The Samsung Galaxy Tab A series offers affordable tablets for everyday use. But with two popular contenders – the Tab A8 10.5 and the Tab A7 Lite – which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 edges out the A7 Lite thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and improved display. While both are budget-friendly, the A8 offers a more refined experience, making it the better overall 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 | 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, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 15 | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 17 | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 508 g (1.12 lb) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 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 | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| 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 | 5.0, 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold | Gray, Silver |
| Models | SM-X200, SM-X205 | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.92 W/kg (body) | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Better performance
- Larger, higher-resolution display
- Slightly better camera
- More modern design
- Can be slightly more expensive
- Still a budget device with limitations
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- More portable and compact
- Generally more affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lower resolution display
- Less powerful chipset
- Camera quality is average
Display Comparison
The Tab A8 10.5 boasts a 10.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, offering a sharper and more immersive viewing experience compared to the A7 Lite's 8.7-inch display (1333 x 800). Colors are generally accurate on both, but the A8's higher resolution makes a noticeable difference in text clarity and image detail.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both tablets is adequate for casual snapshots, but not exceptional. The Tab A8 generally produces slightly better images in well-lit conditions. Both struggle in low light. Don't expect to use these tablets for serious photography.
Performance
The Tab A8 10.5's Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset provides a modest performance boost over the A7 Lite's Helio P22T. While neither is a powerhouse, the A8 handles everyday tasks and light gaming more smoothly. Expect slightly faster app loading times and less noticeable lag on the A8.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. The A7 Lite's smaller screen might give it a slight edge in certain scenarios, but the difference is minimal. Both support 15W wired charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5? Users seeking a slightly better performance for light gaming and multitasking, and those who appreciate a larger, higher-resolution display. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite? Those prioritizing portability and a more compact design, or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming videos?
The Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 is better for streaming due to its larger, higher-resolution display, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these tablets?
Neither tablet is ideal for demanding games. The Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 handles lighter games better, but both will struggle with graphically intensive titles.
