Choosing the right Samsung tablet can be tough with so many options available. The Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) offers a budget-friendly entry point, while the Galaxy Tab S8 represents Samsung's premium tablet lineup. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S8 is the clear winner for performance and features, boasting a significantly faster processor, superior display, and faster charging. However, the Tab A8 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability over top-tier specs.
| 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 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 15 | 2022, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 17 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 508 g (1.12 lb) | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) |
| | - | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 |
| 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 | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, 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 3.2, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-X200, SM-X205 | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.92 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Affordable
- Decent display for the price
- Good for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Underpowered processor
- Mediocre camera
- Slow charging
- TFT LCD display
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- Blazing-fast performance
- Stunning 120Hz display
- Excellent camera system
- Fast charging
- Premium design
- S Pen support
- Expensive
- Can get warm under heavy load
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Tab S8 features a stunning 11-inch LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Tab A8 has a 10.5-inch TFT LCD, which is decent but lacks the brightness and responsiveness of the S8's display. The S8's display is noticeably sharper and more immersive.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8 boasts a much more capable camera system with a 13MP main camera and an ultrawide lens, offering better image quality and versatility. The Tab A8's 8MP main camera is adequate for basic photos and video calls but falls short in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8 provides a massive performance leap over the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Tab A8. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle demanding games and applications with ease. The A8 struggles with heavier tasks.
Battery Life
While both tablets offer all-day battery life under moderate usage, the Tab S8's 45W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Tab A8's 15W charging. The Tab S8's larger battery capacity also contributes to its longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)? Students, casual users, and those on a tight budget looking for a reliable tablet for browsing, streaming, and light productivity. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8? Power users, creatives, and anyone needing a high-performance tablet for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab A8 good for gaming?
The Galaxy Tab A8 can handle casual games, but it struggles with demanding titles. The Galaxy Tab S8 is much better suited for gaming due to its powerful processor and high refresh rate display.
❓ Does the Galaxy Tab S8 come with the S Pen?
Yes, the Galaxy Tab S8 includes the S Pen, offering a natural writing and drawing experience. The Tab A8 does not support the S Pen.
