Looking for an affordable Android tablet? Samsung offers several options, and the Galaxy Tab E 8.0 and Tab A 10.1 (2019) are popular contenders. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) is the clear winner. Its more powerful processor, larger screen, and improved features offer a significantly better user experience despite a slightly higher price. The Tab E 8.0 remains a budget-friendly option for basic tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 - T377P, T377R | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T377 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 8, 28, 38 - T377 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 30 - T377W | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, January. Released 2016, January | 2019, February 15. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 212.1 x 126.1 x 8.9 mm (8.35 x 4.96 x 0.35 in) | 245.2 x 149.4 x 7.5 mm (9.65 x 5.88 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 360 g (12.70 oz) | 469 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~69.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 306 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.1 (Nougat) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 117 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6150 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Metallic Black | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | SM-T377W, SM-T377, SM-T375, SM-T377P, SM-T377R, SM-T377A, SM-T378V, SM-T377V | SM-T515, SM-T510 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 1.59 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0
- Affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Smaller screen
- Limited storage
- Outdated chipset
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
- Larger screen
- Faster performance
- Longer battery life
- More modern chipset
- More storage options
- Slightly more expensive
- Still not a flagship tablet
Display Comparison
The Tab A 10.1 (2019) boasts a larger 10.1-inch display compared to the Tab E 8.0's 8.0-inch screen. Both feature TFT LCD panels, but the Tab A 10.1's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. Resolution is also slightly higher on the Tab A 10.1.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls but not for high-quality photography. The Tab A 10.1 might offer slightly better image quality due to its newer chipset and potentially improved image processing.
Performance
Here's where the Tab A 10.1 truly shines. Its Exynos 7904 chipset with an octa-core processor significantly outperforms the Tab E 8.0's Snapdragon 410 quad-core. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Tab A 10.1. The Tab E 8.0 can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
The Tab A 10.1 (2019) generally offers longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity (7300 mAh vs 5000 mAh in the Tab E 8.0) and more efficient processor. Expect several hours of usage on both devices, but the Tab A 10.1 will likely last longer under heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0 is ideal for users on a tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light media consumption. The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) is better suited for those who want a more responsive tablet for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and appreciate a larger display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tab E 8.0 good for kids?
It can be, but the slower performance might be frustrating for some. Consider a protective case and parental control apps.
❓ Can I play games on the Tab A 10.1?
Yes, the Tab A 10.1 handles most casual games well. Demanding titles might require lower graphics settings.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each tablet?
The Tab E 8.0 typically comes with 16GB, while the Tab A 10.1 often offers 32GB or 64GB options. Both support microSD card expansion.
❓ Which tablet has the better software support?
The Tab A 10.1 (2019) likely has slightly better software support due to its newer release date, but both will eventually receive updates.