Choosing the right tablet can be tough, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two Samsung tablets against each other: the premium Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 and the more budget-friendly Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019). Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is the clear winner for performance and display quality, boasting a significantly faster processor and a superior screen. However, the Tab A 8.0 (2019) offers excellent value for those on a tighter budget seeking a reliable, everyday tablet.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, February | 2019, July 05. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 219 x 128.5 x 7.2 mm (8.62 x 5.06 x 0.28 in) | 210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 331 g (11.68 oz) | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~359 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.4 inches, 204.6 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super clear LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 330 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 4.4 (KitKat), TouchWiz UI | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 127 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Carbon Black, Silver Gray |
| Models | SM-T320 | SM-T290, SM-T295 |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 1.04 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -89.2dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 822:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 76dB
| - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4
- Superior Performance
- Vibrant Super AMOLED Display
- Premium Build Quality
- Faster App Loading
- Higher Price
- Older Model
- Camera Performance is Average
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- Affordable Price
- Good for Basic Tasks
- Compact and Portable
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Performance
- Less Impressive Display
- Limited Storage Options
- Outdated Processor
Display Comparison
The Tab Pro 8.4 features a significantly better display. Its 8.4-inch Super AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a higher resolution than the Tab A 8.0's 8.0-inch LCD. The contrast ratio of 822:1 on the Tab Pro 8.4 is notably higher, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. The Tab A 8.0's display is adequate for everyday use but lacks the premium feel of the Tab Pro.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the Tab Pro 8.4 likely offers slightly better image quality due to its more advanced hardware. However, both cameras are primarily suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Detailed camera specifications are missing for both devices, making a definitive comparison difficult.
Performance
Performance is where the Tab Pro 8.4 truly shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset and 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU provide a substantial performance boost compared to the Tab A 8.0's Snapdragon 429 and Cortex-A53 CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Tab Pro 8.4.
Battery Life
Battery life is generally comparable between the two tablets, likely offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The Tab A 8.0 (2019) might have a slight edge due to its less power-hungry processor, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is ideal for power users, professionals, and anyone who values a premium display and snappy performance for tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is a great choice for casual users, students, and families looking for an affordable tablet for browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tab Pro 8.4 worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize performance and a premium display, the Tab Pro 8.4 is worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget and only need a tablet for basic tasks, the Tab A 8.0 (2019) is a more sensible choice.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and graphics capabilities. It will handle demanding games with ease.
