Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) and the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite are both strong contenders in the budget-friendly space. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite edges out the Tab A 8.0 (2019) thanks to its faster processor, improved display, and slightly better battery life. While the Tab A 8.0 remains a decent budget option, the A7 Lite provides a more modern and enjoyable user experience.
| 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 | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 oz) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 504 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| 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, BDS, GALILEO - 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Silver Gray | Gray, Silver |
| Models | SM-T290, SM-T295 | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- Very affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Outdated design
- Mediocre display
- Limited storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Faster processor
- Improved display
- Slightly better battery life
- More modern design
- Expandable storage
- Slightly more expensive
- Cameras are still basic
Display Comparison
The Tab A7 Lite boasts an 8.7-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1333 x 800, offering a slightly larger and sharper viewing experience compared to the Tab A 8.0's 8.0-inch (1280 x 800) display. The A7 Lite's screen also tends to have better color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature basic cameras suitable for video calls but not high-quality photography. The Tab A7 Lite generally produces slightly better images in well-lit conditions. Don't expect stellar results from either device.
Performance
The A7 Lite's Octa-core Helio P22T chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Tab A 8.0's Quad-core Snapdragon 429. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the A7 Lite. Gaming performance is also improved.
Battery Life
The Tab A7 Lite has a larger battery capacity (5100 mAh) compared to the Tab A 8.0 (4700 mAh), translating to slightly longer battery life, especially when streaming video or playing games. Both offer all-day battery life for moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)? Users prioritizing a very basic tablet for light tasks like reading ebooks and browsing the web on a tight budget. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite? Those seeking a more responsive tablet for streaming, casual gaming, and general entertainment, willing to spend a bit more for the upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tab A7 Lite worth the extra money?
Yes, the performance and display improvements of the Tab A7 Lite generally justify the slightly higher price, especially if you plan to use it for more than just basic tasks.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either tablet?
Yes, both tablets support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for apps, photos, and videos.