The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 and Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) represent two compelling options. While both aim to deliver affordable entertainment and productivity, they take drastically different approaches to hardware and software. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and longevity, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 emerges as the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset and impressive 93:40h battery endurance significantly outperform the Amazon Fire HD 8, making it better suited for demanding tasks and extended use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - cellular model only | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - cellular model only | - |
| EDGE | - | N/A |
| GPRS | - | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 12 | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 211 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.31 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 335 g or 337 g (11.82 oz) | 337 g (11.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8, up to 7 major Android upgrades | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h |
| Type | 5100 mAh | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Black, Denim, Rose |
| Models | SM-X133, SM-X135, SM-X135F | KFRAWI |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.29 W/kg (body) | - |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 93:40h endurance, 1200 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class D | - |
| Free fall | Class C (104 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Exceptional battery life (93:40h endurance)
- Longer battery lifespan (1200 charge cycles)
- May be slightly more expensive than the Fire HD 8
- Specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unknown
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- Lower upfront cost
- Tight integration with Amazon services
- Compact and lightweight design
- Less powerful processor resulting in slower performance
- Shorter battery life
- Limited app ecosystem outside of Amazon Appstore
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature IPS LCD panels (data unavailable for Fire HD 8), the core difference lies in processing power impacting UI responsiveness. The Fire HD 8’s display resolution is likely 800x1280, typical for this price point. The Tab A11’s display performance is tied to the Helio G99’s ability to drive a smoother experience, though specific display specs are missing. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is likely similar, leaning towards acceptable but not color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Given the lack of detailed specifications, it’s safe to assume both tablets prioritize affordability over camera quality. Any differences in image quality will likely be minimal and overshadowed by the limitations of the sensors and image processing.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) chipset is the clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Amazon Fire HD 8’s hexa-core Mediatek MT8169A (all Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz). The G99’s more modern architecture and higher clock speeds translate to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 6nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Fire HD 8 will be adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 boasts a remarkable 93:40h endurance, a testament to the efficiency of the Helio G99 chipset and optimized software. While both tablets support 15W wired charging, the Tab A11’s superior battery life means you’ll be reaching for the charger less frequently. The Fire HD 8’s battery life is not specified, but given its less efficient chipset, it’s expected to fall significantly short of the Tab A11’s impressive endurance. The Tab A11 also claims 1200 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan before significant battery degradation.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 if you need a tablet capable of handling more than basic tasks, such as light gaming, multitasking, and running demanding applications. Its more powerful processor and longer battery life make it ideal for students, travelers, or anyone who needs a versatile tablet. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) if you primarily intend to consume media – streaming video, reading ebooks, and browsing the web – within the Amazon ecosystem and prioritize a lower upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Tab A11 capable of handling mobile games?
Yes, the Helio G99 is a capable chipset for mobile gaming, especially at the budget level. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably handle most popular titles at medium settings. The Cortex-A76 cores provide a noticeable boost in gaming performance compared to the all-A55 configuration of the Fire HD 8.
❓ How does the Amazon Fire HD 8’s software experience differ from the Galaxy Tab A11?
The Amazon Fire HD 8 runs Fire OS, a heavily customized version of Android that prioritizes Amazon’s services. This means a strong emphasis on Amazon’s app store, Prime Video, and Kindle. The Galaxy Tab A11 runs a more standard version of Android with access to the Google Play Store, offering a wider range of apps and customization options. Fire OS also includes more bloatware and advertising.
❓ Will I be able to easily install apps like Netflix and YouTube on the Fire HD 8?
While Netflix is typically pre-installed, YouTube requires a sideloading process as it's not available directly through the Amazon Appstore. Sideloading involves downloading the APK file and manually installing it, which can be slightly technical for some users. The Tab A11, with access to the Google Play Store, allows for easy installation of both apps.
