Looking for an affordable 8-inch Android tablet? The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) and Tab E 8.0 are popular contenders. But which one offers the best experience for your money? We'll break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab E 8.0 edges out the Tab A 8.0 (2015) thanks to its slightly faster processor, more modern chipset, and generally improved efficiency. While both are budget-friendly, the Tab E offers a more responsive and future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 - T377P, T377R |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T377 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 3, 7, 8, 28, 38 - T377 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 30 - T377W |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, May | 2016, January. Released 2016, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 208.3 x 137.9 x 7.4 mm (8.20 x 5.43 x 0.29 in) | 212.1 x 126.1 x 8.9 mm (8.35 x 4.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 313 g (11.04 oz) | 360 g (12.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~160 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 198.2 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~69.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.1 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM (Wi-Fi), 32GB 2GB RAM (LTE) | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 120 h | Up to 117 h |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (3G) | Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Smoky Titanium, Smoky Blue, White | Pearl White, Metallic Black |
| Models | SM-T350, SM-T355, SM-T355Y | SM-T377W, SM-T377, SM-T375, SM-T377P, SM-T377R, SM-T377A, SM-T378V, SM-T377V |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.59 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.12 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015)
- Affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent for reading
- Lightweight
- Outdated processor
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- May struggle with demanding apps
Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0
- Better performance than Tab A 8.0
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly improved display
- Good value for money
- Still a budget tablet
- Camera quality is average
- Design is somewhat dated
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8.0-inch WXGA (800x1280) TFT LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Tab E 8.0's display may offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to advancements in panel technology. However, both are adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Tab A 8.0 has a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera, while the Tab E 8.0 also features a 5MP rear and 2MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for video calls but not impressive for photography.
Performance
The Tab E 8.0 holds a clear advantage here. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset and 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU provide a noticeable performance boost over the Tab A 8.0's 1.2 GHz quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking and quicker app loading times on the Tab E.
Battery Life
The Tab E 8.0 typically offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset. Both tablets have a 5000 mAh battery, but the Tab E's processor consumes less power under load. Expect around 8-10 hours of moderate use on both devices.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) is a good choice for users prioritizing a simple, reliable tablet for basic tasks like reading and light browsing. The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0 is better suited for those who want a bit more performance for occasional gaming or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. While neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse, the Tab E will handle less demanding games more smoothly.
❓ Can I update the software on these tablets?
Software updates are limited on both devices. The Tab E 8.0 may receive slightly longer software support, but don't expect major Android version upgrades.
