Samsung's Galaxy Tab A series consistently delivers affordable Android tablets, but navigating the options can be tricky. We're pitting the newer Galaxy Tab A7 Lite against the 2019 Galaxy Tab A 8.0 to determine which offers the best balance of performance, features, and value for budget-conscious consumers. The core difference lies in their chipsets, impacting everything from everyday tasks to light gaming.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22T chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the quad-core Snapdragon 429 in the Tab A 8.0 (2019). While both tablets are geared towards basic use, the A7 Lite handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 27 | 2019, July 05. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) | 210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Carbon Black, Silver Gray |
| Models | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U | SM-T290, SM-T295 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Faster octa-core processor for smoother performance
- 15W fast charging for quicker power-ups
- Likely more up-to-date software support
- May be slightly more expensive than the Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- Battery capacity not specified, potentially smaller than A8
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slower quad-core processor limits performance
- Older software version
- Slower charging speeds
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature similar LCD panels, though specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage aren't provided. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather the overall user experience. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of tablets in this price range. The A7 Lite's slightly newer design may offer marginally improved viewing angles, but the difference will be minimal. Neither device is expected to feature high refresh rate displays or advanced panel technologies like LTPO.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the A7 Lite's newer design *may* incorporate slightly improved image processing algorithms, but don't expect flagship-level results from either device. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either tablet are likely to offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s Mediatek Helio P22T boasts an octa-core CPU (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) compared to the Tab A 8.0’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Snapdragon 429. This translates to a substantial advantage in multitasking and app responsiveness for the A7 Lite. While both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, the higher core count and clock speeds of the Helio P22T provide a clear edge. The A7 Lite will handle more demanding apps and light gaming with greater ease, while the A8 (2019) may struggle with heavier workloads. RAM configurations are not specified, but even with similar RAM, the A7 Lite's CPU will be faster.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the A7 Lite’s 15W wired charging offers a faster charging experience than what was standard on the A8 (2019). While a larger battery capacity on the A8 (2019) could offset the slower charging, the A7 Lite’s more efficient chipset may result in comparable real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The faster charging speed of the A7 Lite is a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if you need a tablet capable of handling more than just basic web browsing and video playback. It’s ideal for students, casual gamers, and anyone who wants a responsive experience for everyday tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) if you prioritize extreme affordability and only require a tablet for very light use – primarily reading ebooks, checking email, and occasional video streaming – and are willing to accept slower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio P22T in the A7 Lite struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
While the Helio P22T isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it's playable. The Snapdragon 429 in the A8 (2019) will likely struggle even more with the same game.
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite a good choice for taking notes with a stylus?
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite supports Samsung's S Pen (sold separately), making it suitable for basic note-taking and sketching. However, it lacks the advanced features and pressure sensitivity found in higher-end tablets like the Galaxy Tab S series. It's a good option for casual stylus use, but not ideal for professional artists.
❓ How much storage does each tablet offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage configurations aren't specified in the provided data. However, both tablets likely offer expandable storage via microSD card, allowing you to add more space for apps, photos, and videos. Check the specific model you're considering for the base storage capacity.
