The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, released in 2013, represents a pivotal moment in the tablet space, bringing the S Pen experience to a compact form factor. The 2019 Galaxy Tab A 8.0, while a more recent offering, targets a different segment – budget-conscious users prioritizing everyday tasks. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two tablets, focusing on performance, efficiency, and the enduring value of the S Pen.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is the more practical choice. Its newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 chipset, fabricated on a 12nm process, delivers improved efficiency and a more responsive experience for common tasks compared to the aging Exynos 4412 in the Note 8.0. However, the Note 8.0’s S Pen integration remains a unique draw for note-takers and artists.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - N5100, N5120 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - N5100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 8, 20 - N5120 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2(LTE)/21.1(3G)/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, February. Released 2013, April | 2019, July 05. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 210.8 x 135.9 x 8 mm (8.30 x 5.35 x 0.31 in) | 210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 338 g (3G) / 340 g (LTE) (11.99 oz) | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 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 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos 4412 Quad (32 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP4 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4 (KitKat) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| 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, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White/Silver, brown | Carbon Black, Silver Gray |
| Models | GT-N5100, GT-N5120 | SM-T290, SM-T295 |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.74 W/kg (head) 0.76 W/kg (body) | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
- Integrated S Pen for precise input and creativity.
- Compact form factor for portability.
- Historical significance as a pioneer in the S Pen tablet space.
- Aging Exynos 4412 processor offers limited performance.
- Less efficient 32nm manufacturing process.
- Likely outdated software and security updates.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- More efficient Snapdragon 429 processor on a 12nm process.
- Modern Cortex-A53 CPU architecture for smoother performance.
- Likely longer battery life due to improved efficiency.
- Lacks the integrated S Pen functionality.
- May feel less premium due to its budget-focused design.
- Display technology is likely basic TFT LCD.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 8-inch displays, but detailed display specifications are unavailable. However, given the Note 8.0’s release date, it likely utilizes a TFT LCD panel. The Tab A 8.0 (2019) likely also uses a TFT LCD, but benefits from advancements in display technology over the intervening years, potentially offering slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are significantly larger on the Note 8.0, reflecting design trends of 2013.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either device. Both tablets likely feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots. Detailed specifications are unavailable, but given the market segment, image quality will be comparable and unremarkable. Focusing on sensor size or aperture would be speculative without further data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Note 8.0’s Exynos 4412 Quad, built on a 32nm process, features a quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU. The Tab A 8.0 (2019) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 429, a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a more efficient 12nm node. This process node difference is crucial; the 12nm Snapdragon 429 will generate less heat and consume less power for similar workloads. The Cortex-A53 architecture is also more modern and efficient than the Cortex-A9, resulting in a noticeably smoother user experience on the Tab A 8.0 (2019) for tasks like web browsing and app switching. While RAM specifications are unavailable, the Tab A 8.0 (2019) likely benefits from more modern RAM technology.
Battery Life
Battery capacity figures are unavailable for both devices. However, the Snapdragon 429’s superior power efficiency on the Tab A 8.0 (2019) will translate to longer battery life in real-world usage, despite potentially having a similar or even smaller battery capacity compared to the Note 8.0. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the Tab A 8.0 (2019) likely supports faster charging due to advancements in charging technology.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 if you absolutely require a compact tablet with an integrated S Pen for detailed note-taking, sketching, or annotation, and are willing to accept its age and limited performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) if you prioritize a more modern, efficient tablet for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity, and don't need the S Pen functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 4412 in the Note 8.0 overheat during prolonged use?
The Exynos 4412, being a 32nm processor, is more prone to thermal throttling than the 12nm Snapdragon 429. While it won't likely reach critical temperatures, expect performance to decrease during extended gaming or demanding tasks. The Tab A 8.0 (2019) will maintain more consistent performance under load.
❓ Is the S Pen on the Note 8.0 compatible with newer Samsung devices?
No, the S Pen from the Note 8.0 uses an older technology and is not directly compatible with newer Samsung devices that utilize Wacom EMR or AES technologies. It's specifically designed for and limited to the Note 8.0's digitizer.
❓ Can the Tab A 8.0 (2019) handle multitasking with several apps open simultaneously?
The Tab A 8.0 (2019) with its Snapdragon 429 can handle moderate multitasking. However, with numerous apps open, you may experience some slowdown due to its limited RAM (specifications unavailable). It's best suited for running a few apps concurrently rather than heavy multitasking.
