Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) vs. Galaxy Tab A7 (2020): A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The Samsung Galaxy Tab A series has long been a popular choice. We're pitting the Tab A 8.0 (2019) against the newer Tab A7 (2020) to see which one offers the best bang for your buck.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy Tab A7 (2020) is the clear winner. Its larger screen, significantly faster processor, and improved features like 15W charging make it a more compelling choice despite a slightly higher price. The Tab A 8.0 remains a budget option, but struggles to compete.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model onlyHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2019, July 05. Released 2019, July2020, September 02. Released 2020, September 11
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, plastic frame-
Dimensions210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in)247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 oz)476 g (Wi-Fi), 477 g (LTE) (1.05 lb)
Display
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
GPUAdreno 504Adreno 610
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single2 MP5 MP
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometerAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5100 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsCarbon Black, Silver GrayDark Gray, Silver, Gold
ModelsSM-T290, SM-T295SM-T500, SM-T505, SM-T505N
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 240 EUR
SAR EU0.75 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)1.01 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)

  • Very affordable
  • Compact and portable
  • Decent for basic tasks

  • Slow performance
  • Small screen
  • Outdated chipset
  • Slow charging

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)

  • Larger display
  • Faster processor
  • Improved performance
  • 15W charging
  • Better multitasking

  • Slightly more expensive
  • Plastic build quality

Display Comparison

The Tab A7 boasts a larger 10.4-inch display compared to the Tab A 8.0's 8.0-inch screen. The A7's display also generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction. Both use TFT LCD panels, but the A7's size advantage is significant.

Camera Comparison

Camera quality isn't a primary focus for budget tablets, but the Tab A7 generally offers slightly better image quality thanks to its more modern sensor. Both tablets have front-facing cameras suitable for video calls.

Performance

The Snapdragon 662 in the Tab A7 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 429 in the Tab A 8.0. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the A7. The A7's octa-core processor easily handles more demanding tasks.

Battery Life

While both tablets offer decent battery life, the Tab A7's larger battery capacity and more efficient processor contribute to slightly longer usage times. The addition of 15W wired charging on the A7 is a welcome improvement over the A8.0's slower charging.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic tablet for light tasks like web browsing and media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 (2020) is better suited for those who want a more versatile tablet for gaming, streaming, and productivity, offering a smoother experience and a larger display.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Tab A7 worth the extra money compared to the Tab A 8.0?
Yes, the Tab A7's improved performance, larger screen, and faster charging make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you plan to use the tablet for more than just basic tasks.
❓ What is the battery life like on each tablet?
Both offer decent battery life, but the Tab A7 generally lasts slightly longer due to its larger battery and more efficient processor. Expect around 8-10 hours of mixed usage on both.