Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs. Tab S6 Lite: A Detailed Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Tab S6 Lite are both excellent Android tablets, but cater to different needs and budgets. The Tab A8 is a more affordable option, while the S6 Lite offers a premium experience. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you choose the right one.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance thanks to its Snapdragon processor and S Pen support. While the Tab A8 is a budget-friendly choice, the S6 Lite's enhanced features and smoother operation justify the higher price for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)	Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)

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, 41, 66
Speed	HSPA, LTE - cellular model only	HSPA, LTE - cellular model only
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2021, December 15	2022, May 14
Status	Available. Released 2022, January 17	Available. Released 2022, May 23

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 (cellular model only)
Weight	508 g (1.12 lb)	465/467 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 (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
Chipset	Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm)	Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
GPU	Mali G52 MP2	Adreno 618
OS	Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6

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, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
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
	-	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, QZSS - cellular model only
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

Misc
Colors	Gray, Silver, Pink Gold	Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray
Models	SM-X200, SM-X205	SM-P613, SM-P619
Price	About 230 EUR	About 400 EUR
SAR	-	1.01 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
Slow performance
Limited multitasking
Plastic build

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)

Powerful processor
Included S Pen
Excellent multitasking
Sleek design
Better display quality

Higher price
No expandable storage
15W charging is slow

Display Comparison

Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display, but the S6 Lite boasts a slightly higher resolution (2000 x 1200 vs 1920 x 1200) resulting in sharper visuals. The S6 Lite also generally has better color accuracy. While both are LCD panels, the S6 Lite's display is noticeably more vibrant.

Camera Comparison

The Tab A8 has a slightly better main rear camera (8MP vs 8MP on the S6 Lite), but the front-facing cameras are comparable (5MP on both). Image quality is decent on both, but neither tablet is a photography powerhouse. Video recording capabilities are similar.

Performance

This is where the S6 Lite truly shines. The Snapdragon 732G/720G chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Tab A8. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the S6 Lite. The A8 can feel sluggish with multiple apps open.

Battery Life

Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The S6 Lite's more efficient processor can sometimes provide slightly longer battery life, but it's a marginal difference.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)? Users on a tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like browsing, streaming videos, and light gaming. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)? Students, creatives, and anyone who wants a more powerful tablet for multitasking, note-taking (with the included S Pen), and more demanding apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Tab S6 Lite come with the S Pen?

Yes, the S Pen is included in the box with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. It's a significant advantage for note-taking and creative tasks.

❓ Can I expand the storage on either tablet?

No, neither the Tab A8 nor the Tab S6 Lite offer expandable storage via microSD card. You'll need to choose a storage configuration that meets your needs at the time of purchase.