Choosing the right tablet can be tough, especially with Samsung's diverse lineup. The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is built for durability and rugged use, while the Tab S8 prioritizes premium features and entertainment. Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S8 offers superior performance, a stunning display, and a more refined user experience. However, the Active4 Pro's rugged design, enhanced durability, and specialized features make it the clear winner for professionals in demanding environments. It depends on your needs: entertainment vs. resilience.
| 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, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 31 | 2022, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 13 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 242.9 x 170.2 x 10.2 mm (9.56 x 6.70 x 0.40 in) | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 674 g (1.49 lb) | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) |
| | Stylus
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1 meter
MIL-STD-810H compliant | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~71.5% 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 (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, charging/accessories connector pins | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Samsung DeX | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7600 mAh, removable | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-T636B | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N |
| Price | About 830 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.12 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro
- Rugged and durable design
- Water and dust resistant (IP68)
- Replaceable battery
- Enhanced functionality for field work
- MIL-STD-810H certified
- Lower performance compared to S8
- Less impressive display
- Bulkier and heavier design
- Slower charging
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- Superior performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
- Stunning 120Hz display
- Faster charging (45W)
- Sleek and premium design
- Better camera system
- Less durable than Active4 Pro
- Non-replaceable battery
- More expensive
Display Comparison
The Tab S8 boasts a vibrant 11-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and immersive visual experience. The Active4 Pro features an 8-inch LCD display, prioritizing durability over screen size and resolution. While functional, the Active4 Pro's display is noticeably less impressive in terms of color accuracy and sharpness.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8 generally has a better camera system, offering higher resolution and improved image processing. The Active4 Pro's cameras are adequate for basic tasks but lack the sophistication of the S8. Both have front-facing cameras suitable for video calls.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8 delivers significantly faster performance than the Snapdragon 778G in the Active4 Pro. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the S8. The Active4 Pro is still capable, but it won't handle demanding tasks as effortlessly.
Battery Life
While both tablets offer decent battery life, the Tab S8's 45W charging provides a significant advantage in charging speed. The Active4 Pro's charging is slower, wired only. Battery capacity is similar, but the S8's faster charging makes it more convenient.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro? Professionals in fields like construction, logistics, healthcare, and emergency services who require a durable, rugged tablet that can withstand harsh conditions. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8? Consumers and creatives seeking a premium tablet for entertainment, productivity, and artistic endeavors, prioritizing performance and a beautiful display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro waterproof?
Yes, the Active4 Pro is IP68 rated, meaning it's dustproof and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
❓ Can the battery on the Active4 Pro be replaced?
Yes, a key feature of the Active4 Pro is its user-replaceable battery, a rarity in modern tablets.
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab S8 good for gaming?
Yes, the Tab S8's powerful processor and 120Hz display make it a great choice for mobile gaming.
❓ Which tablet is more suitable for outdoor use?
The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is significantly more suitable for outdoor use due to its rugged design and durability.
