Looking for an affordable 8-inch tablet for browsing, streaming, and light gaming? The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) and Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) are popular contenders. But which one offers the best value and performance? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both tablets offer similar performance thanks to comparable chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 edges out the Lenovo Tab M8 with a slightly better display and potentially longer software support. However, the Lenovo Tab M8 often presents a more budget-friendly option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July 05. Released 2019, July | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in) | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 oz) | 305 g (10.76 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 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 504 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Silver Gray | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | SM-T290, SM-T295 | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- Slightly better display quality
- Potentially longer software support
- Reputable brand (Samsung)
- Good for video calls (better front camera)
- Higher price point
- Performance is basic
- Limited storage options
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- More affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Display quality is average
- Potentially shorter software support
- Performance can be sluggish with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 8-inch HD displays, but the Samsung Tab A 8.0 generally boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Tab M8's display is adequate but can appear a bit washed out in direct sunlight. Resolution is similar, around 1280 x 800.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Tab A 8.0 typically has a slightly better front-facing camera for video calls. Image quality on both is adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but not suitable for serious photography. Expect grainy images in low light.
Performance
Performance is largely comparable. Both utilize a Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 and Mediatek Helio A22 respectively, both with Cortex-A53 cores. Expect smooth navigation and app loading for basic tasks, but don't expect high-end gaming performance. Multitasking with many apps simultaneously will likely cause slowdowns on both.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 generally offers slightly better battery life, often lasting a bit longer for video playback. Both tablets typically provide around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. Battery capacity is around 5150 mAh for the Tab A and 4850 mAh for the Tab M8.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is ideal for users who prioritize a slightly better screen and potentially longer software updates, even if it means spending a bit more. The Lenovo Tab M8 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a basic tablet for media consumption and light tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming videos?
Both are suitable for streaming, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0's slightly better display offers a more enjoyable viewing experience.
❓ How much storage do these tablets offer?
Both typically come with 32GB of storage, expandable via microSD card. Storage options may vary depending on the retailer and region.
❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 launched with Android 9 and has received an update. The Lenovo Tab M8 typically ships with Android 9 or 10, depending on the specific model and release date.
