Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ vs A8 10.5 (2021): A Deep Dive into Performance and Battery Life
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset, built on a 4nm process, delivers significantly better performance than the A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618. Coupled with a remarkable 96:06h endurance rating, the A11+ offers a smoother, longer-lasting experience.
| 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, 13, 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 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - cellular model only | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 29 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November 02 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 477 g or 482 g (1.05 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% 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 (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 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 | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, 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, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-X230, SM-X236B | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 96:06h endurance, 1200 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class E | - |
| Free fall | Class E (0 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 7300)
- Exceptional battery life (96:06h endurance)
- Faster charging (25W)
- Display specifications are unknown
- Camera details are limited
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Lower price point
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Established software optimization
- Slower processor (Unisoc T618)
- Shorter battery life
- Slower charging (15W)
Display Comparison
While both tablets share a 10.5-inch display size, detailed display specs are missing. However, given the A8's 2021 release, it likely utilizes a standard LCD panel. The A11+’s omission of display details suggests it doesn’t represent a significant upgrade in this area, focusing instead on internal components. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of this price segment. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for both.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Given their positioning, neither tablet is expected to excel in photography. The A8 likely features a basic camera setup, and the A11+’s camera specs are not available. It’s safe to assume both tablets are adequate for casual snapshots and video calls, but not for serious photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tab A11+ boasts the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm), an octa-core processor with a configuration of 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a substantial leap over the Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm), featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 4nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 7300 translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The A78 cores in the A11+ also offer a performance advantage over the A75 cores in the A8. While RAM specifications are not provided, the A11+ will likely handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ shines in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 96:06 hours in testing. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the efficiency of the 4nm Dimensity 7300 chipset is a major contributor. The Tab A8, with its less efficient Unisoc T618, will offer considerably less runtime. Furthermore, the A11+ supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the A8’s 15W charging, reducing downtime and allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ if you prioritize performance for multitasking, streaming, or light gaming, and value exceptional battery life for extended use away from a charger. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you are on a very tight budget and primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and video calls, and aren't concerned with demanding applications.