Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 and A8 are popular choices, offering a blend of features and value. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall experience to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A8 edges out the A7 thanks to its slightly faster CPU core speeds and generally more polished software experience. Both offer solid value, but the A8 provides a marginal performance boost and a more modern feel, making it the slightly better pick for most users.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 18 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 21 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 477 g (1.05 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc UMS512 T618 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI 4 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| 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 | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | 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, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray, Silver, Gold | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-T509 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.54 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022)
- Affordable
- Decent display
- Good for media consumption
- Lightweight and portable
- Modest performance
- Basic camera
- Plastic build quality
- Slower CPU core speeds compared to A8
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Slightly faster performance
- Better software experience
- Slightly brighter display
- Good value for money
- Plastic build quality
- Basic camera
- Not ideal for demanding games
- Still a budget tablet
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.4-inch or 10.5-inch display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200. The A8's display is slightly brighter and offers marginally better color accuracy, resulting in a more vibrant viewing experience. Both use TFT LCD panels, so don't expect OLED quality, but they are perfectly adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The camera differences are minimal. Both tablets feature an 8MP main rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. Image quality is adequate for video calls and casual snapshots, but neither tablet excels in photography. Low-light performance is weak on both.
Performance
While both utilize a Unisoc T618 chipset, the A8 has a slightly faster CPU core speed (2.0 GHz for all 8 cores vs 2.0 GHz for 2 cores and 1.8 GHz for 6 cores on the A7). This translates to slightly snappier performance in everyday tasks and a bit better multitasking capabilities on the A8. Gaming performance is similar on both, but don't expect to play demanding titles at high settings.
Battery Life
Both tablets have a 5100mAh battery. Battery life is comparable, offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. Factors like screen brightness and app usage will significantly impact battery longevity.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) is ideal for casual users, students, or anyone needing a basic tablet for browsing, streaming, and light gaming. The Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is a better choice for those who want a bit more performance for multitasking, slightly better visuals, and a more up-to-date software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab A7 2022 worth buying?
It's a good budget option for basic tasks, but the A8 offers a slightly better experience for a small price difference.
❓ Can I play games on the Galaxy Tab A7 or A8?
Yes, but don't expect to play demanding games at high settings. Both tablets are suitable for casual gaming and less intensive titles.
❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
The A7 launched with Android 11 and the A8 with Android 11, both upgradable to Android 12. Samsung's software support is generally good for these devices.
