Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) vs. Galaxy Tab A 8.0 & S Pen: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 & S Pen is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Exynos processor and the added versatility of the S Pen. While the standard Tab A 8.0 is a budget champion, the S Pen model provides a noticeably smoother and more feature-rich experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) | Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 & S Pen (2019) |
| 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, 41, 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, March. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in) | 201.5 x 122.4 x 8.9 mm (7.93 x 4.82 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 oz) | 325 g (11.46 oz) |
| - | Stylus | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS 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 Core 3.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, 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 |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4200 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Silver Gray | Black, Gray |
| Models | SM-T290, SM-T295 | SM-P205, SM-P200 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | - |
| SAR EU | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- Affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent battery life
- Good for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Limited storage
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 & S Pen (2019)
- Faster performance (Exynos 7904)
- S Pen stylus included
- Improved multitasking
- More responsive UI
- Slightly better color accuracy
- Higher price
- Battery life *potentially* slightly shorter
- Camera still basic
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8.0-inch WXGA (800x1280) TFT LCD display. While the resolution is similar, the S Pen model *may* offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more advanced processor handling image processing, but this is subtle. Viewing angles are acceptable on both.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets 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 stellar results. Low-light performance is weak on both.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Exynos 7904 in the S Pen model boasts an octa-core processor, a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 429's quad-core in the standard Tab A 8.0. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive overall experience on the S Pen variant. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.
Battery Life
Both tablets have a 5150 mAh battery. Battery life is generally good on both, offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The S Pen model *might* consume slightly more power due to the more powerful processor, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
The standard Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is ideal for casual users, students needing basic tablet functionality, and those on a tight budget. The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 & S Pen is perfect for note-takers, artists, students who benefit from stylus input, and anyone wanting a more responsive and capable tablet experience.