Choosing a budget-friendly tablet can be tricky. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) was a popular choice, but the newer Galaxy Tab A7 Lite brings significant upgrades. Let's break down the differences to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is the clear winner. Its faster processor, improved display, and longer software support make it a more compelling choice despite a similar price point. The Tab A 8.0 remains a basic option for very light use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, May | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 208.3 x 137.9 x 7.4 mm (8.20 x 5.43 x 0.29 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 313 g (11.04 oz) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~160 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 198.2 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM (Wi-Fi), 32GB 2GB RAM (LTE) | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Music play | Up to 120 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Smoky Titanium, Smoky Blue, White | Gray, Silver |
| Models | SM-T350, SM-T355, SM-T355Y | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.12 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015)
- Very affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Decent for basic tasks
- Outdated processor
- Low resolution display
- Limited storage
- Short software support
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Faster performance
- Larger and sharper display
- Longer battery life
- More modern design
- Better software support
- Still a budget device (compromises exist)
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
The Tab A7 Lite boasts an 8.7-inch display (compared to the Tab A 8.0's 8.0-inch) with a resolution of 1333 x 866, offering a slightly larger and sharper viewing experience. Both use TFT LCD panels, so don't expect OLED quality, but the A7 Lite's higher resolution is noticeable.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Tab A 8.0 has a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. The Tab A7 Lite features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for basic video calls and casual snapshots, but don't expect stunning results. The A7 Lite's slightly better specs offer a marginal improvement.
Performance
Here's where the A7 Lite shines. Its Mediatek Helio P22T chipset with an octa-core processor significantly outperforms the Tab A 8.0's quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user interface on the A7 Lite. The A7 Lite's 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Tab A7 Lite has a 5100 mAh battery, compared to the Tab A 8.0's 4500 mAh. Combined with its more efficient processor, the A7 Lite generally offers longer battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. Both support 15W wired charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015)? Users needing a very basic, inexpensive tablet for simple tasks like reading ebooks or browsing the web occasionally. Who should buy Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite? Anyone seeking a more modern tablet experience with better performance, a larger screen, and longer software updates for streaming, light gaming, and general use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite worth the upgrade from the Tab A 8.0?
Absolutely. The A7 Lite offers a significant performance boost, a better display, and longer software support, making it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
❓ How much storage do each of these tablets offer?
The Tab A 8.0 typically comes with 16GB of storage, expandable via microSD. The Tab A7 Lite offers 32GB or 64GB options, also expandable via microSD.
