The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for casual users, students, and families. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) has been a mainstay, but Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) introduces wireless charging and a newer chipset. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a more versatile Android experience and broader app compatibility, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) is the better choice. While the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) offers the convenience of wireless charging, its Mediatek chipset and Fire OS limitations hold it back from matching the Tab A7’s overall performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | - |
| EDGE | - | N/A |
| GPRS | - | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 02. Released 2020, September 11 | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 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 | 476 g (Wi-Fi), 477 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) | 342 g (12.06 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired
10W wireless |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray, Silver, Gold | Gray |
| Models | SM-T500, SM-T505, SM-T505N | KFRAPWI |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.01 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)
- More powerful Snapdragon 662 processor
- Larger 10.4-inch display for better media consumption
- Standard Android OS with access to the Google Play Store
- Lacks wireless charging
- Older model, potentially limited software updates
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022)
- Convenient 10W wireless charging
- More compact and portable 8-inch form factor
- Tight integration with Amazon services
- Less powerful Mediatek MT8169A processor
- Fire OS limitations and restricted app access
- Smaller display size
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.4-inch and 8-inch displays respectively, but the differences extend beyond size. The Tab A7’s larger screen provides a more immersive experience for video streaming and multitasking. While neither manufacturer specifies peak brightness, the Tab A7’s larger panel generally translates to a brighter image. The Fire HD 8 Plus lacks detailed display specifications, suggesting a more basic LCD panel. The Tab A7 benefits from a more standard aspect ratio, making it better suited for reading and document viewing.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a primary focus for either tablet, but the Tab A7 likely holds an edge due to its more capable chipset and potentially larger sensor. Both tablets are expected to feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices, but the Snapdragon 662’s image signal processor (ISP) offers better image processing capabilities than the Mediatek MT8169A’s ISP. Expect similar results in good lighting conditions, but the Tab A7 should perform better in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core performance disparity lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, an 11nm octa-core processor with a Kryo architecture designed for balanced performance and efficiency. Conversely, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus employs the Mediatek MT8169A, a hexa-core processor. While both CPUs clock at 2.0 GHz, the Snapdragon 662’s eight cores and more advanced architecture provide a noticeable advantage in multi-tasking and demanding applications. The Snapdragon 662’s Adreno 610 GPU also surpasses the MT8169A’s integrated graphics, resulting in smoother gaming experiences. The Tab A7’s superior processing power will be more apparent when running multiple apps simultaneously or engaging in graphically intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Both tablets support 15W wired charging, offering comparable charging speeds. However, the Fire HD 8 Plus introduces 10W wireless charging, a significant convenience feature. While the Tab A7 lacks wireless charging, its larger size allows for a potentially larger battery capacity (specific mAh not provided in context data). Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Tab A7’s more efficient Snapdragon chipset could offset any capacity difference. The Fire HD 8 Plus’s wireless charging is ideal for bedside or desk charging, eliminating the need for cables.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) if you need a tablet capable of running a wider range of Android apps, require a more standard Android interface, and value a larger display for productivity or media consumption. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) if you are deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem, prioritize portability, and appreciate the added convenience of wireless charging, understanding the trade-offs in app availability and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek MT8169A in the Fire HD 8 Plus struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Mediatek MT8169A is a budget-focused chipset. While it can handle casual games, graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact will likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag, even on low settings. The Snapdragon 662 in the Tab A7 offers a noticeably smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much does the Fire OS customization impact app availability compared to standard Android on the Tab A7?
Fire OS is heavily customized by Amazon and lacks full Google Play Store support. While you can sideload apps, the process is less user-friendly. Many popular apps are either unavailable or require workarounds. The Tab A7, with its standard Android OS, provides access to the full Google Play Store ecosystem, ensuring compatibility with a vast library of applications.
❓ Is the 10W wireless charging on the Fire HD 8 Plus significantly slower than the 15W wired charging?
Yes, 10W wireless charging is considerably slower than 15W wired charging. Expect a full charge to take several hours longer via wireless charging. However, the convenience of simply placing the tablet on a charging pad can outweigh the slower charging speed for some users.
