Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) and Tab A 10.1 (2019) are popular choices, offering a blend of features and budget-friendliness. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) generally wins due to its larger screen, more powerful processor, and slightly better overall performance. However, the Tab A 8.0 (2019) remains a compelling option for those prioritizing portability and a lower price point.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 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, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July 05. Released 2019, July | 2019, February 15. Released 2019, April |
| 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) | 245.2 x 149.4 x 7.5 mm (9.65 x 5.88 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 oz) | 469 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 504 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6150 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Silver Gray | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | SM-T290, SM-T295 | SM-T515, SM-T510 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- Compact and portable
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life for its size
- Good for basic tasks
- Lower performance compared to Tab A 10.1
- Smaller screen
- Mediocre camera quality
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
- Larger screen for immersive viewing
- More powerful processor
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Longer battery life
- Less portable than Tab A 8.0
- Slightly higher price
- Mediocre camera quality
Display Comparison
The Tab A 10.1 (2019) boasts a significantly larger 10.1-inch display compared to the Tab A 8.0's 8.0-inch screen. Both feature TFT LCD panels with 1280 x 800 resolution, but the larger size of the 10.1 model provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for videos and games. The Tab A 8.0's smaller size makes it more pocketable.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for basic video calls and casual snapshots, but don't expect exceptional results. Low-light performance is generally poor on both devices.
Performance
The Tab A 10.1 (2019) holds a clear advantage in performance. Its Exynos 7904 chipset with an octa-core processor is noticeably faster than the Tab A 8.0's Snapdragon 429. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better overall responsiveness. While both tablets are suitable for everyday tasks, the 10.1 model handles more demanding applications with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Tab A 10.1 (2019) has a larger 6000mAh battery compared to the Tab A 8.0's 5150mAh battery. While battery life varies depending on usage, the 10.1 model typically offers slightly longer runtime, especially when streaming videos or playing games.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is ideal for users who want a compact, portable tablet for basic tasks like browsing, reading, and light gaming. It's a great choice for kids or anyone who values portability. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) is better suited for users who want a larger screen for media consumption, multitasking, and more demanding apps. It's a good option for families or those who need a tablet for work and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two tablets?
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) has a significantly faster Exynos 7904 processor compared to the Tab A 8.0's Snapdragon 429, resulting in smoother performance and better multitasking.
❓ Which tablet is better for watching videos?
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) is better for watching videos due to its larger screen, which provides a more immersive viewing experience.