Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs Tab A7: The Ultimate Tablet Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A8 edges out the A7 thanks to its slightly faster chipset and improved display. While both are great budget options, the A8 offers a more modern experience and better overall performance, making it the slightly better choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) |
| 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, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 15 | 2020, September 02. Released 2020, September 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 17 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) | 247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 508 g (1.12 lb) | 476 g (Wi-Fi), 477 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 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, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - 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 | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold | Dark Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Models | SM-X200, SM-X205 | SM-T500, SM-T505, SM-T505N |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.92 W/kg (body) | 1.01 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Slightly faster chipset
- Improved display quality
- Better front-facing camera
- More modern design
- Unisoc chipset not as well-known as Snapdragon
- 15W charging is slow
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)
- More affordable
- Efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Solid build quality
- Slightly older design
- Less powerful than Tab A8
- Lower display brightness
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.4-inch display, but the Tab A8 boasts a slightly higher resolution (2000 x 1200 vs 2000 x 1200) and improved color accuracy. The Tab A8 also has a slightly brighter display, making it better for outdoor use. While both are LCD panels, the A8's improvements are noticeable.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a strong point for either tablet. The Tab A8 has an 8MP front and rear camera, while the Tab A7 has a 5MP front and 8MP rear camera. Image quality is adequate for video calls and casual snapshots, but not for serious photography. The A8's slightly better front camera is a minor advantage.
Performance
The Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, while not a powerhouse, generally outperforms the Tab A7's Snapdragon 662 in everyday tasks. The Snapdragon 662 is known for its efficiency, but the T618 offers a more responsive feel. Gaming performance is similar on both, but don't expect to run demanding titles at high settings.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The Tab A7's Snapdragon 662 is slightly more power-efficient, but the larger battery capacity of the Tab A8 helps offset this. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is ideal for casual users, students, and families seeking a reliable tablet for streaming, browsing, and light gaming. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) remains a solid choice for those on a tighter budget who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge performance.