340 g (LTE) (11.99 oz) | 320 g (11.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~64.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 4412 Quad (32 nm) | Mediatek MT8768 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP4 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4 (KitKat) | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF or 8MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Music play | Up to 120 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 710 h (2G) / Up to 480 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 28 h (2G) / Up to 24 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4600 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White/Silver, brown | Abyss blue, Arctic grey |
| Models | GT-N5100, GT-N5120 | - |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.74 W/kg (head) 0.76 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
- Stylus Support (S-Pen)
- Compact Form Factor
- Premium Build Quality (for its time)
- Outdated Processor
- Inefficient Power Consumption
- Likely Limited Software Support
Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen)
- More Efficient Processor
- Modern Android Version
- Affordable Price
- Basic Camera System
- TFT LCD Display
- Limited RAM (likely)
Display Comparison
The Note 8.0’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its release date, it likely features a TFT LCD panel. The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) also utilizes a TFT LCD, but benefits from modern manufacturing techniques. The key difference lies in the underlying architecture; the Note 8.0’s older panel technology will likely exhibit narrower viewing angles and less accurate color reproduction. While neither device boasts high-end display features like OLED or high refresh rates, the Tab M8’s newer panel likely offers improved brightness and contrast.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a strong suit for either device. The Note 8.0’s camera specifications are unavailable, but tablets of that era generally featured mediocre camera sensors. The Tab M8 (4th Gen) likely features a basic camera setup, prioritizing functionality over image quality. Given the age difference and advancements in image processing, the Tab M8 likely offers slightly better image quality, but neither tablet is suitable for serious photography.
Performance
The Samsung Note 8.0’s Exynos 4412 Quad, built on a 32nm process, is significantly outmatched by the Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen)’s Mediatek Helio A22. The Helio A22’s octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a substantial advantage in multi-threaded workloads. The 12nm process node of the Helio A22 also contributes to significantly better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling compared to the older 32nm Exynos. This translates to a smoother user experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications. The Note 8.0’s Cortex-A9 cores are simply less efficient and slower than the A53 cores found in the Tab M8.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Note 8.0 is unavailable. The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) supports 10W wired charging. While 10W isn’t fast charging by today’s standards, the Helio A22’s power efficiency means the Tab M8 will likely achieve a longer battery life on a single charge than the Note 8.0, even if the Note 8.0 had a larger capacity battery. The older Exynos 4412 is inherently less efficient, leading to faster battery drain during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 if you absolutely require S-Pen stylus support and are willing to accept its age-related limitations, potentially using it as a niche digital notepad. Buy the Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) if you prioritize a responsive, energy-efficient tablet for media consumption, web browsing, and light productivity tasks at an affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos 4412 in the Note 8.0 likely to overheat during prolonged use?
Given the 32nm process and age of the Exynos 4412, it is highly susceptible to thermal throttling during extended periods of demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. The Tab M8’s Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, will manage heat much more effectively.
❓ Will the Samsung Note 8.0 receive future Android updates?
It is highly unlikely. Samsung has ceased software support for the Note 8.0. The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) will likely receive at least one major Android update, and potentially security patches for a longer period.
❓ How does the S-Pen experience compare on the Note 8.0 versus using a third-party stylus on the Tab M8?
The Note 8.0’s S-Pen is deeply integrated into the software, offering a superior experience with features like Air Command and pressure sensitivity. Using a generic stylus on the Tab M8 will lack these features and provide a less precise and responsive experience.
