The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Tab S6 Lite are both excellent Android tablets, but cater to different needs and budgets. Deciding which one is right for you depends on your priorities – are you after affordability and casual use, or performance and stylus support? Let's break down the key differences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers a significantly better experience thanks to its more powerful processor, vibrant display, and included S Pen. While the Tab A8 is a budget-friendly option, the S6 Lite's performance and features justify the higher price 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) / 1800 / 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-A |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 15 | 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 17 | Available. Released 2020, May 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 508 g (1.12 lb) | 467 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| 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 (~81.6% 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-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| 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 |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| 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, proximity, gyro |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold | Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray |
| Models | SM-X200, SM-X205 | SM-P610N, SM-P615, SM-P610 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 380 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.45 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.92 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Affordable
- Decent display
- Good for media consumption
- Lightweight
- Underpowered processor
- Basic camera
- No stylus support
- Plastic build
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
- Powerful processor
- Vibrant display
- Included S Pen
- Slim and stylish design
- Good multitasking
- Higher price
- No expandable storage
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
The Tab S6 Lite boasts a 10.4-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200, offering vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The Tab A8 also has a 10.5-inch TFT LCD display, but with a slightly lower resolution of 1920 x 1200. While both are decent, the S6 Lite's slightly higher resolution and better color accuracy give it a noticeable edge.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Tab A8 has an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front camera, while the S6 Lite features an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is comparable and generally unremarkable on both devices. Don't expect to use these for serious photography.
Performance
Here's where the S6 Lite truly shines. Its Exynos 9611 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the S6 Lite. The A8 is adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting around 10-12 hours of moderate use. While the Tab A8 has a slightly larger battery capacity (7040 mAh vs 7040 mAh), the S6 Lite's more efficient processor helps it maintain comparable battery performance.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)? It's ideal for students or casual users who primarily browse the web, stream videos, and play light games. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite? It's perfect for those who want a more powerful tablet for note-taking, drawing, multitasking, and enjoying demanding games, especially with the included S Pen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Tab A8 support a stylus?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 does not officially support a stylus. While you might be able to use a third-party stylus, it won't offer the same precision and features as the S Pen.
❓ Is the Tab S6 Lite good for drawing?
Yes, the Tab S6 Lite is a great option for drawing and note-taking, thanks to the included S Pen. It offers excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.
