Looking for an affordable 8-inch tablet for browsing, streaming, and light gaming? The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0 and the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) are both solid contenders in the budget tablet space. But which one offers the best value for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) edges out the Tab E 8.0 thanks to its slightly faster processor, improved camera, and generally more refined software experience. While both are budget-friendly, the Tab A 8.0 provides a more polished and capable overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 - T377P, T377R | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T377 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Canada |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 8, 28, 38 - T377 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 29, 30, 66 - Canada |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 30 - T377W | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13 - Verizon |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, January. Released 2016, January | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 212.1 x 126.1 x 8.9 mm (8.35 x 4.96 x 0.35 in) | 206.6 x 126.7 x 8.9 mm (8.13 x 4.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 360 g (12.70 oz) | 358 g (12.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~69.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 306 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.1 (Nougat) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.2 | 2 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 117 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Metallic Black | Black |
| Models | SM-T377W, SM-T377, SM-T375, SM-T377P, SM-T377R, SM-T377A, SM-T378V, SM-T377V | SM-T387, SM-T387W, SM-T387V, SM-T387AA, SM-T387T |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 1.59 W/kg (body) | 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0
- Very Affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Outdated chipset
- Mediocre camera
- Lower brightness display
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018)
- Slightly faster performance
- Improved camera
- More modern software
- Better value overall
- Still a budget device
- Display could be brighter
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8.0-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800. While the picture quality is decent for the price, don't expect vibrant colors or exceptional sharpness. Viewing angles are acceptable, but brightness could be better for outdoor use. The Tab A 8.0 (2018) might have slightly better color accuracy due to its newer panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a strong point for either tablet, but the Tab A 8.0 (2018) has a slightly better rear camera (5MP vs 5MP) and front camera (2MP vs 2MP). Image quality is acceptable for casual snapshots, but don't expect stunning results. Low-light performance is poor on both devices.
Performance
The Tab A 8.0 (2018) holds a slight advantage here. Its Snapdragon 425 chipset offers a modest performance boost over the Tab E 8.0's Snapdragon 410. This translates to slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Both tablets are suitable for basic tasks, but the Tab A 8.0 handles more demanding apps and games with a bit more grace.
Battery Life
Both tablets typically offer around 5-7 hours of battery life with moderate usage. The Tab A 8.0 (2018) may have a slightly larger battery capacity (5150 mAh vs 4450 mAh in the Tab E 8.0), potentially leading to marginally better endurance, but real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 8.0 is a good choice for users prioritizing affordability above all else and needing a basic tablet for simple tasks like reading and video playback. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) is ideal for those seeking a slightly more powerful and versatile tablet with a better camera and a more modern feel, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Tab E 8.0 and Tab A 8.0 (2018)?
The Tab A 8.0 (2018) has a slightly faster processor, a better camera, and a more modern software experience compared to the Tab E 8.0.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) is slightly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor, although neither tablet is ideal for demanding games.
