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 Ultra prioritizes premium features and entertainment. Let's break down which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tab S8 Ultra offers significantly 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 demanding work environments and outdoor adventures. It's a trade-off between power and 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, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 242.9 x 170.2 x 10.2 mm (9.56 x 6.70 x 0.40 in) | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 674 g (1.49 lb) | 726 g (Wi-Fi), 728 g (5G) (1.60 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, 2.8ms 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) | 1848 x 2960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 14.6 inches, 612.6 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| 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, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB 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/2.2, 26mm (wide)
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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Samsung DeX | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7600 mAh, removable | Li-Po 11200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Graphite |
| Models | SM-T636B | SM-X900, SM-X906, SM-X906B, SM-X906U, SM-X906N |
| Price | About 830 EUR | About 1150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.12 W/kg (body) | 0.69 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro
- Rugged and durable design
- Water and dust resistant (IP68)
- Removable battery
- Customizable buttons
- Designed for enterprise use
- Less powerful processor
- Smaller and less vibrant display
- Slower charging
- Less premium design
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Stunning Super AMOLED display
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- Excellent camera system
- Fast charging (45W)
- S Pen support
- Less durable than Active4 Pro
- Non-removable battery
- Higher price point
- Larger size may be less portable
Display Comparison
The Tab S8 Ultra boasts a massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering incredible visuals and smooth scrolling. The Active4 Pro has an 8-inch LCD display, which is smaller and less vibrant, but still perfectly functional for its intended use. The S8 Ultra's display is a clear winner for media consumption and creative tasks.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8 Ultra features a more advanced camera system with higher resolution sensors and improved image processing. While both tablets offer decent cameras for video calls and casual photography, the S8 Ultra delivers noticeably better image quality. The Active4 Pro prioritizes functionality over camera prowess.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8 Ultra provides significantly faster processing speeds and better graphics performance compared to the Snapdragon 778G in the Active4 Pro. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the S8 Ultra. The Active4 Pro is still capable, but it won't handle demanding games or intensive applications as well.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Tab S8 Ultra's larger battery capacity and faster charging (45W) give it a slight edge in terms of longevity and convenience. The Active4 Pro's battery life is respectable, but charging is slower.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro? Professionals in fields like construction, logistics, healthcare, and emergency services who need a durable, drop-proof, and water-resistant tablet. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra? Consumers and creatives seeking a premium tablet for entertainment, gaming, drawing, and general productivity with a large, vibrant display and powerful performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro waterproof?
Yes, the Active4 Pro is IP68 rated, meaning it's dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
❓ Does the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra come with a stylus?
Yes, the S Pen is included with the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, offering a natural writing and drawing experience.
❓ Can the Active4 Pro's battery be replaced?
Yes, the Active4 Pro features a removable battery, allowing for easy replacement.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and superior display.
