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 (with S Pen) to determine which offers the best value for users seeking a portable, budget-friendly experience. This comparison focuses on the core performance differences stemming from their respective chipsets and how those translate to real-world usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is the better choice. While the Exynos 7904 in the Tab A 8.0 boasts a more sophisticated CPU architecture, the A7 Lite’s Mediatek Helio P22T, combined with potential software optimizations, provides a surprisingly competitive experience, especially considering its often lower price point. The A7 Lite’s newer design and wider availability also give it an edge.
| 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, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 27 | 2019, March. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends | - |
| Dimensions | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) | 201.5 x 122.4 x 8.9 mm (7.93 x 4.82 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) | 325 g (11.46 oz) |
| | - | Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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 | 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, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 4200 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Black, Gray |
| Models | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U | SM-P205, SM-P200 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Newer chipset (Helio P22T) potentially offers better efficiency.
- Likely more modern design with slimmer bezels.
- Wider availability and potential for future software updates.
- Helio P22T CPU cores are less powerful individually than the Exynos 7904's A73 cores.
- S Pen support is not included.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 & S Pen (2019)
- Includes S Pen for note-taking and drawing.
- Exynos 7904 CPU architecture offers stronger single-core performance.
- Potentially better color accuracy for creative tasks.
- Older chipset (Exynos 7904) built on a larger 14nm process.
- May be harder to find new.
- Software updates may be limited.
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price segment. However, detailed display specs like resolution and brightness are missing. The Tab A 8.0’s inclusion of the S Pen suggests a focus on creative tasks, potentially benefiting from a more color-accurate display, though this is unconfirmed. The A7 Lite’s newer design may offer slightly slimmer bezels, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to determine which offers superior outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The focus should be on the overall system responsiveness rather than image quality. Any differences in image processing will likely be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tab A 8.0’s Exynos 7904, built on a 14nm process, features a heterogeneous core configuration with 2x 1.8GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 6x 1.6GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This architecture prioritizes performance for demanding tasks. Conversely, the A7 Lite’s Mediatek Helio P22T (12nm) utilizes an octa-core configuration of 4x 2.3GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x 1.8GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the A7 Lite has more cores, the A73 cores in the Exynos chip are significantly more powerful individually. However, the 12nm process of the Helio P22T *should* offer better power efficiency. Real-world performance will depend heavily on software optimization, but the Exynos chip has a theoretical advantage in multi-threaded workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the 12nm process of the Helio P22T in the A7 Lite *could* translate to slightly better battery life despite a potentially smaller battery capacity. Both tablets support 15W wired charging, meaning charging speeds will be comparable. The A7 Lite’s potentially more efficient chipset might allow it to reach a full charge slightly faster, but the difference will likely be negligible.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if you need a modern tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity, and prioritize a newer device with potential for future software updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 & S Pen (2019) if you specifically require S Pen functionality for note-taking or drawing and can find it at a significantly discounted price, understanding its chipset is older and may show its age with demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7904 in the Tab A 8.0 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 7904 is a capable chip, its 14nm process and the tablet's likely passive cooling design mean it *could* experience thermal throttling during extended gaming. Expect performance to dip slightly after prolonged use. The A7 Lite's 12nm Helio P22T may manage heat slightly better, but neither tablet is designed for hardcore gaming.
❓ Is the S Pen experience on the Tab A 8.0 comparable to that of a flagship Samsung tablet like the Galaxy Tab S8?
No. The S Pen included with the Tab A 8.0 is a basic version lacking the advanced features like air gestures and Bluetooth connectivity found on the S Pen used with higher-end Galaxy Tab S series devices. It's suitable for basic note-taking and drawing, but don't expect a premium experience.
❓ Will the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite receive major Android updates in the future?
Samsung typically provides limited software support for its budget tablets. While the A7 Lite is newer, expect only one or two major Android updates, followed by security patches for a limited time. The Tab A 8.0 (2019) is likely nearing the end of its software support lifecycle.
