Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 vs A8 10.5 (2021): Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the A8’s 12nm Unisoc Tiger T618, and the impressive 93:40h battery endurance ensures all-day usability. While both charge at 15W, the A11’s efficiency gives it a clear advantage.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - cellular model only | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - cellular model only | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 12 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 211 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.31 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 335 g or 337 g (11.82 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 15, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8, up to 7 major Android upgrades | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-X133, SM-X135, SM-X135F | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.29 W/kg (body) | 0.92 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
- Superior performance thanks to the Mediatek Helio G99 chipset.
- Exceptional battery life (93:40h endurance).
- More efficient 6nm fabrication process reduces heat and improves longevity.
- Detailed display specifications are unknown.
- Camera performance is likely basic, similar to the A8.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Established platform with a wider user base.
- Adequate performance for basic tasks like web browsing and video streaming.
- Generally lower price point (depending on retailer).
- Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset.
- Significantly shorter battery life compared to the A11.
- 12nm fabrication process is less efficient.
Display Comparison
Both tablets are expected to feature 10.5-inch LCD panels, typical for this price segment. However, detailed display specs like resolution, brightness, and color gamut are not provided. Given the A8’s 2021 release, it may benefit from slightly more refined color calibration, but the A11’s newer chipset could potentially support more advanced display features in future software updates. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the A11’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G99 chipset *could* result in slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tab A11’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture – specifically, Cortex-A76 cores alongside A55s – compared to the A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm) which uses Cortex-A75 cores. The 6nm fabrication process of the Helio G99 translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance. This means the A11 can sustain higher performance for longer periods without throttling. While both are octa-core CPUs with a similar core configuration (2x high-performance, 6x efficiency), the architectural improvements in the G99 give it a clear edge in CPU-intensive tasks. The A11 is expected to show a noticeable improvement in app loading times and overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Tab A11 truly shines in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 93:40 hours in testing, coupled with a rated 1200 charge cycles. This is a substantial improvement over what’s typically seen in this price range. While both tablets support 15W wired charging, the Helio G99’s superior power efficiency means the A11 will likely reach a full charge faster and maintain its charge for a longer duration. The A8, while offering adequate battery life for typical use, simply can’t compete with the A11’s longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 if you prioritize performance for multitasking, light gaming, and future-proofing. Its newer chipset and longer battery life make it ideal for users who demand more from their tablet. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prefer a slightly more established platform and are primarily focused on basic tasks like video streaming and web browsing, and are less concerned with demanding applications.