Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs Xiaomi Pad 5: The Ultimate Tablet Showdown

Choosing a new Android tablet can be overwhelming. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) offers a familiar Samsung experience, while the Xiaomi Pad 5 packs a punch with its powerful processor and vibrant display. Let's break down which tablet is the better choice for your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Pad 5 is the clear winner for performance and display quality, thanks to its Snapdragon 860 and brighter screen. However, the Galaxy Tab A8 offers a more budget-friendly option with Samsung's reliable software and a decent overall experience for casual users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)	Xiaomi Pad 5

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	N/A
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	N/A
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66	-
EDGE	-	N/A
GPRS	-	N/A
Speed	HSPA, LTE - cellular model only	-
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	No cellular connectivity

Launch
Announced	2021, December 15	2021, August 10
Status	Available. Released 2022, January 17	Available. Released 2021, August 10

Body
Build	-	Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in)	254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm (10.03 x 6.55 x 0.27 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM (cellular model only)	No
Weight	508 g (1.12 lb)	511 g (1.13 lb)
	-	Stylus support (magnetic)

Display
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 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT LCD	IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver)
Chipset	Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm)
GPU	Mali G52 MP2	Adreno 640
OS	Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	No
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
	-	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	-	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, AF	13 MP, f/2.0
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	5 MP	8 MP, f/2.0
Video	1080p@30fps	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)
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only	No
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, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	15W wired	33W wired, PD3.0
Type	Li-Po 7040 mAh	Li-Po 8720 mAh

Misc
Colors	Gray, Silver, Pink Gold	Cosmic Gray, Pearl White, Green
Models	SM-X200, SM-X205	21051182G, 21051182C
Price	About 230 EUR	About 350 EUR
SAR EU	0.92 W/kg (body)	-

Tests
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 1271:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-24.4 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 473819 (v8), 555079 (v9) GeekBench: 2583 (v5.1) GFXBench: 24fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)

Affordable
Reliable Samsung software
Decent for basic tasks
Good build quality

Underpowered chipset
Mediocre display
Slow charging
Limited storage options

Xiaomi Pad 5

Powerful Snapdragon 860 processor
Vibrant and bright display
Fast charging (33W)
Premium design
120Hz refresh rate

Higher price point
MIUI software can be polarizing
Camera quality is average

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Pad 5 boasts a significantly superior display. Its 1271:1 contrast ratio and 478 nits brightness offer a more immersive and vibrant viewing experience compared to the Tab A8. The Tab A8's display is adequate but lacks the same punch. The Xiaomi Pad 5 also often includes a 120Hz refresh rate, further enhancing smoothness.

Camera Comparison

While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the Xiaomi Pad 5 generally offers slightly better image quality. Both cameras are primarily for video calls and casual snapshots. Don't expect flagship-level photography from either device.

Performance

The Xiaomi Pad 5's Snapdragon 860 chipset blows the Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618 out of the water. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Xiaomi Pad 5. The Tab A8 is fine for basic tasks, but struggles with demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Pad 5's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage. It charges considerably faster than the Tab A8's 15W charging. Battery life itself is comparable between the two, offering around 8-10 hours of typical usage.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)? Users seeking a reliable, affordable tablet for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5? Users prioritizing performance, a vibrant display for media consumption, and a more premium feel.